Notes for John Brown: John Brown was born in Muskingum County, Ohio in February 1826. His father was John H. Brown, mother was Mary McPearson. John Brown settled in Nodaway Township in 1874. John Brown married 3 times. His first wife as Levina Libbie. 2nd. wife Mary James who died in Nodaway Township in April 1875. His 3rd. wife Miss Sarah Purdum . Sarahs parents were Nathan and Mary Harrison, natives of England. Her maternal grandparents were natives of Wales.