Came to the US from Liverpool, England on 16 Apr 1908 of the ship Arabic bound for New York.

Rachel was born in Finland and raised in Titusville, PA. She came to Akron, OH in 1925 to work as a secretary at Firestone and later, at Star Rubber and Goodrich. After her marriage to John in 1932, the couple owned and operated Brownie's Service Station for 31 years. She later worked as a secretary at Valv-Trol, retiring in 1970. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a Girl Scout leader at Lockwood Church. She was a charter member of Community Church of Portage Lakes, where she served as deaconess, choir member, Missionary Group secretary and Women's Guild president. She was also active in Coventry Band Parents, Eastern Star, Barberton Women's Club, Portage Lakes Historical Society and Republican Club. She loved reading, gardening playing the piano and singing. Like her husband she was a skilled marksman.

She was a fine grandparent and an important part of her grandchildren’s lives. This was especially true with Marion and Curt’s children as they lived close by.

Maiden name also appears as Ekblaum.

Martha Marks- John quit school, lied about his age and enlisted in the Marines. One story is the family had to help him get out as it was too much for him, another is that his mother made him get out as he was only 14. He then started school to be a tree surgeon, but only stayed a few weeks. He got a job in Greensburg, PA working for a store to repair battery rods. At that time all batteries had acid in them and he wasn't happy in that work. Bess and Dud Hunker then had him come to Akron, OH and he settled down. He also served in the Army during World War II as a Sergeant where he was an excellent marksman and won many metals for his shooting ability.

He owned Brownie’s Service Station from 1932 to 1963. It included a restaurant and a small store. In the 1950’s there was a major expansion which included a significant wheel alignment business as well as other full service mechanical repairs. “Brownie’s” was supportive of the Coventry Township community including such events as “Band Day”, with all profits from the event going to support the Coventry High School Band. After selling the station he became a top-notch machinist.

John Brown was active in Masons and was Past Master of Portage Lakes Lodge 567. A 32nd Degree Mason, he was also active in other branches of the Masonry. This included being Past High Priest of Portage Chapter 202 Royal Arch Masons, member of the Eastern Star, installing officer and past secretary of the Portage Lakes Lodge. John was also a Charter Member of the Community Church of Portage Lakes, a member of the American Legion and a member of the Coventry Township Zoning Board. As a result of his rifle marksmanship he was a founder of the Portage Rifle Club. In later years he was an avid gardener and woodworking hobbyist including....

He was described by his daughter Marion as a great-grandpa whose grand children loved dearly and miss very much after his death. John was laid-up for the last nine months of his life by a broken hip.