Representative Aaron Brown View All Years

AARON BROWN was born in Marion county, Mississippi, June 7, 1822; he died in Mitchellville, Iowa, July 2, 1904. His father was a southerner and a slave-holder, but about 1825 removed to the north and freed his slaves. A brother became a free state candidate for the Kansas legislature and was brutally murdered on election day, on account of his anti-slavery principles. In 1844 Aaron Brown removed to Michigan and began the study of medicine. In 1849 he made the overland trip to California and remained there until 1852, when he located in Fayette county, Iowa, which was for many years his home. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Company F, Third Iowa Infantry; on the organization of the Company he was elected Second Lieutenant; in 1862 he was promoted to the Captaincy. In 1863 he was chosen Colonel and commanded the regiment through the siege of Vicksburg and led the attack on Jackson, Mississippi, where he was wounded. He was also wounded at the battle of Blue Mills Landing in September, 1861. Dr. Brown was a member of the State Senate in the 6th and 7th General Assemblies, and a member of the House in the 12th and 13th. He was Register of the State Land Office for two terms, including the years 1871-74. In writing of him, Col. G. W. Crosley says: “As soldier and citizen his record is without a stain, and in the history of Iowa his name deserves a prominent place.” When Col. Brown fell wounded at Jackson, Mississippi, Col. Crosley, then Major of the regiment, took his place in leading the terrible charge.