John G. Brown 1825-1899

BROWN, MCARTHUR, MILLER, STIDGER, MANNING

Posted By: Volunteer - Barbara Evans
Date: 4/12/2013 at 21:06:11

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obit Book C, page 2, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

John G. Brown

John G. Brown, who died at his home in Keosauqua, Iowa, at 10 minutes before 9 o’clock, January 11, 1899, was buried on the afternoon of January 13, the remains being laid away in the Purdom cemetery. The funeral was at the residence, where a discourse was preached by Rev. Charles E. Perkins of the Congregational church, many friends being present to pay their respects to the memory of the deceased. The pall bearers were H.B. Sloan, Lee Daughrity, Al Johnston, J.A. Craig, Ord Brown and Robert Sloan, Jr. The honorary pall bearers were J.W. Burns, John A. Miller, H.H. Disbrow, Geo. C. Duffield, E. Manning and J.W. Rowley.
In 1822 Hugh and Mary Brown, parents of the deceased, came from Scotland to America, settling in Albany, New York, where, on Dec., 19, 1825, John G. Brown was born, and he was the oldest of the five sons and the brother of four sisters that were born into the family. His school days were passed in Albany and at Carbondale, Pa. In 1842 the family moved to Keosauqua, and a year later the subject of this sketch joined them. The father had engaged in the milling business, and in the mill John G. found his first employment. In 1851 he went to California to seek a fortune in the gold region, going overland, the journey taking four months. There he remained two years, returning home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and up the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers to Keosauqua. In 1857 he entered the employ of E. Manning, where he remained until called away by disease and death, and never were services more faithfully rendered. This was fully recognized by Mr. Manning as well as by the public. April 5, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McArthur, daughter of William McArthur and a lineal descendant of Gov. McArthur of Ohio, the aguatic[sic] line being of Scoth[sic] derivation. Three daughters and one son made up the household; Mary G., wife of Craig Miller of Keosauqua; Maggie E., wife of Josiah B. Stidger of Colorado Springs; Bessie, wife of Stanley W. Manning of Keosauqua, and Archibald, also a resident of this city. It is a satisfaction to reflect that all were present when the end of earth came. For two years previous to his death Mr. Brown gradually declined in health. It was a steady and continuous breaking down of the body, and at the last he passed away as though going to sleep. Words of commendation of his manhood are not necessary for those who knew him. He was a model of steady habits, firm convictions and sterling integrity. Honesty was his characteristic, along with deep love of family, and faithfulness to friends. He was an exemplary citizen and as such he will be remembered and missed.