Biography - John C. Brown
JOHN C.
BROWN. A traveler throughout Shelby County would be forcibly impressed by
some features of the estate owned and occupied by the subject of this
biographical sketch. In approaching it his eyes would be attracted by the
appearance ot order and thorough cultivation seen on every hand, as well as
by the extent of the acreage and the efforts that have been made to add to
its original beauty. Perhaps the most conspicuous object to the stranger
would be the residence, a view of which is presented on another page of the
volume. It is a commodious dwelling with the appearance of great comfort and
homelikeness. In connection with this notice we are pleased to present to
our readers a portrait of Mr. Brown, who is well known as an enterprising
agriculturist and a reliable citizen.
The fine tract of land which Mr. Brown operates is on sections 21, 22, 27
and 28, Ridge Township, and is not only in an excellent state of cultivation
but is adorned with a splendid set of buildings. Before relating the
principal events in the life of Mr. Brown it may be well to mention briefly
the main facts in the history of those from whom he is descended. His father
was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born in 1805, and given
the name of Christian F. He married Elizabeth Schearer, a native of Bavaria,
who was born in 1814. After marriage they made their home in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, where they resided until 1864. At that time they removed to
Clay County, Ind., where the father of our subject died in 1876. The mother
still survives. Their family comprised nine children, John being the second
in order of age.
The natal day of our subject was April 10, 1837, and his birth occurred in
Tuscarawas County, Ohio. There he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a
blacksmith, taking his apprenticeship at New Philadelphia, Ohio. After
serving for fifteen months he engaged as a journeyman, following his trade
near his native county until the fall of 1864, when he removed to Clay
County, Ind., and undertook the same work there. In February, 1865, he
removed to Wilton Junction, Iowa, and there carried on his trade until June,
1865, when he returned to Clay County, Ind. In the spring of 1866 he removed
to Shelby County and pursued his trade at what is now Henton, in Ridge
Township. Here he worked until November, 1875, at which time he undertook
agricultural pursuits, in which he is still engaged. He has erected a
handsome set of buildings and has cleared a valuable farm of one hundred and
eighty acres. He is known as one of the best wheat raisers in Shelby County,
having raised as much as sixty-four bushels per acre, he also has been
instrumental in introducing into the community the best varieties of wheat
produced in the United States.
John C. Brown and Georgiana Yost were married in Shelby County March 20,
1869. This lady is a daughter of George and Catherine (Harbaugh) Yost. Her
father died in Nauvoo, Ill. Mrs. Brown was born, in Wooster, Wayne County,
Ohio, May 20, 1845, and is the mother of five children: Edwin O.; Serepta,
the wife of W. E. Coffman; Elizabeth, John C., Jr., and Grover C. It is
unnecessary to name the politics of Mr. Brown to one who knows the name of
his youngest son. He is a man who is active in all public matters,
especially in political movements, and has filled a number of offices of
responsibility. He was elected Supervisor of Ridge Township in the spring of
1890 for a term of two years. For ten years he has filled the office of
Township Clerk and for twelve years has been School Director, serving as
Clerk of the board during all that time. He is prominently identified with
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association and has been Secretary for three
terms of Pleasant Valley Lodge, No. 1735. He has done efficient service as
Road Overseer for two terms. In all of these positions Mr. Brown has
reflected credit upon himself and been active in promoting the welfare of
the community.
Extracted 26 May 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 528-530.
