Among the influential and public-spirited citizens of Dolgeville, New York, is James Raymond Brown, who is now connected with the important business interest of the Dolgeville Felt Shoe Company. He was born on August 27, 1871, in Dolgeville, his parents being George W. and Martha M. (Klock) Brown. George W. Brown was born in Brocketts Bridge, now Dolgeville, on February 28, 1835, and died in that village on May 16, 1900, having followed farming as an occupation. He was the son of James and Sophia (Brockett) Brown. James Brown, a farmer, was born in Connecticut on March 17, 1800, and died in Dolgeville on March 19, 1865. His wife was born on January 3, 1805, and died in Dolgeville on January 18, 1879. Martha M. (Klock) Brown was born at Salisbury, New York, on March 22, 1837, and died in Dolgeville in 1906. She was the daughter of Jonas and Sarepta (Carlisle) Klock. Jonas Klock was born at Salisbury on November 8, 1808, and died in Salisbury on April 1, 1861. His wife was born on September 8, 1805, and died in Salisbury November 24, 1864.
James Raymond Brown received his early education in the public school of Dolgeville, but left school at the age of sixteen and went to work with his father on the farm, where he remained for twelve years. He then engaged in the grocery business in Dolgeville with John J. Donovan, under the firm name of Brown & Donovan, and conducted the business for three years, after which he held several positions until 1905, when he took a course in the business college at Syracuse, New York, and afterward acted as assistant postmaster and clerk in the postoffice in Dolgeville. On January 1, 1909, he became associated with the Dolgeville Felt Shoe Company as clerk and now has full charge of the ticket hnd order office of the company.
On July 2, 1912, at Dolgeville, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Ella E. Reilly, who was born on July 17, 1884, her parents being John and Mary (Bergan) Reilly. John Reilly, a farmer, was born in Ireland on January 24, 1845, and died in Stratford, New York, on August 15, 1895. His wife was also born in Ireland, on December 23, 1854, and is now living in Dolgeville at the age of seventy years. Mrs, Brown was educated in the public schools at Stratford. She is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic church of Dolgeville and is a republican in politics. For two years Mr. Brown was village clerk of Dolgeville. He is a member of Dolgeville Lodge No. 796, F. & A. M.; Oriental Chapter No. 305, R. A. M.; and of Little Falls Commandery No. 26, Knights Templar. He attends the Universalist church and in politics is a stanch republican. For diversion he turns to reading and automobiling. The life of Mr. Brown is exemplary in all respects and he takes great pleasure in the society of his friends.