My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM BROWN, a prominent and substantial farmer of Pleasant Township, Clark County, is numbered among its most successful men, and one who has contributed largely to the best interests of his community. A native of Summerford, Madison County, Ohio, he was born November 13, 1829, to James and Mary Ann (Burnside) Brown, the former of whom was a native of New York State, and born June 21, 1795, on what was known as the German Flats, southeast of the city of Albany.

The father of our subject received but a common-school education, and remained a resident of his native place until a youth of nineteen years, he then emigrated to Upper Canada, accompanying his father’s family thither. His father was a member of the New York General Assembly, and remained until the Assembly adjourned, while the son went to Canada to look after the family. Grandfather Brown, however, was not permitted to join them, as he sickened and died. A message was sent to Canada but the mother could not believe the story, and sent her son James, in haste on horseback to Albany where he learned the melancholy truth, but did not arrive in time to see his father buried. The family lived in Canada only about three months, then returned to New York State, this being during the year 1812.

James Brown at this time being of suitable years and stature to enter the army, was for a time held by the British with the intention of pressing him into their service. After examination, however, he was released and rejoined his family. The mother had already removed to Ohio, and James followed shortly afterward. They settled two and one-half miles southwest of Mechanicsburg, and James remained with his mother until his marriage, which took place November 13, 1823. He then with his young wife removed to Summerford, Madison County, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and eight acres, all of which he improved, building up a good homestead, where he resided until his death. This event took place March 13, 1870.

James Brown possessed more than ordinary industry and perseverance, and as the result of correct habits was blest with remarkably good health and a frame of more than ordinary vigor and endurance. He was a valued member of his community, prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a sincere and earnest Christian. During his early manhood he was a strong supporter of the old Whig party. Upon its abandonment he wheeled into the Republican ranks, and maintained his allegiance to this party until the close of his life. To him and his good wife there were born the following children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Caroline, is the wife of William Sanford. The others were named respectively: William, David, Hiram, Eliza, the wife of Harmon Ditz; Delilah, Mrs. William Wilkinson; Rachel, Mary M., (the wife of Jacob C. Vanness); and Melissa, the wife of Charles N. Lafferty.

The death of James Brown occurred very suddenly as he was sitting in a chair, apparently in his usual good health. His career was that of a self-made man, he having started in life at the foot of the ladder, without other resources than those given him by a kindly Providence. Solely through his own efforts he worked himself up to a good position, socially and financially, he was the son of William and Elizabeth (Brooker) Brown, who were both natives of New York State, where they were reared and married. Their family consisted of the following named children: Jonathan, James, Oliver, Cornelius, Amy, Dyer, Sarah and Elizabeth. They all accompanied their mother to Ohio, and with the exception of Dyer, all are deceased. He is over ninety years old, and lives in California. The Brown family is of Scotch extraction, and have been noted for the possession of the substantial qualities peculiar to their nationality.

The mother of our subject was born December 14, 1803, in Bedford County, Va., and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Frankinberger) Burnside, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion. The maternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Virginia, and moved to the young State of Ohio about 1807, settling first in Caesar’s Creek Township, Greene County . Two years later they removed to the vicinity of Mechanicsburg, where Mr. Burnside died in October, 1823. His widow subsequently made her home with her eldest son and died at the age of eighty-six years. Grandfather Burnside was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked in the army during the War of 1812. His children were named respectively: William, Joel, Mary, Malinda, Lucinda.

Hester, Elizabeth and Michael. With the exception of Hester, all are married. William, our subject, spent his early years after the manner of most farmer’s sons, and received a practical education in the common school. He was a youth of more than ordinary intelligence, and developed into a teacher, which profession he followed several terms.

Upon reaching his majority, Mr. Brown started out in life for himself, choosing farming for his life vocation. In 1855 he purchased eighty acres of land upon which he has since maintained his residence. His industry and good judgment brought him the reward of prosperity, and as his capital accumulated, he invested it in land, and is now the owner of four hundred and forty broad acres, and of quality as choice as any to be found in the Buckeye State.

The year following the purchase of his land Mr. Brown was married, October 15, 1856, to Miss Jane Mitchell, the wedding taking place at the bride’s home in Madison County. Mrs. Brown was born in Pike Township, Madison County, this State, February 19, 1837, to Abijah F. and Margaret Ann (Standley) Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were among the earliest settlers of Madison County and endured all the toil and privation incident to life in a new country. Mr. Mitchell opened up a farm in the wilderness, making for himself and family a comfortable home. The mother died September 16, 1876, the father makes his home with our subject.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the eldest of whom, a daughter Maude, died August 1, 1873, at the age of eleven years. The survivors are Walter A., Myrtie E. and Nellie R. In politics Mr. Brown is an uncompromising Democrat — a man of decided views, and one who is not easily turned from his convictions. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.