Jacob Jennings Brown (May 9, 1775 – February 24, 1828) was an American army officer who served in the War of 1812, where he reached the rank of general. His successes on the northern border during that war made him a national hero, and he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Even as the US Army was reduced in size after the war, Brown retained commissioned status. In 1821, Brown was appointed Commanding General of the United States Army and held that post until his death. He initiated post-graduate education for staff and command officers, and the General Recruiting Service, to manage the acquisition of troops. After his death, he received a military funeral in Washington, D.C., with a mile-long parade along Pennsylvania Avenue to his burial at Congressional Cemetery.

Early life

Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jacob Jennings Brown was the son of Samuel and Abi (White) Brown. His middle name was in honor of his paternal grandmother, a descendant of Samuel Jennings and his wife. Jennings had served as deputy governor of West Jersey and later receiver general of Pennsylvania in the early 18th century. He also was known for directing meticulously planned, defensive field works, including for Sackets Harbor. His fortifications there were instrumental in fending off British and Canadian advances. Sackets Harbor had become a major military shipyard for the construction of American naval warships to sail on the Great Lakes, and its protection was critical. Some 3,000 shipyard workers were recruited to the shipyard, and thousands of federal troops were eventually bivouacked in the area. They overwhelmed the small town.

When the War of 1812 began, Brown was a brigadier general in the New York militia, having been appointed to that rank in 1811. Though he opposed the war, he organized defenses in the Great Lakes region. On May 29, 1813, troops led by Brown defeated the British at the Second Battle of Sacket's Harbor, based on his fortifications. As a result of his actions there, Brown was commissioned as a brigadier general in the regular army.

Brown's last battle of the war was the related Siege of Fort Erie, from 4 Aug to 21 Sep 1814, when the British tried unsuccessfully to take back control of the fort. He had directed fortifications to improve defenses at Fort Erie, which contributed to the American success in defeating the British. Brown was also considered impetuous. After the initial British assault against his forces was repulsed, Brown ordered a sortie on September 17 against the British that resulted in more than 500 casualties on each side, but changed nothing in the outcome of the siege. After both sides withdrew, the Americans destroyed Fort Erie so that it could no longer be used. Overall, Brown's successes along the northern border made him a national hero.

Death

On February 24, 1828, Brown died. He was given a military funeral: his casket was carried down Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation's capital by a detachment of U.S. Marines. The government shut down to mark the day of his funeral. The mile-long funeral procession was composed of family, military detachments, and government officials. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

  • The town of Pamelia, New York, was named for his wife, née Pamelia Williams.
  • Brown County, Illinois
  • Brown County, Indiana
  • Brown County, Ohio
  • Brown County, Wisconsin
  • Brown Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
  • Brownstown Township, Jackson County, Indiana
  • Brownstown, Indiana
  • Brownsville, Tennessee

See also

  • Gen. Jacob Brown Mansion

Citations

References

  • Commanding Generals and Chiefs of Staff
  • Jacob Jennings Brown papers, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan