Aberdeen State Democrat, January 29, 1899 — page 4
DEATH OF REV. J. L. BROWN
Rev. J. L. Brown died at his residence on Ninth avenue east, last Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. He had been in poor health for a long time but until last January he was able to be about. At that time he was stricken with paralysis and since March has been been able to be out of bed.
During this time many changes have come to him but he rallied, but on last week Tuesday, he became unconscious and remained in that condition until death came to his relief on Saturday.
John L. Brown was born in New York state December 21, 1831. In 1852, at the age of 21 years, he went to California with the gold-seekers, where he remained five years, at the end of which time he returned to New York state, where he was married to Miss Anna P. Knapp, his surviving wife.
When the war broke out he offered his services to the government but was not permitted to enlist on account of his physical condition. After several attempts he was finally accepted in the Third New York cavalry in 1864, where he served until the close of the war.
In 1867 he removed with his family to Kankakee county, Illinois, where they resided until 1882, when they came to Dakota and took up land near Westport. Mr. Brown was a member of the M.E. church and was always identified with every good work.
In 1891 he became pastor of the M.E. church at Westport and filled the position in a highly creditable manner. In 1892 he was made pastor of Frankfort and afterwards was returned to the churches of Westport and Frederick, where he continued until 1897, when he was obliged to give up his work, and went to California for his health. He returned to Aberdeen the next year, where he has since resided with his family.
He leaves a wife, three sons and a daughter to mourn his loss. He was a man of strong convictions and deep piety and was admired by a host of friends. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the M.E. church, and were very impressive. The remains were followed to their last resting place in Riverside Cemetery by a large number of friends.
~Transcribed by Brown Co. Coordinator, Linda Ziemann