My Genealogy Hound

JOHN E. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Russellville, was born on Straight Creek, in Franklin Township, April 26, 1828. His father, David D. Brown, was a native of Brown County, Ohio, and an agriculturist through life. He married Eliza Abbott, also a native of Franklin Township, who bore him eight children. Mr. Brown departed this life in 1879. Mrs. Brown still survives, and resides in Clark Township, four miles from Bethel. John E. Brown, attained his majority on his father’s farm, obtaining the benefits of a good English education. He early learned the carpenter’s trade, and followed it for about twenty years, erecting all the buildings on his own farm, and many of the substantial residences and barns in that portion of Brown County. He also worked at his trade in New Orleans for two winter seasons; but not liking the country, came back to Ohio. On February 9, 1857, he purchased 111 acres of land — his present farm — which is located on both sides of Straight Creek, and the Ripley & Arnheim pike. A short time since, Mr. Brown gave one-half acre of his land to the school district in which he resides; upon which was erected a handsome frame schoolhouse. Mr. Brown has been fairly successful in life; is Democratic on National questions, but locally votes for the man who will best serve the community; and has officiated as School Director. He was married, March 6, 1856, to Sarah B. Coombes, a native of Southern Indiana. They have eight children — William M. (who married Annie Kendall), Levi B., Clement A., Annie May, Addie Ora, Lee Owen, Eddie E. and Lora Eliza.