In the early 1840s David S. Brown purchased land along the Delaware River in Gloucester City and began construction of his business empire. He built the Washington Mills complex along the river. He was also involved in selling building lots in Gloucester and is responsible for the construction of the Mill Block Houses that have recently been restored. These were built for the workers that worked in his mill and are  among the oldest buildings in the city.  He was also involved in the Gloucester Iron Works, Gingham Mills, Gloucester Print Works, and various other business ventures. Although he lived in Philadelphia , not Gloucester City, he did more than anyone else in providing jobs for the people of the Growing town. He died at age 77 on July 6, 1877.  He rests in South Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pa. 

(Joe Hargesheimer )