Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 628.
 
W. N. BROWN

     is one of the wealthiest men of Gilliam county. The mere possession of
wealth, however, is not always a letter of recommendation, but when one starts
in a new country and by force of character and industry wins his way to the
head, it is a mark of signal ability. When, too, this is attained with the good
will and esteem of the people not sacrificed, thrice blessed may such a man
esteem himself. Mr. Brown certainly is in this position and he has the
distinction of being one of the leading men of this part of Oregon, while also,
he never neglects the business interests which his energy has gathered for
himself. He is at the head of the Condon flour mills, which have a capacity of
eighty barrels per day. They are a fine plant and are made productive of
excellent dividends by the business ability of Mr. Brown. In addition to this
enterprise, he is one of the leading stockmen of the country and also has one of
the largest ranches in this part of the county. Also, Mr. Brown has won
distinction as a fruit grower, as he has one of the choice orchards of the
county, it being situated on Thirtymile creek. In all these lines of industry,
Mr. Brown has always manifested that same sagacity, wise planning, and thorough
execution that characterize him as a business man. He certainly has gained
success. It will be more patent, as we proceed in recounting his career, that
this is the more to be commended.
     W. N. Brown was born in Polk county, Oregon, on January 25, 1852. George
Brown, his father, was born in Kentucky and went as a pioneer to Missouri. In
1847, he crossed the plains to Oregon, and the next year went down to California
to seek gold. He mined a year and then returned to Polk county and in 1850,
purchased one of the Applegate farms. That was the family home until his death,
which occurred in 1903. He was a man of stamina and courage and his life was
spent in such a way that when the time of departure came, he was mourned by all.
He had been prominent and gained wealth. He married Miss Martha A. Hinds, in
Yamhill county, Oregon, in 1850. She was born in Missouri, crossed the plains in
1847, being in the same train as her husband, and is now dwelling in Polk
county. Our subject was educated in Polk county and remained with his father,
until January, 1874. Then he desired to try life for himself and accordingly
came east of the mountains. He arrived in Condon, or where Condon is now, with a
saddle and Cayuse, twenty dollars in his pocket and a six shooter in his belt.
He immediately secured employment as a cowboy and was known all over the country
as Snipkie Bill," a sobriquet donated by the cowboys. He rode the range and
saved his money until he had enough to justify him in starting in for himself.
He secured some cattle on shares and went to raising stock, having also bought
some. From that time on the prosperity of Mr. Brown was more pronounced and he
soon rose to the position of a leading stockman of the country. He has continued
in that business since and is handling at the present time a large quantity of
stock. His fruit industry has grown up on the headquarters ranch and he has an
excellent orchard.
     In 1903, Mr. Brown purchased the milling property mentioned and since then
he has been handling that.
     In 1882, Mr. Brown married Miss Maggie Shorb. She was born in Maryland, and
crossed the plains with her parents, J. D. and Elizabeth Shorb, in 1862. They
settled in Washington county, Oregon, and there reside at this time. To Mr. and
Mrs. Brown, two children have been born: G. G. and Pearl.  Mr. Brown is a member
of the A. F. & A. M., and is a leading and prominent man.
 


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.