Thomas Archibald Brown, son of William and Elizabeth Black Brown

 Pioneer Thomas Brown, Revolutionary War Soldier.   Thomas Brown was born 28 February 1753 in Augusta Co, VA, son of William Brown and Elizabeth Black.

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”.

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, who moved to Tryon Co, NC, taking Thomas with him.

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.  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 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...

Thomas Archibald Brown

I was especially intrigued with this for two reasons. 1) The DNA flagged a link between this man,  Absolem B. Brown and my Isaac Brown of Warren Co., TN.  and 2) our family had a "Brown Legend" that involved origins in Scotland, a flight from an apprenticeship, military service and a wife of Native American roots.

These are all elements that are found in this life of Thomas Archibald Brown. Intriguing indeed!!