Brown, Mary Jane 1837-1903

BROWN, PHELPS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2010 at 08:04:37

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Sept. 22, 1903

MARY JANE BROWN

Sixty-six years ago, on April 15, 1837, Mary Jane Brown was born in Somersetshire, Eng., the oldest daughter of John Brown who was so well known in Grinnell during its first forty-five years. She came to Kenosha, Wis., with her father when she was fifteen and to Grinnell in 1854 with the Phelps family. She was in that family more or less till her marriage to her cousin, John Brown on her birthday in 1860. They made their home near Westfield until 1899. Her last four years were passed in this city, a considerable part of the time in a wrestle with heart disease, of which she died last Wednesday the 16th inst.

Her father's family and she herself were always closely identified with this city and held in highest esteem here. Her sweet face represented her real character and her gracious influence. All who knew her join her husband and the two of her six children who survive her in gratitude for her life and in sorrow for her death.

The funeral service was held at her late residence conducted by Dr. Vittum and Prof. Parker. She was buried in Westfield cemetery where several of her family rest.