Biography - Newton C. Brownlee

NEWTON C. BROWNLEE was born and reared in the parish in which he is now residing, his birth occurring November 25, 1852. His father and mother, John A. and Mary J. (Cowan) Brownlee, were born and spent their youthful days in South Carolina, their marriage taking place in that State in 1848, and their removal to Bossier Parish, La., dating the same year. Mr. Brownlee purchased a large plantation here and until the day of his death, in 1861, was one of the well-known planters of this section. His widow survives him, and is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. Newton C. Brownlee received his early education in the schools near where he now resides, and in 1871 began life for himself as a planter, on a farm of 300 acres, about 100 acres of which were under cultivation. He is now the owner of 700 acres, 300 of which is a highly fertile and well cultivated tract, ﬁnely improved with buildings, etc. He was married in 1877 to Miss Louda, daughter of G. W. and Salina (Sims) Arnold, and to their union a family of two sons and three daughters has been born. Under Gov. Nicholls’ ﬁrst administration, from 1876 to 1879, Mr. Brownlee was a member of the police jury and was also a member of the local school board, proving himself a very able and competent man for the position. He has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, Cypress Lodge No. 189, and Louisiana Lodge of the A. O. U. W. He is the second of a family of ﬁve children born to his parents — four sons and one daughter.

Contributed 29 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass, extracted from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, published in 1890, page 129.