Moses Brown Papers, 1777-1815

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Brown, Moses, 1742-1827
Abstract:
Moses Brown (October 2, 1742-February 9, 1827), prominent merchant and citizen of Newburyport, Massachusetts, developed a large foreign and domestic trade, especially in sugar, molasses and distilled rum. This collection contains records relating to Brown's involvement in the rum industry in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Included are account statements, invoices, correspondence, and distillery house orders.
Extent:
0.8 linear feet
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains records relating to Brown's involvement in the rum industry in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It is arranged in four series: 1. Account statements, 2. Invoices, 3. Correspondence, 4. Distillery house orders.

Biographical / historical:
Biographical Narrative

Moses Brown (October 2, 1742-February 9, 1827), prominent merchant and citizen of Newburyport, Massachusetts, was the youngest of thirteen children of Joseph Jr. and Abigail Brown. As a boy he was apprenticed to a chaise-maker and upon adulthood he started in business himself as a carriage manufacturer. Eventually he turned to commerce, developing a large foreign and domestic trade, especially in sugar, molasses and distilled rum. He increased his investments until he was the owner of several wharves, wharehouses, and distilleries, as well as extensive real estate in Newburyport and vicinity.

Source:Dictionary of American Biography, Volume 3. New York: Scribner, 1929. p. 147.

Acquisition information:
Purchased in 1994.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library
100 NW Quad
Davis, CA 95616-5292, US
Contact:
(530) 752-1621