Owen Brown’s Autobiographical Letter

My dear daughter Marian:

In conformity with your request to write some part of my life, I now take my pen in hand and will say first, my life has been of but little worth. Mostly filled up with vanity.

I was born in West Simsbury Con. February 16th, 1771, Have but little recollection of what took place until 1775 & 76. The changes that are clearest in my mind are such as would take the attention of small children more than of older persons. I remember the beginning of the war, and some things that took place in 1775, but not but little until 1776 when my father went into the army as captain of the Malitia [sic]. He died in New York with Dysentery in three or four weeks after he left home. His death brought hard times on in our family, my mother was left with ten children at the time of my fathers death and one soon after, making eleven of us in all. The first five were daughters the eldest nearly 18, the next three were sons, then two daughters and the youngest a son. The care and support of this family fell most entirely on my mother, the laboring men were most entirely in the army. Here I would say she was one of the best of mothers, active and sensible, she did all that could be expected of a mother. Yet for want of help we lost our crops and then our cattle, and so become poor.
In 1777, I lived with my grandfather Brown sometimes and then at home, I would say here, I was early brought under the influence of religious people, I went to meeting on the Sabbath very steadily, although poorly clothed.

I very well remember the dreadful winter of 78 & 79, the snow began to come in November, when the waters were very low and storm after storm until the snow was very deep. Our hogs and sheep would get buried up and we had to dig them out. Wood could not be drawn with teams and so had to be carried on mens shoulders, they going on snow- shoes until paths were made hard enough to draw wood on hand sleds. Milling of grain could not be had only by going a great distance, our family were driven to the necessity of pounding corn for food. The snow at this time was said to be five feet or more in the woods, we lost almost all of our stock of cattle, hogs and sheep that winter, and were reduced very low.
In the spring of 1779, I went to live with my brother-in-law, Michael Barber, where I lived one year. My sister Asubah, was very faithful and kind to take care of my soul and body, she taught me to read, and things belonging to my soul.

In 1780, I lived at home and my brother Frederick abroad. This year brother John and I did some farming to some account, in raising corn and getting in a piece of wheat which was very good, until about this time we were growing poor as a family.

May 18th, 1781, I went to live with Elijah Hill, where I was worked very hard, fed well, but had little instruction in religion or learning, and received but very little for my work except the name of a good boy.

[Page C] In 1782 I lived at home, brother Frederick out. This was a memorable year, there was a great revival of religion in the town my mother and elder sisters and brother dated their hopes of salvation from this summers revival. It was under the ministry of Rev. Edmund Mills, I can not say that I was a subject of the work, but this I can say, I then began to hear preaching, I now remember most, if not all, of those I heard preach, and what their texts were. The change in our family was great, family worship commenced and was sustained by my brother John, which he ever after continued. There was a revival of singing in Canton, and our family became singers. Conference meetings and singing schools were kept up, which brought our family into an association with the better class of people, and great aid to restraining grace. About 1784 the Rev. Jeremiah Hallock became the minister at Canton, I lived with him at different times and received a great deal of good instruction from him.

About this time I began to make shoes, I worked mostly winters at shoemaking, summers farming at home.

In 1787 I took a trip off into the state of Massachusetts through Granville, Otis and Blanford, where I worked at making and mending shoes, some over half the winter. I was but a bungling shoemaker, yet gave good satisfaction and was kindly treated as a child, got my pay well in clothing and money, I then went to Great Bearington [sic], Sheffield and Salsbury [sic], where I hired out to a very good shoemaker at about half price, with a view to be a better shoemaker. This I considered a good chance to improve.

I returned home in the spring of 1788 and worked on the farm in the summer. Next winter worked in Winton, busy at shoemaking.

1789 lived at home through the summer. Went to Norfolk in the fall, worked at shoemaking around at houses for families all winter.

1790 returned in the spring and hired to the Rev. Jeremiah Hallock for six months, here I had good instructions and examples, was under some conviction of sin, but whether I was pardoned or not, God only knows. (See Note) In the fall of the year, I went to Winton, worked at shoemaking for Job Higley. About this time I became more acquainted with Ruth Mills, who was the choice of my affections ever after, although we were not united in marriage for more than two years.

1791, in the spring, we as a family were rising in the gain of property, our stock increased and we felt able to make a small purchase of land, our credits were good for the payment of any liabilities. In all this we must acknowledge the providence of God. Our former poverty had kept us out the more loose and vain company, and we had the society of the better class of people. There was a class of young men and women that was a little older than my brothers, who had rich parents, and who dressed their families in gay clothing, gave them plenty of money and good horses to ride. Oh, how enviable they appeared to me while my brothers and sisters lacked these things. And now while I am…

Note:Another copy reads, "pardoned or not God only knows, this I know I have not lived like a Christian. In the fall of this year I went to Wintonbury and worked at shoe making all winter, mostly for Job Higley."

[Page D] …writing, I am thinking what was the change of fifteen or twenty years with these smart young folks, I cannot think of more than one or two that even became common men of business, but a number of them poor drunkards, and three came to their end by suicide. Here I will say, I will never envy them again, God knows what is best.

1792, nothing very uncommon this year, but made some advance in property.

February 13, 1793, I was married to Ruth Mills, began to keep house in March, and will say, here was the beginning of days with me. I think our good minister felt the anxiety of a parent, that we should begin right. He gave us good council [sic], and I have no doubt with a praying spirit, and I never had any person such an ascendency over my conduct as my wife. This she had without the least appearance of usurpation or dictation, and if I have been respected in the world, I must ascribe it more to her than any other person. We began with very little property, but with industry and frugality, which gave us a very considerable support and a small increase. We took children to live with us very soon after we began to keep house.

Our first Child was born at Canton June 29th 1794 a son we called Salmon he was a very thrifty forward Child, we lived at Canton about two years, I worked at Shoemaking, Tanning and Farming we made Butter and Chees [sic] on a small scale and all our labors turned to good account. we had great calls (cause) for thanksgiven [sic], we were at peace with all our Neighbors, we lived in a rented House and I seamed [sic] to be called to build or moove [sic]. I thought of the latter and went directly to Norfolk as I was there acquainted and my wife had kept a school there one summer, the people of Norfolk incoureged [sic] me and I bought a small Farm with House and Barn, I then sold what little I had, and made a very suddon [sic] move to Norfolk, we found Friends in deed and in kneed [sic]. I there set up Shoemaking and tanning, hired a journaman [sic] did a small good business and gave good satisfaction.

[Page E] (Villard omits the following paragraph which is taken from his revision of Sanborn)

Feb 18 1796, my little son Salmon died. This was a great trial to us. In the spring of 1796 my business was very much increased, but owing to sickness of wife and self, I could not get but a small part of the leather out in the fall. The people became somewhat dissatisfied with me, and things went hard that winter, but when spring returned, my leather came out well, and from that time I gave good satisfaction to the people, as far as I know. July 5 1798, my dear daughter Anna was born, and my wife and self made a profession of religion, which I had so poorly manifested in my life.

(Back to Villard's excerpts in his JOHN BROWN, p. 13)

In Feb, 1799 I had an opportunity to sell my place at Norfolk which I did without any consultation with our Neighbors who thought they had some clame [sic] on my future services as they had been very kind and helpfull [sic] and questioned weather [sic] I had not been hasty but I went as hastely to Torrington and bought a place, all though I had but very little acquantence [sic] there. I was very quick on the moove [sic] we found very good Neighbors I was somewhat prosperus [sic] in my business. In 1800, May 9th John was born one hundred years after his Great Grand Father nothing very uncommon.

(Back to Villard's revision of Sanborn)

We lived in peace with all men, so far as I know. I might have said the years of 98 and 99 were memorable years of revivals of religion in the churches of our town and the towns about us. Perhaps there has never been so general revival since the days of Edwards and Whitfield. April 30, 1802, my second Salmon was born.

In 1804 I made my first journey to Ohio, left home on the 8th of August, came through Pennsylvania, saw many new things. Arrived in Hudson about the 1st of September, found the people very harmonious and middling prosperous, and mostly united in religious sentiments. I made a small purchase of land at the centre of Hudson, with the design of coming at a future day. I went to Austinburg, and there was taken sick, which proved to be the fever and ague, was there a month, very sick and homesick. I started for home against counsel, and had a very hard journey, ague almost every day or night, arrived home on the 16th of October. Oliver O. my son was born on the 20th of the same month. I had the ague from time to time over one year yet.

(Back to Villard, p. 13)

my determination to come to Ohio was so strong, that I started with my Family in Comp B. Whedan Esq and his Family all though out of health on the 9th of June 1805 with an Ox teem [sic] through [Page F] Pennsylvania here I will say I found Mr. Wheadon a very kind and helpfull [sic] Companion on the Road. we arrived at Hudson on the 27th of July and was received with many tokens of kindness we did not come to a land of idleness neither did I expect it. Our ways were as prosperious [sic] as we could expect. I came with a determination to help build up and be a help in the seport [sic] of religion and civil Order. We had some hardships to undergo but they appear greater in history than they were in reality. I was often calld [sic] to go into the woods to make devisians [sic] of lands sometimes 60 or 70 Miles (from) home and be gone some times two week and sleep on the ground and that without injery [sic]. When we came to Ohio the Indians were more numerous than the white People but were very friendly and I beleave were a benifit [sic] rather than injery [sic] there (were) some Persons that seamed [sic] disposed to quarel [sic] with the Indians but I never had, they brought us Venson [sic] Turkeys Fish and the like sometimes wanted bread or meal more than they could pay for, but were faithfull [sic] to pay their debts.

(Back to Villard's revision of Sanborn)

 In the month of September, 1806, there was a difficulty between two tribes, the tribe of the Cuyahoga River came to Hudson, and asked for assistance to build them a log-house that would be a kind of fort to shelter their women and children from the firearms of their enemy. Most of our men went with teams, and chopped, drew, and carried logs, and put up one in one day, for which they appeared grateful. They were our neighbors until 1812, when the war commenced with the British, the Indians left these parts mostly, and rather against my wishes.

(Back to Villard's JOHN BROWN, p. 13)

 My business went on very well and was somewhat prosperious [sic] in most of our conceirns [sic] friendly feelings were manifest the company that called on us was of the best kind the Missionaries of the Gospel and leading men traviling [sic] through the Cuntry [sic] call on us and I become acquaint with the business People and Ministers of the Gospel in all parts of the Reserve and some in Pennsilvany [sic] 1807 Feb. 13th Fredrick my 6th Son was born I do not think of anything to notice but the common blessings of health peace and prosperity for which I would ever acknowledge with thanksgiven [sic] I had a very pleasent [sic] and orderly family untill [sic] December 9th 1808 when all my earthly prospects appeared to be blasted. My beloved Wife gave birth to an Infant Daughter that died in a few ours [sic] as my wife expressed had a short passage through time. My wife followed in a few ours [sic] after these were days of affliction I was left with five (or six, including Levi Blakesley, my adopted son) small Children the oldes [sic] but a little one 10 years old this sean [sic] all most makes my heart blead [sic] now these were the first that were ever buried in ground now ocupide [sic] at the Centre of Hudson. I kept my children mostly around me, and married my second wife, Sally Root, Nov. 8, 1809. Through all these changes I experienced much of the goodness of God in the enjoyment of health in [Page G] myself and family, and general prosperity in my business. April 19, 1811, Sally Marian was born. This year I sent my daughter Anna to Connecticut and went in the winter after (,) making my friends a visit.

July, 1812, the war began, and this war called loudly for action, liberality, and courage. This was the most active part of my life. We were then on the frontier, and the people were much alamred [sic], particularly after the surrender of Hull at Detroit. Our cattle, horses, and provisions were all wanted. Sick soldiers were returning, and needed all the assistance that could be given them. There was great sickness in different camps, and the travel was mostly through Hudson, which brought sickness into our families. By the first of 1813 there was great mortality in Hudson. My family were sick, but we had no deaths. July 22, 1813, Watson Hughs, my seventh son was born, he was a very thrifty, promising child. We were mostly under the smiles of a kind Providence, but nothing very uncommon. Florilla, fourth daughter, was born May 19, 1816. From this time I had many calls from home, was called to fill some places of trust where others were more capable of filling. I now believe it was an injury to my family for me to be away as much, and here I would say I think this that the care of our own families is the pleasantest and most useful business we can be in. Jeremiah Root, eighth son, was born Nov.8, 1819, and Edward, my ninth son, was born July 15, 1823.

Nothing very uncommon save that there was a change in general business matters. Money became scarce, property fell, and that which I thought well bought would not bring its cost. I had made three or four large purchases in which I was a heavy loser. I can say the loss or gain of property in a short time appears of but little consequence, they are momentary things, and will look very small in eternity. Job left us a good example. About this time my son Salmon was studying law at Pittsburgh. I had great anxiety and many fears on his account. Sept. 21, 1825, Martha, our fifth daughter, was born, a very pleasant healthy child, until Sept. 18th, 1826 we were called to mourn the loss of a dear child, she dying from whooping cough. Lucien, my tenth son, was born Sept. 18, 1829, a healthy thrifty child. Here I will say my earthly cares were too many for the good of my family, and for my own comfort in religion. I do not look back upon my life with but little satisfaction, but must pray, "Lord, forgive me for Christ's sake, or I must perish." Jan. 29, 1832, my son Watson died, making a great breach in my family. He had not given evidence of being a Christian in health but was in great anxiety of mind in his sickness, we sometimes hope he died in Christ. Martha, my sixth daughter, was born June 18, 1832, and Sept. 6, 1833, Salmon, my third son, died in New Orleans with yellow fever. He was a lawyer, and editor of a French and English newspaper called the New Orleans Bee, was of some note as a gentleman, but I never knew that he gave evidence of being a Christian. June 12th 1839 my daughter Ruth A King died in Middlebury & I think she gave good evidence of being a Christian which has been a great consolation to me. She left a daughter and son. The daughter has [Page H] since died. I think died in Christ. Aug. 11th, 1840, my second wife died with consumption, which she had been declining under for a long time. I think she died a Christian. Here my old wounds were broken open anew, and I had great trials.

Some little time before this there had been great speculation in village lots, and I had suffered my name to be used as security at the banks. My property was in jeopardy exposed all to be lost. I had some to pity me, but very few to help me, I learned that outward friendship and property were almost inseparably connected. I had many to inform me that I had brought my troubles upon myself. April, 1841, I was married to the Widow Lucy Hinsdale. My worldly burdens rather increased, but I can now say I am very glad I bore them with much patience. April, 1843, about this time my family had so scattered some by marriage and other ways that I thought best to leave my favorite house and farm, and to build now at the centre of Hudson.

(Material omitted here by Sanborn. Villard in his notes states: "The omission here concerns the deaths of some of the family." This part, it would seem can not be recovered unless the original is found.)

I have great reason to mourn my unfaithfulness to my children. I have been much perplexed by the loss of property, and a long tedious lawsuit, while my health has been remarkably good for one of my age, and I have great reason for thanksgiving.

The daughter Marian, to which this was written, made a copy and concluded with this paragraph:

 "Here ends what my honoured Father wrote for no eyes but his children and entirely from memory, covering a space of time at least seventy four or five years. Dear Father I can see him in my minds eye now as he looked setting at the table writing in our old home on the farm at Grafton. This has been copied by writing at different times, when I have been hardly able to write, but I know you all remember your Grandfather and will appreciate the different circumstances which he relates. In copying it his language and all has seemed so sacred to me I could not change it."

Description:                    

Owen Brown's Autobiography written for Marian Brown Hand, edited by Clarence S. Gee. Mentions brother-in-law Michael Barber, sister Asubah [Brown Barber], brothers Frederick and John [Brown], sister Theda Merrils, Elijah Hill, Edmund Mills, Jeremiah Hallock, Job Higley; wives Ruth Mills, Sally Root, and Lucy Hinsdale; children Salmon, Anna, John, Oliver O., Fredrick, Sally Marian, Florilla, Jeremiah Root, Edward, Martha, Lucien, and Watson Hughs [Brown], and Ruth A. King; adopted son Levi Blakesley, Mr. Wheadon.

On the cover page, Gee notes that he compiled this document from multiple available sources, including a copy made by Marian Brown Hand, F. B. Sanborn's Life and Letters of John Brown, and Oswald Garrison Villard's revision in his papers at Columbia University, from which portions were used in his John Brown, A Biography Fifty Years After.

The second copy, aside from type and the absence of Gee's explanatory cover page, is apparently identical to the first copy except for a final notation that Mrs. Hand wrote, "This was written in 1848 or 49, which I am not positive."

Biographical or Historical Notes:

On the cover page, Gee states his intention to present this document to members of the Owen Brown reunion group meeting at Kent, Ohio, June 19, 1960. The following year, Gee located and copied the original autobiography. Both Gee's transcription and photocopies of the original are part of the Stutler collection.