San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1356
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/15/2009
MILES JOSHUA BROWN
Visitors to Tracy, shoppers, farmers, ranchers, and others, find at Central Ave. and Seventh St. the splendidly appointed establishment conducted by the Tracy Mercantile Company, doing a general department store business, catering to all lines of patronage and handling merchandise that meets all requirements. The business is handled under the supervision of Miles Joshua Brown, a widely experienced merchant, who was one of the founders of the establishment, giving that personal attention to details that has won success. A native of California, he was born at Turlock on October 3, 1878, a son of Richard and Phoebe Elida (Cowell) Brown. The father, Richard Brown, was born in Illinois and when a young man crossed the plains with ox teams to California, settling at French Camp, San Joaquin County; here he married Miss Cowell, a sister of Joshua Cowell, known as the "father of Manteca," that prosperous center in the South San Joaquin Irrigation District; later, in 1872, they removed to Turlock where they engaged in farming.
Miles Joshua attended the schools of Turlock and when he became old enough began ranching on his own account near Vernalis, San Joaquin County; later on he became a grain dealer and in time built up an extensive grain brokerage business on the West Side, which he has successfully operated for many years. In April, 1916, upon his removal to Tracy, he purchased an interest in the general merchandise business known as the Tracy Mercantile Company. Special departments are devoted to dry goods, clothing, and furnishing goods, shoes and hats, groceries, and cured meats, while the farm and agricultural implement department is well stocked to meet all demands of farmers and ranchers of the Tracy and West Side sections. Light hardware is another specialty of the house. Courteous and attentive clerks who know their business are prompt to serve in this well-conducted store.
Mr. Brown's marriage united him with Miss Pearl Graves, a daughter of Mrs. Eliza Graves, who resides at Vernalis. Her father, the late N.H. Graves, was an honored pioneer of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of two children, Hazel and Vance. Mr. Brown takes an active interest in the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. His real estate holdings in the county are extensive. He is counted among the most successful grain farmers and stockraisers in the section east of Tracy.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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