My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

JOHN BROWN, a practical and progressive farmer residing on section 5, township 6, range 4, Perry County, was born August 24, 1844, near Glasgow, Scotland, and is a son of Allen and Ann (Grey) Brown. The parents were also natives of that county. The father was reared on a farm, but afterward learned and followed the carpenter’s trade. At length he determined to seek a home and fortune in America, and in 1849 he crossed the Atlantic, landing in New Orleans on Christmas Day of that year. He first went to Chester, Ill., and thence removed to Six Mile Prairie, Perry County, where he engaged in farming until his death.

In the Brown family were seven children, all of whom are yet living: William N., a farmer residing near Cutler, Ill.; Robert, who also carries on agricultural pursuits near Cutler; Margaret J., wife of William H. Irwin, a farmer of Randolph County; Ann E., wife of John T. Irwin, who carries on farming near Cutler; David, who resides on the old homestead; Mary, wife of Matthew Robb, a farmer of Lost Prairie; and John.

Mr. Brown of this sketch was only five years old when with his parents he came to the United States. In the usual manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and the district schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. He remained upon the home farm, aiding in its cultivation and improvement, until his thirty-fifth year, when he went to Cutler, where he engaged in trading in various products. He was thus employed for five years, after which he opened the general merchandise store that he yet carries on.

December 6, 1882, Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. Jessie Gaston, widow of Alexander H. Gaston, and a daughter of Albert Sprague, who emigrated from Maine and became one of the pioneer settlers of Perry County. Three children have been born of their union: Mabel G., born October 10, 1883; Harvey, September 4, 1885; and Helen, May 14, 1890. Mrs. Brown had two children by her former marriage, but one is now deceased. Lydia A. still resides with her mother.

For four years Mr. Brown held the office of Assessor and Treasurer of Perry County, and proved a capable official. He has several times been Road Supervisor, has been Justice of the Peace for three consecutive years, and is now filling that position. His official record attests his popularity and the high regard in which he is held. He studies closely the interests of his county and labors untiringly for the welfare of its citizens. He votes with the Republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.