The room was full as the Brown family turned out in force to honor James Brown who recently turned 90. James and his late wife Dode have attended the Roots meetings for many years. Jim is the grandson of Elizabeth Cleary Head. Many of Jim’s brothers and sisters came from around central Illinois to help him celebrate.
Jim’s nephew, John Brown, honored his uncle by presenting to the group the family history of the Brown line. The first John Brown came from Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, in 1847. By 1880, the Brown’s had settled in the Champaign IL area where many descendants remain today. A photo of immigrant John Brown as a tourist at Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon, in the 1880s is shown here. (Yes, there were tourists in 1880s!)
Also mentioned was what was happening in 1924 at the time of Jim’s birth……Babe Ruth regained his home run crown……..A Chinese war was being fought by rival military governor’s for control of Shanghai……..a paved section of highway connecting Bloomington and El Paso was being completed…… the KKK was holding a barbeque with vaudeville acts, drum corps, and marching band…. and the U.S. Army encircled the globe by air taking 5 months to complete the journey.
Birthday cake provided by the family was enjoyed by all and lots of photos were taken.
Future Roots meetings will be held on the 4th (fourth) Friday of the month at 1:00 p.m. so that Denny’s Restaurant can accommodate us.
Quite a few messages were read from those that could not attend. Our next meeting will be Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at Denny’s.
Prepared by Mary Stack
