LEVI P. BROWN. Especially worthy of note among the active and progressive men who have contributed so largely towards the development and advancement of the agricultural prosperity of Madison County is Levi P. Brown, a well-known farmer of Van Buren Township. A son of the late John G. Brown, he was born on the farm where he now resides, his birth having occurred on October 31, 1857. Born in Rush County, John G. Brown obtained the rudiments of his education in the public schools of his native district, and completed his studies in the rural schools of Madison County, Subsequently purchasing a tract of land in Van Buren Township, he began the improvement of a farm,. and was there busily engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at a comparatively early age, in 1871. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Allen, seven children were born, as follows: Catherine J.; Levi P.; Mary E., deceased; Nancy Ellen; Samuel R.; George W.; and John H.
Brought up on the parental homestead, Levi P. Brown first attended the Allen school, later continuing his studies in the Township school. While yet a boy he became familiar with the various branches of agriculture, and after the death of his father assisted his mother in the management of the home place, which he now owns and occupies, he having purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the estate, He was for many years very active and successful in the management of his fine farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, but having accumulated a competency he has relegated the care of the estate to his son-in-law, and is now living retired, enjoying a well-deserved leisure from business affairs.
Mr. Brown married, September 22, 1880, Emma Florence Allen, a daughter of Amos G. and Salina (Runyan) Allen, Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely A child that died in infancy; Adah Mae, wife of Robert Broyles; Garry, who lived on the Brown farm, and had charge of its management; and Lulu F., wedded A. E. Tomlinson and resides with her parents. Garry Brown, the only son, married, September 22, 1910, Edna Trader, a daughter of Harvey and Eldy (Woolen) Trader, and they have one child, Dorothy Florence.
Religiously Mr. Brown is an active and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as steward. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and is prominent in public affairs, taking an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the improvement of the community in which he is living.