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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.

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ABRAM BROWN, one of the prominent and progressive farmers of Randolph County now living on township 6, range 7, was born near Diamond Cross, July 26, 1854. His father, Charles Brown, was born in Franklin County in 1828, and when a young lad removed to Kaskaskia with his mother, his father having died. His school privileges were exceedingly limited. He worked as a farm hand until twenty-one years of age, and then worked on the Mississippi River, which business he followed for five years, during which time he saved enough money to enter land. Entering a claim near the present home of our subject, he developed a large tract of wild land and continued farming throughout his remaining days. He married Sarah, daughter of Abraham Harmon. His death occurred April 11, 1888, but his widow still survives him. They became the parents of thirteen children, all of whom are yet living. Richard and Mrs. Callie Uhles are residents of Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Anna Taggart and Mrs. Jennie Dean reside in Chester; Charles, a physician, and Noah, a telegraph operator, live in Indianapolis, Ind.; John is in Los Angeles, Cal.; Joseph, Thomas, Frank, Addie and Nellie are still at home with their mother.

The subject of this sketch attended the district schools near his home and worked upon a farm, giving his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority. He then began farming in his own interest and has since carried on agricultural pursuits with most excellent success. He was also engaged in teaching in the district schools of the county for three years, but his main business has been the cultivation of his land, and he is regarded as one of the model farmers of the community, for his place is complete in all its appointments.

October 18, 1876, Mr. Brown was joined in marriage with Miss Alice Nixon, daughter of William I. and Lucretia (Stipe) Nixon. Her father, a native of Ohio, lived in that state until a young man, when he came to Randolph County. The Stipe family removed from Virginia to Illinois in an early day. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three bright and intelligent boys, Clarence N., Charles L. and Murray J., and the family circle yet remains unbroken.

Mr. Brown is the present Master of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M., and has also filled the offices of Senior and Junior Warden and Secretary. In 1893 he represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge in Chicago. He holds membership with Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. He and all his father’s family are Democrats in politics, and he takes a very prominent part in political affairs. He is now a candidate for Assessor and Treasurer of Randolph County. He is a man of sterling worth, and a well spent life has gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

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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 Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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