From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 608.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 608.

S. A. Brownell was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common schools of his locality. In 1857 or 1858 he made a trip to Jones county, Iowa, spending here the months from January to June. Then he returned to his native state and in 1860 commenced railroading, following that business for some two years after the conclusion of the Civil war. In the spring of 1868 he came again to Jones county, this time to stay, for he purchased eighty acres of the farm he occupies at present. On it he erected his house and devoted himself assiduously to the cultivation of the soil. Later he was able to buy eighty acres adjoining, so that the area of the place is twice that of the original tract. As success rewarded his endeavors and large harvests increased his means, he bought two hundred acres in Madison township, although he has now disposed of that land. He has followed general farming, for which his soil is well suited, but while his methods have been those most approved by the best authorities and while he has spared no efforts to produce the finest quality of cereals possible, his advancement in his vocation is due as largely to the careful husbanding of his resources as to his untiring industry. The union of these capacities for work and good management have been and still are the means of his success.

It was in 1883 that Mr. Brownell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Winslow. She was reared in Chautauqua county, New York, but her birthplace was in Connecticut. Six children have been born to the couple: Lilly B., who is the wife of H. H. Peck, of Wayne township, Jones county; May O., who was graduated from the Wyoming high school with the class of 1906 and is at home; George, who is deceased; Irene A., who graduated from the Wyoming high school in the class of 1909; and Aurrell L. and Nelson F., who are pupils in the high school.

Mr. Brownell has been a strong adherent of the republican party and never fails to cast his vote on the occasion of an election, but while he has served as treasurer of the school board, he has steadily refused to accept any public office, although his fellow citizens, having regard for the strong character and integrity of the man have eagerly besought him to accept some evidence of their respect for him. Fraternally he is a Mason, having been a member of the Wyoming lodge for a number of years.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 347.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 585.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 638.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 622.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 622.

Howard B. Brutsman was reared at home, under the careful guidance of his parents, until nine years of age, when he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Craven. He attended the common schools of his township, deriving from them a substantial training in the rudimentary branches of English education. In 1890 he married and began agricultural pursuits for himself, working first as a farm hand and then, after a year, renting a tract of land. After an experience of four years as a tenant, in 1895, he was able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of the farm on which he now lives, adding to it seven years later forty acres adjoining, so that he is now possessed of a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Since he has assumed the ownership of the place he has greatly improved it, bringing it up to a high standard of productiveness as regards the soil, and erecting buildings for the accommodation of his stock, that are in accordance with the most advanced ideas in that line of farm industry. To dairying he has devoted the greater amount of his attention, milking from fifteen to twenty cows and finding that it is as profitable as the cultivation of cereals, to which a large part of his farm is given over.

In 1890, Mr. Brutsman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Fox, of Monmouth, Jackson county, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with six children: Pearl, Bessie, Gladys, Hazel, Leila and Edna. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Brutsman has staunchly given his support to the democratic party, believing in the value of the principles enunciated in its platform. He is at present secretary of the school board, but he cannot be called an office seeker in any sense of the word, although he is always interested in public affairs, especially in the welfare of his fellow citizens. His voice is ever raised on the side of justice and progress, qualities which have distinguished his administration of his own affairs, which have placed him in the front rank of those who till the soil in Madison township. He belongs to the Wyoming Camp, No. 183, M. W. A., and is active in the interests of his fraternal brothers and in the work of the society.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 383.