Brown, Lewis, Captain

Merchant, Philadelphia.

From the description of Lewis Brown Papers, 1812-1856. (New-York Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 476438864

There is very little known about the two parties involved in this purchase. It is known, however, that land speculation and purchasing flourished during the first half of the 1830s especially for businessmen in the New York City area. By 1836 President Andrew Jackson decided to substantially reduce the amount of power wielded by banks across the country as a result of this great boom in land value. On August 15, 1836, Jackson declared that all government lands purchases by investors must be bought in specie, which broke away from the soft money concept (this particular purchase was made only ten days before Jackson s specie circular was announced). As a result banks across the nation collapsed from debt leading to a nation-wide panic in 1837. Many argue Jackson s policy was a major cause for the great economic panic of 1837 and the ensuing depression that lasted for almost seven years, while some cite other domestic and international issues as the cause. In any case, land purchasing, especially from inhabitants of New York, sharply decreased after 1837. Thus, it is possible that this purchase of land by Samuel Mott might have been made during the final moments before a severe depression.

From the description of Lewis Brown indenture, 1836. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 57189139

Brown earned $496 a year in 1867, lived in Parma (Mich.), and owned a carriage and pianofore. No further information is available on Brown or Page.

From the description of Income tax return, 1866-1867. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 43598749