Obituary of Rev James BROWNLEE, Jackson County, Illinois This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Obituary of Rev. James Brownlee appearing in Barton's Free Press, Carbondale, Illinois, January 15, 1887 Rev. James Brownlee was born in County Down, Ireland, March 12, 1812; died in this city January 8, 1887. Though born in Ireland, he was of Scotch descent. His father dying at an early age, Mr. Brownlee was thrown upon his own resources. He learned the trade of a weaver, completing his apprenticeship at the age of 19. At that time he came to America, stopping for a while in Philadelphia. In that city he continued his education - working at his trade during the day and studying at night. Here also he became a member of the Presbyterian Church, for life. He afterward removed to Indiana, entering Hanover College. He was ordained a minister in 1837. His ministerial labors in Indiana extended through a period of twenty years at Columbus, Connersville and Franklin. He was devoted to his work, but found time to help in forwarding the cause of education. Being prominent in the establishment of the system of free schools in his adopted State. He was also a noted temperance advocate. At the age of 26 he was united in marriage to Lavinia McClung Graham, which union was blessed with five children, four of whom are living. The wife died in 1864. When the division on the slavery question in the Presbyterian Church occurred, Mr. Brownlee, Ever a strong and active opponent of human slavery, allied himself with the new school wing, which refused fellowship to slaveholders. In 1857 he removed with his family to Kansas, taking charge of the church at Auburn in Shawnee County. He took an active interest in the affairs of the infant State and acquired a wide reputation. Those of us who knew Mr. Brownlee in the latter years of his life only knew him after a somber shadow had closed around him, which continued to darken until death came to relieve him. Let us return to his life in Kansas. We need not say that when the war broke out Mr. Brownlee espoused the cause of the Union. In 1864, while yet at Auburn, General Price made an advance through Missouri to the eastern border of Kansas. Volunteer troops and militia were ordered to the front to oppose the rebel advance. Both of Mr. Brownlee's sons were with the former. A militia company composed of Mr. Brownlee's parishioners was hurried forward. A battle was fought: the company of militia was almost annihilated - only seven men escaped to tell the story of the butchery. When the news reached Auburn a (??????) of distress and horror followed. All the younger men of the town had gone to the front, and all were killed or captured but seven. Mr. Brownlee was the only minister in the place, the Methodist minister having joined the Union forces. From every quarter frantic women and children gathered, met in the church and held continuous services for several days. The minister buried his own grief in his effort to relieve the sufferings of others, going from house to house to cheer and comfort the wretched and stricken ones. This strain upon the good man's brain was so long and so severe as to leave enduring effects. The terrible picture of distress was impressed upon his mind while life should last. He was never afterward the same man. In 1870 he was married to Sophia Cutler by whom he had one child; both survive him. Here, where Mr. Brownlee died, he was highly respected. His appearance was that of a venerable and great man. For ten years he had been too feeble to engage in active labor af any character. His death was simply a wearing out of the vital machinery. He went to sleep in death as peacefully as a child. ***************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproducd in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ***************************************************************** Contributed by: Bill Brownlee