He was trained as a blacksmith, and came to Virginia in 1811 to work at the Virginia Manufactury of Arms. During the War of 1812, he served as a Lieutenant in the 1st United States Artillery regiment. He ended the War in command of the garrison at Fort Powhatan, Virginia, and was discharged on 15 June 1815
He joined the the Virginia Public Guard 1818, eventually serving as 1st Lieutenant. (The Guard was formed in 1801 to protect the Capitol and other important sites in Richmond, primarily at first from slave insurrections.) Known for his dedication to his work, and also for his somewhat explosive temperament and Northern origins, he served 30 years in the Guard while twice being passed over for promotion as the Guard's commanding officer.
In 1826, he purchased an island in the James River next to Richmond, now known as "Brown's Island", between the James River and the Haxall Canal. He lived for a time on the land.
He never married, and died of "Consumption" per federal mortality records. He is buried in the John A Belvin plot.
He was trained as a blacksmith, and came to Virginia in 1811 to work at the Virginia Manufactury of Arms. During the War of 1812, he served as a Lieutenant in the 1st United States Artillery regiment. He ended the War in command of the garrison at Fort Powhatan, Virginia, and was discharged on 15 June 1815
He joined the the Virginia Public Guard 1818, eventually serving as 1st Lieutenant. (The Guard was formed in 1801 to protect the Capitol and other important sites in Richmond, primarily at first from slave insurrections.) Known for his dedication to his work, and also for his somewhat explosive temperament and Northern origins, he served 30 years in the Guard while twice being passed over for promotion as the Guard's commanding officer.
In 1826, he purchased an island in the James River next to Richmond, now known as "Brown's Island", between the James River and the Haxall Canal. He lived for a time on the land.
He never married, and died of "Consumption" per federal mortality records. He is buried in the John A Belvin plot.
Gravesite Details
Buried on 6 April 1850.
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