Major-General Brown

The village of Brownville as well as the town was greatly indebted to General Brown for his active interest in everything pertaining to its welfare. During the whole of his residence here of twenty-two years he was indefatigable in his efforts to aid, and liberal in his patronage; where the good of the village was concerned. His official duties never made him forgetful of its interests, and it was with deep regret he found that in the discharge of military duties his residence must be removed to Washington in 1821. Here he continued to reside for seven years, latterly much broken in health from disease contracted at Fort Erie. He died at Washington, February 24, 1828, aged fifty-two.

In 1812-14, Hon. Moses Kent, representative in congress of General Brown’s district, wrote to one of his constituents:

“Another resolution has this day been introduced, offering the thanks of Congress to General Brown, Scott, and Gaines for their brilliant victories on the Niagara frontier over a superior British force. The resolution is postponed for a few days. General Brown is here the subject of the extravagant praise, and I believe if Congress was to authorize the appointment of a lieutenant general he would be the man.”

Among other acknowledgments for his distinguished services, he received a gold medal from the President, and the thanks of Congress. The legislature of the State of New York presented him a sword with resolutions expressive of approbation and the freedom of the city of New York was presented to him in a gold box.

His remains were laid in the Congressional cemetery at Washington, and Congress erected over his grave a monument commemorative of his service. The device was a broken column; upon the east side of the base was the inscription:

“Sacred

to the memory of Major-General Brown,

By birth, by education, by principle,

Devoted to peace.

In defense of his country,

A warrior.

To her service he dedicated his life,

Wounds received in her cause abridged his days.”

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Transcribed by Holice B. Young from Jefferson Co. History by L. H. Everts.