JOHN K. BROWN.

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         John K. Brown, now deceased, was born near Freeport, in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 30th of May, 1839, a son of James K. and Mary (Dryden) Brown, also natives of the Buckeye state. The parents came to Iowa in September, 1853, locating in Louisa county on the farm which is now the home of our subject’s widow and which remained their place of residence until their deaths. In their family were seven children but only one now survives, Josephine, who married John Woodruff, now of Arkansas.

         No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for John K. Brown during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed on the old homestead farm, and under the direction of his father he received thorough training, which well qualified him for the successful conduct of a farm of his own when he took up agricultural pursuits as a life work. For a number of years he operated the old homestead farm and the prosperity which attended his efforts is an indication that his choice of a vocation was a wise one. He carefully studied the soil and climatic conditions, practiced rotation of crops and in the management of his affairs pursued practical and progressive methods, and his close application and the care which he bestowed upon his fields were rewarded by abundant annual harvests.

         On the 2d of October, 1861, in Louisa county, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Ellenor Edwards, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 28, 1843, a daughter of Hugh and Ellen (Williams) Edwards. Her parents were born, reared and married in Wales and had three children on their emigration to American in 1840. It was in 1858 that the family took up their abode in Morning Sun township, Louisa county, Iowa, where the father died February 13, 1893, and the mother passed away March 29, 1899. In their family were twelve children, seven of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born six children, as follows: Ora A., who married Albert H. Bozman, of Louisa county; Dora E., the wife of Lee Marshall, a land and mine owner of Alaska; Hugh L., a resident of Henry county, Iowa; Laura A., at home; Albert S., of Idaho; and Bert D., also at home.

         On the 1st of March, 1904, Mr. Brown was called to his final rest, his remains being interred at Elmwood cemetery, and with his passing Morning Sun township lost one of its well known and highly respected citizens. His political support was given the men and measures of the republican party and he took quite an active interest in public affairs, never withholding his aid from . . .

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. . . any movement calculated to advance the general welfare of the community in which he lived. He was a man of exceptionally good business ability and sound judgment and his advice was frequently sought by his neighbors and friends. In 1867 he united with the Presbyterian church and throughout the remainder of his life continued one of its most ardent workers and liberal supporters. He was charitable almost to a fault and no one in distress or need was ever refused his assistance. To such men as Mr. Brown is due the remarkable development and growth of the grand old state of Iowa and the advancement and prosperity of its people.

         Mrs. Brown now resides on the old homestead and is the owner of one hundred and seventy-four acres of land on section 15, 16 and 21, Morning Sun township. This constitutes a well improved and valuable farm, to the operation of which she gives her attention, and in its managements she has displayed unusual business ability and sound judgment. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and in its work she is deeply and helpfully interested. She is a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind and is held in high esteem by friends and neighbors alike.