Afterwards, he and his family immigrated to the United States, settling down in Alton, Illinois.
Brown received a good education, partially completing his college career before going to work in the milling business at the age 18.
At the start of the American Civil War, Brown retired from this business to pursue real estate operations.
During this time period, Brown successfully connected Chicago and Alton with a railroad.
Within his second year after being elected, Brown helped oversee the creation of a temporary City Hall (where the present Civil Courts Building is) and the taxpayers' League.