Voter, 104, cast his first ballot against Prohibition

William D. Brown voted for the first time when he was 24 years old -- casting his ballot against Prohibition in January, 1919.

He voted the last time on Sunday -- his 104th birthday.

He claims that during that 79-year-span, he has voted in every election he could vote in.

The retired railroad man has out-lived anyone who might dispute that claim.

"I'm not a politician and I don't care too much for politics," said Brown, the last surviving member of a family of eight boys and one girl, "but I vote all the time."

Brown's voice is surprisingly strong for a man who was only five years old when he saw one century change and is on the verge of reliving the experience.

His eyes also are strong -- he doesn't need glasses when he pours over his newspapers to keep up on current events.

"I read a lot, always did," said Brown, who went to the 10th grade before dropping out of high school to work.

Born in Cuero, Texas to a farm family, Brown has spent the last 15 years with a niece, Jennie Jefferson of Las Vegas. He has lived here 22 years.

Though he was married twice, each time for about 35 years, he has no children.

"My brothers had enough children. I helped them out," said Brown.

Brown is a World War I veteran. He spent about nine months in France and after his discharged returned to hs home of San Antonio, Texas to work for the railroad -- back when the engines were powered by coal.

Though Prohibition, created by the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, went into effect despite Brown voting against it, that fact did not discourage him from beginning his tradition of going to the ballot box.

He always votes the Democratic ticket.

One of his favorite presidents was Franklin D. Roosevelt, whom he voted for when he first ran in 1932 and in every subsequent presidential race.

Brown was too young to vote for Roosevelt's cousin, Theodore. He was only 10 when "Teddy" was elected, after serving the uncompleted term of assassinated President William McKinley.

One of Brown's favorite politicians was a Republican -- Earl Warren, whom he met when Warren was governor of California.

"He was a nice person," Brown recalled.

Brown moved in Los Angeles from Texas in 1935, working at an assortment of jobs until going back to work for the railroad, from which he eventually retired.

"I always worked, always had a job," said Brown. "Even in the Depression I had a job -- I go on a job and go to work. I always worked hard at whatever job I took."

Brown, his health not as good as he would like, voted Sunday thanks to the election board's early voting program, which makes it possible for those who might have difficulty casting their ballot during the normal election day.

After voting, an event that several Democratic candidates used as an opportunity to publicize their candidacy, Brown was taken to the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where the congregation gave him a birthday party.

"It was a lovely party that they gave me," he said. "I used to go to church there every Sunday, but I don't go regular anymore. I've had some sick spells."

The tribulations of President Bill Clinton have not gone unnoticed by Brown.

"I think they ought to leave him alone and let him do his job. His personal life is private," said the man who has lived to witness, through the media, every presidential scandal of the 20th century.

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