Biography - John W. W. Brown
JOHN W. W. BROWN is a brick manufacturer in the town of Windsor, where
he does a thriving and prosperous business. Mr. Brown was born in Licking
County, Ohio, June 5, 1832. He spent the early years of his life on a farm,
engaged in its duties until eighteen years of age. His father was a New
England man. Luke Eddy Brown was born in Berkshire County, Mass. The maiden
name of our subject's mother was Ann Gleason. She was a native of Shenango
County, N. Y. They came to Ohio soon after their marriage, and settled in
Licking County, where they remained until 1850, when they emigrated to
Illinois, and settled in McLean County, this State. There they made their
home for several years, and then removed to Missouri. The father was killed
during the war by bushwhackers, and the mother died in Nodaway County, Mo.
Eight children were the result of the union of our subject's parents, and of
these he of whom we write, was the second in order of birth. Mr. Brown came
to Illinois with his parents in 1850, remaining at home until he was of age.
During this time he was engaged in farming and in teaching. Three years were
taken up by this latter employment. He continued to reside in McLean County
for several years, and then went to Macon County, where he followed farming
and carpentry and brick making for a living. In January, 1880, he came to
Shelby County and settled in Windsor Township, where he was proprietor of a
farm for four years. At the end of that time he began the manufacture of
tile, but in the spring of 1891 his factory was destroyed by fire, and since
then he has been engaged in the manufacture of brick.
Mr. Brown was married in McLean County, Ill., August 9, 1857, to Miss Mary
Willhoite. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Ritchie) Willhoite. The
former was born in Owen County, Ky., of which the mother was also a native.
They came from Kentucky to McLean County, and there died. A family of nine
children came to grace the household. Of these Mrs. Brown was the fourth in
order of birth. She was born in Owen County, Ky., March 22, 1839.
Four children have clustered about the hearthstone of our subject, but they
have grown to manhood and womanhood, and some have families of their own.
Their names are Franklin A., Mary H., Josephine A. and Willis B. Franklin
married Miss Nettie Voris, who is the deputy Postmistress of Windsor;
Josephine A. is the wife of William Hudson.
The original of our sketch has held the position of Councilman in the town.
He is a Republican in his political belief, and takes quite an active
interest in local affairs. Both he and his wife are active members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he has filled the office of Elder
and Superintendent of the Sunday School, which last position he has filled
for thirty-three years. Socially, Mr. Brown is a member of the Odd Fellows,
and also of the Knights of Pythias. Full of vitality and energy that never
recognizes defeat, our subject has overcome many difficulties in his
business life, and has attained a recognized and honorable position among
the influential men of the county. His home life is very pleasant. His
residence is all that a loving wife, who is gifted with tact, culture and
refinement, can make it.
Extracted 17 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 576-577.
