Biographies   Barnwell County - South Carolina Genealogy Trails BROWN, CLINTON CAPERS, D. D., preacher and author, was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, February 2, 1852. His parents were Col. B. H. and Clementine H. Brown. His father was a farmer, who was noted for his common sense and good humor, and who at one time represented the county of Barnwell in the state senate. His mother was held in high esteem by her acquaintances and friends, and exerted a strong influence for good upon the moral and social life of her son. The earliest known ancestors of the family in this country came from England in 1700 and settled near Charlottesville, Virginia. Two of their descendants were colonels in the Revolutionary war. During his boyhood Clinton Brown lived in a village. He was interested in books, and was also fond of outdoor sports, horses, and guns. His health was good, and he had no tasks involving manual labor to perform. His father had both the means and the inclination to give him a good education. His fondness for reading is shown by the fact that before he was eighteen years old he had read all the novels of Scott and Bulwer. After attending the high school at Barnwell he had a private tutor for two years to prepare him for college. His father hoped he would become a physician, but the son, wisely, as his professional life has proved, preferred to enter the ministry. He spent two years at Washington and Lee university, two years at Furman university, and then entered the Southern Baptist Theological seminary, at Greenville, South Carolina, where he remained for two years, but from which he was not graduated. The active work of life was commenced January 1, 1875, as pastor of the First Baptist church at Sumter, South Carolina. This church he has served continuously and acceptably for more than thirty three years. He has taken a deep interest in education and for eight years he was a prominent member of the board of trustees of Furman university. In 1896 this institution conferred on him the honorary degree of D. D. As a writer, too, he has won recognition. Among his published works are "Uncle Daniel and His Friends" and "Themes and Texts of South Carolina Preachers." A South Carolina romance, entitled "Sherman's March to the Sea," is now in course of preparation. He is a member of the leading fraternities and orders. In politics he has always been a Democrat. He still retains his youthful fondness for outdoor sports, and finds in hunting his principal means of relaxation. Doctor Brown has been twice married: First, in 1874, to Corrie Montgomery; and second, on November 26,1879, to Sallie Wright. Of his six children, one is living in 1908. For the sake of helping young people who read this sketch of his life, Doctor Brown says that any falling short of what he had hoped to do can be traced to a failure to hold on and an "unwillingness to convert one talent into two." And in response to a request for suggestions drawn from his own experience and observations as to principles and methods which will help the young to attain true success in life he says: "Keep step with the progress of the world. Be willing to try the untried. Look on the bright side of life, and maintain faith in God." The address of Doctor Brown is 107 East Liberty street, Sumter, South Carolina. Men of Mark in South Carolina By James Calvin Hemphill Published 1907 - transcribed and contributed by Barb Ziegenmeyer BACK to Barnwell County SC Genealogy Trails © all rights - reserved to the original submitter