Lenora
1859 – 1929
From a letter sent to the Editor of The Norton Courier by Fred Grey:
In Dr. Drown, Lenora lost one of its best citizens. Having been acquainted with him for some time I knew him to be a true friend, a good husband and father and an earnest Christian. He was born near Green Springs, Ohio, July 18, 1859. He was well prepared to enter his profession being a graduate of the North Western Medical School and also Smith’s Actual Business College of Kansas City Missouri.
In 1882 he married Mabel Emery and went to Lenora to live, some years afterward his wife died and on May 15, 1895, he married Lilla Knox, one of Norton County’s successful teachers. It was after this that I first knew them: as he and his wife were both members of the Congregational Church of which I was Pastor. His wife was faithful and affectionate in her relations as wife and mother and his death will be a great loss to her.
He died of confluent small pox contracted by attending those who were sick with that disease. He was earnest and sacrificing in his profession, of strong character and universally loved. There are many who in their times of sickness and sorrow will miss his skillful care and genial presence.
These few words are but a poor tribute from one who is greatly indebted to Dr. Drown for his medical skill and his earnest friendship.
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Articles from the Lenora newspaper tells us that H. W. Drown, the Doctor’s father had been at Lenora visiting. Another one says that Mrs. Crockett, mother of Dr. Drown had returned from her visit east in 1899. She is listed on the 1895 census as living with the Dr. and family. She died in Ellsworth, Kansas August 19, 1913 and is buried at Lenora East Cemetery.
Dr. Drown’s first wife was Mabel Emery, they were married in Ohio and went immediately to Missouri, and in the fall of 1887 they came to Lenora. Mabel died April 4, 1894. She the Dr. and children Avis, 1887-1887; Anna 1887-1887; Edna 1889-1889 and Bernice Mary 1890-1896, are buried in Lenora East Cemetery.
After Dr. Melville W. Drown’s death, Mrs. Lilla Drown and sons Earl and Dale moved to Logan, Kansas.