MAJOR NATHAN BROWN, P. O. Cane Ridge; who resides with his sons at Elm
Grove farm, was born in Montgomery County, Md., Dec. 27, 1797, to John and
Sarah (Holland) Brown; she was a daughter of William Holland, who was of
English descent and probably from that country. Maj. Brown is the eldest
of three sons and one daughter; his education was limited, as he began
learning the saddler's trade at fourteen years of age, in the county seat
of his native county. In 1818, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Letton Leach, daughter of Jesse and Polly (Letton) Leach; by this marriage
he had four sons and four daughters; two of the former and one of the
latter died without issue, the eldest living is Sarah Ann, widow of
Cincinuatus Henry, resides at Sharpsburg; T. E. and C. L., single and
owners of the above-mentioned farm; Harriet, widow of E. A. Horton, and
Louisa T., formerly a Mrs. Fowl, now a Mrs. William H. Reed. Maj. Brown
settled in Flat Rock in the year 1818, soon after marriage, he and wife
rode on horseback, bringing all their earthly possessions in that manner
from their native home to the latter place, soon after their arrival in
Flat Rock one horse died, the other went blind and was sold but for a
few dollars, he then traded the side saddle for a cow, which also died.
Nothwithstanding all the adversity which befell him, he reared his family
to appreciate honor and integrity, and prospered in life. His wife
shared his trials until in August 1879, when she in her eightieth year
calmly and peacefully went to the rest which she so richly deserved. The
sons with whom he resides, started out in life a few years ago, going in
debt for a large farm, which by their industry and frugal habits have
cleared up and now rank among the best farmers of the precinct. They are
engaged in the rearing of thoroughbred Cotswold sheep, and stand among the
first of the county. They are members of the Christian Church, and are
highly esteemed citizens of the community in which they live.
