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.
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| 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).
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.
