J. C. Brown, who is extensively engaged in farming in Pleasant Vale township, resides two and a half miles south of New Canton upon a farm, which in its thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. He was born in this township, February 13, 1855, his parents being Andrew and Nancy (Shewie) Brown. The father came to Pike county at an early day and as the years passed by he won for himself a creditable position in agricultural circles, owning and operating a farm of two hundred acres, whereby he provided a comfortable living for his family. He had four children, of whom only one survives J. C. of this review. The father was but thirty-two years of age at the time of his death but he is still survived by the mother, who now makes her home with her son, J. C. Brown.

To the public-school system of Pike county Mr. Brown of this review is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which claimed much of his attention during the period of his youth. He was married July 24, 1884. to Miss Rachel Rankin, who was born in New Salem and was a daughter of Hugh and Rachel (Stewart) Rankin, of Irish descent. Her parents came to America from Ireland in early life and in their family were seven children, of whom five are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have but one child, Andrew Carson, who was born December 5, 1890, and is under the parental roof.

J. C. Brown is the owner of the old home farm which was left to him and his brother and his entire life has been devoted to the tilling to the tilling of the soil and to stock-raising. He owns here three hundred and seventeen acres of land, which is very arable, and the productive fields annually yield rich harvests. The farm is situated on sections 26 and 27, Pleasant Vale township, along the bluff. He raises the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also has considerable stock upon his place, raising a large number of hogs and breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle. The farm is well fenced and is divided into fields of convenient size. The buildings are in good repair and furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He has also erected a beautiful residence, which forms one of the pleasing features of the landscape in this part of the county. The passerby does not need to inquire concerning the character of the owner of this property for, his sterling qualities are manifested in the fine appearance of his place. In politics he is a democrat and for some years has served as school trustee. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen camp at New Canton, but the number of his friends is not limited by his membership in this organization, as he is widely and favorably known throughout the county, where his entire life has been passed.

Source: Past and Present Of Pike County and IL by Capt. Massie 1906