Curtis Morris Brown 1902-1970: Curtis grew up on the family farm near Monon, IN. He graduated from Monon High School with the class of 1922; going on to Purdue University where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1926. In 1934 he designed a new refrigeration compressor which revolutionized the industry. He moved to Tecumseh, Michigan, where along with two other Michigan men, headed an organization known as Tecumseh Refrigeration Engineering Sales Company. The Company engineered and sold the Tecumseh Compressor units until 1955, when at that time it merged into the Tecumseh Products. The team were the producers of the worlds largest manufacturer of compressor units for refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. In early 1940 Curtis founded the Kity Curtis cattle farm, a large livestock farm near Tecumseh. In the beginning it was mainly a dairy farm, but later great emphasis was placed on raising beef. The farms expanded through the years and was well known by cattlemen. In the mid 1960's Mr Brown received an honorary doctorate degree from Purdue University at their 111th commencement; where they claimed he was a leader among engineering executives of the American industry. He married Catherine Bowen. They had two sons: Curtis B. (Jack) and William, also an adopted daughter, Sally.
Family links:
Parents:
Ambrose Taylor Brown (1869 - 1940)
Margaret Olentine Brown (1872 - 1945)
Spouse:
Catherine Bowen Brown (1903 - 1995)
Siblings:
Ruth Brown Rinker (1896 - 1941)*
Ora Bert Brown (1899 - 1968)*
Curtis M Brown (1902 - 1970)
Kenneth P Brown (1905 - 1971)*