Brown, Stephen 1816-1890

BROWN, MASON

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2012 at 21:20:39

Stephen Brown was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 6th, 1816. His parents were among the early pioneers of that county, and many an interesting story of pioneer life has Mr. Brown been able to tell. His parents were members of the Presbyterian church and were foremost in founding and organizing the first, church of that denomination in their vicinity.

Mr. Brown came to this state at an early day and resided nearly ten years in Keokuk county, near Deep River. On the fourth of September, 1807, being then a widower, he was married to Mary D. Mason, widow of A. B. Mason at Toledo, Iowa. He then had a family of six children, all of whom survive him. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brown removed to Jefferson, Iowa, and in 1870, they moved to Sac county, where they continued to reside until,quite recently, when they came to Kingsley to make their home with Mrs. Brown's youngest son, Dr. R. D. Mason. Mr. Brown early in life professed the Christian religion and has ever since lived true to his profession. In his old home in Sac county all his neighbors affectionately called him "Uncle Stephen" and all who knew his simple and innocent life respected him highly. It is not known that in all his life he made a single enemy.

For a number of years Mr. Brown declined rapidly in health, and for the last three years he has been a helpless invalid. During all these years his intelligent, noble, faithful and devoted wife, who survives him, has been constantly at his bedside, administering to his every want. Upon her fond breast his parting soul' has relied, and his last wish, in the language last uttered by him, was that they in death might not be separated, but that they in death might not be separated, but that they might journey to the better land together. At the time of his death he was a member of the Congregational church at this place, having united by letter shortly after coming here. He sank peacefully to rest at two o'clock, July 27, 1890.

His funeral services were conducted at the Congregational church by the pastor. Rev. J. W. Chaffin, after which his remains were deposited in the Kingsley cemetery.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, July 29, 1890
Le Mars, Iowa