Abner Brown was born 2-28-1837 in Cohocton, Steuben Co, NY. The following is an excerpt from his obituary in the Marcellus News: “In 1856 he came to Michigan , staying at Fentonville with an uncle the first night and worked at Jackson the first winter. In the spring of '57 he came to Nicholsville and worked on a farm. Soon after this he bought his first farm and here amid the virgin forests he toiled early and late to clear his farm and establish the beginning of a prosperous home.” He married Frances Elnora/Eldora Welcher on 1-18-1878 . She was born 5-3-1857 in Cass Co, MI. Together, had 6 children: Floyd ( 6-24-1878 ), Wilbur ( 2-19-1880 ), Emory ( 11-17-1881 ), George ( 6-14-1885 ), Bird ( 2-14-1891 ) and a baby boy ( 12-19-1898 ) who survived less than 2 months. In 1860, Abner was in Volinia working on the farm of A.B. Copley. By 1870, Abner had a farm worth $4000 and a personal estate of $1500. Abner’s parents and 3 youngest siblings were living with him and his wife. They lived next door to Nora’s half-brother, Manley, and near Abner’s brother Gaylord and his family. In 1900, Abner still lived on the farm which they owned free of a mortgage. Also from his obituary: “In over fifty years' residence on one farm in Volinia, friends and neighbors always found Abner Brown strictly honest and upright in dealing with his fellow men. His hand was ever out-stretched and ready to help those that tried to help themselves. Many a basket of fruit and delicacies has he carried to a sick neighbor. Before the disabilities of disease and age confined him at home he was ever willing to do all in his power to alleviate the suffering of those who were ill or in distress. Living an honest, upright life he was ready to go when the summons came. He had chosen the friends he wished to carry him to the final resting place, and made other necessary arrangements doing all he could to lighten the grief of his family.” After a long and painful struggle with diabetes he passed away 7-9-1909. He was buried in Pioneer cemetery (now called Crane Cemetery ).