Biography - Samuel H. Brownback
SAMUEL H. BROWNBACK. All our relations in life are more or less of a
social nature and these are circles within circles. The domestic life is the
inner circle, or hub of the wheel from which radiate outward the many lines
or spokes that bind it to the outer circle, or the social verge. These
spokes are of various natures arising from relationship, affinity or
consanguinity. Each circle within the life of our subject has been well
rounded. His home life, while simple, is full of affection and tender
consideration. His residence which is located on section 2, of Rural
Township, is the dwelling place of peace and harmony. He has resided in
Shelby County since 1868.
Mr. Brown back was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 21, 1843. He is a
son of William and Sarah (Shutt) Brownback, natives of Pennsylvania, where
they were married and began the journey of life together. About 1835 they
removed to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County. There they passed the
remaining years of their lives, the father passing away from this life at
the age of fifty years, the mother surviving him for a number of years,
being sixty-three years of age at the time of her decease. They were the
parents of six children, four of whom lived to be grown. Their names are as
follows: Joseph, Melinda, Eliza, Sarah, Emeline and Samuel. Joseph died
while young; Melinda married Abner Settles and died in Pickaway County,
leaving an interesting family of children; Eliza married John Breutigan. She
died in Pickaway County; Sarah died while yet a young woman, being only
twenty years of age. Emeline also died early in life; our subject is the
youngest of his family and now the only one surviving. He was reared on a
farm and attended, in boyhood, the common schools, which were very good, and
he feels that he owes much to the masters under whom he studied when a lad.
He remained in his native State until he arrived at manhood and in 1867, he
was an attendant upon the last sad rites paid to the memory of the last
member of his family. Feeling that all bonds that held him to his native
State had been severed, in 1868 he sold out and emigrated to this State,
settling in Shelby County, where he purchased a farm upon which he at
present resides.
When Mr. Brownback purchased his farm it was but very little improved and he
began at once the work of putting it in such order as should realize his
ideal of a modern farm. He gave his attention chiefly to stock raising, in
which he was very successful. On first coming to the county he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres, but from time to time has added to this until his
farm now aggregates two hundred and twenty acres. It is located on sections
2 and 11, and boasts many fine improvements. Well located in the bottom
lands, it is plentifully watered and drained.
Our subject has been twice married. In 1870, he was united to Mary V. Smith,
a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Smith, of whom a sketch may be found in
another part of this volume. Mrs. Brownback died in 1872, leaving one son
who now resides with his grandfather, Daniel Smith. In 1874, our subject
married Elizabeth A. Cochoran, a daughter of Robert Cochoran. She was born
in Tennessee in 1848. Our subject by his present wife is the father of one
daughter, by name Mary E. She is a bright, intelligent young girl. The
original of our sketch is a Democrat in his political preference and has
served in several capacities in public office under his party showing the
confidence and estimation of his ability that his fellow-townsmen have in
him. He has served as School Trustee for nine years and two years as
Supervisor of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Brownback are, in their religious
views, members of the Christian Church. They are kindly, intelligent people,
in whom their fellow-townsmen repose the greatest confidence and affection.
Extracted 17 Jun 2019 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 642-643.
