My Genealogy Hound

JACOB BROWN, a retired agriculturist, is one of the representative men of Seneca County. He and his family occupy an assured position in the social life of the community, and always lend substantial aid to any social, moral or educational enterprise that arises. Although Mr. Brown now makes his home in Bearytown, he is the proprietor of a tract of one hundred and four acres in the town of Varick, two and one-half miles southeast of Bearytown.

Our subject was born in this town, about a mile and a-half distant from his present place of residence, March 8, 1824. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Miller) Brown, the former of whom was born in Sherman’s Valley, Pa., whence he was brought to this state by his father, Michael Brown. The journey was made in a wagon, and proved a very tiresome one indeed to the young lad. This county was then in an almost wild condition, and the territory lying between Seneca Falls and the old homestead in the town of Varick was heavily wooded. Notwithstanding this, the travelers cut their way through the forest, and the grandfather located on a tract which afterward was converted into one of the most beautiful and productive farms in the town of Varick. The little family was obliged to camp out a few more nights, or until a shelter could be erected for them, which, when completed, was a rude structure built of logs. The barn, which was also built of the same material, is still standing, although it has long since been made more presentable by a covering of frame work. Grandfather Brown became well-to-do in this world’s goods, and at his death left his family well provided for.

The mother of our subject was born in this county, and was the daughter of George Miller, who came to this section from Pennsylvania. He, too, made the trip with an ox-team, and on taking an inventory of his possessions on arriving here, found that his earthly effects consisted of a yoke of oxen and $2 in money. He was soon afterward married in this county to Miss Elizabeth Holman, and from that time on was successful in nearly all his undertakings. At his death he left a large and valuable estate, including two hundred and sixty-seven acres, one hundred and four of which are among the landed possessions of our subject, he buying the tract from Mr. Miller for $60 per acre. The mother of our subject departed this life when Jacob was only four years of age, leaving also a daughter, Maria. The latter was reared to mature years, and, after securing a good education, was married to Alonzo Dellenbaugh. After his decease she became the wife of Andrew Slaughter. She is now deceased, passing away in Macon County, Mo., and leaving a family of three children by the second marriage.

Jacob Brown, our subject, was left doubly orphaned when a lad of seven years, and was then taken into the home of his uncle, Michael Brown, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. Although not attending school regularly, he acquired a useful fund of information, and a thorough training in farm work. It was the understanding when going to live with his relative that he was to work for him until becoming of age, when he was to receive a horse, saddle and bridle, worth $90, and two suits of clothes. This all came about in due time, and after reaching his twenty-first year young Brown remained with him, working for eight months at $10 per month. A short time previous to this he came into his inheritance, receiving $700 from his father’s estate, which money he kept out at interest.

November 27, 1845, Mr. Brown and Miss Charlotte Hendricks, of the town of Varick, were united in marriage. The lady was born in the town of Fayette, August 7, 1826, and was the daughter of George and Mary (Shankwaller) Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks died when Mrs. Brown was six years old, and her mother was then joined in wedlock with George Miller, the maternal grandfather of our subject.

For a few years after his marriage Jacob Brown farmed the Miller homestead of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, and then purchased the one hundred and four acres which he now owns. One-fourth of the land was covered with timber, but this he cleared and improved, making of it a very valuable and productive tract. At the time he came into possession of the place there was a new brick house upon it, and in this he lived with his family for many years, or until 1861, when he came to Bearytown, buying one of the pretty homes found in this village. Some of the barns and other buildings on the farm he replaced with new ones.

Mr. Brown cast his first Presidential vote in 1848, and ever since has been a strong advocate of Democratic principles and candidates. With his wife, he is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, which denomination Mrs. Brown joined in 1859, and he two years later. He is active in church work, and for many years has been Trustee, while his wife has been a Director in the Ladies’ Aid Society for a period of twenty-four years, being one of the original members of that body. The ladies of this organization have quilted over five hundred quilts during its existence, and in 1882 they raised over $1,000. Altogether, they have earned over $2,000, which amount has been donated for various purposes. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Brown are ruled by upright and honorable principles, and everywhere they go they make friends, and are respected and loved by all who know them.