M. K. BROWN, who resides at No. 607 West High Street, is a well known citizen of Piqua and is now retired from business activity. He was born in that city in November, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary (Knox) Brown, his father being one of the pioneer manufacturers of Piqua.

John Brown was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, and was among the early settlers of Miami County coming as early as 1805, He was a hatter by trade and engaged in the manufacture of hats in Piqua for many years. He took an active part in the affairs of that period and for years served on the school board. His death occurred September 15, 1846. He married Mary Knox, who was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, and they reared a family of four children: James Harvey Brown, who is deceased; Mary T. Brown; Henry C. Brown; and M. K. Brown. Mary (Knox) Brown, the mother of this family, first came to Miami County, Ohio, in 1816, from Tennessee, where she was born. Mrs. Brown died July 14, 1888.

M. K. Brown received a good public school training, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He farmed in Washington Township for a period of thirty-five years, then retired to Piqua to enjoy the fruits of his early toil. He and his brother, Henry C., own a valuable farm of 260 acres in that township, which they now rent out. Henry C. Brown is a prominent Mason, belonging to both Blue Lodge and Chapter. Miss Mary T. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church of Piqua.