View source for Charles E. Brown

Charles E. Brown was one of the earliest merchants in [[Miles City]]. He owned a [[saloon]] and a [[livery stable]]. He was an [[auctioneer]] and a [[livestock dealer|livestock]] and wagon dealer.

In the earliest days, Charley Brown was the face of Miles City. His saloon/gambling house and livery stable dominated the east side of Park Street (now 5th St) across from Riverside Park.

He was quite a large character and bragged that his saloon/gambling house never locked its doors. If you came to the stable looking for a horse team that he didn't have, he was known to trot over to [[Fort Keogh]] select from their stock, have them condemned and sold to him, and a few hours later, resell them to his customer.

For a time, he was the self-styled [[Justice of the Peace]]. 

:''One night, one of the old-time, long-haired cowboys had shot up the town and had been placed under arrest, and the next day was brought before "Judge Brown". After the case was heard, he was fined $100 plus costs, whereupon his attorney, the "[[Lost Charley Ross]]" who was the piano player at the dance hall, arose and said, "Your honor, we think the amount of the fine is excessive and we intend to appeal the case." The judge then said, "Appeal, hell, this is the highest court there is. There is no appeal, pay your fine or go to jail."''

Charley was the father of the famous [[Kid Brown]] of Alaska who, during the [[Alaska gold rush]], owned a saloon and gambling place.