Local History Website of the SMSU Department of History

William McFarland Brown

William McFarland Brown’s family was from North Carolina.  William’s grandfather, John D. Brown, was an early settler in Greene County. He had a farm. He was also a lawyer. He was an early judge in Greene County.

William McFarland Brown’s father, Joseph A. Brown, wanted to be a doctor. He went to medical school in St. Louis. He moved back to Greene County. He was a pioneer doctor. He was one of the first doctors in Greene County.

William McFarland Brown was born on August 24, 1861. He was born in Greene County. He was born on the family farm. He grew up on that farm. It was close to Springfield.

William wanted to be a doctor like his father. He studied medicine under his father. He went to the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis. Then William moved back to Greene County.

He was a doctor in Springfield. Then he moved to Strafford, Missouri. In Strafford, he met Alta Catherine Love. They got married on December 18, 1890. They moved back to Springfield. Mr. Brown and his wife, Alta, had four children.

Mr. Brown was an important man. He was one of the first doctors in Springfield. He was active in the city and was a member of many clubs. He was a kind man. He was very important to Springfield.

Author: Diana Brown
Source: Jonathan Fairbanks and Clyde Edwin Tuck, Past and Present of Greene County, Missouri, 1915