Edson G. Brown was appointed as a Humboldt Public Library Board Trustee in March 1907 by the City Council. He was one of nine appointed that month to plan and build a new library for the Town of Humboldt. [1] Mr. Brown was a member of the committee who studied what to use for building material. As there was a large quantity of natural limestone available in town it was easy to make this decision.
- G. Brown was born in 1871 near Charles City, Iowa. [2] He bought a grocery business in that town in 1892. His friend CHarles O. Schmidt joined him in the business in 1900. They must have been looking for a new opportunity as they purchased the Avery Lumber Yard in Humboldt from Minnie Avery in 1903. Both families moved to Humboldt. [3]
Edson sold his share of the business to Mr. Schmidt in 1906. [4] He then entered into the real estate business with W. T. Stanbra. He was instrumental in building houses as well as selling property. In the fall of 1909 they dissolved their partnership. [5] Edson and his family returned to Charles City where he opened a real estate business. [6]
Mr. Brown was very active in civic affairs while he lived in Humboldt. Besides serving on the Library Board, he was a member of the Humboldt Public School Board. [7] He was secretary of the Humboldt Agricultural Society which had charge of the county fair. [8] He was also secretary of the new Humboldt Automobile Club. [9] He and his family were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Browns continued to be active in Charles City activities. He was a charter member of the Lions Club and enjoyed being a part of the local community theater. Edson and Belle had three children, Howard, Margaret, and Stanley. Mrs. Brown died in 1946 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Charles City. [10] Edson died the following year and was buried next to his wife. [11]
Martha Schmidt
[1] Humboldt Independent, March 7, 1907, page 1
[2] Charles City Press & Evening Intelligencer, April 15, 1947, page 8
[3] The Humboldt Republican, April 17, 1903, page 1
[4] Humboldt Independent, June 6, 1906, page 1
[5] Humboldt Independent, Nov. 25, 1909, page 1
[6] Charles CIty Daily Intelligencer, Nob. 17, 1909, page 1
[7] Humboldt Independent, March 14, 1907, page 1
[8] Humboldt Independent, January 10, 1908, page 1
[9] Humboldt Independent, Dec. 7, 1907, page 1
[10] Charles City Press & Evening Intelligencer, Dec. 3, 1946, page 3
[11] Charles City Press & Evening Intelligencer, April 15, 1947, page 8