Merritt Alpheus Brown Obituary 1952

Believed the oldest practicing lawyer in Ontario prior to his recent retirement, Merritt A. Brown, member of the firm of Brown & Beck, died yesterday at his home, 83 Badgerow Ave.  He celebrated his 97th birthday Nov. 19.  Until a few months ago Mr. Brown maintained an interest in legal business.   Born near Aylmer, he attended McGill University.  As a young man he became associated with the lumber business and owned his own mill.  He suffered an injury to his back during logging operations and for several years was an invalid.  Forced to seek a means of livelihood which would not require heavy physical labor, Mr. Brown decided to enter the field of law.  He graduated from Osgoode Hall and established a private practice in Toronto.  About 20 years ago he entered into partnership with J. Stafford H. Beck.  Mr. Brown specialized in estates and family consultation law.

He was a member of the Metropolitan Church, the Society of Friends and the Royal Astronomical Society.   For some years he was auditor of the Belfast Purple Star Lodge, LOL.

He leaves one son, James Brown, Toronto; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. Leopold A. Brown, retired veterinary surgeon, Aylmer, and Col. Walter James Brown, London, Ont., former executive secretary, University of Western Ontario, and a sister, Mrs. Cora M. Chase, Grimsby.   Burial will take place in the Dunboyne Cemetery, near Aylmer.

Toronto Globe and Mail (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Friday, December 12, 1952
Page:  31
Date of Event:  Thursday, December 11, 1952

BROWN - Merritt A. (Barrister)  At his home, 83 Badgerow Ave. on Thursday Dec. 11, 1952 Merritt A. Brown, husband of the late Amelia Christena Brown and dear father of James.  Resting at the Chas. A. Tierney Funeral Home, 259 Gerard St. E.  Funeral service Friday evening at 8 p.m., leaving via C.N.R. Saturday morning at 8 a.m. to Aylmer, Ont., thence to Hughson Funeral Home.  Funeral service Saturday at 2:30 p.m.   Interment Dunboyne Cemetery.