In 1865 when Kendrick Brown came to Ames, the town had been in existence for little more than a year.  At the time of his arrival, Ames had a population of about 100.  K.W. built a single story wood frame building on a lot on Main Street Ames just to the east of where the American Legion Building stands today.  Brown's building burned down in January of 1886, but was replaced by the brick structure which later held many bakeries.

In time, Farwell Brown's Insurance would operate from the second floor of that building (223 Main).  View more photos from the Brown family albums available in the Farwell T. Brown Photographic Archive.

Left to right. Daisy D. Brown on tricycle; Rolla E. Brown; Dwight P. Brown; Rev. Loren G. Brown; Harry F. Brown; Martha J. Brown, wife of L. G.; Charles S. Brown (standing); Josie Brown, wife of Charles; Velora O. Brown (standing); Margaret M. Brown, wife of K. W.; Lydia B. Brown, in lap; Kendrick W. Brown. In front: Gates M. Brown; Clinton G. Brown; Baby Faith Loughran; Stephen L. Loughran and Lillian (Brown) Loughran.

K. W. Brown was always a strong proponent for prohibition.  He lectured in and around Ames from the 1870s through the 1890s.