030199 Freeman had a heart attack at an early age. He retired early and lived in poor health. Lois kept things together. She was an R.N. at the local hospital. The kids were a wild bunch; Sonny, Ellen and Steve. I loved and got along with each of them.
























Bud Carter and Aunt Grace were a great couple. Aunt Grace had a laugh that started at her toes and vibrated through her body out to an amazing cackle. A wonderful lady with twinkling eyes. I still remember how she said my name, Gaaaareeee.

Uncle Bud was something of an entrepreneur. For a time I believe he ran the only movie theater we ever had in Buchanan. He started the Arrow Grill where the greasiest, best hamburgers in the world were made. In the back of the grill was first a bowling alley, before my time, then a pool room. I learned to shoot 'pocket billiards' and all about the female anatomy in that pool room at the ripe old age of 9 or 10.

Uncle Bud also built a local lake park. He called it 'Seabreeze' and had a beach, camp grounds, play ground, a skating rink, a putt-putt course, and a big swimming pool. He had boat races, dances and a general hang out for the kids. For a small town, this was big stuff. I learned to swim in that pool and never had a better tan. Uncle Bud smoked a pipe, the first one I ever saw. He was a smaller person that Aunt Grace but was a giant of a man to the kids of Buchanan.
























Just a note. Suzanne is the only Nun in the family to the best of my knowledge. I make a point of this because I respect anyone who has and shows that much commitment in their life. I wish I had known her or could meet her now.
























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Debbie When my mother died, my father was a little lost. After a couple of years he met a wonderful lady, Debbie. The age difference between them was not an issue and they were married in 1995. I was the Best Man. On that day my dad seemed happier than I had ever seen him.
























Austin In 1997 Debbie and Jim had a baby. Austin is my brother and I am 46 years older than him. If we lived together, I wonder if we would have that sibling conflict? My dad was 68. He can handle it but Lord knows I am not going to try it. Austin is a real character and hearing about some of this adventures makes me very proud of him.
























My Aunt Shirley (Bobba) and my Uncle Lowell seem to be an unlikely pair but since their marriage in 1956 they have built a strong and loving family. Starting in 1958 they had four children, each three years after each other; 1958, 1961, 1964, 1967. Lowell is like a wise old owl. He speaks if and only if there is something worth saying and grunts if your question has no relevance. Shirley is like a humming bird, here, there, everywhere and I can't imagine her every slowing down. Bobba has always looked after me and probably knows more about me than I do.
























Eddie is the oldest of the Shirley-Lowell clan, born in 1958. He married Lisa in 1983. They build their home on top of a hill then had Todd and Trent. I think in his spare time Eddie raises bid ducks(?) from BIG eggs.
























Mark was number two of the Shirley-Lowell clan born in 1961. Something of an independent cuss, he was over 30 before he married Donna in 1992. They have two girls, Brittney and Abigail. Donna is the editor and lead reporter for the Ayer's Times.
























Faith was the third of the Shirley-Lowell clan born in 1964. She fell in love and in 1983 married the high school football coach, Randy. They have two boys, Allen and Adam.
























Anthony was the last of the Shirley-Lowell clan born in 1967. He married Lisa in 1967. They have a little girl, Taylor.
























Uncle Buddy, or Whiskers to my daughter.
























Hilary was a cheerleader. With a group peers she was on her way to camp but experience an automobile accident. Several of the girls were killed and Hilary was badly injuried. The majority of her bones were broken and she was in a coma for a couple of months. She did wake up but had extensive brain damage. I met her about this time in the Shepherd's hospital. She could not talk nor focus on people. With treatment from that special group at Shepherd's, she was talking, walking and reading again within three months. Hilary is one of the strongest ladies I have ever met. She is at home now and I wish her well in the new live God has given her.














Harvey Alexander Holcombe was born May 13, 1875. Emma Daniel was born January 21, 1877. They were married on August 13, 1896. He was 21 and she was 19.

Life must have been very hard for them. Their family had to deal with a lot of tragedy. Harvey and Emma had seven children but only two lived; Clelen Isaiah and Jewel Magelen.

Their first child was born seven months after the marriage. Merty Lee live 3 days. Their second child, Hattie May, was born a year later and lived just over 3 months. Emma was 22 and had lost two baby girls. The following year, 1899, the third child, Clelen, was born. Uncle Clelen live to the age of 83.

Harvey and Emma's fourth child was born in 1902 but died at birth. This child was not given a name. The following year, 1903, my grandmother Jewel was born. The sixth child was born in the winter of 1909 but only lived 5 days. The seventh and last child was a male, Chester. Chester was born in 1911 but died 4 months later during the winter.

Harvey was 36, Emma just turned 35 and they had lost 5 children. I was 35 when I first married. I can not imagine how old they felt when they were the same age. Harvey died at the age of 60 and Emma at the age of 69.
























John Robert Brown was born August 19, 1869 and lived to the age of 69. Nancy Louvenie Canary Blackmon was born August 6, 1872 and lived to the age of 82. Together they had three girls and two boys. Their youngest, John Robert Jr, died at an early age. The other boy, Henry Marvin, was my grandfather. At my current count (of what I know), John Robert and Nancy's descendents total; 5 children, 17 grand children, 46 great grand children, and 69 great great grand children.

You will note that the last two males with the surname Brown are my son Sean and my little brother Austin. It is up to them to carry on the name of John Robert Brown.