One of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Princeton Township is James R. Brown. He was born August 13, 1847, in Wilmington, Delaware. His parents were Nathaniel and Sarah (Little) Brown. James attended school, until he was eleven years old, when in 1858 his father moved to Scott County, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Princeton Township. His father began improving his land and James did not have much opportunity to attend school after coming to this County.
December 27, 1870, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Speer, daughter of William and Sarah (Wallace) Speer. After the marriage of Mr. Brown he leased a farm of William Speer, which he cultivated for two years, when he purchased land in Princeton Township, and in 1876 he sold this farm and purchased another on section one, in Butler Township. Mr. and Mrs. Speer are members of the Presbyterian Church, and a family held in high esteem by all who know them.
BIOGRAPHIES