Kings County Biographies

Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
SAMUEL M. BROWN
 
The record of Mr. Brown is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has 
worked his way from a modest beginning to one of comparative prominence in the 
community where he lives, and as a faithful and competent public official he has 
won and retains the sincere will and respect of his fellow citizens.  He was 
born in Kansas, Illinois, on the 18th day of April, 1881.  Early in his life he 
was taken by his parents to the state of Oregon, where he secured a good common 
school education.  His first employment was with the Pacific Coast Glass Company 
of San Francisco, which he entered as an apprentice, and with which concern he 
remained for sixteen years.  He had completely mastered the mechanical equipment 
of the plant and later was placed in charge of all machinery.  In 1916 Mr. Brown 
became a special agent for the J. R. Watkins Products, in which capacity he came 
to Hanford, his territory covering Kings and a part of Tulare and Fresno 
counties.  He continued in that business until April, 1922, when he resigned in 
order to accept an appointment to the police force in Hanford.  He proved an 
efficient officer and in 1924 was appointed city marshal.  This position, 
equivalent to that of chief of police, is a responsible one, but Mr. Brown has 
discharged his duties in a manner that has won him popular commendation.  In 
addition to his police duties Mr. Brown is also city tax collector and health 
officer.  Hanford has wisely provided for proper sanitation inspection and has 
also provided a city health center, with a paid trained nurse.  This police 
force consists of one day man and two night men and this comparatively small 
force has adequately provided its citizens with protection and maintained good 
order at all times.  It is worthy of note that during his entire active career 
Mr. Brown had had but three employers.
 
Mr. Brown was married to Miss Margaret Gillian, a native of Ohio.  He is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of 
the World and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan.
 
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen Edwards Small & 
J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 
531