John Brown, son of Nathan D. and Tobitha (sic) W. Brown, was born at Jackson Center, Shelby county, Ohio, January 9th, 1855. He received his education in the school at Jackson Center. He was converted to the christian faith and baptized at the Rum Creek Church at the age of 18 years. He was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Lawhead, December 22, 1877, and established a home in Jackson Center, where they resided for ten years. They afterward came to Deshler and resided here until 1895. He prepared himself for the ministry and about this time moved to Holgate, where his wife died in 1905. He then came back to Deshler and made his home with his brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Brown, until 1906. He left Deshler and went to Arkansas, where he continued his christian ministry in the Methodist Episcopal church. He remarried -- this time being wedded to Hester Shirey and to this union was born one child, named Vernie. Mr. Brown departed this life March 27, 1928 at Louann, Arkansas, having attained the age of 73 years, 2 months and 18 days. Services and burial were held at Louann.

He leaves to mourn two brothers, D. C. Brown of Deshler, and W. J. Brown of Milton Center, [and] one sister, Mrs. Emma Smith of Hamilton, Indiana. His father, mother, two brothers and two sisters had preceded in death. Besides, the deceased has left many other relatives and friends, who lament his departure from their pleasant, affable and kindly associations on this side of the vale.