1876: Thomas Brown

Thomas Brown, Ingersoll

Thomas Brown was born on December 11, 1810 in Seekouk, Massachusetts. At the age of seventeen he moved to New York State where he learned the trade of tanner and currier. In 1853, he immigrated to Canada, settling in London, Ontario, for a few months, before arrived in Ingersoll, where he purchased a tannery business from William Sherman. This business was successful for a number of years, manufacturing sole, harness and upper leather, kip and calf skins. In 1861, he formed a company to mould shot for the Union Army during the Civil War. 

He served as President of the Ingersoll and Port Burwell Road Company, President of the Ingersoll and Northern Road Company, and was a Director of the Dereham and Ingersoll Road Company. He also served as a Director of the Credit Valley Railway Company and, in 1874, he was a promoter and director of the Tillsonburg and Ingersoll Railway. In addition, he was a promoter and president of the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery Company. 

He was quite active in local politics, serving as Reeve for the Town in 1853-1854 and 1872-1878, during which time he was elected County Warden in 1876. From 1880-1882 he served as Mayor of the Town of Ingersoll.

A prominent member of the Ingersoll Agricultural Society, Thomas Brown passed away on September 24, 1899. He is buried in the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery.