Capt. J. L. Brown is the son of Rev. B. Brown, and a grandson of Joseph Brown, a native of Virginia, who came at a very early day to Maury County, Tenn. There the father of the subject of this sketch was born in 1806 or 1807. He afterward moved with his father to Perry County, where he married, and some years later entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1851 he moved to Madison County, West Tennessee, where he remained until 1865. He then located in Crockett County, where he died in 1877. He married Mary Mays, who was born in Perry County, Tenn., in 1812, and who died in 1885. Capt. J. L. Brown was born in Perry County in 1829, and was one of a family of seven sons and five daughters. He remained at home until he became twenty years of age. In December, 1853, he married Nancy E. Roper, a native of Wayne County, born in 1838. He soon after located in Madison County, where he was engaged in farming at the breaking out of the war. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Sixth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, of which he was elected captain. He led his company in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, and numerous minor engagements. At the battle of Perryville he was severely wounded, and after his recovery he joined Forrest's command, with which he served until the close of the war. In 1871 he located at Newbern, Dyer County, where for seven years he conducted a blacksmith shop, and wagon and carriage manufactory. In 1879 he purchased a farm upon which he has since resided. Capt. Brown is a man possessing a high sense of honor, and is universally esteemed by the community in which he lives. He is a Democrat in politics, and since 1882 has filled the office of magistrate. He is the father of eight children: Mary Julitta (wife of C. F. Brown), Basdil W. Lee, Annie, Minnie, Willie, Johnny and Charley. Himself and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.