Chronology of the Lives
of Leonard and Sarah Kimbrough Brown
Husband: Leonard Brown
Birth: ca 1740, probably Virginia
Leonard Brown was born around 1740, probably in Virginia. His birthdate is not known. The best available evidence is based on his obituary which was published in the National Banner and Nashville Advertiser on Tuesday, November 19, 1833. It stated stated,"Mr. Leonard Brown, aged 93, died in Sumner County." His age at death computes to a birth year of 1740.(Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984).
Death: November 1833, Sumner County, Tennessee
Leonard Brown died before 19 November 1833. His obituary was published in the National Banner and Nashville Advertiser on November 19, 1833
Leonard's will was probated in November 1833, Bk. 2, p. 166, Sumner County, TN
Father: Unknown, possibly William Brown
Mother: Unknown, possibly Elizabeth _____
Marriage: 1761 / 62, probably Orange County, VA
Wife: Sarah Kimbrough
Birth: unknown
Death: before 1802 (probably between 1800 and 1802)
Father: Thomas Kimbrough (1707? - 1777)
Mother: Eleanor Graves (? - after 1786)
Note: There are frequent references to the Kimbroughs in this chronology. In the records the surname may be spelled Kimbro, Kimbrow, and Kimbrough. For consistency I am using the Kimbrough spelling unless the original source spells it otherwise.
Timeline
1762The first records located for Leonard Brown are found in 1762 in Orange County, VA, when he was a witness to the recording of three separate deeds. On 25-Mar-1762, Leonard witnessed the sale of 500 acres of land by John Noel to Eliot Brown for 50 shillings. The witnesses included Richard Martin, Lenard Brown, and John Brown. (Orange County, VA, Deed Book 13, pp. 245-246). The fact that Richard Martin's and Leonard Brown's signatures were written without the "his mark" notation appears to indicate that they were literate. John Brown's signature is written as "John (his "IB" mark) Brown." No relationship has been established between Leonard, Eliot, and John. However, some familial relationship must have existed given that they were the only persons in that immediate locale with the surname "Brown."
On 22-Sep-1762, Leonard Brown was a witness to the sale of 150 acres of land by David Cave to John Noel for 10 pounds and 10 shillings. The three witnesses included John Embre, Leonard Brown, and William (his "W" mark) Brown. (Orange County, VA Deed Book 13, pp. 251-252). On the same day, Leonard witnessed the sale of 50 acres of land by John Noel to William Brown. The three witnesses included David (his "D" mark) Cave, Leonard Brown, and John Embre.
Land descriptions indicate that William Brown, Eliot Brown, and John Noel lived close to one another in the southern part of Orange County near Gordonsville.
1763
Eleanor Brown, dau. of Leonard and Sarah Kimbrough Brown was born. This date is calculated based on Eleanor's widow's pension (No. W916), which she applied for on October 19, 1844 at age 81. This suggests her parents were married in 1761/62. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984, p. 56)
1764
On 22-Nov-1764 Thomas and Eleanor Graves Kimbrough sold their land in Orange County, VA.
Indenture between Thomas Kimbrow of Orange County and Elionor, his wife, and John Sutton of Spotsylvania County . . for divers causes . . and 45 (lb) . . sell land whereon now liveth . .400 acres on that Branch of Pamunkey called Madison's Mill Run* . . bounded . . Beale's line . . McKenny's line . . Wolf Trap branch . . John Noel . . Elliot Brown . . Signed by Thomas Kimbrow and Elioner Kimbrow. Witnesses: Sam'l Sutton, John Noel, Jeremiah Gregory, and Fanney Sutton. Recorded Orange County 22nd November 1764. On Margin. "Exd. & deld to John Sutton July 30th 1765"
Note: This appears to be when Thomas and Eleanor Kimbrough moved to Orange/Caswell Co., NC, as they are never again found in Orange County, VA records. I believe Leonard and Sarah Kimbrough Brown moved with them since there is no further record of Leonard Brown in Virginia.
1765 - 1773
Unfortunately, most early records from Orange County, NC were destroyed during the time of the Revolution. (They were buried in the ground by a disgruntled county official, where they rotted and could not be salvaged.) For this reason, there are no records proving exactly when Leonard Brown, Thomas Kimbrough, and Richard Martin came to Orange/Caswell County, NC and claimed land, which they would later purchase. It is assumed that these families resided in Orange County, NC from 1764 through 1777, when they received their Caswell County land grants.
1774
The earliest and only record located for Leonard Brown in Orange County, NC (prior to its becoming Caswell County in 1777) was found in The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Vol III, No. 1, Feb 1977 issue. The Journal presented "The North Carolina District Plan - 1774" by B. Ransom McBride. In 1774, Orange County, NC was divided into sixteen separate districts. A map of old Orange County, NC was superimposed with the five modern counties of Caswell, Person, Alamance, Orange, and Durham, which comprise roughly the same area today. The numbers and names of each district were as shown on an original document filed in the North Carolina Archives in Raleigh. Most of districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 became Caswell County
The reference to Leonard Brown is as follows:
"The third district begins at Guilford line running east including William Smith, Zacharias Tate, Isaac Brackin, James Brackin on Stony Creek & Reubin Washman on Toms Creek on the North;. . . . Thence North including Pierce Asbel, Widow Berry, Leonard Brown, & John Graves on the West. Thence West including Thomas Rice Esq., Thomas Brooks, Robert Blackwell & Daniel Johnston on the south to Guilford line in John O Deneals yard."
1777
Leonard Brown was included in St. David's District or the 1777 Tax List of Caswell County Tax List with 367-1-6. Caswell County was formed from Orange County in 1777. (Source: Orange County, 1752-1952, p. 46)
Sarah Kimbrough's father Thomas Kimbrough died. His will, written on 20-Sep-1777, mentions wife: Elleanah; sons John, William, Robert, Thomas and Graves; and daughters Suckey Nowel, Sarah Brown, Mary Bryant, Betty Bruce, Nancy Turner, and Frankey Carman. (Source: Caswell County, NC Will Book A, page 25)
1778
On 26-Aug-1778 Leonard Brown files a land grant for 616 acres on Harts Hillsborough Road in Caswell County, NC. (Source: )
On the same day (26-Aug-1778) a William Brown files a land grant for 500 acres on Harts Hillsborough Road adjacent to the land of Leonard Brown. (Source: )
No relationship has been established between Leonard and William Brown, but it has long been thought that they are father and son or brothers.
Note: If anyone has any ideas about or proofs of their relationship, I'll be glad to add comments and corrections.
1779
On 3-Mar-1779 the deeds were recorded in Caswell County Deed Book A for both Leonard and William Brown. Leonard Brown is also listed in the deed written for Bazell Davis as living adjacent to his land.
Deed Book A, p. 133 - State of NC - No. 88 - to Bazell Davis, 200 A on both sides the middle fork of South fork of Country Line Cr. adj land claimed by Clifton Allen, vacant land, land of Leonard Brown, Hudson Berry. 3 Mar 1779 chc Thos Jones, Richd Carlan. (Source: Caswell County, NC Deed Books 1777-1817, abstracts by Katharine Kee Kendall, 1989, Southern Historical Press)
Deed Book A, p. 178 - State of NC - No. 88 - to William Brown 500 A on both sides Harts Hillsborough Road, waters of Stoney Cr., Toms Cr, Country Line Cr. adj Henry Williams, Leonard Brown. 3 Mar 1779. - chc Leonard Brown, George Barker, Jr.
Deed Book A, p. 227 - State of NC - No. 61 - to Leonard Brown 616 A. on both sides Harts Hillsborough Road, the waters, of Country Line Cr adj William Brown, claim of Hudson Berry, Bazzell Davis, Claim of Luke Pendergast, William Rice crossing Cr. to claim of John Rice. 3 Mar 1779 chc. Wm. Brown, Jno. Brothers. Leonard paid 50 shillings per acre for his land.
1781
September Court 1781, Book A, page 147, shows the division of the estate of Thomas Kimbro to his wife, Eleanor; sons: Robert, William, Thomas, John, and Graves Kimbro; sons-in-law, John Bryant, Leonard Brown, Robert Bruce, Edward Nowel, and Henry Turner for legacy to their wives; and Caleb Carman. (Source: Caswell Co, NC Will Books, 1777-1814, 1784 Tax List, Guardian Accts 1794-1819, abst. by Katharine Kerr Kendall and Indexed by Mary Frances Kerr Donaldson 1979.)
Read Thomas Kimbrough's estate record.
Note: Sarah Kimbrough was named in Thomas Kimbro's will; Leonard Brown was named in the division of the estate.
1784
Leonard and William Brown are included in the 1784 tax list of Caswell County, NC. (Source: North Carolina Taxpayers 1679 - 1790, vol. 2, comp. by Clarence E. Ratclikk, Gen. Publ. Co, 1987)
1785
Eleanor Brown, thought to be the eldest child of Leonard and Sarah Kimbrough Brown, married William Dorris on January 15, 1785 in Caswell Co, NC. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984)
1786
Leonard and two William Browns are included in the 1786 tax list of Caswell County, NC. (Source: North Carolina Taxpayers 1679 - 1790, vol. 2, comp. by Clarence E. Ratclikk, Gen. Publ. Co, 1987)
Leonard and William Brown are also included in the State Census of North Carolina, 1786, for Caswell County. In 1786 Caswell County included both Caswell and Person Counties as they exist today. There were 8 districts. In 1792, after the formation of Person County, the four districts in Caswell were: Caswell, Richmond, St. David, and Gloucester. Those falling into person County were: St. Luke, St. Lawrence, St. James, and Nash. The 1786 census report is available for 3 of the 8 districts, Caswell, St. David, and Gloucester, all three of which fell into present day Caswell County after 1792.
The census listing for Leonard Brown is as follows: 1 male (21-60 yrs.), 5 males (under 20 or over 60), 4 females
The census listing for William Brown is as follows: 1 male (21-60 yrs.), 4 males (under 20 or over 60), 5 females
The census listing for William Brown (C) is as follows: 3 males (21-60 yrs.), 2 males (under 20 or over 60), and 4 females
1788
Leonard sold 127 acreas of his land to his son-in-law William Dorris. (Source: Caswell County Deed Book, Vol F., pp. 176-177)
1790
Soloman Brown, son of Leonard Brown, married Hannah Cantrol in Orange County, NC. This is based on the date Soloman cited in the attestation papers to William Dorris' pension.
Note: There is a discrepancy in the date of Solomon's marriage. In the William Dorris pension record claim, Solomon Brown gave an affidavit stating that he and his wife Hannah married on 05-Apr-1790. However, Orange County, NC marriage records show he married Hannah Cantrol on 02-Apr-1791.
1791
Leonard Brown sells his son William Brown 150 acres of land.
Deed Book H, p. 121 - Leonard Brown of CC for love and affection to son William Brown, 150 A being part of survey where Leonard Brown lives. 21 Sept 1791. Wit: Daniel Williams, William Dorris. (Source: Caswell County, NC Deed Books 1777-1817, abstracts by Katharine Kee Kendall, 1989, Southern Historical)
1792
William Dorris, husband of Eleanor Brown and son-in-law of Leonard, sells Soloman Brown (son of Leonard Brown) 127 acres of land.
Deed Book H, p. 124-5 - William Dorris of Orange Co., NC to Soloman Brown of CC, for 100 lbs, 127 A a fork Country Line Cr crossing Hillsborough Rd, adj William Brown. Also signed by Eleanor Dorris. 14 Nov 1792. Wit: William Brown, Thomas Brown. (Source: Caswell County, NC Deed Books 1777-1817, abstracts by Katharine Kee Kendall, 1989, Southern Historical Press)
Soloman Brown and Leonard Brown sell Thomas Brown (son of Leonard Brown) land.
Deed Book H, p. 134-5 - Soloman Brown and Leonard Brown of CC to Thomas Brown of same, for 5 lbs VA money, 10 A, the tract where Soloman now lives; and Leonard Brown for love & affection to his son Thomas Brown ? A adj the aforesaid, all estimated at 127 A., a part of survey where Leonard lives adj John Rice, William Brown. 14 Dec 1792. Wit: Jethro Brown, William Brown. (Source: )
1796
Leonard Brown paid tax in Caswell County (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984, p. 56)
1797
Leonard Brown did NOT pay tax in Caswell County. It is believed that he may have lived with one of his children at this time.
1800
Leonard Brown is listed in the 1800 Caswell County, NC census as follows: 1 male (45 and over), 1 male (under 10), 1 female (45 and over), and 1 female (10-16). Leonard is also listed with four slaves. (Source: Caswell County, NC Census, p. 727)
Note: Based on this census, it appears that Leonard's wife Sarah may still be living. It also appears there are two children in the household. Since all of Leonard's children were married prior to 1800, it is speculated that these two children may be grandchildren. Could they be the Barker children? The age of the young female (10-16) would certainly fit the age range of granddaughter Polly Barker, who married in Sumner County, TN in 1804 when she would be 14-20 years of age.
Leonard Brown sells 100 acres of land to his son William Brown. (Source: Caswell County Deed Book, Vol. L, p. 363.)
1801
On 28-Jul-1801 Leonard Brown sells his final piece of land (111 acres) to William Smith.
Deed Book M, p. 98 - Leonard Brown of CC to William Smith of same for $220, 111 A. s fork Country Line Cr whereon Brown lives part of grant from State adj Goforth near old Meeting House, Sol Brown, Rebecca Berry. 28 July 1801. Wit: Jethro Brown, H. E. Williamson. (Source: Caswell County, NC Deed Books 1777-1817, abstracts by Katharine Kee Kendall, 1989, Southern Historical Press)
On 11-Sep-1801 Leonard Brown is mentioned in a deed from John Berry to Edmond Herndon.
Deed Book M, p. 109 - John Berry of CC to Edmond Herndon of same, for $150, 100 A. part of tract whereon he now lives adj Thomas Loyd, Leonard Brown, Smith. 11 Sept 1801 Wit: Robert Mitchell, David Henslee (Source: Caswell County, NC Deed Books 1777-1817, abstracts by Katharine Kee Kendall, 1989, Southern Historical Press)
1802
William and Eleanor Brown Dorris moved to Sumner County, TN from Caswell County, NC. This is based on documentation for William Dorris' pension. In the papers, Soloman Brown, Eleanor's brother attests to the fact that Williamd and Eleanor Dorris moved to Tennessee in 1802. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984.)
It is believed that Leonard Brown migrated to Tennessee with his daughter and son-in-law.
1803
In the 1803 tax list for Caswell County, NC, Leonard is not listed. Some of his sons are listed; however, it is difficult to determine which ones are definitely Leonard's sons.
Brown, William, 261 acres, St. David's District
Brown, Soloman, 117 acres, St. David's District
1804
On August 11, 1804 Leonard Brown was bondsman for the marriage of Sterling Osbrooks and Polly Barker. Polly Ausbrooks was later mentioned in Leonard's will as his granddaughter. Because Polly's maiden name was Barker, it is thought that Leonard and Sarah had a daughter (first name unknown) who married a Barker.
1808
William Brown, son of Leonard Brown, dies in Sumner County, TN on December 10, 1808. (Source: Estate #7, Microfilm Records, Sumner County Archives)
1811
Leonard Brown bought 45 acres of land on the Caney Fork of Drakes Creek on January 22, 1811 from Edw. Gwin. It was registered on September 21, 1811. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984, p. 56)
1814
On 29-Jan-1814 Leonard sold his 45 acres of land on the Caney Fork of Drakes Creek to his son Robert. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984)
1816
Leonard Brown is listed on the 1816 Sumner County tax list with 45 acres. (Source: Sumner County TNGenWeb, 1816 Tax List)
1817
Soloman Brown and his family moved to Sumner County, TN from Caswell Co, NC. This is based on the attestation given by Soloman Brown in the pension records of William Dorris. Soloman states that he and his family moved to Tennessee in 1817. (Source: Our Family: The Descendants of Leonard Brown with Collateral Lines, Charles Sidney Brown, 1984)
1820
Leonard Brown is listed on the 1820 Sumner County tax list with 45 acres on the Caney Fork of Drake's Creek. (Source: Sumner County TNGenWeb, 1820 Tax List)
Leonard Brown is listed in the 1820 Sumner County, TN census as follows: 1 male (age 45 and over) and one female (45 and over). The identity of the female person living with Leonard is unknown.
1821
Leonard is listed on the 1821 Sumner County tax list with 45 acres on the Cumberland Fork of Drake's Creek. (Source: Sumner County TNGenWeb, 1816 Tax List)
NOTE: I believe this is an error in transcription and should be the Caney Fork not the Cumberland Fork of Drake's Creek.
1826
Leonard included on the List of Enumeration in Captain Joseph McGlothlin's Company for the Year 1826 (Source: Sumner County TNGenWeb) Leonard is living near his son Soloman and his grandson Jacob Brown, Sr.
1828
Leonard wrote his will, dated August 8, 1828. (Source: Copy of the will)
1830
Leonard appears to be living with his son Robert Brown in the 1830 census. Robert has a male 81-90 years of age in his household. There is no separate listing for Leonard Brown.
1833
Leonard Brown died before 19 November 1833. His obituary was published in the National Banner and Nashville Advertiser on November 19, 1833
Leonard's will was probated in November 1833, Sumner County Will Book 2, p. 166, Sumner County, TN
Children of Leonard and Sarah Kimbrough Brown:
2 Eleanor Brown
Birth: 1763, probably Orange County, VA
Death: After the 1850 census, Sumner County, TN
Spouse: William Dorris, Jr.
Marriage: 15-JAN-1785, Caswell County, NC
Spouse's Birth: 1761
Spouse's Death: 22-NOV-1842, Sumner County, TN
2 Elizabeth Brown
Birth: ca 1764 (best guess!), Orange County, VA or Orange County, NC
Death: After 1833, probably Illinois
Spouse: (First name unknown) Crickman
Marriage: Before 1800
Spouse's Birth: Unknown
Spouse's Death: Before 1800
2 Daughter (First name unknown) Brown
Birth: ca 1766? (best guess!), probably Orange County, NC
Death: Unknown but before 1833, probably Caswell County, NC
Spouse: (First name unknown) Barker
Marriage: probably ca 1784
2 William Brown
Birth: ca 1767 (best guess!), probably Orange County, NC
Death: 10-DEC-1808, Sumner County, TN
Spouse: Nancy (last name unknown)
Marriage: Unknown
2 Thomas Brown
Birth: ca 1769, probably Orange County, NC
Death: 01-AUG-1855, Caswell County, NC
Spouse: Sarah "Salley" Morris
Marriage: 15-DEC-1795
Spouse's Birth: 1776
Spouse's Death: 07-AUG-1845, Caswell County, NC
2 Susanna Brown
Birth: 1770/71, (best guess!) probably Orange County, NC
Death: After 1828, probably Illinois
Spouse: John Melton
Married: ca 1788/89, probably Caswell or Orange County, NC
Spouse's Birth: ca 1766
Spouse's Death: Unknown
2 Soloman Brown
Birth: 1772, (best guess!) probably Orange County, NC
Death: 01-MAY-1849, Sumner County, TN
Spouse: Hannah Cantrell
Married: 02-APR-1791
Spouse's Birth: bet 1767-1771
Spouse's Death: bet 1846 & 1849
2 Robert Brown
Birth: ca 1774, (best guess!) probably Orange County, NC
Death: NOV-1849
Spouse: Unknown
Married: Unknown
Spouse #2: Hannah "Susannah" Brown
Married #2: 12-JUN-1812, Sumner County, TN
2 Sarah Brown
Birth: ca 1776/80, (best guess!) probably Orange/Caswell County, NC
Death: after 1841
Spouse: John Haskins (Askey)
Married: 26-OCT-1799, Caswell County, NC
Spouse's Birth: Unknown, NC?
Spouse's Death: 1840/41, Sumner County, TN
2 Leonard Brown, Jr.
Birth: 1785, (best guess!) probably Caswell County, NC
Death: 28-SEP-1851, Haynesville, Claiborne Parish, Lousiana
Spouse: Unknown
Married: Unknown
Spouse #2: Phoebe (last name unknown)
Married: Unknown
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