Deborah Brown

OBIT: DEBORAH, RELIC OF CAPT CHARLES BROWN, born in Washington Co. NY, moved with parents to Onondaga Co. while she a child. She married Chas Brown in June 1806 and lived on his land at Onondaga Hollow, Three River Point on the Seneca River; At that time, laws of the state of New York did not allow an alien to hold the right of Fee Simple. The name of a friend being used, the farm was deeded to Charles Brown. He became involved in debt. Their farm was sold from under them in 1809. In the spring of 1810, Deborah’s husband started to the Mecca of the West, the New Connecticut, where he was told he could have right of Fee Simple in his name.

He arrived at Salem, Now Conneaut, early in June 1810. In the Spring of 1811, he contracted for some land in Kingsville township and in 1813, he held the deed thereof in his hand.

In winter of 1815-1816, in company with Annan Harmon, he returned to NY State and built a schooner named “Fire Fly”. Deborah remained all this time at Onondaga Hollow. Charles and Deborah met at Onida Lake. intending to make the journey by water. Mrs. Brown is claimed to be first adult lady to pass around Niagara Falls in a sail vessel, the Fire Fly being taken out at Kingston, drawn up a mountain and relaunched at the Chippeway. Persuing her water journey, she arrived on the beach of Lake Erie near Ashtabula the last of July 1816 a few rods from the cabin Charles had built.

She remained on the same farm until her death. Soon after her location in Kingsville with her husband, she joined the M.E. Church in which she retained a good standing at Amboy until the day of her death. remaining there until her death.