Brown, James R.

BROWN, RODGERS MCKINNEY, SCHWILCK, PFIEFER, HAYNE, RILEY, NOBLE, ABEL, ROBINSON

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/28/2019 at 05:38:44

JAMES R. BROWN

James R. Brown, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Garden Grove township, who owns in all two hundred and thirty acres of excellent land, was born in Albany county, New York, on the 1st of March, 1853, a son of Thomas and Mary (Rodgers) Brown. The father was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and immediately following his marriage removed with his bride to the United States, settling in New York. After residing in the Empire state for two years they removed to McHenry county, Illinois, where they remained until 1869. In that year they came to Decatur county and settled on section 15, Garden Grove township, where the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. In 1885 they took up their residence in Garden Grove, and there the father died in 1901, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother passed away in 1898, when more than seventy years of age. They were Presbyterians in religious faith and he was a democrat in politics. To their union were born six children, namely: John, who was formerly a well known successful farmer of Decatur county but who is now living retired in New York state; James R.; Mrs. Thomas McKinney, of Garden Grove township; and Margaret, Mary and Thomas, all residents of Garden Grove.

James R. Brown was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in Illinois and Iowa. He still resides on the homestead upon which the family settled in 1869, and which he now owns, having purchased it from his father in 1885. It comprises one hundred and thirty acres and he also owns other land, his holdings aggregating two hundred and thirty acres, part of which he has rented to others. In 1906 he built a fine residence and he has made many other improvements upon the place, which is one of the valuable farm properties of his locality. He devotes the greater part of his attention to raising cattle, hogs and horses and has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity, being numbered among the well-to-do agriculturists of Garden Grove township.

Mr. Brown was married in this county in 1885 to Miss Elizabeth Schwilck, who was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, in November, 1865. Her parents, J. J. and Mary (Pfiefer) Schwilck, were born in Holstein, Germany. The father emigrated to America when a young man and the mother accompanied her parents to this country when but a child. Their marriage occurred in Ohio, where they resided until 1874, when they removed to Wayne county, Iowa. They are now living retired in Corydon. During his active life the father followed agricultural pursuits. To their union were born twelve children, of whom eleven survive, namely, Jacob; Mrs. Mary Hayne; William; Mrs. Katherine Riley; Mrs. Brown; Frank; Mrs. Jennie Riley; Mrs. Julia Noble; Matilda, who is a trained nurse; Winnie, who is residing with her parents; and George, who is married and resides in Corydon. Of these all but Mrs. Brown are living in Wayne county. Mrs. Marie Abel, the fourth in order of birth, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three children, as follows: Murice W., is at home and is operating part of his father’s land, besides forty acres which he owns. Mary Frances, who has taken a three years’ course in the Nurses’ Training school of the State University Hospital, was married June 16, 1915, to Claude Woodmansee Robinson. Their home is at Davis City, Iowa. Julia Ruth, who completed a high-school course, also studied to be a trained nurse.

Mr. Brown is a democrat and has always taken a keen interest in everything relating to the welfare of his community although he has never desired to hold public office. The family are Presbyterians in religious faith and all are high esteemed. Mr. Brown is energetic and progressive and the success which he has won in his chosen occupation is richly deserved.