W. S. BROWNELL, retired merchant, Smethport, was born October 27, 1818, and is a native of Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y., whence he removed in the spring of 1857, to Smethport, Penn., where he became a merchant, and carried on business until 1882, having previous to latter year admitted his sons as partners.  He married, on August 22, 1852, Miss Octavia Howard, born October 13, 1822, and became the father of three children:  G. R., F. W. and Addie, the last of whom was married to William F. Specht, May 15, 1889.  Brownell Bros. (G. R. and F. W.) is now the style of the firm, which upon the retirement of W. S. Brownell became successor to Brownell & Sons, and they are now doing a prosperous business in general merchandise.  Of these brothers at Smethport, Fred. W. is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M., of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., and of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T., and has been master of McKean Lodge for three years.  He was elected burgess of the borough of Smethport in 1888.  G. R. Brownell is member of the Select Knights, A. O. U. W.  Both brothers are identified with the Democratic party.

Photo Credit: McKean County Miner, May 4, 1894
Here is a newspaper ad for the Brownell Brothers store.