B. F. Brown was born in the state of Maine on September 18, 1818, and passed away at his home in Kirkman, Iowa, on July 15, 1914, at the age of ninety-five years, nine months, and twenty-seven days. His long life spanned nearly a century of extraordinary change in American history.
Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Brown was married four times and raised a large and far-reaching family. From his first marriage, two children were born: Anna and Charles, both of whom resided in Maine at the time of his death.
His second marriage was to Jane Kent. Seven sons were born to this union, two of whom preceded him in death. The surviving sons were Henry of Wyoming, Louis of Council Bluffs, Jewel of Arkansas, Ed of Wyoming, and Fred of Council Bluffs.
Mr. Brown’s third marriage was to Susan Beckwith. Three children were born from this marriage: George of Yellowstone Park, Anna of Cody, Wyoming, and Riley of Montana.
His fourth marriage was to Mary Stoker, who survived him.
In his young manhood, Mr. Brown experienced a religious conversion and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He remained a devoted member throughout his life, remembered as a consistent and faithful Christian.
During the Civil War, he served as a member of the Maine Guards. For many years, he received a pension from the state of Maine for a wound sustained during his military service. His life was marked by movement and resilience, as he resided in many of the northern states from Maine to Washington and spent a period of time living in Canada. The final five years of his life were spent in Kirkman, Iowa.
When reflecting on the many events that unfolded between 1818 and 1914, it was often remarked how remarkable it was that one individual could witness so many transformations across generations.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Kirkman and were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. C. W. Peer. Burial followed at Rose Hill Cemetery.
A card of thanks was later issued by his family, expressing sincere appreciation to friends who offered aid and comfort during the time of his death and burial.
Sources
Obituary titled “Death of B. F. Brown,” newspaper publication unknown, received via family records.