West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1901-09-12
THE BROWN FAMILY.
Seventh Annual Reunion Held
Saturday, August 3lst 'ol at
Reedsville.
Paper Read by Miss Dell Brown, or
Wheeling.

that these celebrations come almost
semi-annually, so short a time has
it been since our last meeting.
These reunions certainly have been
great inventions: the object Of
the inventor was, | believe, that we
shall know, and be known better,
by our own people. They have
certainly been a great pleasure and
benefit to US.
The earliest positive proof we
have Of the Browns is in 1874
when they set sail from the Emer-
aid Isle, crossed the broad Atlantic,
and landed in Prince William Co.,
Virginia. Judging the time pre-
vious, however, by the time since,
| do not suppose there was a time
when there was not a plentiful sup
ply of them somewhere. Honorable
descent is, in all nations, greatly
esteemed Besides, it is to be
expected, that the children of men
of worth will be like their fathers,
for nobility is the virtue of a family.
We should consider ourselves very
fortunate indeed, in being members
of this wonderful family, consider
ing the number of people who have
been denied this same privilege.
The name itself is quite a recon-
mendation: can we think of anything
more dreadful than that il had been
Smith or Jones Careful study
has brought out the fact that we
are an honorable, upright, intelli-
gent, industrious, peaceable in time
of peace, and warlike in time of
war, set of people.
There is no great wealth in the
family, neither is there any poverty.
| cannot say whether we are con-
tented or not. That happy state
of mind so rarely possessed, in
which we can say, 81 have enough"
is the highest attainment of philos
ophy. Happiness consists, not in
possessing much, but in being
contented with what we have. "He
who wants but little, always has
enough"
We are somewhat divided as to
religion and politics, which only
makes it more interesting: were we
all of one mind, there would be no
room for discussions of any kind.
On the list we find Methodsts,
Republicans, Presbyterians, Dem
ocrats, Baptists, Prohibitionists,
Politicians, some Old Maids, and
two Old Bachelors. 1t was report
ed last winter, and even got into
the newspapers, that one of these
Old Bachelors had been captured,
but it seems to have been a mis-
take, as he is still at large
The Browns arr here, there, and
everywhere. When there is any
thing going on, we try to do our
share of the work, or at least to
have something to say about it.
But here comes in the sad feature
of everyday life: to this family has
been denied the wonderful "Gift of
Cab" We try to be every place
because we do not want to miss
anything, and that is why most of
us are here today.
Our voice has never yet been
heard in Washington, but who can
tell what presidential possibilities
may be in store for some OF the
present and future generation (the
boys, l mean). We know not
what the future holds for them.
While we are now, and always, for
"Womans' Rights" do not think
we have any female suffragists
among us who would voluntarily
take upon themselves the duties and
responsibilities of such an office.
unless, of course, it we're forced
upon them.
/ sometimes wonder, though, il
we are as patriotic as we should be.
We had an ancestor with Washing.
ton, and were represented in the
Spanish-American war. When
destruction and desolation swept
over our fair land in the early six.
ties, we were there. What grand
birthrght it is, to be born an Amer
lean citizen And how little some
Of as today realize what true
patriotism means What this
grand country Of ours has cost Its
money value is the least consider
alton when we think Of the count
less thousands of lives that have
been sacrificed in order that this
may be ''The Land Of the Free and
the Home Of the Brave" And
what country on the face Of the
globe can boast Of a flag like ours ?
We reverence the Stars and Stripes
because they are an emblem Of an