04/11/2020
Yes, I also have this photo in our store, still proudly operating as family run business
William George Brown was born July 10, 1840 in Maryland, USA. His parents, Thomas and Julia Brown, both African American, moved the family to Canada when William was young. They were in search of a better life, and settled in Dundas.
At a young age, W.G. Brown began work as a teamster, and married Annie Elizabeth Lightfoot on October 18, 1864. Annie and William had three children: George Thomas Brown, who became a barber in Toronto, Mary Jane Brown, who was a school teacher in Freelton, and William Creswell Brown who died as a child.
In 1868, W.G. Brown opened up his own barbershop at 75 King Street West. He would operate this establishment successfully for the rest of his life. Photographic evidence as well as Brownâs long tenure in Dundas suggest that his racial origins did not affect his business. At the very least, Brown overcame any prejudice he may have faced and operated the barbershop for 66 years.
W.G. Brown was a member of the Baptist church and did not work on Sundays so that he could engage in his religious practices even though other barbers were open on Sundays in town.
Brownâs wife, Annie died in 1896 and William remarried a year later to Hannah Elizabeth Archer, a widow. They had one child together, Alden Brown born in 1898, but Hannahâs child Norman from her previous marriage lived with them until he emigrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1921.
Alden Brown became a bookkeeper and stayed in Dundas his whole life. He was also involved with the Dundas Historical Society and the early years of the Dundas Museum.
William George Brown was the barber to many in the community, but notably to the respected doctor and orator Charles Victor Roman. Each time Charles returned to Dundas, he would have his hair cut by W.G. Brown.
William George Brown died on March 11, 1931 at the age of 90. He was survived by his wife Hannah and sons Norman and Alden.
Thanks to the students of McMaster University Department of History for their assistance with this project.