Tiny street in Salem pays tribute to popular ex-slave

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

SALEM — After the Civil War, a poor ex-slave rode into Salem on his white mare, Jenny.

“When he came, he had nothing but his horse,” said Dr. James McQuilkin, a retired Salem dentist who is active in the Western Columbiana County Historical Society in Homeworth.

Now, some 94 years after his death, Strotter Brown has a street named after him and bronze signs to memorialize his life.

The city recently installed “Strotter Brown Avenue” signs on what was formerly Water Avenue. It runs north and south for one block between the Salem Public Library and the Memorial Building. City council approved the change.

A former client of Dr. McQuilkin, Virginia Worman of Salem, suggested the tribute.

The bronze signs — one at each end of the street — are on the library’s property.

“The plaque tells who he was and what he stood for,” Dr. McQuilkin said.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.