Brown, James -- 1890

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Friday, 21 Feb. 1890 Edition

The community was shocked today at the announcement of the death of James Brown, the veteran miller. Not many persons knew that he was seriously ill and even his family was not aware that he would be called so soon. Thirteen weeks ago he received a fall by which he thought at the time that one or two of his ribs were fractured. From this accident at any rate, dates his gradual decline. An internal abscess was formed and about a week ago it broke which gave him great relief, but having penetrated the vital parts he gradually grew weaker until he was released by death today at 12:45 o’clock. Mr. Brown was born in Butler County, Ohio, February 14, 1825, and consequently was 66 years old. He was the son of Preserve and Margaret Brown, his father being a Pennsylvanian and his mother a Marylander. He was one of a family of fifteen children, eight of whom are still living. When ten years of age he came with his father to this State and settled in Fountain County. At the age of sixteen he entered the mill of Frank Fry, which stood just beyond the depot, to learn the milling business, which avocation he steadily pursued for fifty years. He was the miller at Sperry’ for twenty-one years ten months. In 1874 he built the mill of which he is still a part owner, corner of Water and Market Streets. Except during a short time spent at Terre Haute and Montezuma, where he was engaged in mills, he has been a resident of this city since he was sixteen years old. In 1841 he was married to Miss Nancy Ann Moudy, by whom he had four children, three of whom still survive him, Elias, of this city, Preserve, of Oakland, and Mrs. Jennie P_ck_am, of Logansport. His wife having died he was married the second time in 1865 to Mrs. Maggie Brown, who still survives. For many years he was a member of the Christian Church, but in 1865, under the ministrations of Rev. T. S. Webb, he transferred his membership to the Methodist Church when for more than fifteen years he has served as one of the official board. He was a most exemplary man in his walk and conversation, and his Christian life while it was quiet, was tender and beautiful. He was as guileless and as trusting as a child. He had made all the necessary preparations for the great change. His earthly house was in perfect order and he frequently expressed his readiness to cross the mystic river. He will be buried under the auspices of the Odd Fellows of which order he was an honored member. When the funeral services will occur will be announced tomorrow.

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Saturday 22 Feb 1890

The funeral of the late James Brown will occur at the residence Monday at 2 p.m. Services by Revs. J. W. Greene and G. W. Switzer.

The Post Mortem

Dr. S. G. Irwin, assisted by Dr. C. E. __kin, made a post mortem examination at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon on the body of James Brown, deceased. An opening was made in the chest which revealed the fact that the left lung was hepatize, that it turned black and hard like the liver, also that the lower half of it was in a gangrenous condition, also that an abscess had formed in the interior of the lung. The pleural surfaces of the ribs near this lung were __ged with blood. The right lung and heart were normal.

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday 24 Feb 1890

The funeral of James Brown occurred this afternoon and was largely attended by the friends of the family. The Odd Fellows turned out in a body. The floral offerings were elaborate and beautiful. The services were conducted by Rev. G. W. Switzer, assisted by Rev. J. W. Greene, Rev. H. M. Middleton and Rev. E. T. Lane. Interment at Oak Hill.

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 3 Jan 1891

“Departed Year of 1890” – February 20 – Death of James Brown