Joseph Edward Brown was born in Greenway, Alabama in June, 1861 and came to Redlands in the early 1880’s. He helped construct many of the city’s earliest buildings. He also helped string the first firehose in Redlands and served for 12 years as chief of the volunteer Fire department. Brown operated several stores in Redlands during the early years becoming a superintendent and zañjero for the Redlands Water Company. Mr. Brown married Tillie Anthony in April 9, 1895. They had two sons, Roy E. and Raymond. The 1900 Census lists the family living at 521 East State Street. Later censuses list them living at 325 East Palm Avenue. Mr. Brown died in November, 1948 in Los Angeles.
[Sources: Photos provided by great grandson, Scott Brown. An obituary was published on November 11, 1948 and census records of 1900, 1920, 1930 and 1940.]
Redlands Volunteer Firemen – 1905
