Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

JOSHUA J. BROWN

To Joshua Brown belongs the distinction and honor of being the only veteran of the Civil War living in Saugatuck village today.

Born in Sheboygan, Wis. in 1844, where he spent his boyhood, then went to Chicago and enlisted in 1861 at the age of seventeen, in the 14th Illinois Cavalry, serving to the close of the Civil war with an excellent record.

Some of the outstanding pictures his memory retains of his war service are the Battle of Knoxville, Bean Station. Strawberry Plains, and the march from Atlanta to the sea with General Sherman.

Before he enlisted he had served an apprenticeship as a druggist in Chicago, and his first year's salary was $120, second year $130, and third $140. out of which meager pay he must provide board and clothes. Such were "the Good Old Days." After the war. wishing to be in the out-doors, he took up the painter's trade which he followed till recently.

Mr. Brown was married to Miss Eudora Morgan to whom were born three daughters, and one son. James, who succeeds his father in business. They came across the lake to Saugatuck in 1880 where they have since resided.

Recently Mr Brown received a certificate as Aide de Camp to the commander-in-chief of the National G.A.R. in appreciation of zealous work in that order. He is the oldest living member of the Pap Thomas Post in Chicago, having joined in 1867.

He is a man of splendid health and though eighty-seven years of age, walks as straight and sprightly as a man of fifty. For a pastime he raised flowers, specializing in gladiolas and dahlias.

He attributes his long life to work, cleanliness, moderate living and a keen interest in life.