Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

JAMES RAY/ROY BROWN

James Ray Brown was born on 16 May 1890 in Bristol, Worth, Iowa, USA to William LaValley Brown (1859-1925) and Mary Ann Devaney (1867-1927). James had eight sisters and three brothers. The family had moved to Otter Tail, Maplewood, Minnesota by 1910 where William was a farmer but they moved again to Canada.

In 1911, James was living at 515 Ave H South with his family and working as a carpenter. By 1916 he was working at department manager for John Deere Plow Co.

On 2 July 1918, James signed enlistment papers in Regina, Alberta for the US military. He gave his occupation as barber in Saskatoon but his address as Clay, Minnesota, USA. James married Lucy Catherine Begon (1895-1986), likely in 1918 in Kynaston, Saskatchewan. James likely worked for Dunnings Transfer from 1921-1926 - certainly his brother William did during this period.

From 1927-1930, James and his family appear to be lodging at 116 4th Ave N with Harley Edgar Brown. Harley was superintendent on the Star newspaper and James worked as a press man. It is not known whether Harley was a relative.

James and Lucy had at least two children. From abut 1945, the family were living in British Columbia where James died on 18 May 1956 and Lucy on 8 January 1986.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Brown 3 Tree.

Candidate 1

Candidate 2

James Roy Brown was born on 15 January 1889 in Innerkip, Oxford, Ontario to Emmanual David Brown (1844-1915) and Dorinda Rowell (1843-1931). James had six brothers and four sisters. James grew up in Zorra East, Oxford County until he moved west to homestead in Saskatchewan. He was issued with a homestead grant on 19 November 1912 for SE-18-41-25-W3 Senlac RM.

James married Bessie Yeandle (1886-1966) on 7 February 1914 in Maple Grove, Bayham Township.

According to Bessie’s obituary, they farmed on the homestead in Rutland, Saskatchewan throughout their lives. James and Bessie had one son, M Leland Brown.

Bessie died on 7 February 1966 and James on 25 September 1978.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Brown 2 Tree.

We found two candidates for this signature, James Ray Brown & James Roy Brown.
If you know of either of these candidates, particularly if you recognise the signature
then please contact us by clicking on the signature image.

James’ signature on his enlistment papers 2 July 1918