By: Mark Holtsberry
Burl Simpson Brown, I know, is not known to anyone living, but maybe he has relatives living in the county. I found him very interesting, I hope you will too.
Burl Simpson Brown was born October 19, 1893 in a small town called Saltillo near Zanesville, Ohio. His parents were Erastus H. and Alta M. (Rambo) Brown. As a child living in Ada, Ohio in 1900, Burl and his sister Mildred J., being educated not only in school, but also at home, as his father was also a school teacher. But Burl and his sister could not pull stunts in school!
Burl advanced in his studies and graduated from Bloomdale High School in 1909. He then went to Ada High School, where he graduated in 1910. Burl thought he could learn more, as he felt an extra year would benefit later in college work. Burl became a student at the Ohio Northern University, where he graduated in 1914. Burl later obtained a Masters of Arts Degree from Ohio State University, majoring in political science and school administration.
Burl was Grover Hill School’s superintendent for the school year 1916 and 1917. He stayed with John Busick as a “boarder” during that timeframe. While at Grover Hill he directed the Zion Methodist Church Christmas Cantata and organized a community chorus.
As the world broke out into war, May 28, 1917, in Grover Hill, Burl registered for the draft. Single, short and slender build, with dark blue eyes and light hair, this young man ended up serving. May 25, 1918, found Burl at Camp Sherman, Ohio serving with 158th and 159th Depot Brigade. Burl received an honorable discharge December 12, 1918.
Burl found himself a gal, Linda E. Kobs, born June 26, 1897. The daughter of Herman W. and Anne (Lingelbach) Kobs. They married, June 11, 1919 in Erie, Ohio. In 1920 Burl and Linda lived in Delphos, Ohio on West Fifth Street. Burl was a school teacher and Linda a housewife. A daughter, Ruth Carolyn Brown was born, September 30, 1921 in Shelby, Ohio. Burl continued to be a school teacher and school administration work until 1926, when he became a minister of the gospel in the Methodist Church.
A son, Walter Paul Brown was born, July 13, 1927 in Essex Union, Ohio. In 1930 the Brown family lived in Claibourne, Ohio where Burl was a Methodist minister.
In 1940 the Brown family lived in Brookfield, Ohio, Burl was still in ministry. In 1942, Burl had to sign up for the draft. July 13, 1945, his son, Walter registered for the draft. He served in Korea 1952-1953.
Burl retired from the ministry in 1960 and settled in Ada, Ohio. Burl and Linda lived at 307 South Johnson Street, Ada, Ohio, until Burl’s health went bad. He passed away July 12, 1972 at Hillside Acres Nursing Home, Willard, Ohio. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada, Ohio. Linda passed away, September 14, 1973 and was buried with Burl. Their daughter, Ruth, passed away February 23, 1957. Their son, Walter became a minister and passed away, June 9, 1994.
