Amelia Brown

Pioneer, Teacher, Editor, and Poet —

AMELIA X. BROWN OF EDINA was one of the three outstanding pioneer women of the state of Missouri. As a true pioneer woman, she proved her great worth as a teacher, mother, poet, writer and outstanding community leader.

She was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1847, and moved to Knox County, Mo. in 1857 with her parents. When the old Kirksville Normal School, now called Truman State University, was established, she was among the first students to enroll, receiving a life certificate to teach.

She taught in the Edina schools for 10 years. After retiring from teaching, she became superintendent of schools at Lewiston. From 1907 to 1914, Brown served as senior editor of the Edina Sentinel newspaper. She also authored the section on northeast Missouri for a book series on the history of Missouri.

Her efforts to educate herself and pass on her knowledge to others never ceased. As a widowed mother, she struggled valiantly and successfully to rear and educate a large family.

Amelia Brown died on September 11, 1924.