(June 1, 1819 – January 15, 1891) was an. He served one term in the. Illinois House of Representatives. From 1864 to 1866, then was elected mayor of. Brown was elected to the. In 1870 and served there until his death in 1891. William Brown was born in. On June 1, 1819. He immigrated with his family to. Oneida County, New York. Brown studied law in. And was admitted to the bar. On November 10, 1846. Initially a public school teacher, Brown was soon elected a. Justice of the peace. In 1852, Brown was elected. At the expiration of his term, he was elected mayor of Rockford, serving one year. He was named agent for the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad. From 1857 to 1860, he practiced law with future. Brown then partnered with H. From 1861 to 1865, he served as Rockford School Inspector. In 1864, Brown was elected as a. Serving one two-year term from the 55th district. Brown was elected judge in 1870 to fill a vacancy on the. Created by the promotion of. He was re-elected to this post in every election until his death, serving 20 years. Brown married Caroline H. Miller, the daughter of. On September 19, 1850. Their eldest son, Edward W. Was thrice elected mayor of Rockford. They also had a son, Frank R. And a daughter, May. Brown attended the Centennial. He was chairman of the board and president for the. From 1884 to 1886. Brown died on January 15, 1891. Under construction at the time, was named in his honor.