John C. Brown was born on March 13, 1844, at Jefferson County, Ohio, and had not completed his public school education when the American Civil War broke out.

[3] His military career ended when he was injured at the Battle of Peachtree Creek and lost a leg July 19, 1864.

[2] After returning from war, he engaged in business in Steubenville, Ohio, where he was elected Jefferson County Treasurer in 1867 and 1869.

[2] In 1883 Brown was nominated by the Republican Party for Ohio State Treasurer, but lost the general election.

[2] In 1885, Brown was married to Malona Glover of Jefferson County, and had one son and one daughter, who both survived him.