John Brown

Democratic Republican Senator of Kentucky

Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

September 12, 1757 (79 years old)

Birthday

March 3, 1837

Death

Participated in the development and formation of the State of Kentucky after the American Revolutionary War.
Served in the Continental Congress for Virginia and the U.S. Congress, where he introduced the bill granting Statehood to Kentucky.
Elected as a U.S. Senator for Kentucky, serving from 1792 to 1805, and was President pro tempore of the United States Senate from 1803 to 1804.
Born to immigrant parents from northern Ireland and was well-educated, attending Liberty Hall Academy, the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), and the College of William & Mary for law.
Married Margaretta Mason and had five children, with only two surviving to adulthood.
Involved in a secret mission to free trade with the United States during the Revolutionary War, which ultimately failed.
After his political career, managed large areas of property, was a founding member of the Frankfort Water Company, and served as director of the first Bank of Kentucky.
Played a significant role in public works, including overseeing the construction of a public house of worship and serving as the Sheriff of Franklin County.
Presided over the organizational meeting of the Kentucky Historical Society in 1836.
His home, Liberty Hall, is preserved as a historic site and operates as a house museum.
Descendants include Senator Benjamin Gratz Brown and children’s author Margaret Wise Brown.