ANDREW C. BROWN

Andrew C. Brown owns and operates an excellent farm comprising one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Hamilton township and is well and favorably known in his locality. His birth occurred in Indiana, March 13, 1859, and he is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Staley) Brown. The father was born in Kentucky and the mother in South Carolina, but when fourteen years of age the former removed with his parents to the Hoosier state, where the family was numbered among the pioneer settlers. When he reached mature years he purchased land in Indiana and during his entire business career followed agricultural pursuits. He passed away in March, 1904, and his wife died in 1899.

Andrew C. Brown entered the public schools of his native state at the usual age and received a good common-school education. On putting aside his textbooks he concentrated his energies upon assisting his father with the farm work until he was twenty-five years old, when he started out on his own account, removing to Decatur county, Iowa. He rented land here from 1884 until 1903, when he purchased land in Franklin township, which he cultivated for three years. At the end of that time he removed to Hamilton township and for three years he and Newton Judd operated in partnership a tract of two hundred and forty-seven acres. In 1911 Mr. Brown purchased one hundred and twenty-seven acres on section 2, Hamilton township, and during the intervening four years has made many improvements upon the place. He understands practical methods of farming and his well directed industry is bringing him substantial financial returns.

In April, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Mary Jones. She is a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Bixby) Jones, both natives of Pennsylvania, who, however, removed to Wayne county, Iowa, many years ago. The father farmed there until 1875, when he removed with is family to Decatur county. For years he rented land near Garden Grove, but is now living retired at the age of eighty-five years and makes his home with his children. His wife died in March, 1911. Mr. And Mrs. Brown have become the parents of seven children, as follows: Mabel, the wife of Will Barber, of Garden Grove; Verle, who also lives in that town; Maggie, who gave her hand in marriage to Ross Dale, who lives near Garden Grove; Hazel, the wife of Earl Norton, also residing near Garden Grove; Marie, who lives at Humeston; and Thomas and Ruby, both at home.

The republican party finds in Mr. Brown a stalwart supporter and he has served as school director, as constable and as road superintendent. He holds membership in the Yeomen lodge and in the Christian church and his life is guided by the highest principles of morality. He does well his work as a farmer and in so doing promotes the agricultural development of his township and at the same time secures a gratifying measure of prosperity for himself.