Hubert A Brown 1894 MS – 1971 MS

Hubert Allen Brown was born 1 October 1894.[i]He grew up in Pike County, Mississippi where he attended the local schools.[ii]^,[iii]

The World War I draft registration card described him: “medium height, slender, gray eyes, brown hair.”[iv]We know he served during the war because he indicated he was a world war veteran on the 1930 census, we have photos of him in uniform and his tombstone tells us he was a private in the US Army. At this time there are no details about his service. Three of his sons would serve in the U. S. Navy when they became adults.

In the 1920 census Hubert was 24 years old, living with his parents in Simmonsville and working on the farm.[v]

He married Freddie Beatrice Smith on 10 January 1920.[vi], [vii]She was the daughter of Elvin Dennie Smith and Nancy Cordelia Smith. Freddie’s brother, Herbert Smith, married Hubert’s sister, Mavis Marie Brown. Hubert and Freddie’s children were: Borden Hamilton Brown, Fred Allen Brown, Thiry Yvonne (Brown) Fegan, Lynn Holly Brown, Hugh Frances Brown and Peggy L. (Brown) Alford.[viii]

In 1930 Hubert was a farmer on a general farm. He and Freddie were married ten years and had three children: Borden, nine years old, Fred, six years old and Thiry one year old.[ix]Two years later another son was born. Lynn Holly Brown was born 22 January 1932.[x]Unfortunately the family also had a death in 1932. Eight year old, Fred Allen Brown, died on 13 July 1932. He is buried in the Silver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.[xi]

The family lived on Walkers Bridge Road in 1940. Hubert and Freddie had five children at home: Borden, 19; Thiry, 11; Lynn, 8; Hugh 6; and Peggy, 2 years old.[xii]The children attended school in Pike County and are listed in several school census reports.[xiii],[xiv]Despite the loss of Fred, there must have been happy days in 1940 when Hubert and Freddie had their remaining children at home with them. Soon war would change the world and Borden would be in danger.

Their oldest son, Borden Hamilton Brown, served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He enlisted 1 September 1942 in New Orleans. On 1 December 1942 he first boarded the battleship U. S. S. Nevada where he would serve throughout the remainder of the war. He served as coxswain until 24 December 1946. In February 1946 he spent a 35-day leave with his parents.[xv]In December he returned home and his return was reported in the newspaper.

Borden Brown Cox, arrived home Wednesday. He has been in the Navy four years and will receive his discharge in 60 days. Coxswain Brown is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown.[xvi]

Also in 1946, before Borden returned home, Hubert, Freddie and Thiry visited their very close relatives, Herbert and Mavis Smith.

Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown and daughter, Thiry, were the guests Sunday of the Herbert Smiths.[xvii]

A March 1948 newspaper mentions Thiry as “employed in Baton Rouge.”[xviii]In November 1950 Thiry Brown appeared in the newspaper again, when she was living in Baton Rouge, LA and visited her parents.

Miss Bonnie Fortenberry [Bonnie Bea Fortenberry]and Miss Thiry Brown of Baton Rouge spent the weekend with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Fortenberry[Willis Franklin Fortenberry and Ivy May Smith] and Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown.

Lynn, like Borden, joined the U. S. Navy. In October 1953 he returned home for a visit. All three brothers would eventually join the Navy.

Lynn Brown of the U. S. Navy is spending a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown.[xix]

By December 1954 Thiry Yvonne Brown had married Robert Fegan. She visited her parents and was surprised by a shower in her honor.

The home of Mrs. Hubert Brown was the scene of a delightful surprise shower Saturday night, December 11, in honor of her daughter, Mrs. Thiry Fegan of New Orleans, LS., who was visiting her mother. A delectable salad was served to a host of guests.[xx]

As older daughter, Thiry, was living in New Orleans and getting married, their younger daughter, Peggy was in school. In December 1955 her mother acted as hostess to many members of her class, some of whom were relatives.

The Senior Class, class sponsor and class mothers of Progress were delightfully entertained Wednesday night in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown. Many seasonal games were enjoyed along with the exchange of gifts from the Beautiful Christmas tree, followed by delectable refreshments. Those enjoying the occasion were Alice Fortenberry [daughter of Ray and Zelda (Alford) Fortenberry], Peggy Brown [daughter of Hubert and Freddie (Smith) Brown], Ann Bailey, Aline Rhodes, Glenda Bond, Linda Simmons, Donald Morgan, Howard Hawkins, Carl Nobles, James Robinson, Glenda Merly Ginn, Wanzie Brewer, Hilton and Milton Rimes, Jack McDaniel, Robert Knippers, Mrs. E. W. Rowley, Mrs. Milton Ginn [Laverne (Simmons) Ginn], Mrs. E. J. Bond, Mrs. Ollie Pearl Brock, Mrs. Ray Fortenberry (Zelda M. (Alford) Fortenberry] , Mrs. Dorothy Knippers, Mrs. Fay Smith [Patricia A. (Brock) Smith] and the hostess Mrs. Freddie Brown.[xxi]

Their son, Borden Hamilton Brown married Annie Laurie (Lawrence) Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, on Christmas Eve 1963.

Miss Annie Laurie Lawrence, 121 James St., was married Christmas Eve night at 7 o’clock in a ceremony of simple beauty to Borden Brown of Progress. The new Mrs. Brown is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Lawrence and the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown. Rev. Bob Lynch, pastor of Central Baptist Church, performed the ceremony before a number of close friends and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fegan of Progress attended the couple. Mrs. Marlon Stokes, niece of the bride, was ring bearer. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are residing at 121 James St.[xxii]

In August 1970 the Browns were in the society section of the newspaper when they attended a wedding.

This reporter joined Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brown and some of Mrs. Brown’s relatives from Arkansas and Louisiana Saturday when all of these attended the marriage of Mr. Terry L. Brown and Miss Joyce O’Neal at Glade Baptist Church of Laurel Saturday night at 7:30.[xxiii]

Hubert was admitted to the SW General Hospital in mid November 1971.[xxiv]Hubert Allen Brown died 25 November 1971. He is buried in Silver Springs Cemetery, Osyka, Pike, Mississippi.[xxv],[xxvi]

Freddie Beatrice (Smith) Brown died 21 April 1988.

Tylertown – Mrs. Freddie Smith Brown, 88, of Tylertown died April 21, 1988 in her home. Services were 2 p. m. today in Silver Springs Baptist Church in Walthall County, where she was a member, with the Rev. Joel Stroud officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Capps Funeral Home of Tylertown in charge of arrangements. Born Nov. 19, 1899, in Pike County, Mrs. Brown was the daughter of Denny and Cordelia Smith. The widow of Hubert Allen Brown, she was a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, Borden Brown, Lynn Brown and Hugh F. Brown, all of Progress; two daughters, Thiry Fegan and Peggy Alford, both of Tylertown; and nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.[xxvii]

Son, Borden Hamilton Brown, World War II veteran and construction worker, died in 1995. Sylvia Rayleen (Brown) Hall wrote about Borden’s death.

The 27^thof Feb. we lost Borden. He had an attack with his heart, went to the hospital and stayed about a week. He had another attack and died. It was quite a shock for all of us because we thought he was coming home. We sure will miss him.[xxviii]

The obituary follows.

Borden Brown, 74, of McComb. Died Feb. 27, 1995 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. Visitation is 4-9 tonight at Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home of Tylertown. Services will be at 2 pm Wednesday in the funeral home Chapel, with the Rev. Harold Gartman and the Rev. Byron Wilkinson officiating. Burial will be in Silver Springs Cemetery. Mr. Brown was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Pike County. He was the son of the late Hubert Allen Brown and Freddie Beatrice Smith Brown. He was a retired construction worker and county employee. He was a World War II veteran and a member of Silver Springs Baptist Church. He is survived by a friend and companion, Barbara Gibson of McComb; two brothers, Lynn Brown and Hugh Brown, both of Osyka; and two sisters, Thiry Fegan and Peggy Alford, both of Tylertown.[xxix]

Son, Hugh Frances Brown, Korean War veteran, died 4 April 2000.

Hugh F. ‘Duke’ Brown, 66, of Osyka, died April 4, 2000, at his residence. Services were 11 a. m. today at Hartman – Hughes Funeral Home in Tylertown. The Rev. Billy Ray Simmons officiated. Burial was at Centerville Cemetery in the Lexie community. Mr. Brown was born Dec. 17, 1933 in Pike County. He was the son of Hubert Allen and Freddie Beatrice Smith Brown. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served during the Korean conflict. Survivors include one son, Elton Brown of the Osyka; one brother, Lynn H. Brown of the Progress Community; and two sisters, Thiry Fegan and Peggy Alford, both of Tylertown. Pallbearers were Alvin Alford, George Alford, Craig Brown, Wade Brown, Lynn Brown and Hugh Elton Brown. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Silver Springs Baptist Church or a charity of choice.[xxx]

Son,Lynn Holly Brown, Korean War veteran, died 20 February 2016.

Lynn Holly Brown, 84, of Osyka, passed away Feb. 20, 2016 at Ashton Court in McComb. Visitation is 9 a. m. Thursday at Silver Springs Baptist Church until services there at 11, with Bro. Wayne Hall officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Services of McComb. Mr. Brown was born Jan. 22, 1932, in Progress, the son of Hubert and Freddie Smith Brown. He graduated from Progress High School in 1950. He served four years in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the Silver Creek Masonic Lodge No. 410 for 50 years and was Past Master. He enjoyed farming and golfing, but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He retired from MacMillan Bloedel. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Thames Brown; a son Craig Brown; and three brothers, Fred Allen, Borden and Hugh (Duke) Brown. Survivors include his son, Wade Brown and wife Cindy of McComb; two daughters, Holly Brown and Carmen Davis and husband Stanton, all of McComb; two sisters, Thiry Fegan of Magnolia and Peggy Alford and husband George of Tylertown; 11 grandchildren, Christy Brown, Craig Brown, Keri Blades, Chris Brown, Damon Jones, Kassie Brown, Katie Brown, Clint Brown, Erik Jones, DeWayne Brown and Austin Brown, and 12 great – grandchildren.[xxxi]

[i]World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-18; ancestry.com; Roll #1682946, card #27, Simmonsville, Mississippi; Hubert Allen Brown.

[ii]Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1900. J P Brown children.

[iii]Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1912. J P Brown children.

[iv]World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-18; ancestry.com; Roll #1682946, card #27, Simmonsville, Mississippi; Hubert Allen Brown.

[v]1920 U.S. Census, Pike Co., Mississippi; 1920; Vol 48, ED 99, Sheet 6; Line 61; National Archives, Pittsfield, Mass., M1570 Roll 14 (Soundex) T625 Roll 891 (Report); Jap P. Brown family in Simmonsville.

[vi]Index to Marriage Record, White, Volume I; 1882-1942; Pike County Court House, Mississippi; Family History Center Microfilm #0907286; Book V. Page 129. Hubert A. Brown.

[vii]Marriage Record for Hubert A. Brown and Freddie Smith, 1920, Vol. 5, #129 (pike Co., MS) Hubert A. Brown and Freddie Smith, Married 10 Jan 1920.

[viii]Brown Family Papers; 1700’s to 1900’s; Gathered by Rayleen Hall Brown from Various Family Members; in possession of author; Includes Alford, Brown, Dillon, Fortenberry, Kennington, Ott & Smith.

[ix]1930 US Census, MS, Pike; ED 57-2 SD10 Sheet 6B, Lines 90 – 94; ancestry.com; Hubert Brown family.

[x]Find A Grave; MS, Pike, Progress; findagrave.com; Lynn H. Brown.

[xi]Parish, R., & Parish, J. S. (1979). Cemetery inscriptions, Pike County, Mississippi, 1750-1978. Pascagoula, Miss.: Parish. Page 600.

[xii]1940 US Census, MS, Pike, Beat 1; SD 7, ED 57-3, Sheet 2B; ancestry.com; Hubert A Brown on Walkers Bridge Road.

[xiii]Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1933. H. A. Brown children.

[xiv]1939 MS Enumeration of Educable Children, 1850 – 1892; 1908 – 1957; Familysearch.com; Hubert Brown children in Osyka.

[xv][xv]Progress News (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 18 Feb 1946) 5; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xvi]Progress Highlights( McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 7 November 1946) 5; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessedMarch 2017.

[xvii](McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 26 Sep 1946) 4; digital image, newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xviii]Progress News (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 2 March 1948) 4; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xix]Progress News (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 27 Oct 1953) 2; digital image, newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

349 Progress News (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 28 Dec 1954) 4; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxi]Progress news (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 29 Dec 1955) 7; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxii]Miss Annie L. Lawrence Is Bride of Mr. Brown (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 30 Dec 1963) 4; digital image, newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxiii]News (Magee, MS: The Magee Courier, 13 Aug 1970) 6; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed Feb 2017.

[xxiv]At SW General Hospital (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 15 November 1971) 16; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxv]Certificate of Death for Hubert A. Brown. 1971, Local file #2658, State file #19170 (Mississippi Department of Health, Vital Records, Jackson, MS).

[xxvi]Find A Grave (findagrave.com: accessed 2017) Memorial #16342885, Hubert Allen Brown, 1894-1971 (Silver Springs Cemetery, Osyka, Pike, MS).

[xxvii]Freddie Smith Brown (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 22 April 1988) 14; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxviii]Letter from Sylvia Rayleen Brown Hall (2085 Hwy. 48E Ext., Magnolia MS) to Delbert K. Brown (Woods Rd., Germantown NY) 11 March 1995.

[xxix]Borden Brown (McComb, MS: Enterprise-Journal, 28 Feb 1995) 14; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed February 2018.

[xxx]Hugh F. ‘Duke’ Brown (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 6 April 2000) 7; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

[xxxi]Lynn Holly Brown (McComb, MS: Enterprise – Journal, 23 Feb 2016) A003; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed January 2020.

1 Hubert Allen Brown b: 01 Oct 1894 in MS, d: 25 Nov 1971 Jackson, Hinds, MS
…… + Freddie Smith b 19 Nov 1899, m 10 Jan 1920 Pike, MS d 21 April 1988 MS
…………2 Borden Hamilton Brown b: 23 Jan 1921 in MS d: 27 Feb 1995 MS
…………2 Fred Allen Brown b: 13 Jan 1924, d: 13 July 1932
…………2 Thiry Yvonne Brown b: 12 Jan 1929
………… + Robert E. Fegan b: 09 April 1925, d: 26 July 1993 in MS
………………3 Borden Fegan
………………3 Yvonne Fegan
…………2 Lynn Holly Brown b: 22 January 1932 in MS
………… + Beverly J. Thames b: 04 June 1940, d: 31 Dec 1992
………………3 Craig Allen Thomes
……………………4 Wade Thomes
……………………4 Carmen Thomes
……………………4 Holly Thomes
…………2 Hugh Frances Brown b: 17 Dec 1933
………… + Frances Birch
………………3 Hugh Brown
………………3 Elton Brown
…………2 Peggy Brown b: 12 February 1938
………… + George Alford
………………3 Alvin Alford
………………3 Jennifer Alford

Selected Sources:

• Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1933. H A Brown child: Borden 12m
• WWI Draft registration card #27, Simmonsville, MS. Hubert Allen Brown, Farmer, Self employed age 22, Single. Medium height slender gray eyes brown hair
• Marriage Record; 1920; State of Mississippi, Pike County Volume V ; Page 129:Hubert A. Brown and Freddie Smith, Married 10 Jan 1920.
• Certificate of Death; 1971; MS State Department of Health, Vital Records; Local File #2658,State File #19170: Hubert A. Brown d. 25 Nov 1971 in Jackson, Mississippi.