JAMES B. BROWN

JAMES B. BROWN was born in Ohio County, September 8, 1838, and is a son of Joshua and Elmira (Humphrey) Brown, both of whom were natives of Ohio County, and of English descent. Joshua Brown was married in his native county. After attaining his majority he bought a small farm near Hogg's Falls upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1839. In early life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and followed the same in connection with farming all his life. He and wife were, from early life, zealous and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he officiated as class leader for many years. He was also a great lover of music, and in early life taught singing school for some years. James B. Brown received such an education as the schools of Kentucky afforded in his youth. His father died when he was only nine months old, and at the age of nine years his mother died, after which he made his home with his grandfather and stepfather until he was twenty years old. He then farmed his grandfather's place, and sixty acres left him by his father, for one year, after which he bought a partially improved farm near Point Pleasant, remaining for four years, when he sold out and bought 100 acres of unimproved land adjoining, where he commenced to improve the farm, now known as the "Cave Spring Farm," so called from the fact of its having a cave in which a large spring is situated. After three years he sold the place and bought another in the Equality neighbor-hood, remaining on it some five or six years. In 1871 he again sold out and bought the farm of 200 acres, which is now well improved, near Point Pleasant, upon which he now resides, and where he is extensively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, making the culture of tobacco and grass specialties. He has held the offices of school trustee, and also of bridge and road commissioner for Ohio County. He was married in November, 1860, to Altha C. Addington, also a native o£ Ohio County. Three sons and three daughters have been left to them. Mr. Brown and wife are, and have been since their childhood days, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in which he has held various official positions. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having held the office of J. W. in that order. In politics he is identified with the national Greenback party.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Died 27 April 1908. Buried in the Equality Cemetery, Ohio County.