OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2359, 11 May 1899, Page 21

OBITUARY.

Another of the early settlers passed away on the 2nd in-the person of Mr James Brown, who died at his residence Spring Bank. Heriot row. Mr Brown, who was born in the Island of Bute, in June, 1811, came of a branch of the' Browns of Ballanlay, a family 11 of importance and influence in the island. Educated at Rothesay, he learned his business as a draper in the same place and afterwards re- ' moved to Greenock, where he carried on his j trade successfully until he decided to leave for Otago. He took passage with his family I in the ship Bernicia, arriving on December 12, I 184-8. He secured the section at the corner j of Princes and Stafford streets on which now stands tha XYZ butchery, and commenced business as a draper. He also took over the duties of postmaster from Mr Archibald Anderson. He soon saw that there was something to be made out of the wool export trade, and he was not mistaken, his success enabling him to retire on a fair competency early in the sixties, leaving the business to be carried on by his sons. The only occasion on which Mr Brown took a very active interest in political strife was at the election for Superintendent in 1867. He espoused the cause of Mr Macandrew, and acted as chairman of that candidate's Finance Committee. Mrs Brown died ten years before her husband, who is survived by a family of 12 — seven sons and five daughters, the latter being all married. In the early days of the province the deceased gentleman was closely identified with First Church during the ministry of the late Rev. Dr Burns. When Knox Churoh came into existence he threw in his lot with this congregation, and there he has been a consistent worshipper until failing health recently prevented his attendance. [