John Marshall Brown

Captain John Marshall Brown, son of John Benton and Elizabeth Ann (Johnson) Brown, was born in Hampshire comity, Va., August 10, 1837. His father settled in that state and followed the millwright's trade in his youth; while his mother's people — the Johnsons — resided there for over a century. In the summer of 1837, the family (parents and three sons) moved west to a point near Kickapoo, Peoria county, Ill. In 1853, the father settled in Wyoming, engaged in mercantile work and was one of the town's most energetic and public- spirited citizens up to his death in 1880. He was postmaster there for nearly twenty years. At the beginning of the Civil War, John M. Brown was engaged on the farm in Valley township. In August of that year he enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was at once appointed orderly sergeant of the company. Early in 1862, he was premoted first lieutenant. Following the battle of Corinth he was commissioned captain and held that position until honorably discharged, October 10, 1864. In November, 1864, he was elected sheriff by 555 majority over the popular democratic nominee, James Nowlan. In 1808, he defeated William Lowman for circuit clerk by 534 majority, and reflected each term since that time. In 1859, he married Miss Margaret R., fourth daughter of John and Margaret (Robinson) Hawks. Of their three children, Ella M. is now the wife of Herbert D. Nott, of Galva; Maud E. resides with parents, and Lew M. Brown is a very courteous and competent assistant in the circuit clerk's office. A reference to the history of the G. A. R. post at Toulon, that of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and of the Encampment will show the part he has taken, in these important organizations. As an officer of the county his record is without reproach, as a soldier he won his laurels and wears them, while as a citizen he has shared in the labors of adding a pleasant home to Toulon, and has become interested in a farm in the county. (Vide history of Penn Township)