Jack Brown is Dead
The people of Pawnee and surrounding country, and more particularly his family were much surprised and saddened when the news arrived of the sudden death of their father, John Brown [sic – Jackson Brown], (better known as Pawnee Jack) who breathed his last in Topeka at 6 o’clock last Thursday. The surprise was so much the greater because he left for Topeka only two weeks before, seemingly in possession of fairly good health and promised to be back soon again to see his family about the time farm work was in progress. His body was brought to his old home in Pawnee last Saturday and the funeral was held Sunday with Rev. Cope of Lebanon officiating. He delivered an eloquent and impressive address and spoke at great length on the exemplary life the deceased had led and pointed out in a most lucid manner the many traits in connection with his life, and the great honor due him in raising such a large and respectable family, never losing an opportunity of guiding and instructing his children, both spiritually and temporally, which good work culminated in adding much to his happiness during life. The sermon was delivered in the Pawnee union church, a beautiful edifice the erection of which was largely due to the efforts of the deceased and his family. The funeral procession was then formed and proceeded to the Mt. Hope cemetery where he was laid to rest with his beloved wife and three children.
The vocation of the deceased in his younger days was that of traveling salesman, traversing several eastern and northen states. Later he came to Pawnee, Smith county, was married and started to farm. [sic- he married in Iowa] Through the frugality and perseverance of himself and his family, they came into possession of three sections of land and all the family are now prosperous and happy. One characteristic feature of the life of Mr. Brown is the remarkably large family he raised and educated in a manner which reflects so much credit upon the parents and makes the children all worthy citizens of the community. The family was blessed with fifteen children, all except three surviving their parents, seven boys and five girls. Their names are Fred, Dell, Lee, John, Frank, Ernest, Harry, Mrs. Austin Spurrier, Mrs. W. H. Blair, Mrs. George Peterson, Mrs. Frank Delka and Mrs. John Crabb. After the death of his wife six years ago Mr. Brown’s health gradually gave way and he was periodically attacked with heart disease and he spent most of his time in Topeka with his son-in-law Dr. John Crabb, a physician of much repute, but notwithstanding the care, skill and energy of the doctor the ever relentless disease accomplished its mission and as usual gave little warning of its deadly blow when at last it claimed our much lamented friend and neighbor. – A Neighbor.
[Source: Smith County Pioneer; May 4, 1916; page 2, Col. 1]
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The Silent Reaper
Death of Jack Brown
Not entirely unexpected, however deeply regretted, came the announcement last Thursday of the death of J. M. Brown at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. A. Crabb, at Topeka. His health has been failing for the last four years since the death of his wife, in August, 1911. Jack Brown, or the “Pawnee Chief,” as he was known among the pioneers of this county, settled with his family in Pawnee township in the spring of 1872. It was a pretty new country at that time and the settlers were few and far between, but he became a part of the country and a part of the community, the early history of Smith county and especialy the northeast part, being indebted to him for many of its advances. He was always prominent in the political affairs of the county and was one of a half dozen democrats to stand for the principles of the party when it was anything but popular to do so. He never asked for nor held a county office, but the politicians were always quite sure where he stood before they completed their plans for managing things. Mr. Brown was married to Miss Mary L. Myers, in Jones county, Iowa, in 1867, and to this union were born twelve children, seven boys and five girls. With the exception of Mrs. J. A. Crabb, who lives in Topeka, all the children are residents of this county and are highly respected citizens. The funeral services were conducted at the old home church known as the Pawnee church, last Sunday noon, Rev. Hope, of Lebanon, in charge. The inclement weather was no interference to a large circle of friends and old-time neighbors who showed by their presence the high esteem in which he was held.
[Source: Smith County Journal; May 4, 1916]