Biography of Francis S. BROWER, Keene Township, Ionia County, Michigan


Copyright © 1997 by Rebecca Bishop. This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  

 

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 From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Ionia and Montcalm Counties,
1891, page 348:

   " Francis S. BROWER. This representative farmer of Keene Township
belongs to a family that is numbered among the early settlers of Ionia 
County, having come here in 1840. He was born in Monroe County, N.Y., 
January 11, 1836, and his parents were Zaccheus and Elizabeth (Goodwin) 
Brower. His father was a native of the same State as himself and his 
mother was born in New Hampshire. 
Upon removing to this State they made their home in Easton Township a few
months, then took possession of the land now operated by our subject. It 
consists of eighty acres, which was secured from the Government at $1.25
per acre.
    Mr. Brower, the father, felled trees and built a log cabin about 18X22
feet, which was still his residence when he was stricken by a fatal illness 
and died in 1856. The widowed mother survived until 1883 and saw many
changes on the homestead and in the surrounding country. In the death of 
Zaccheus Brown the county lost an estimable citizen, who had been 
industrious and public spirited and who had cheerfully endured the untoward 
circumstances of pioneer life. He had served as School Director and Justice 
of the Peace. He voted with the Democratic party.
    Of the ten children comprising the parental family the present (1891) 
survivors are Sylvester, Francis S., Harmon, Oliver, Fillmore and Arabella, 
now Mrs. Joseph Monk. Francis has been a life-long farmer and during his 
boyhood took part in the labor by which the section in which he now lives
was reclaimed from the forest wildness and wrought into fair and fruitful
farms. He obtained his education in schools which afforded advantages 
decidedly inferior to those of the present day, but like other men of 
natural intelligence and ambition he has gained wisdom from various sources
sinceleaving the school room.
    The lady who has charge of the domestic economy at Mr. Brower's home
became his wife May 27, 1869, prior to which date she was known as Miss Anna
Street. She was born in the Province of Ontario May 4, 1846, and is a 
daughter of Erastus and Jane (Folwell) Street. Her father was born in St. 
Catherine's, Ontario, and her mother was a native of Niagara County, NY. 
The father died in Canada, April 21, 1852. The mother with her family 
removed to Iowa when Mrs. Brower was about 10 years old, and came to Ionia 
County in 1866, making her home in Saranac, and dying there January 18, 
1867. Of the eight children born to her the only survivor beside Mrs. 
Brower is Charles D., whose home is in Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Brower have 
had eight children, but three have been removed from them by death. The 
living are Francis H., Orpha E., Harvey E., Orla E., and Mary A. Orpha is 
now the wife of Peter D. Sparks. 
    The political allegiance of Mr. Brower is given to the Democratic
party, but he has a decided leaning toward Greenback principles. He has 
often been chosen for town offices but would accept no public position, 
preferring the quietude of home life. His sterling integrity and 
conservatism are well known to his acquaintances, and he and his capable 
and intelligent wife are respected members of society."
 






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