My Genealogy Hound

J. J. BROWN. Among the business establishments of Springfield, none are more deserving of patronage on account of the excellent stock found therein, the honorable methods employed, and the enterprise manifested by the proprietor, than the drug-store of the gentleman above named. Mr. Brown has been a resident of Springfield for a number of years, and has become quite well-known both as a business man and as a citizen whose character entitles him to the hearty respect of all who know him. He is thoroughly acquainted with the business of a pharmacist, in which he has had the best of instruction, and an extended experience.

Among the early settlers in Pennsylvania, was Grandfather Brown, a man of English descent, and of the Presbyterian faith, who numbered among his family a son James. This son was born in Union town, November 4, 1806, and became a practical druggist. He married Sarah J., daughter of John Sessford, one of the oldest inhabitants of Washington, D. C. In 1836 the young couple removed from the capital city to Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, where they spent many years. The husband breathed his last at Washington Court House, Fayette County, May 8, 1881, his widow surviving until February 23, 1885. To them were born six sons and four daughters, the subject of this sketch being the third son. The father followed the example set by his forefathers, and belonged to the Presbyterian Church, in which he was a Deacon many years. The maternal ancestors were of the Episcopalian belief.

The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was born in Hillsboro, Highland County, October 9, 1839, and passed his school days in his native place, attending the public schools and Hillsboro Academy. After completing his studies, he entered his father’s drug-store, where he learned the nature and use of drugs and their compounding. When the Civil War broke out, he felt so strong a desire to assist in the preservation of the Union, that he abandoned his work and enlisted in 1861.

The name of Mr. Brown was placed upon the muster roll of Company A, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, and upon the organization of the company, he was made Orderly Sergeant. He was soon afterward promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major, and afterward to that of Acting Adjutant of the regiment. On the expiration of his first term of service, he re-enlisted as a member of the Twenty-fourth Ohio Battery of Light Artillery, in which he was made First Lieutenant, and served three years. During his army life he took part in the battles at Cross Keys, Harrisonburg, Port Republic and Harper’s Ferry, at the latter place being taken prisoner by the enemy. His captivity did not last long, however, as he was soon exchanged. The generals commanding the forces with which he fought, were Milroy, Schenck, Fremont, Pratt and Shaler. After the surrender of Gen. Lee, in May, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and returning to his home, resumed the occupation in which he had previously been engaged.

Mr. Brown remained in Hillsboro until 1876, he having sustained a heavy loss by having his drug store destroyed by fire in 1875. In May of the next year he came to Springfield, and purchasing a drug stock of Dr. J. H. Squire & Co., embarked in the business here, which he has continued from that date. He still occupies the same stand, carrying a full line of drugs, medicines, oils, glass and fancy articles. On June 18, 1872, he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Ella Bowers, of Hillsboro. She is a daughter of William T. and Mary (Kinley) Bowers, was born in Cincinnati, and is not only intelligent and well-bred, but is a fine specimen of Christian womanhood. She has borne our subject one son, George. The entire family circle are consistent members of St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Brown has for some time served as Trustee. He has been a member of the church since 1853, having become a Christian at the early age of twelve years.