Captain T. Forrest Brown, a veteran of the World war, has to his credit a distinguished military record and is now filling the office of treasurer of Montgomery county, in which connection he is performing public service of value and importance. He was born in Amsterdam, March 4, 1895, and is a son of Frederick W. and Evelyn (Gonyea) Brown, who also became the parents of a daughter Hazel.
T. Forrest Brown received his early education in the public schools of Amsterdam and afterward attended the Braden Military Academy. In 1915, when twenty years of age, he joined the New York National Guard, becoming a member of the Second Infantry, and in 1916 was sent to the Mexican border. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of the Second Infantry in 1917 and afterward became first lieutenant of the One Hundred and Fifth Infantry. He went to France with the famous Twenty-seventh Division, which broke the Hindenburg line, one of the greatest achievements in military annals. He was promoted to the rank of captain and placed in command of G Company, One Hundred and Fifth Infantry. He still retains that title and has charge of the local armory. Captain Brown performed notable service for his country in its hour of greatest need and his connection with military affairs constitutes one of the vital interests of his life. He was the first commander of Amsterdam Post of the American Legion and was very active in effecting the organization of the state society of this order, of which he was a committeeman, also serving as commander of the Montgomery County branch of the American Legion.
Captain Brown was formerly engaged in the insurance business, which he conducted independently, and in 1919 was called to the office of treasurer of Montgomery county. He carefully safeguarded the interests in his charge and appreciation of his work led to his re-election in 1922. His work is faithfully and efficiently performed and he has won as his reward the complete confidence and trust of his fellow citizens.
In 1917 Captain Brown was married to Miss Florence Anders, and in the social life of the city they figure prominently. Captain Brown is identified with the York and Scottish Rites in Masonry; is a member of Oriental Shrine, No. 6, of Troy, New York; and is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is chancellor commander of Amsterdam Lodge No. 100, Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Rotary and Automobile Clubs, the Amsterdam Board of Trade, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and is also a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society. Loyal, patriotic, public-spirited and enterprising, Captain Brown represents the highest type of American manhood and citizenship, and Amsterdam is proud to number him among her native sons.