Representative Edward R. Brown View All Years

EDWARD R. BROWN

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character and public service of the late Honorable Edward R. Brown, begs leave to submit the following memorial:

Edward R. Brown was born November 11, 1876, at Greenfield, Iowa, and died in Des Moines, Iowa, November 1, 1952, at the age of 76 years. He attended elementary and high schools in Greenfield and later he attended Omaha Business College, the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, and Drake University Law School, from which he graduated in 1900. Before entering practice, he served two years as official court reporter in the Tenth Judicial District, and was confidential secretary to Governor Leslie M. Shaw, from 1898 to 1900. In 1900 he was united in marriage with Katherine Cowell, and in 1950 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Mr. Brown practiced law for nine years at Stuart, Iowa, and served one term as county attorney of Adair county. Later Mr. and Mrs. Brown removed to Palisades, Colorado, where he engaged in the practice of law until his return to Iowa, beginning his practice of law in Des Moines in 1914 and continuing there until his death. His interests were varied and not limited to his professional practice. He took a keen interest in public questions.

A loyal, life-long Republican, he rendered much public service to Polk county and the state of Iowa. Elected to represent the county in the State Legislature in 1930, he served as Secretary of the Legislative Committee for Reduction of Governmental Expenditures, authorized by the Forty-fourth General Assembly in 1931. He failed of renomination in 1932, but was returned to the legislature in 1936. In that body he devoted long hours of study to proposed legislation and was recognized as a leader.

Ed R. Brown was a man of strong convictions and did not hesitate to express them when the occasion arose. With him there was no straddling or evasion of issues affecting this community and the state of Iowa. He played an important but inconspicuous part in several political campaigns, notably those of Dan W. Turner and George A. Wilson.

Mr. Brown was a member of the First Methodist Church. He was also identified with the Blue Lodge, the Consistory and the Shrine of the Masonic Order.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife and three brothers, Fred Brown of Oklahoma, Allan Brown of Greenfield, and Harry G. Brown of Des Moines.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Fifty­fifth General Assembly of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Edward R. Brown, the state has lost an honored citizen and a faithful, useful public servant, and the House, by this resolution, would express its appreciation of his service, and tender its sympathy to the members of his family.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House and the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

EARL C. RYAN,

PAUL PARKER,

J. O. WATSON, JR.,

Committee.