Let’s introduce you to Anna Brown, born on November 18, 1815, in Marion, Wayne County, New York. In keeping with tradition, she was named after her mother, Anna Gould Crane. Her father was Zebina Crane, Sr.
On January 10, 1833, she married James Brown, also a native of Wayne County, New York, born in Sodus on October 14, 1810. James was the son of James Brown, Sr., and Orinda Gary Brown. Together, Anna and James embarked on a journey to Illinois in 1834, making the long trip from New York in a wagon. Some of their fellow Illinois-bound neighbors chose to travel down the newly constructed Erie Canal.
Upon their arrival in 1834, Anna and James found themselves on the eastern edge of the Big and Little Woods in Illinois. Fortunately, they didn’t need to clear land for farming as they settled on the forest’s edge. They wasted no time building a log cabin and tending to their farm. Eventually, they constructed a brick home, which still stands proudly today on what is now Eola Road.
Despite James’s inability to read or write, he earned a reputation as a veterinarian, particularly known for his skills with horses. He was also a dedicated and successful farmer, providing for his family. However, their land claims faced challenges as others attempted to stake their own claims. This issue led to the formation of the Claim Protection Society in 1834, later known as the Big Woods Claim Society, which worked to resolve disputes between original land claimants and those trying to take over.
James and Anna’s family grew with the birth of 11 children: De Witt, Anna, Francis, Charles, Mary Ellen, William, Louisa, Sarah, James, David Gould, and Myron. All their children survived to adulthood except Louisa, who sadly passed away in 1857 at the age of 13.
In 1850, in response to community needs, James and Anna generously donated land for the construction of The Big Woods Church. Local men crafted the church using wood from the area. Shortly after, they also deeded additional land next to the church to create a cemetery.
Anna Brown’s remarkable journey came to an end in 1858 when she passed away at the age of 43. Her memory lives on as part of the rich history of the Big Woods area.