The Brown Papers consist of around 500 items covering a period from 1800 to 1865. The papers contain both personal and business correspondence of Jacob Jennings Brown and his family and the accounts of Edmond Kirby, the son-in-law of Jacob Brown. The papers give a clear picture of pioneer life in Northern New York as well as a sense of the military life of the time.
August 1820 letter from the Brown/Kirby Family Papers.
Collection Overview
Jacob Jennings Brown founded the village of Brownville NY. After outstanding service during the War of 1812, he was made general-in-chief of the army, a position he held until his death. His son-in-law Edmond Kirby also had a distinguished army career. He also was active in founding a number of businesses in and around Brownville, including the Jefferson Woolen Mill in Dexter. The collection consists of both personal and business correspondence of Jacob Jennings Brown, his son-in-law Edmond Kirby, and their families. In their correspondence they often discuss national politics as well as family and business affairs.