From the Portrait and Biographical Record, Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties Michigan, Chapman Brothers, 1892, page 655:
PHILO M. BROWN, one of the representative farmers residing in Pine Grove Township, Van Buren County, is a son of Daniel B. Brown, a native of Pittsford, Vt., born August 15, 1800. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade. The mother was Fannie (Pike) Brown, a native of Bennington, Vt., born in `1804. They were married in Vermont, and removed to New York State, and thence to Warren County, Pa., where they resided until 1849, and at that time came to Michigan and settled in Waverly Township, this county, on a wild farm. Neighbors were very scarce, and the land was very heavily timbered. He worded at his trade and resided there until 1865, when he decided to come to Pine Grove Mills, and remained here the rest of his life, dying in November, 1886. The mother died February 9, 1872. They were to parents of twelve children, five now surviving. Seven of the sons served in the Civil War, and Erastus was a prisoner at Andersonville. The father gave but little attention to politics, but always took an interest in good schools and gave his children good educations. The mother was a member of the Free-will Baptist Church.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest child and was born December 4,1 847, in Warren County, Pa., and came to Michigan when but two years old. He has always been a farmer and remained at home and cared for his parents when they were old. He was married June 26, 1869, to Amanda M. Myers, a native this county. He settled on his present farm of wild and unbroken land in 1865 and has improved the farm himself. It consists of seventy-five acres, and adjoins the village of Pine Grove Mills, his residence being in the village.
Mrs. Brown passed from this life May 3, 1873. the original of this sketch was a second time united in marriage, taking as his wife, April 15, 1875, Miss Hattie Gallon, a native of England, having been born there in 1850, and come to American when a child.
Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has held all
the offices in that lodge, except Chancellor Commander. He was largely
instrumental in laying out Pine Grove Mills, a large part of which lies
on his farm. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, but has never
had a desire for official positions. Mr. Brown and his family are
held in the highest esteem by all their neighbors and acquaintances for
their sagacious, industrious and honest habits.
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This bio was sent to me by Michalene Cardella - [email protected]
Philo Brown was the brother of her gr gr gr grandmother Rebecca
Brown Whitford. Thanks Michalene!