John A. Brown, manager of the interests of the Goodrich Transit Company, at Racine, was born in this city, July 16, 1875. a son of William P. and Mary T. (Murphy) Brown, who were also natives of Racine, the former born September 7, 1850, and the latter March 7, 1851. The father was a son of Thomas Brown, who brought his family to Racine in 1848, becoming one of the early settlers of this part of the state, since which time the family name has been associated with the substantial development and progress of the district. The father is a molder by trade and has always engaged in business along that line. About 1886 he began manufacturing on his own account: under the name of the Racine Malleable Wrought Iron Company, and in 1892 he purchased the controlling interest in the Racine Iron Company with which he remained until 1908. He then sold out and removed to Elgin, where he is conducting business under the name of the Elgin Brass Foundry Company. His wife died August 5. 1905. In their family were eight children, five of whom are still living.
At the usual age John A. Brown became a public school pupil of Racine and passed through consecutive grades to his graduation from high school. He was connected with his father in the Racine Iron Company from 1894 until 1897 and in April of the latter year became connected with the Goodrich Transit Company with which he has since been identified. His ability and fidelity won him promotion and he was made manager of the interests of the company at Racine on the 1st of June, 1902, since which time he has served in that capacity.
On the 17th of April, 1906, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Callista A. English of Kenosha, a daughter of Edward J. and Rose (Kupfer) English. The children of this marriage are: Edward William, John English, Rosemary E., Dorothy E., and Catharine. Mr. Brown is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. In politics he maintains an independent course, but has never been active in political circles as an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs His time has been well spent and the adaptability and energy which he displays have gained him a responsible and lucrative position in the business circles of Racine.
