A Lot of Brown Around: Various Strands of Brown Surnames in Early America

Having BROWN trees on both sides of my own family lines, it can be confusing. Often, people jumble together lines not recognizing that the names for first names can be as confusing and common as the Brown surname.

(1) The England to Westmoreland-Prince William Lines of Virginia

I have identified one line of BROWN who arrived from England to Westmoreland Co., Virginia. "Original Brown" arrived in the early 1600's. This county will later include an area called Prince William County, Virginia and a long line of Brown family will be tracked there with common names of William, Mary, Jane, Thomas, etc.

This line includes, I believe, the line of a William Brown who married a Jane Doke.

Question: To which DNA haplogroup do these "Prince William Co" Browns belong?

(2) The Scotland to Massachusetts-New Jersey-Augusta/Bedford Co., Virginia

 Lines  

This line includes, the line of a Henry Brown (d. 1757 in attack during Native-Settler Conflict in old Augusta Co., Va (from which Botetourt Co is drawn), his son Henry Jr. (Bedford Co.) and others. Included are the Thomas Brown who fathered son Thomas Jr. who married Susannah Terry, daughter of William Terry of Botetourt Co., Va and whose daughter Esther married John Terry, Susannah's brother. 

Question: To which DNA haplogroup do these "Augusta Co., VA" Browns belong?

(3) The Scotland to Augusta Co. to Warren Co., Tenn Lines

This line (my mother's maternal line) had a legend that was kept by the family. It was a bit mangled but, after years of searching, and a moving the story back a generation or two, the pieces began to fall into place.

Components of the legend included: Family origin in Scotland, Native American ancestry (Cherokee), an indenture to work and a running away from that work, impressed service in the military to fight Native adversaries, a "marriage" with a native woman...  After searching for historic events to fit the life of the last (to that point) ancestor, Isaac H Brown, and finding none the hunt was pushed back. 

At the same time, DNA testing was being done and results had come in making connections.  Once the Revolutionary War Service statement of Thomas "Archibald" Brown of Warren Co., TN was found the story components were shocking. All the elements - save the native union - were there!  Research into the known family of the Warren Co., Tennessee group found numerous legal statements filed attesting to the that fact the family had Cherokee connections (through the wives, apparently) and many of the descendants were listed or filed for inclusion on federal lists of native peoples. 

Question: To which DNA haplogroup do these "Warren Co., TN" Browns belong?

According to descendants who contacted me, and to information from the Family Tree DNA webpage, the Haplogroups are J-M172. This includes my Isaac H Brown of Warren Co., Tn who migrated to Missouri.

A Thomas Brown was listed on Family Tree DNA, for Warren Co., TN and as " 82180 Brown Thomas Brown 1753 Augusta VA to Warren Co TN 1849 Unknown Origin I-P37"

Thomas Archibald Brown - Warren county, Tennessee

 Pioneer Thomas Brown, Revolutionary War Soldier [a grainy copy of this has sources but they are unreadable ...welcome information for citation]

Thomas Brown was born 28 February 1753 in Augusta Co, VA, son of Willia
m Brown and Elizabeth Black (discussed elsewhere in this book).

Item 1: Some claim no middle names were used this early unless related to family names - but evidence exists that the rule was not hard and fast and exceptions are always probable. Given how many "Thomas" and "Brown" men were out there ANY way to distinguish yourself might be welcome. 

Photo alleged to be
Thomas Archibald Brown

Item: The Issac Legend strongly supported origins in Edinburgh, Scotland. This DNA line supports that connection.

In his pension application, Thomas gave a detailed account of his Revolutionary war service and many relocations throughout his lifetime, although he stated “many years ago he received a severe hurt upon his head by the fall of a tree which together with extreme old age has greatly impaired his memory”.

Item: In my own branch of this line there was a legend of origins. This is known as the "Isaac H Brown Legend".  It was given to a younger son or grandson later in his life and time may have scrambled facts for Issac or, later, for his listener. Initial research into the "facts" of this legend had led several of us to the conclusion the events historically did not fit into Isaac's life. We needed, we agreed, to go further back into his father or grandfather's life. This narrative contains almost every single aspect of that legend and within a historical context that fits. 

In 1758 Thomas relocated to Rowan Co, NC with his father.  Later, the family moved to “Waxau, SC, not far from the NC line, a quarter mile from the Catawba River, 45 miles from Camden, and 3 miles from Widow Jackson, mother of Gen. Andrew Jackson”.  (Waxhaws, Camden District, SC).   Thomas’ father then apprenticed him to a hatter, [this hatter] who moved to Tryon Co, NC, taking Thomas with him.

Item: In the Isaac Legend is the concept of being apprenticed out and not liking it resulting in running away.

Thomas served 7 tours during the Revolutionary War in NC and SC from March 1776 to 1780 and served a term for his father who, “requested applicant to serve his tour … which applicant agreed to and did do.”  He married a Miss Green, year and place unknown at this time.  

Item: In the Isaac Legend is the concept that he was impressed into service as a soldier, fought with the "Indians" and others. Was injured in a battle, taken in and cared for by friendly Native Americans and married one of them....DNA connects children of a Celia "Seely" Green, full to part Cherokee, to a union with her and Thomas Archibald Brown (my own link is through their son Absolem B. Brown).

In 1780, he settled in what is now Sullivan Co, TN, later removing to Roane Co, TN, then later to Smith Co, TN.  He finally settled in Warren Co, TN in 1808.   An 1812 deed shows "key tract; 150 acres to Thomas Brown”.   Thomas died 3 September 1849 in Warren Co. at the age of 96. 

The 1850 TN Mortality Index shows he died at age 105.Thomas’ will, proved 4 Nov 1849 Warren Co, TN, named heirs:

sons William Brown, 

“heirs of my son Alexander Brown, dec’d”, 

daughters Margaret Hall, 

Martha Jarle,

 Nancy McGregor and 

Rebecca Brown,

 granddaughter  “Elizabeth Brown, daughter of my son Alexander Brown."

DNA is revealing that these were not his only sons.

Family dynamics and information unknown can explain the absence of heirs in a will...such absence in no way proves their existence...

People granted children their "share" when they left home and settled far away, people had falling out with their children or the reverse, and in some cases people selected those in most need of help (recognizing the success perhaps of others).

The "Family Faces" of Issac H Brown and Mary Mooney Brown, this author's line is the second from the left on the top row, Philadelphus Ptolemy (P.P.) Brown. Below are two images (younger and older versions) of my grandfather Burgess Franklin Brown.

Below is an image of Absolem B. Brown (with whom I have a DNA link as father of Isaac).

Absolem shares a DNA link with Thomas Archibald, and he had two wives (related and linked to Native American trees) and two family groups. I have found DNA links in both and with other children connected with Thomas Archibald Brown. 

I have seen other Brown lines and seen faces very similar to these shown here. Sometimes the "Family Face" tells a lot.

TERRY Lines Identified as I-02

 HAPLOGROUP TERRY I-02

Kit # 372182  Group I-02

0 William Terry b 1724  d 1803

+ Rachel Manson

1 John Terry b 1760 VA  d 07 Dec 1842 Perry Co IN

+ Esther Brown

2 John Terry b 1788 Hawkins Co TN  d 16 Oct 1848 Marion Co AR

+ Nancy Ennis d 30 Sep 1848 Marion Co AR

3 Clark Henderson Terry b 26 Feb 1838 Polk Co MO  d  07 Mar 1913 Washington Co AR

+ Tabitha Jane Long  b 31 Jan 1835 IN d 11 Apr 1907 Washington Co AR

4 James Noah Terry b 30 Jan 1877 Washington Co AR  d 5 Aug 1962 Washington Co AR

+ Martha Frances Osburn b 16 May 1880 Washington Co AR d 03 Feb 1915 Washington Co AR

5 Milburn Luster Terry b 10 Aug 1912 Washington Co AR  d 8 Jul 2002 Washington Co AR

+ Ora Theo Bradley  b 26 Sep 1916 Hood Co TX d 08 Mar 1978 Washington Co AR

Kit # 90695 Group I-02

0 William Terry b 1724 d 1803  

+ Rachel Manson

1 John Terry b 1760 d 07 Dec 1842

+ Esther Brown

2 William Terry b 07 Nov 1785 d  15 May 1869

+ Barbara Ennis

3 John Terry b 09 May 1818 d  13 Sep 1898

+ Lucinda King Reed

4 William Terry b 25 Jan 1842 d 23 Oct 1917

+ Sarah Jane Bryant

5 Charles Edward Terry b 25 Aug 1867 d 03 Aug 1928

+ Emma Jane Baldwin

6 Harvey William Terry b 15 Dec 1897 d Mar 1976

+ Jennie Bettes

Kit # 90918 Group I-02

0 William Terry b 1724 d 1803

+ Rachel Manson

1 John Terry b 1760 d 07 Dec 1842

+ Esther Brown

2 Josiah Terry b abt 1780 VA

+ Nancy Thomas; m(1) d 1868 Oneida, Scott Co TN

+ Nancy Stevens; m2

3 Milton Terry b 17 Jul 1834 Oneida, Scott Co TN d 29 Dec 1904

+ Jane Thomas

4 John Marion Terry b 25 Oct 1868 Oneida, Scott Co TN d 25 May 1952

+ Elizabeth Brown

5 William H. Terry b 22 Nov 1908 Oneida, Scott Co TN d 14 Jun 1977

+ Rachel Escala;  m (1)

+ Charlotte Emmler;  m (2)  

Kit 863018 GroupI2 02

0 Andrew Terry b 1802 d 1862 Philadelphia, PA

+ Anna Enochs b 1816 PA d 10 Dec 1883

1 Edwin F. Terry b 8 Jul 1845 Philadelphia, PA d 13 May 1927 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

+ Hannah Jane Nields b 17 Jul 1846 Easttown, Chester Co PA d 28 Sep 1915 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

2 William Nields Terry b 22 May 1873 Coatesville, Chester Co PA d 23 Sep 1934 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

+ Mary Schulmeister b 12 Dec 1879 Coatesville, Chester Co PA d 22 Jul 1945 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

3 Edwin Franklin Terry b 24 Dec 1902 Coatesville, Chester Co PA d 01 Sep 1951 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

+ Estella M. Shopf b 12 Mar 1899 Lancaster Co PA d 18 Jan 1970 Coatesville, Chester Co PA

Kit 862875 GroupI2 02

0 Andrew Terry b 1803 PA d 12 Sep 1862 PA

+ Ann M. Enochs b 1816 PA d 10 Dec 1883

1 Archibald Mead Terry b 26 Jan 1854 Philadelphia, PA d 07 Apr 1933 Knox Co OH

+ Mary Ada Moffett b 26 Aug 1862 Lucas, OH; m 16 MAR 1882 OH, USA d 11 Apr 1938 Knox Co OH 

Kit # B341627 Group I-02

0 Andrew Terry b 1803 PA d 12 Sep 1862 PA

+ Ann M. Enochs b 1816 PA d 10 Dec 1883

1 Archibald Mead Terry b 26 Jan 1854 Philadelphia, PA d 07 Apr 1933 Knox Co OH

+ Mary Ada Moffett b 26 Aug 1862 Lucas, OH; m 16 MAR 1882 OH, USA d 11 Apr 1938 Knox Co OH 

2 Lyle Ralph Terry b 30 Jun 1890 Knox, OH d 04 Apr 1947

+ Ethel Gertrude Stinemetz b 19 Feb 1890 Knox Co OH; m 14 SEP 1912 Knox Co OH d 02 Nov 1962 Tiffin, OH

Kit # 439985  Group I-02

0 Thomas Terry b 1653 Makefield, Bucks Co PA d 1704 Bucks Co PA

+ Sarah Bowden? b 1657

1  Jasper Terry b abt 1675 Middleton, Bucks Co PA d 14 Mar 1732 Bucks Co PA

+ Susannah ________  b 1689 Bucks Co PA

2 Thomas John Terry b 1711 Bucks Co PA d 22 May 1792 Middletown, Bucks Co PA

+ Jane Neeld b 1715 Falls, Bucks Co PA; m 18 Mar 1736 Fallsington, Bucks Co PA d _____

3 David Terry b 1739 Bensalem, Bucks Co PA d 24 Jan 1820 Gwillimbury, East Township, Ontario CAN

+ Grace Davis b 20 Jul 1742 Chester Co PA d  1810 Chester Co PA

4 John Terry b 25 Mar 1763 Bucks Co PA d 16 Sep 1824 Southhampton, Bucks Co PA

+ Rebecca //Searles// Hegeman b 1757; m 25 Aug 1788 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA d 15 Sep 1826 Bucks Co PA

5 Thomas Sirls Terry b 03 Jul 1789 Bristol/Bensalem, Bucks Co PA d 12 Aug 1851 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

+ Mary Ann Merkins b 24 Aug 1799 Bucks Co PA; m 1816/1817 Bristol Bucks Co PA d 13 Dec 1871 bur Gloucester City, Camden, NJ

6 Thomas Sirls Terry b 03 Oct 1825 Bristol, Bucks Co PA d 12 Aug 1920 Enterprise, Wash, UT

+ Eliza Jane Pulsipher b 26 Jul 1840  Nauvoo, Hancock Co IL; m 05 May 1855 Adams, IL  d  06 May 1919 Panaca, Lincoln Co NV

7 Zera Pulsipher Terry b 16 Mar 1856 Salt Lake City, UT d 25 Mar 1949 Idaho Falls, Bonneville, ID

+ Mary Sarah Poole; m 01 May 1884 d 17 Aug 1942 Idaho Falls, Bonneville, ID

Kit # 74797  Group I-02

0 Jonathan Terry [A Quaker] b 31 Mar 1818 in PA d 22 Dec 1886 in Ontario, CANADA

+ Sarah Jane Anderson

1 Alexander Terry b 20 May 1852 in King, York Co,  Ontario, CANADA d 09 Nov 1933 in Newmarket, Ontario, CANADA

+ Mary Ann Danbrook

2 Walter Cecil Terry b 09 Jun 1887 in Newmarket, York Co, Ontario, CANADA d 10 Aug 1966 in Newmarket, York, Ontario, CANADA

+ Annie Alberta Swain

Kit # 133275 Group I-02

0 John T. Terry b 22 Mar 1800 New Bern, NC  d 31 OCT 1855 Troup Co GA

+ Julia Brooks

1 Zachary Taylor Terry b 15 May 1847 Coweta Co GA d abt. 1900 Shelby Co TN

+ Julia Frances Jones

2 Lawrence Heba Terry  b 27 Sep 1883 d 14 Jun 1949 TN

+ Eunice Clyde Trotter;  m(2)  

Note:  Tester has provided evidence Julia Brooks was incorrectly named as Julia Gaulding in some early research. Julia Brooks was the sister of Jesse Brooks who purchased her property after the death of John T. Terry. 

Kit # 644527 Group I-02

0 Thomas Terry b 1788 VA d AL

+ Charlotte _____

1 John Thomas Terry b 1824 SC d 11 Mar 1879 Cherokee Co AL

+ Sarah Soards b 1826 SC d 17 Jun 1896 Cherokee AL

2 Andrew Thomas Terry b 12 May 1857 GA d 24 Sep 1915 Forney, AL

+ Mary Effie Trimble b 11 May 1857 Tecumsah, Cherokee Co AL d 05 May 1929 Rome, GA

3 Lee Andrus Terry b 04 Feb 1891 Rock Run, AL d 01 Dec 1956 Rome, GA

+ Readie Atlas Scott b Dec 1893 Bartow Co GA d 02 May 1982 Rome, GA

Kit # 162416 Group I-02

0 Thomas Terry b 1607 Southwold, Kent, ENG  d 05 Jun 1672 Southold, L.I., NY

+ Marie Bigge

1 Daniel Terry b 1641 Brookhaven, Suffolk Co NY  d 20 Nov 1706 Suffolk, Livingston Co, NY

+ Sarah Terry

2 James Terry b 1698 Southold, Suffolk Co, L. I., NY  d 15 Nov 1752 Southold, Suffolk, L. I., NY

+ Mary Corwin

3 Daniel Terry b 1736 Suffolk Co, NY  d 03 Feb 1814 Southold, Suffolk Co NY

+ Elizabeth Parshall m(2)

4 Richard Terry b 26 Jun 1791 Moriches, Suffolk Co NY  d 15 Nov 1870 Aqueogue, Suffolk County, New York

+  Irena Wells m 20 Nov 1815 Suffolk Co NY

5 Columbus Franklin Terry b 1820  d 1904

+ Theressa Collins;  m (2)

6 Richard C. Terry, Sr b 17 Jun 1872 Riverhead, Suffolk Co NY  d 01 Jul 1913 Baiting Hollow, NY

+ Edna Jane Hallock

Kit # 39319  Group I-02

0 Thomas Terry, b c 1607 d 05 Jun 1672 Southold, LI, NY

+ Marie Bigge,

1 Thomas Terry b c1650  d 24 Mar 1723 Southold, NY

+

2 Thomas Terry b c1678 Southold, NY d 17 Oct 1723 Oysterponds, NY

+

3 William Terry b c1717 Southold, LI, NY d 1802 Westfield, NJ

+

4 Jonathan Terry b c 1755 Southold, LI, NY  d 03 Jun 1820 Westfied, NJ

+ Huldah Van Sickle

5 Lewis Terry b 1790 Westfield, NJ   d 1853 Plainfield, NJ

+ Phebe Hedden

6 William Terry b 1813 Westfield, NJ  d 1891 Westfield, NJ

+ Harriet Sopen

7 William E. Terry b 1853

+ Charlotte E. Hetfield

8 Clarence William Terry b 1876 NJ  d c1958 Rahway, NJ

+  Sarah Stacy m (1)

9 Clarence William Terry, Jr.,b 1902 Rahway, NJ d 1973 Lakeworth, FL

+ Emma May Wilson

Kit # MK59456 (hg I-P37) Group I-02

1 Richard Terry b 17 Aug 1618 England, d May 1676 Quashneck NY

+ Abigail Lines; m 22 May 1649 Enfield, CT

2 Nathaniel Terry b 7 Jan 1656 d 23 Oct 1723 Southold, Long Island, NY

+ Mary Horton; m 30 Nov 1682 Southhold, Long Island, NY

3 Nathaniel Terry b 16 Nov 1683 Cutchogue, NY d 17 Dec 1722 Southhold, Long Island, NY

+ Ann Armstrong; m 1705 Southold, NY

4 Jonathan Terry b 1707 Southold, Long Island NY d 18 Nov 1753 Southhold, Long Island, NY

+ Jemima Parshall 17 May 1730 Southhold, Island, NY

5 Parshall Terry I  b 8 Aug 1734 New London Conn. D. 15 May 1811 East Palmyra, NY

+ Deborah Clark; m 15 May 1755 East Palmyra NY

6 Parshall Terry II  b 22 Feb 1756 Mattituck NY d 20 Jul 1808 Toronto, Canada

+ Amy Stevens; m 1777 Wyoming Valley, PA

7 Parshall Terry III  b 3 Sep 1778 Fort Niagara, NY d 8 Oct 1861 Draper, UT

+ Hannah Terry; m 16 Mar 1802 Palmyra, NY

8 Joel Terry b 23 May 1812 Palmyra NY d 4 Sep 1891 Uintah, UT

+ Maria Anderson b 23 Mar 1818 Bayham, Ontario, Canada d 16 Mar 1852 Draper, UT

9 William A. Terry b 9 Nov 1842 Nauvoo, IL d 11 Mar 1922 Los Angeles, CA

+ Susan Zimmerman b 30 Nov 1838 Franklin Co PA d  13 Mar 1924 Salt Lake City, UT

10 William Z. Terry b 28 Mar 1872 Lewiston, UT d 16 Oct 1961 Ogden, UT

+ Naomi Nebeker; m 27 Jun 1900 Logan, UT

Kit # 109454 Group I-02

0 Richard Terry b 17 Aug 1618  London, England d 1675  Southold, NY

+ Abigail Lines

1 Nathaniel Terry b Jan 1656  Suffolk, NY  d 23 Oct 1723   Southold, NY

+ Mary Horton

2 Nathaniel Terry b 16 Nov 1683  Cutchogue, NY d 17 Dec 1722  Southold, NY

+ Ann Armstrong

3 Jonathan Terry b 1707  Southold, NY d 16 Nov 1753  Southold, NY

+ Jemima Parshall

4 Parshall Terry b 8 Aug 1734  New London, CT d 15 May 1811 East Palmyra, NY

+ Deborah Clark

5 Parshall Terry b 22 Feb 1756  Mattituck, NY d  23 Jul 1808 - Windham, CT

+ Amy Stevens

6 Parshall Terry III b 30 Sept 1778  Fort Niagra, NY d 08 Oct 1861 Draper, UT

+ Hannah Terry

7 Joshua Terry b 11 Aug 1825  Alibion, Canada d 22 Feb 1915 Draper, UT

+ Mary Emma Reid

8 Joshua Parshall Terry b 03 Apr 1860  Draper, UT d 06 Dec 1941 SLC, UT

+ Amelia Charles

9 LaGrand Redell Terry b 11 Mar 1899  Draper, UT d 26 Oct 1991 SLC, UT

+ Clara Leah Stringfellow

OTHER TERRY'S OF THE HAPLOGROUP I-02

 As shared elsewhere on this blog, the Terry name in Botetourt and Montgomery Counties of Virginia (and earlier Augusta) reflect not a single line of TERRY but several. Each carries its own haplogroup group and thus DNA can be a help in untangling the lines.

For several decades people have been merging individuals from those three groups to build trees. Thus, so many are incorrect and often are based on nothing more than a name in a locale as proof. Yet, the lines held in great favor certain names and every generation had several of each!

The line of William and Rachel Manson Terry - and their eight children- proven by court records and family knowledge and in some cases letters of the time period - have all been linked (those with known descendants).

There is NO evidence via DNA of any connections to Cheraw Native women, links of Manson to the Pegram line or similar claims. If anyone has DNA proof of these connections let me know! My DNA, as a direct descendent of Wiliam and Rachel, connects to all his listed children (with children), and has been identified as falling within the Haplogroup of I-02 (my father's was I-2a2).

Family Tree DNA a few years ago posted online the DNA results from various "Kits" submitted in an attempt to clarify the lines. They identified the primary lines searching fell into I-01; I-2; I-03; and G-02.

The line of descent from three brothers who arrived in 1635 in Massachusetts aboard THE JAMES was identified as I-02. They migrated into New York , Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The line of Jasper Terry and Mary Hart, who came down from Bucks Co., Pennsylvania into early Augusta (then Botetourt) with one William Terry, was shown to be I-02.  Thus, likely that William was related.  Jasper and Mary left with her kin, her father was a minister, and migrated to South Carolina where it is believed all died. William apparently remained in Botetourt Co.

SO - - - seeking to answer who was Willam's father, led to looking at the other family lines that were labeled as I-02.

One was - 

Kit # 133275 Group I-02

 0 John T. Terry b 22 Mar 1800 New Bern, NC ; d 31 OCT 1855 Troup Co GA

+ Julia Brooks

 1 Zachary Taylor Terry b 15 May 1847 Coweta Co GA d abt. 1900 Shelby Co TN

+ Julia Frances Jones

 2 Lawrence Heba Terry  b 27 Sep 1883 d 14 Jun 1949 TN

+ Eunice Clyde Trotter;  m(2)  

One was - - 

Kit # 644527 Group I-02

 0 Thomas Terry b 1788 VA d AL

+ Charlotte _____

 1 John Thomas Terry b 1824 SC d 11 Mar 1879 Cherokee Co AL

+ Sarah Soards b 1826 SC d 17 Jun 1896 Cherokee AL

 2 Andrew Thomas Terry b 12 May 1857 GA d 24 Sep 1915 Forney, AL

+ Mary Effie Trimble b 11 May 1857 Tecumseh, Cherokee Co AL d 05 May 1929 Rome, GA

 3 Lee Andrus Terry b 04 Feb 1891 Rock Run, AL d 01 Dec 1956 Rome, GA

+ Readie Atlas Scott b Dec 1893 Bartow Co GA d 02 May 1982 Rome, GA

One was - -

Kit # B341627 Group I-02

0 Andrew Terry b 1803 PA d 12 Sep 1862 PA

+ Ann M. Enochs b 1816 PA d 10 Dec 1883

1 Archibald Mead Terry b 26 Jan 1854 Philadelphia, PA d 07 Apr 1933 Knox Co OH

+ Mary Ada Moffett b 26 Aug 1862 Lucas, OH; m 16 MAR 1882 OH, USA d 11 Apr 1938 Knox Co OH 

2 Lyle Ralph Terry b 30 Jun 1890 Knox, OH d 04 Apr 1947

+ Ethel Gertrude Stinemetz b 19 Feb 1890 Knox Co OH; m 14 SEP 1912 Knox Co OH d 02 Nov 1962 Tiffin, OH

A STUDY IN BROWN: Issaac H. Brown s/o Absolem B. Brown, s/o Thomas Archibald Brown

One line on my mother's side is the name Brown. Isaac H. Brown and wife Mary Ann Mooney Brown were residents of Warren Co., Tennessee.  All of their children had unique and historical/classical names, my great-grandfather, Isaac's son, was name Ptolemy Philadelphus Brown (P.P. Brown for short).

Our brick wall was Isaac - who did he belong with?  I remember writing one line that appeared to have similar names coming out of NC into TN and they quickly dismissed any possible connections.

You see - we had this story....

The name had not been originally BROWN....the family had lived in Scotland....there had been an apprenticeship....there had been a running away from the apprenticeship...impressment into military service to fight "Indians"....attack which left the ancestor wounded and tended by a local, friendly tribe...a marriage with a woman with a name like "Wastella" or "Washtella."  A marriage?  "

This was the story in the Isaac H Brown and Mary Ann Mooney family line. The first thing I learned about my mother's Browns included the statement "we are part Cherokee."

For decades, it was thought the story was Isaac's but then as I contemplated the events and sought for historical events that would account for the elements I noted they were lacking in his time line.  Those things most likely occurred in the time line of a father or a grandfather. I began to look at the early Brown lines in Tennessee. The constant for Issaac was telling census takers he had been born in 1806 in Tennessee.

Then - after taking a DNA test - and taking a guess as to a likely candidate for father of Issaac, there was a hit! My Isaac H Brown (1806-1892) was a likely son of Absolem B. Brown and grandson of Thomas Archibald Brown.

In finding the revolutionary pension for Thomas Archibald Brown - I found the elements of the family legend. 

Heritage to Scotland, apprenticed to a hatter, a leaving (escape) from that situation, 7 tours in the military across NC and SC. Around 1800 he had transplanted a large and extended family into Sullivan and Hawkins Co., Tennessee and then into Grundy and Warren Co.

There were wives of Native American partial (at least) descendent. There were avadavat's by numerous children and grandchildren that people considered the family "Cherokee" and that members of that tribe often came through and stayed on their lands. 

One such document is from a son of the half-brother of Isaac H. Brown, Rev. William Sanford Brown: 

In the matter of Claim of Dial Brown to Cherokee Indian Citizenship Affidavit of John A. Green, 

State of Tennessee 

On this the ?? day of November 1887 personally appeared before me the undersigned Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County John A. Green of Coffee County and State of Tennessee to me well known and who I certify to be credible and respectable, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, depo--- and said that he is a person of Cherokee Indian descent and was born in Warren County and State of Tennessee, that his age is 65 years and his Post Office Address is Noah, Coffee County, State of Tennessee; 

that he is well acquainted with Dial Brown, the claimant named in the above entitled claim to Cherokee Indian citizenship and have been from the date of his birth and knows that said Dial Brown is a person of Cherokee Indian descent and that the said Dial Brown is a son of one Thomas Brown a (1/8) one eight breed Cherokee Indian who was born on the Cherokee Indian Reservation East of the Mississippi River in the year 1803 and died in Warren County and State of Tennessee in the year AD 1875, that he was well acquainted with the said Thomas Brown in his lifetime from the affiant early recollection until the date of the death of the said Thomas Brown as aforesaid; 

that the said Thomas Brown was a son of one Absalom Brown a (1/4) Quarter Breed Cherokee Indian who was born on the Cherokee Indian Reservation east of the Mississippi River and died in Warren County and State of Tennessee in the year AD 1861; that the said Absalom Brown was his affiant's grandfather, that from his affiant's early recollection until the year A.D. 1838 he was well acquainted with Cherokee Indians who resided on the Cherokee Indian reservation. 

This in the year AD 1837 or 1838 a band of Cherokee Indians [unreadable] go to the west and came near his affiant's father's house in Warren County and State of Tennessee, that said Cherokee Indians claimed him affiant and his affiant's mother to be their people and requested him, affiant and his affiant's mother to immigrate with them to the Indian Territory, that said Cherokee Indians did at same time and date call [next line unreadable] said Absalom Brown as aforesaid that said Cherokee Indians did in the presents [sic] of him Affiant, claim and say that the said Absalom Brown as aforesaid was one of their People and kin, that in the year A.D. 1835 near Ross's Landing on Tennessee River on the Cherokee Indian reservation in the State of Tennessee Cherokee Indian claimed him affiant to be a Cherokee Indian and one of their people by reason of affiant's being grandson of the said Absalom Brown as of [unreadable]

Witness: Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant and I certify that I carefully read and explained the contents of above affidavit to affiant before he executed [unreadable] knowledge of the facts stated therein and I am satisfied that hi fully understood the same and that he is [unreadable] to full [unreadable] and credit. 

In testimony whereof I have herewith subscribed my name and
official seal of said court this ____ day of November, A.D. 1887----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------According to family tradition, these Cherokees, on the infamous "trail of tears" came by the home of Absalom Brown, acknowledged him as one of their own, seeking supplies for their journey, and asking Absalom Brown with his family to join them on their journey.

 

Isaac H Brown, P.P. Brown, Archimedes Brown. two other sons, bottom Mary Ann Mooney, daughter Elsinora and another son. 

 

THE HART OF THE MATTER: SOME EARLY HART LINES

A book from 1867 chronicles the line of John and Susannah Rush Hart. Many of the lines currently seen dealing with a man identified as "Thomas Hart "The Elder" who married an Esther/Hester Miles often attach the children of John's other son, brother of Thomas, and the waters are murky.

The book , by W.H.H. Davis from 1867, identifies the start as Christopher HART and wife Mary Berkley.

CHRISTOPHER AND MARY HART

They had the following children - -

John 1651-1714*

Robert 1655 (and may have died shortly afterwards in England)

Mary 1658

Joseph 1661

JOHN AND SUSANNAH RUSH HART

The son JOHN married Susannah RUSH. He is identified as a "Quaker Preacher",

The had the following children - -

John 1684-1763

Thomas (Known as "The Elder")

Joseph 1714

Mary d.1721 (so possibly died young)

Susannah d. 1725

JOHN AND ELENOR CRISPIN HART

The son of John, named John ,1684-1763, married the daughter of Siles and Hester CRISPIN. 

They had the following children - -

John, who died by accidental gun discharge in Augusta Co. Va. probably around 1740-50 when many of the Pennsylvania Hart group were in the area and noted in Chalkley's history of southwest Virginia. Dates, status, or offspring unknown.

Susanna who married a John PRICE

William

Joseph md an Elizabeth COLLET

Silas

Lucretia

Oliver, 1723-1795, known as "Rev. Oliver Hart", Baptist minister who went into SC.

Set

Olive

---------

The line of the brother "Thomas Hart the Elder" who married Ester/Hester Miles often includes a long line of children who are, in truth, the offspring of those other children of John and Eleanor Crispin Hart as well as individuals who are related to the John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence and lived in New Jersey. He was the son of an Edward Hart. As research continues, I will add more verified listings for Thomas and Esther Miles Hart and information on roots of that - apparently - unrelated Edward Hart. 

Once more, the DNA may provide clues depending on if all the HARTS - of all lines - share the same Haplogroup.

Misc. Clipping from the Shanks-Price-Terry Bible

 It is unclear at this time if these refer to extended family or were merely close associates.

"W.W. PHILLIPS DIES MONDAY" (Feb.14, 1933)

He died at St. Clair (place unknown), survived by a widow former Miss MCCULLOUGH of Bulls Gap. Children: Mrs. Fred MURPHY (Greenville); Jolin Phillips; Ray Phillips; Miss Rosella Phillips of St. Clair.

Services at the Robinson Creek Church and internment in adjoining cemetery (Methodist?)

For several years he had been District Representative from Hawkins Co., TN. Recently, associated with the Testerman Motor Co. at Rogersville, TN.

"NEW POSTMAST FOR ROGERSVILLE"

Resignation of Dan C. RIPLEY after 7 productive years led to the replacement with Mr. Milum E. TESTERMAN.

"HOWARD WALKER"

Died July 3, nearly 16 years old (July 31 would have been his birthday), drowned in Dodson's Creek. parents were Mr and Mrs J.T. WALKER. Brothers were George, John, M.P. Sisters were Mrs. Rhoelda STOUT (San Diego, CA), Mrs. Dorohty BARKER  of Cumberland, KY, Gerturde of the home. Laid to rest in Highland Cemetery, Rogersville, Tn.

"J. HOLSTON DIES IN ROGERSVILLE (Rogersville, Oct. 7)"

James A. HOLSTON, 69, editor and founder of the Rogersville Herald, launched 45 years ago, died, home, 1:30 p.m. of pneumonia.

Methodist church services with Rev. W.P. Peck, Dr. Dabney Carson, and J.R, Chiles conducting.Buried in the church cemetery.

Widow, former Miss Lizzie A PIERCE,

Six sons:

Robert and W.A. Holston of Rogersville

C.S.  Holston, Jenkins, Ky

T.J. Holston, Greensboro, NC

J.W. Holston, Pressman's Home

A.L. Holston, Shelbyville

Three daughters:

Mrs. C.J. HAWKINS, Bristol

Mrs. E.O. Gillenwaters, Rogersville

Mrs. Charles SANDERS, Persia

Holston had been born in Nashville in the 1880's came to Rogersville.