Jacob Brown (general)

Jacob J. Brown
Portrait by James Herring, 1835.
Nickname(s)"Potash Brown"[1]
Born(1775-05-09)May 9, 1775
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
DiedFebruary 24, 1828(1828-02-24) (aged 52)
Washington, D.C.
Place of burial
Washington, D.C.
Allegiance United States
Service / branchNew York Militia
United States Army
Years of service1807–1813 (NY Militia)
1813–1828 (US Army)
RankMajor General
Commands1st Commanding General of the United States Army
11th Senior Officer of the United States Army
Army of the Niagara
Battles / wars

Jacob Jennings Brown (May 9, 1775 – February 24, 1828)[2] was known for his victories as an American army officer 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 acquiring troops. After his death, he received a military funeral in Washington, DC, with a mile-long parade along Pennsylvania Avenue to his burial at Congressional Cemetery.

  1. ^ Pierre Berton, Across the Border: 1813–1814. Anchor Canada (1981), p. 320
  2. ^ Morris, John D. (2000). Sword of the Border: Major General Jacob Jennings Brown, 1775–1828. Kent State University Press. ISBN 978-0-87338-659-3.