Melissa M Sherman Melissa M Sherman (15) 1854-1932 Rodney J D Brown (15) 1854-1918

1854. In April Rodney J D Brown was born in Ohio, his parents were Jacob Brown and Hattie Hyde. 1854. Melissa was born 30 December in Oxford County, Ontario. 1860. Census of Watertown Twp, Tuscola County, Michigan indicated: Rodney Brown age 10, born in Ohio, lived on the farm of Less and Esther Lawrence. 1870. Census of Watertown Twp indicated: Melissa Sherman age 15 lived at home. 1872. Melissa Sherman married Rodney J D Brown. 1880. Census of Watertown Twp indicated: Rodney age 30, farmer, father born in MD and mother in NY, Melissa age 25, wife, keeping house, Cora E age 8, Russell J age 6, Robert age 2, Nellie J age 9 months, all children born in Michigan. 1888. Rodney owned 40 acres in Watertown Twp, this property was owned by A J Sherman in 1902. 1900. Census of Watertown Twp indicated two families in household: (1) Rodney Brown age 45, Melissa age 45, son Robby D age 22, daughter Ada H age 11, they were married for 28 years and owns farm free of mortgage, 10 children 7 living. (2) William Russel born Sep 1871 age 28, Cora Russel wife age 27, son Herman H age 3, son Arthur M age 4 months. Married for 9 years, living in rented house, 4 children 2 living, Cora is the daughter of the first family. 1902. R J Brown owned a 100 acre farm on Murphy Lake Road in Watertown Twp. 1905. About 40 friends and neighbors gathered at the home of Rodney Brown on Tuesday evening in honor of Arthur Sprague and wife, who leaves this week for their home in Canada. A very delightful time was enjoyed by all. 1913. Mrs D E Clink has sold the residence property on High Street to Rodney Brown. 1913. R J Brown will auction off his farm stock and implements, 3 miles South of Mayville on March 19. 1913. R J Brown bought property on Trend Street from David Kelly. 1915. Melissa Brown lived in Mayville MI. 1915. Family photographs show Melissa and her daughters Emeline and Mabel. 1917. Rodney bought part of William R Sherman's farm in Watertown Twp for $3,250, $2,500 mortgage paid in full 13 Dec 1917. Sold property 12 Dec 1917 to Sanford P Cole and Nora Cole for $3,400. 1918. On 3 Feb Rodney Brown a retired farmer, died of Aortic Steinrix and is buried in the Old Watertown Cemetery. 1919. On 10 Oct Melissa married 2nd to Erustice Rice age 75, farmer both lived in Mayville, he was born in WI, this was his third marriage. 192x. T J Brown estate owned 100 acres in Watertown Twp, a school and a Church were located on the property. 1932. Melissa died and is buried in the Old Watertown Cemetery, with her first husband.

Ten children of Rodney and Melissa Brown

1. Cora E Brown (16), born 1872, married Will Russel lived in Flint Michigan in 1932.

1-2.(no names) (17)

3. Herman H Russel (17), born 1900

4. Russel Brown (17), born 1900

2. William Brown (16), born 1873, died 1873 buried in Old Watertown Cemetery

3. Russel J Brown (16), born 1874, lived in Mayville in 1932

4. Mary M Brown (16), born 1876, died 1876 buried in Old Watertown Cemetery

5. Robert D Brown (16), born Feb 1878, lived in Pontiac Michigan 1932

6. Nellie J Brown (16), born 18793, died 1880 buried in Old Watertown Cemetery

7. Lucy M Brown (16), born 1881, died 1881 buried in Old Watertown Cemetery

8. Mable Brown (16), 1884-1967

9. Emeline Brown (16), born 1886, died 1971, married Arthur E Sprague born 1881, died 1962, both buried in Old Watertown Cemetery, also buried in same lot relationship unknown, Lucille Sprague (Breeze) 1853-1909, Luella Sprague 1908-1920, Gladys Mable Sprague 1 Sep 35 - 19 Mar 36, daughter of Ray and Eleanor Sprague.

10. Ada Brown (16), 1888-1978