My Genealogy Hound

J. J. Brown (deceased) was one of the most successful and progressive farmers of Pope County, Ark. His father and mother were born in Alabama and came to this county, and at a very early day settled in Martin Township with their parents. The early educational opportunities of the subject of this sketch were very limited, yet he improved his opportunities to the best of his ability, so that he was enabled to transact all necessary business connected with his farm. He entered the army when but sixteen years of age as a private, and served three years, but during this time was promoted to first lieutenant. Upon his return home, at the close of the war, he rented and worked his father’s farm, which had been laid waste during the war. During this time he was married to Miss Sallie L. Rushing of Dover Township, who proved to him a helpmate indeed. They lived together for twenty-one years in perfect harmony, and it was as much by the help of his wife as by his own perseverance and energy, that he made so great a success of his life. He purchased lands at different times until he at one time was the owner of 1,000 acres, which land was in his possession at the time of his death, on which he still owed $1,000, which sum of money Mrs. Brown has since paid, so that she is the owner of the place, free from all encumbrance. She has about 350 acres under cultivation, which she rents out, but as she is an intelligent and shrewd business woman, she has personal supervision of her property. Mr. Brown was reared in the Baptist faith, and although not a member of any church, was a moral, upright man in every worthy particular and had the thorough good-will and respect of his fellowmen. He was born on March 9, 1844, and died in 1888, his marriage having taken place in 1867. He and his wife became the parents of four children: Joseph O., Maggie B., Willie G. and I. J. The eldest son, Joseph, is attending school at Dover, and is now twenty-two years of age. Maggie is married to Edward Truitt, and is living in Newton County, Ark., and all the children have received good educational advantages. Mrs. Brown was born in this county August 15, 1848, but on account of the war she attended school but little in her girlhood. She has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since before her marriage, and is in every respect a worthy, Christian lady, being conscientious, charitable and kindly in disposition. The buildings on her farm are among the best in the county, and it is also improved by a fine peach and apple orchard, and, in fact, everything about the place bespeaks thrift and intelligent industry.