John B. Brown, prominent attorney of Monmouth and a member of the firm of Brown, Safford, Graham & Soule was found dead in his room at his palatial home, about 10:30 o’clock last Friday night by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Irene E. Smith. A .405 caliber rifle containing a shell which had been discharged was found beside the bed on which the body rested giving evidence that the man had taken his own life. From appearances it seems that Brown had made preparations for the act as he had removed the shoe and stocking from his right foot and had apparently used his toes to trip the hammer and send it crashing on the percussion cap of the shell. Mr. Brown was a prominent republican and was always actively interested in local and national politics. He was an eloquent speaker and appeared in public many times at important events.
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John B. Brown, one of Monmouth’s leading attorneys, committed suicide by blowing the top of his head off with a charge fired from a shotgun on last Friday night after he had retired to his room. His mangled body was found soon after the deed by his mother-in-law, who lived with him. Brown’s mind is supposed to have been affected by grief over the death of his wife, which occurred a few months ago.