A collection of letters and official documents pertaining to the Brown family of Western New York. Daniel Brown (1749-1832) married Anna Phelps (1755-1837) in Connecticut and moved to New York. They had eight children who moved to Batavia, Springfield, Whitesboro, Albany and Cooperstown as doctors and lawyers. The correspondence is predominantly local, national and personal news shared between family members in different cities. This includes letters written by Ephraim Brown during the War of 1812 when he served as a hospital Surgeon. The finding aid for this collection can be found here: https://dr.library.brocku.ca/bitstream/handle/10464/14492/Brown%20Family%20Correspondence%20-RG%20698.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.

Recent Submissions

  • Letter from Eprhaim Brown to Henry Brown from Lewiston, New York - 27 September 1812

    Brown, Ephraim (1812-09-27)
    As the American army was gathering for an attack on Canada during the War of 1812 at Lewiston, New York, Ephraim Brown took a moment to write his brother Henry this letter on September 27, 1812. On October 13, the American army crossed the Niagara River in the early morning and attacked the high ground at Queenston. Major General Isaac Brock was shot and killed along with his Aide-de-Camp John Macdonnell. After early success by the Americans at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the Americans retreated to New York as British soldiers, militia and indigenous allies arrived. Transcript of the letter available in the full description.