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Harry Brown and other International Drillers in Borneo. Brown is seated second from the right. -
Harry Brown in his World War I uniform. -
A portrait of Harry Brown in his youth. -
A group of International Drillers sit at a table in Borneo. Harry Brown is standing in the centre. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to Albert Haley.
There are several stories of International Drillers who either succumb to illnesses while working abroad or who are the victims of unfortunate accidents, but Henry "Harry" Brown met an untimely death at home in Petrolia. Harry Brown spent much time abroad on drilling contracts to Persia (modern Iran), Sumatra, Burma (modern Myanmar), Peru and Venezuela before retiring and returning to Canada. International Drillers made a significant amount of money during their time abroad and were known locally as wealthy people. Harry Brown once bought a new car despite owning a recent model and when questioned about this lavish purchase, he responded that the ash tray was full in his old car and so he needed a new one.
One day in March of 1949, Harry Brown came to Petrolia from Sarnia with a few cheques to cash in order to pay off some of his debts. After making his rounds and with a wallet full of money, he made his way to the local Hillman hotel for a late night drink. Realising that it was too late to head back to Sarnia, Brown settled for a bench in the basement of the town hall, which was left open for just this reason. In the morning, the janitor opened the door to the basement to find Brown dead, lying on the floor next to the open furnace door. At first glance, it was concluded that he had died of a heart attack but the embalmers noticed a severe head wound and notified authorities. Investigators discovered the furnace implements thrown on the ground and Brown's shoes in the furnace, half burned. After his wallet was found a few days later, empty of its contents, they concluded that Brown had been robbed while he was sleeping. When he awoke, the robber (Ralph Howlett was eventually convicted of the crime) hit Brown on the head, killing him. In his panic, Howlett had attempted to stuff Brown's body in the furnace but when the flame went out, he left the body on the floor. It was an unfortunate end for a man who had survived many experiences in the international oil fields.