Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
James E. and John E. Brown
James E. and John E. Brown, millers and farmers, Dalton Township, are the twin sons of John P. and Annie (Sheppen) Brown, the former born in Butler County, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1827, and the latter July 2, 1822. They came to Fountain City, Ind., with their patents about the year 1837, where they were married June 24, 1848. John P. was a tailor by trade, but since his marriage he has followed farming.
Our subjects were born May 15, 1851, in Fountain City, Ind.; were reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. James E. also attended the Union Christian College at Merom, Ind., a short time. In 1870 he began learning the miller's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. John E., on leaving school, engaged in farming. In 1875 the brothers had about $700 each, with which they purchased the flouring mill in Dalton Township, Wayne County, James E. attending to the mill while John engaged in farming, and by their industry and strict attention to business they are now worth $10,000.
John E. was married Dec. 10, 1871, to Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Smith) Clark. They have had two children — Birda, born in Montgomery County, Sept. 5, 1872, and Nellie, born in Wayne County, April 17, 1876. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
James was married May 17,1877, to Helen M., daughter of R. C. and Sarah (Thornburgh) Cheesman. They were the parents of one daughter — Laura, born March 29, 1878, and died Nov. 17, 1881.
Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884. Volume 2