The advantages possessed by one who makes thorough preparation for
his life pursuit are strikingly exemplified in the experience of Spencer
G. Brown who is successfully engaged in the practice of law at Brighton.
Although he began practice only four years ago, he has secured a
lucrative clientage and has demonstrated a natural ability and a
knowledge of the principles of law which have gained for him a high
standing as a member of the bar of Macoupin county. He is a native of
Brighton, born in 1881, a son of M. Spencer and Mary Frances (Gilson)
Brown, both of whom were also born at Brighton. The father is postmaster
of Brighton and an interesting sketch of his career appears elsewhere in
this work. Michael Brown, grandfather of our subject on the paternal
side, was born in Ohio in 1810 and in 1825 came with an uncle to Upper
Alton, Illinois. In 1826 he assisted his uncle, Oliver Brown, in
erecting the first house at Brighton and four years later became a
resident of this region, locating on a farm which is still in possession
of the family, adjoining the town of Brighton, and is known as the Brown
homestead. James W. Gilson, grandfather on the maternal side, was a
native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He came to Macoupin county
about 1840 and acquired a farm adjoining Brighton, which is now the
homestead of the parents of our subject. This farm is now under lease
and Mr. Brown is giving his attention mainly to his duties as
postmaster.
In the public schools of Brighton Spencer G. Brown
gained the rudiments of an education, which he has greatly broadened by
study and contact with the world. He was graduated from the Brighton
high school in 1898 and soon afterward entered Blackburn University at
Carlinville, from which, in 1903, he received the degree of A. B.
Desiring to secure the very best education available, he entered the
post-graduate department of Princeton University and in 1904 received
the degree of A. M. from that noted institution. Having decided to
devote his life to the practice of law he became a student in the Yale
Law School from which he was graduated in 1907 with the degree of LL. B.
He immediately began practice at Brighton and from the start showed an
interest in his clients and an adaptability to his chosen calling which
gave assurance of marked success.
On the 22d of March, 1910, Mr.
Brown was married to Miss Nellie R. Messick, of Carlinville. In politics
he adheres to the republican party and in 1910 was a candidate for
county judge. It proved one of the “off” years and the entire ticket was
defeated. He is greatly interested in the cause of education and is now
serving as a member of the school board of Brighton. Fraternally Mr.
Brown is identified with Hibbard Lodge No. 249, A. F. & A. M., and
Brighton Camp No. 1688, M. W. A. He holds membership in the Presbyterian
church of which he is an elder. Possessing a genial manner and a
pleasing personality, he has won the respect and confidence of all with
whom he has had business or social relations and is one of the popular
young men of the county. He is a careful and conscientious student and
spares no time or labor in the study of principles and authorities
pertaining to cases entrusted to his hands. Being a clear and convincing
speaker he has no difficulty in arousing the interest and holding the
undivided attention of his hearers. He is also highly effective as a
popular platform speaker and, judged by what he has accomplished, there
is every reason to prophesy that he will gain an enviable reputation as
an attorney and counselor in the years that are to come.
Extracted 15 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 393-394.
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