Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 18

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 18

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Mr. Brown received a good education in the Georgetown schools, and during his boyhood worked on a farm. Leaving home he went to Louisville, Ky., where he worked in a large commission house, but after remaining there two years, theu came to Sangamon County, locatlug in Williamsville, where he operated a geueral store for several years. During this time, he was appointed Postmaster by President Bu- chanan, this appointment beiug renewed by President Lincoln. Later, Mr. Brown engaged in farming uear Williamsville, but In 1890, came to Springfield, serving as Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Murray. He was then clerk in the State House for a short time, but later he was elected Constable on the Democratic ticket, serving for four years.

During the Civil War Mr. Brown was gen- eral clerk for H. C. Myers at Camp Butler, and has always been ready to give his assistance whenever it was needed for the furtherance of public affairs. Although being a Democrat, he differed form Mr. Lincoln in political senti- ment. Mr. Brown was a great admirer of the illustrious President and heard him speak upon many occasions. No one in Springfield has a clearer recollection of the great man, and no one recognizes his worth more clearly. Mr. Brown has long been connected with the Pres- byterian Church in Springfield, and gives church affairs especial attention since his retirement in 1908.

On January 24, 1860, occurred the marriage, at Williamsville. of George H. Brown and Sarah Flag. The latter was born in Ohio. October 1. 1837, the daughter of Abraham and Sarah Flag. and was brought by her parents from that State to Williamsville at au early

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day, the family settling on a farm which the father operated in conjunction with his black- smith shop, and there the parents lived until their demise. Mr. and Mrs. Brown became the parents of two children : Frank and Nellie, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Brown owns his residence at No. 541 Elliott Avenue, and is a man of means. He has earned fairly and hon- orably the respect which his neighbors and associates accord him, and is correctly consid- ered one of the best representatives of the older generation now residing in Springfield.

BROWN, Harmon, an able and well-known business man of Springfield, Ill., belongs to a family that has long been highly respected in that city. He was born at Cairo, Ill., Decem- ber 21, 1861, a son of John H. and Clara (Staf- ford) Brown, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother of Macon County, Iii. His pa- ternal grandparents were of Scotch-Irish an- cestry and, on the mother's side, the grandpar- ents were of English descent. John H. Brown was a druggist by occupation and became an early settler at Cario, Ill., where he engaged in the drug business. In 1862 he established a drug store at Springfield, and for two years oc- cupied a building on the corner now used by the Herndon Dry Goods Store. In 1864 he re- moved to Grass Valley, Cal., where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there in the latter part of that year. His widow is now living in Springfield and has become the wife of Dr. Townsend. They were parents of three sons and one daughter. The two broth- ers of Harmon Brown are now deceased and his sister, Mrs. Augustus Ayers, lives in Memphis, Tenn.

Mr. Brown received his education in the pub- lic schools of Springfield and, in 1879, on ac- count of poor health, spent sometime traveling through the West. After returning from this trip he engaged in retail business in Spring- field, which he continued several years, then accepted his present position as Superintendent of the Woodside Coal & Mining Company, which he has since ably filled. He is also a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and actively interested in public affairs. In his present position he has charge of extensive busi- ness interests and is filling a post of consider- able responsibility.

Mr. Brown was married in Springfield, in June. 1886, to Mary W. Stebbins, who was born in that city June 16, 1864, daughter of Oscar F. and Sarah E. (Warner) Stebbins, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York State. The father was a hardware mer- chant and for many years carried on a busi- ness in Springfield, where he located in 1862. He remained in business until his death in 1906, and the mother now resides in Springfield. There was but one son and one daughter in the family. and the former, M. W. Stebbins, of Springfield. is a clerk for the Hudson Hard- ware Company. One child has blessed the

union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Elizabeth, born October 23, 1897. Mr. Brown lives at 712 South Fourth Street and he and his wife are well known in Springfield as people of refinement and culture, and have many personal friends.

BROWN, Jacob, retired barber and farmer, resi- dence near Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, is a veteran of the Civil War whose mili- tary career is of more than common interest. Born in Knox County, Ohio, March 16, 1835, he is a son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Long) Brown. His parents were natives of York County, Pa., where they grew up and married. Nathan Brown's mother, grandmother of the subject of this sketch, had two sons, who were orphaned by her early death. One of them was apprenticed to a wagonmaker, and the other, Nathan, was apprenticed to a blacksmith. Their father soon joined the Mormons and went West as a minister of that faith, and is supposed to have been killed at Carthage, Mo. After having completed his trade, Nathan mar- ried Elizabeth Long in their native county. Susan and Abraham, two of their eight children, were born there. She died aged twenty-three years, and he is a well-to-do farmer at Wapello, Iowa. The family moved to Knox County, Ohio, about 1834, and from there to Circleville, Pickaway County, where the father was a teacher of languages. A self-educated man. of many attainments, he was especially proficient in English and German, and became a leader among educators in that part of the State, as well as an influential Democrat of the old school. He passed away about 1848, and his widow in 1852. Their daughter Barbara mar- ried J. W. Frost and settled in Worth County, Mo., where she died in 1873; Jacob was next in order of birth; John, now retired, is living at Wabash. Ind .; Nancy J. married John Bird, who enlisted in an Ohio regiment and was killed at Chickamauga, and she lives with her brother Abraham; William, a member of the Thirty-third Regiment, Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, died in service in the Civil War and is buried in a soldiers' cemetery at Memphis, Tenn .; Elizabeth became the wife of Jonathan Sommins, a farmer, of Worth County, Mo., and is dead; Isaac. third in order of nativity, served in the Civil War under General Logan, as a member of the Thirtieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and is now living in retire- ment in Pickaway County, Ohio, after a suc- cessful career as a farmer. Another son died in infancy.

Jacob Brown accompanied his parents from Knox County to Pickaway County, Ohio. He began his education at Circleville, and after his mother's death went to work on a farm. In 1854. when he was nineteen years old, he was impelled by the Western fever, as it was mani- fested in that part of Ohio at that time, to seek his fortune in Illinois, and joined his brother- in-law, J. W. Frost, who was then living on a farm four miles southwest of Pleasant Plains.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

In the spring of 1855 he went to work for Edwin Tomlin. Later he was for a time in the employ of Marlina Macy. Meanwhile his home was with Mr. and Mrs. Frost, and In 1857 he found opportunity to attend school for a time. December 15th of that year, he married Miss Frances Elder, born in Cartwright Township, March 19, 1839, a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Tomiin) Elder, who came from Cape May, N. J., and were among the pioneers in the township named. After marriage Mr. Brown rented a farm in Cartwright Township. The spring of 1858 being wet and unpromising, he entered the employ of J. R. Black, in which he continned, at farm labor, nntil the outbreak of the Civil War. He then began farming for himself on rented land in Pleasant Plalns Township. He was so employed until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war. The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, near Springfield and sent to Memphis, Tenn. Soon it was involved in the historic sixty-three battles from Jackson, Miss., on to the siege of Vicksburg. Ordered back to Jack- son, it was Included In the Eleventh Brigade under Colonei Wilkins, which consisted of this regiment, the Seventy-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the Ninety-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the Ninth Regl- ment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and the Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged In sconting and simllar work. In all this service to and Including the battie of Guntown, Mr. Brown took gallant part. On June 1, 1864, General S. D. Sturgis started hls command, consisting of nine cavalry regiments under Grierson, twelve Infantry regiments under Colonel McMillen and four batteries under Major Waterhouse, the entire force numbering more than ten thousand men, whose bravery had been proven on many a hard-fought field. On June 9, Sturgis marched his com- mand to the Hatchie Bottom, east of Ripley, Miss. On the following day occurred the dis- aster at Guntown, where the Confederate General Forest, with only 4,700 men, defeated Sturgis, capturing his wagon train of 250 wagons, hls ammunition and all his infantry arms and accoutrements and about 3,000 men of the infantry division, more than half of whom were starved or shot In Confederate prison pens. The army was routed and Sturgls, with hls staff, made a dash for Memphis, and as for the rank and file it was every man for himself. Mr. Brown, after two days' pursuit by detachments of the enemy, was captured near Salem, Miss., and taken a prisoner to Anderson- ville, Ga., there to undergo experiences that he can never forget. He relates that Generai Sturgis made no report of this disaster, which occurred just when a Federal victory seemed Imminent. but that several reports were made by subordinate officers. In the language of one of these the petitioners represented and de-

clared "that said disaster and all its terrible consequences were attributable to and caused solely by the drunkenness, cowardice and gross incompetency of S. D. Sturgis, commander of the expedition." Mr. Brown was captured June 12, 1864, and kept at Andersonville till September 21 following, when he was removed to Savanuah. Later he was taken to Millen Prison, to Blackshear, and to Thomasville, Ga. On December 24, 1864, he was returned to the prisou hell at Andersonville. There he re- mained till April 15, 1865, when he was trans- ferred to Lake City, Fla. There he was put on board a stock train and carrled to within twenty-two miles of Jacksonville, that State, where he and many companion prisoners were turned loose. Making their way to Jackson- ville, they found the town occupied by Union soldiers and were sent by boat to New York City. Mr. Brown was honorably discharged July 17, 1865, and returned to Iilinois.

Until August, 1868, Mr. Brown was employed in the weighing department at a coal shaft. He then opened a barber shop at Pleasant Plains, which he managed successfully until 1907, when he sold it in order to retire from active life. He bought a home In 1866. His present home ou Third Street, Pleasant Plains, he bought in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have iong been active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Pleasant Plains. He is an influential Grand Army man and is a weli known member of the Pleasant Plains Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. He cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1860, and has acted with the Republican party ever since. In 1864, when he was in a Confederate prison, he and his companions in misery were told that if they would vote for McCleilan for President as against Lincoin they would receive double rations; but, although food was very scarce and always gladly welcomed, the result of the vote was two to one In favor of Lincoln. Mr. Brown has ably filled the office of Mayor of Pleasant Plains.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had twelve chil- dren, seven of whom are living: Molly E. is the wife of John Dobbert, a farmer in Cartwright Township; George, Jacob and Charles died in infancy; Frances married James Carpenter ; William F. lives at Jacksonville, Ill .; James E. is a resident of Chicago; David F. dled, aged thirty-four years, and John I., aged thirty-slx; Abraham L. lives at Jacksonville, Ill .; Albert lives at Arrowsmith, Ill., and Ray R. Is a mem- ber of hls parents' househoid.

BROWN, James N. (Vol. I, pp. 61-62.)

BROWN, William .- The mining interests of Sangamon Connty are of such magnitnde that they afford employment for many of the most reliable men of the locality, as well as giit- edged investment for locai and outside capital. A number of progressive men combine mining with farming operations, securing very satisfact-

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ory results. Que who has been successful as miner and farmer Is William Brown, of Clear Lake Township. He was born at Eugene, Vermil- lion County, Ind., a son of Israel Browu, a farmer who was born in Connecticut, although his wife was born in Pennsylvania. In an early day Israel Brown moved to Iudiana and lo- cated on a farm, which he continued to operate until his death. During the Civil War he proved a loyai American, serving three years and par- ticipating in many of the notable engagements that stained the country's map with blood.

The education of William Brown was ob- talned In the country schools of his native State, and although the advantages were not such as. are enjoyed by the children of today, he there laid a good foundation upon which, by reading and observation, he built a substantial structure. While attending school he worked on the farm, assisting his father and gaining from lilm a practical knowledge of agricultural life. In 1883 he came to Illinois, attracted by the mlnes, and located at Dawson, where he worked for two years. Following this he moved to Barclay and for seven years was engaged in mining at that point. Pittsburg, Kan., was his uext place of residence, but after a year there he returned to Indiana. For seven years his native State claimed him, during which time he was suc- cessfully engaged in farming, then again located in Illinois, buying four acres in Clear Lake Township, which has since remained his home. He is now engaged In mining and farmiug and is satisfied with the results from both lines of endeavor.

Mr. Brown was married in Springfield (first) to Mary De Costa, born In Springfield who died in 1890. The second marriage of Mr. Brown occurred January 26, 1891, to Lucy Welsh, daughter of A. R. Welsh. Mr. Welsh was one of the pioneers of Sangamon County aud has been connected with its development and growth In commercial, political and agricultural iuipor- tance. Although advanced in years, Mr. Welsh survives, and is an important factor in his com- munity. There is no issue of elther marriage.

There are a number of men like Mr. Brown who make their home in Sangamon County. They have not pushed themselves forward in political matters, preferring to exert a quiet influence for good government and moral uplift. Huge corporations do not number them among their officials or heavy stockholders, their work being done in an unostentatious way as indi- viduals. They have not made their mark as professional men, nor sought fame as writers, artists or musicians, yet they have become po- tent factors in the solid, substantial strata of the county. In private life, as in warfare, It Is not the brilliant accomplishments or successes of the few that make for victory, but the achievements of the rank and file. It is the work of the everyday men that counts in the aggregate. Thus it is that in a history of this kind it is important to outline, although too

briefly, the life record of those to whom so much is justly due. Mr. Brown owes his success to no chance of fortune; he has not inherited great wealth nor made it through the work of others, but what he has is but the just result of a life of toil, directed by intelligent effort.

BROWNBACK, Charles E., M. D. C., one of the prominent members of hls profession in Sanga- mon County today, and at present serving as City Veterinarian of Springfield, was born on a farm at Tower IIlil, Shelby County, Ill., April 15, 1871. He is a son of Edward and Eliza Ann Browuback, and grandson of Henry Brown- back. the latter a native of Pennsylvania, who brought his family west In an early day and settled in Shelby County. Edward Brownback was a farmer, grain-dealer and drugglst, and now resides at Ashland, Ill., which has been his home for many years. Charles E. Brownback attended the public schools of Pleasant Plains and Ashland. Ill., and in 1896, graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College. He practiced one year at Pleasant Plains, two years at Peru, Ind., two years at Ashland, and three years at Virginia. Iil., and in 1906, located in Springfield, where he has built np a large practice in his line. He is a thorough master of his profession, and his advice is widely sought among his fel- low practitioners, with whom he has a high standing.

Mr. Brownback was married to Miss Kate Merele, of Indianapolis, Ind., daughter of Nich- oias and Annie Merele. No children have been born of this union. Dr. Brownback has made inany warm friends in Springfield during his residence here, and fraternally is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics, he is a stanch Republican and active in ex- pressing his interest in public affairs. He re- sldes at 514% East Capitol Avenne, and his hospital Is located at 320 South Fourth Street. Ile has for the past two years held the office of City Veterinarian with credit to himself and the position.

BROWNING, Alfred M .- The farmer of today feels justified in retiring from active pursuits at an earlier date than those of his fellows who are engaged in other lines, for not only are the requirements of agricultural Ilfe severe, but the profits are of sufficient magnitude to war- rant such leisure. One of the substantial resi- dents of Divernon, Ill., now resting after a long and busy life, is Alfred M. Browning. He was born in Greene County, Ill., April 7, 1837, a son of M. and Mary J. (Wood) Brown- ing, natives of Kentucky. The Brownings and Woods were old residents of that State, and prominent in its history during the early days. Michael Browning was a Baptist minister, and an carly settler of Greene County, where he died in 1842, when only thirty-eight years old. His widow survived him untll 1860, when she too passed away. Of the children born to himself

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and wife four sous survive : the eldest of Spring- field, aged seventy-niue years; Perry, of Chi- cago, aged seventy-seven years; George, of Mont- gomery County, Ill., aged seventyfive years; Alfred M., aged seventy-three years (1910).

The boyhood of Alfred M. Browning was spent in Greene County, where he was educated, and when he was twenty years of age, he coin- menced farming for himself, having previously gained a knowledge of the work. Until 1885 he remained in Greene County, then moved to Montgomery County, purchasing a farm of 170 acres near Litchfield. This he developed into a fiue property, operating it until his retirement in 190S, when he settled In Divernon, Ill., his preseut home. All his life he has been fond of, outdoor sports, and owes his good health to this fact.

Mr. Browning was married in Greene County, December 21, 1861, to Lucetta Marshall, born there, June 6, 1844, daughter of Sanford and Mary (Mulberry ) Marshall, natives of Ken- tucky, the former a farmer who came to Greene County at an early date, dyiug there. His widow died in Madison County, Ill. The grandparents of Mrs. Browning on both sides Ilved and dled iu Kentucky. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Browning: Mariette, boru in Greene County (as were all but the youngest). in September, 1862, married John Studebaker, of Indiana, who died in Bond County, Ill., in 1900, issue-Claude, Paul, Mary, John, Earl, Junietta, Pearl, living, and Mildred C. and Lucetta, de- ceased ; Charles K., boru March 5, 1864, married Belle Christopher, lives at Divernon, issue --- two living and one deceased; Frank E., boru in July, 1868, married a Miss Coe, lives in Toledo, Ohio, issue-Justice, Lillian, Coe, and one de- ceased; Herbert A., born July 12, 1874, mar- ried Grace Barnett, lives in Missouri, is a minis- ter of the Christian Church in Queen City, issue -Richard A., Hildegard and Eliza ; and Wade, born in Montgomery County, June 6, 1880, mar- ried Ethel Kane, lives in his native county, en- gaged in farming, no issue; and Sanford aud Marshall, deceased.

Fraternally Mr. Browning is a Mason. While a Democrat in his political faith, he is broad- gauged enough to realize that at times it is better, in local affairs, to vote for the man rather than for the party. He served as County Treasurer of Greene County, also Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner. His relig- ious training and belicf make him a Baptist, and he is a liberal supporter of the church. Both he and his wife stand high in their com- munity. Possessing generous dispositions and kindly iuclinations, they enjoy doing good and are never happier than when entertaining their friends in their cosy home. The example of their upright, useful lives is one that cannot be overestimated, and to them could be truly said : "Well done, good and faithful servants."

BRUCE, Francis H., a retired farmer living near Springfield, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War,

has been a resideut of Sangamon County since 1867. Mr. Bruce was born near Murrayville, Morgan Couuty, Ill., November 27, 1841, a son of William and Mary W. (Gunn) Bruce, both natives of Tennessee, the latter born in Dixon County, that State, May 11, 1808. The parents came to Illinois in 1830, locating on Governor Duncan's place at Jacksonville. The mother came to Springfield in 1881, and lived with her sou Francis until her death, in 1889. Willlam Bruce died when Francis was a small boy, and the mother was twice married. Six sons were born to William Bruce and his wife, all of whom are deceased except the subject of this sketch. A half-brother of Francis H. Bruce (Robert C. McAlister) now lives near Camp Lincoln. One brother, Benjamin P., served in the Civil War three years. The mother of Francis H. Bruce was one of ten children, who died at the age of seventy years.

Mr. Bruce received his education in the sub- scription schools of Illinois, where log build- ings were furnished with slab seats. He worked on a farm for his uncle until he was eighteen years of age, and in 1861 enlisted in Company I, Fourteenth Illinois Iufantry, being mustered in at Camp Duncan, Jacksonville. They were sent to Quincy, Ill., had a little skirmish at Canton, Mo., and captured Senator Green, then went down through Missouri. The first battle in which they participated was at Shiloh, Tenn., a two days' engagement. They were at Hatchie River one day, participated in the siege of Vicksburg, where the enemy surrendered July 3d, 1863. While in the service Mr. Bruce be- came a Corporal. After leaving Vicksburg his regiment went to Tennessee and was on duty as guard to supply trains on the Chattanooga & Atlanta Railroad. Mr. Bruce was captured at Moou Station, near Big Shanty, taken to Andersonville prison and held there six months. When released he returned to Vicksburg, ar- riving there March 28, 1865, and was in that city when President Lincoln was assassinated. He proceeded to St. Louis, obtained a furlough and spent one month at home, then returned, but was finally mustered out at Camp Butler, June 21, 1865.

After the close of the war Mr. Bruce returned to Murrayville, Ill., and in 1867 came to Spring- field. In politics he is a Republican and in 1909 was elected Justice of the Peace, aiso served as School Director of the Ridgely School in 1897. He is a member of Stephenson Post No. 30 G. A. R., and in 1910 made a trip to the scene of the Battle of Shiloh, which occurred forty-eight years before. He says the place bears little resemblance to the scene as he re- members it at the time of the famons battle. In religious views Mr. Bruce is a member of the United Brethren Church. He has spent his life in hard work and at one time owned some " land, but has now sold most of it. He was a successful farmer and a good business manager. As the result of an industrious life, he has a most comfortable home at 2402 Peoria Road, adjacent to Springfield, where he has lived for

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 18

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774