John Brown (1901)

BOYD, BROWN, NORMAN, SHIRK, SMITH

Posted By: Dennis Bannon Studer
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:04:35

Unknown newspaper
Likely from Bureau Co. Illinois

John Brown was born December 23, 1821 in Holmes County, Ohio, and departed this life October 9 1901, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Smith, Van Meter, Iowa.

He was 79 years, 9 months and 16 days old and was married to Catherine Shirk February 13, 1844, who preceded him to the better world July 29, 1898. To this union were born five children--one son and four daughters. Two of the children, Joel and Eliza, died in middle age, some years ago. The three surviving daughters are Mrs. Samuel Boyd of Coshocton County, Ohio; Mrs. George Smith and Mrs. Isaac Norman, of Van Meter, Iowa, also twenty grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends who mourn their loss.

As a private citizen he was taken prisoner during the Civil War and spent twenty-one months in different southern prisons --about one year of this time was spent in the Libby Prison.

He moved to Illinois in 1867 and settled at his home near Van Orin, Illinois, making this place his home until his death. He went to visit his daughters, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Norman, of Van Meter, Iowa where he was taken suddenly ill and died. He intended to come home next Tuesday.

He was converted to God and joined the United Brethren Church over 50 years ago and remained a faithful member until the summons came.