Brown, Captain Jacob

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BRIEF HISTORY

Capt. Jacob Brown was a disbursing officer in the United States Army. He first arrived in Little Rock, in October of 1831 as a replacement for a Capt. Clark according to the local newspapers. Brown’s official title was Superintendent of the Removal and Subsistence of the Emigrating Indians. He composed and placed ads in area newspapers for subsistence of the various Indian tribes passing through Arkansas. Capt. Brown was also responsible for arranging transportation for the various tribes. After an emigrating party went through, Capt. Brown would auction off items used during removal, such as wagons and teams. Another one of his duties was to disburse money to the leaders of the emigrating parties. While Indians were camped in Little Rock, he was responsible for their care.

Because of the time he spent in Little Rock, Capt. Brown was considered a resident of the City of Little Rock. He was promoted to major in 1843. Brown soon found himself in command of the 7th infantry at Fort Texas, Texas. On May 6th, 1846, Major Brown suffered a serious injury while in defense of the Fort. He died on May 9th, 1846. Fort Texas was later renamed after Major Brown and the town was later named Brownsville, Texas in his honor. Because of his ties to Little Rock, his death was noted in the newspapers.

THE EMIGRATING INDIANS

We have received a letter from Col. Wm. Rector, Special Agent for Superintending the Removal and Subsistence of the Indians, dated at Vicksburg, Miss., 11th inst., from which we learn, that about 4000 Choctaw Indians were expected to reach that place, by the 20th inst., about 3500 of which he supposed would ascend the Arkansas, and the balance would emigrate by land, via Monroe, La., with their horses, cattle, &c.

The gentleman who was the bearer of the letter above referred to, informed us, that from 50 to 100 Indians had reached Vicksburg, before he left, and that about 2000 more were but a short distance behind them. It was understood, that the Agents found considerable difficulty in getting the Indians started.

We also learn, that Capt. Brown, Superintendent, & c. has received information from Memphis, that a party of about 500 Indians were expected to arrive at that place from the 23d to the 28th inst.

We shall endeavor to keep our readers advised of the movements of the Indians, to enable those residing on or near the routes they may travel to make some calculations as to the probable market they will meet with for the sale of their corn and other surplus produce which they may have to dispose of.

Arkansas Gazette, November 23, 1831