Coopersville Observer, June 26, 1908
Joseph Brown
Joseph Brown died at his residence in Nunica, Michigan, June 17, 1908, age 82 years, 10 months, 10 days.
Mr. Brown was born in Colerain, Franklin County, Mass, August 7, 1825, and came to Michigan in April 1850. He bought a piece of wild land just north of Coopersville now owned by L. E. Peck, and was one of the oldest settlers in this locality. He was married December 28, 1852 to Sarah A., oldest daughter of Henry Lawton. He enlisted in Co. L, Third Reg. Infantry as corporal on May 13, 1861, at Grand Rapids, Mich., was mustered in June 10, 1861 and participated in the First Battle of Bull Run, battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Manassas, the Siege of Yorktown and the Second Battle of Bull Run and on the second day of this battle, August 29, 1862, he was shot through the left thigh and left for dead. After three days he was removed to a hospital, and on March 21, 1863, he underwent an operation of excision of the head, neck, and trocanter of the left femur, and was discharged from Fairfax Seminary Hospital August 25, 1863.
In the fall of 1867 he was appointed postmaster at Coopersville, which office he held for sixteen consecutive years, and was also Justice of the Peace for several years.
In November 1863, he moved to Nunica and went into partnership with his son, Fremont, in the grist mill which burned about six years ago.
He joined the I. O. O. F. in 1849 in Hyde Park, now Scranton, Penn. H was also a member of the G. A. R., but owing to his disability he could not attend their meetings.
He was a lifelong Republican, was a consistent Christian and was honored and respected bay all who knew him. To his children he left the heritage of an unblemished life, and to them he was a standard of perfection.
He leaves an aged widow, seven children, 22 grand-children, one great-grandchild, and a host of friends. His funeral was held at Nunica Sunday, June 21, and he was buried in Coopersville cemetery, Rev. Ingalls officiating. The text was "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."