Mary E. Brown

Mary Elizabeth Brown was born on June 26, 1822 in Albany, New York. Her parents were David and Elizabeth Brown. David Brown worked as an Episcopalian Priest who frequently went on mission trips to Florida. Mary likely accompanied her father on some of those trips. She and her childhood friend, Mary McClure taught at Northwestern University before moving to Florida in 1876. Both women had family friends, such as the Comstocks, the Geers, and Richmond families who spoke highly of Central Florida.

Brown and McClure purchased ten acres of land off of Lake Sylvan and built their own homestead. These women differed from early Winter Park settlers, because they were single female homesteaders. They came to the region as two retired teachers with only a modest life savings, in contrast to many early Winter Park residents who had success in business.[1]Although Mary Brown and Mary McClure came to Florida as middle aged women, neither age nor gender proved to be an obstacle for them. In fact, they often referred to their own home as “No Man’s Land.”[2] Brown and McClure always helped those who required their aid. Unlike many of Winter Park’s early residents, Brown and McClure lived in the community year round. They possessed a pioneer’s spirit and did not simply look to retire.[3] Brown’s resilient and independent nature can be seen in her diary.

Defying stereotypes, over the years Brown purchased and sold property for a profit . She contributed to the community’s intellectual growth by giving lectures on literature and supported the construction of schools, libraries, and churches.[4] Brown also drew attention in the community with a mule named “Johnny Brown” that acted as a companion to Brown and McClure.[5]

Mary Brown died on November 16, 1909 at the age of eighty-seven. Brown recorded much of her life in her diary. Housed in the Winter Park Public Library, the diary, lists daily activities, social events, financial information, cooking recipes, and valuable insights into the history living in early Winter Park.[6]

[1] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.1

[2] S.L. Ickes. “Mary Browne An Early Winter Park Pioneer.”

[3] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.1

[4] S.L. Ickes. “Mary Browne An Early Winter Park Pioneer.”

[5] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.2

[6] Ibid. p.3.

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			Mary E. Brown (Browne) (1822-1909) Early Settler and Prominent Resident
Mary Elizabeth Brown was born on June 26, 1822 in Albany, New York. Her parents were David and Elizabeth Brown. David Brown worked as an Episcopalian Priest who frequently went on mission trips to Florida. Mary likely accompanied her father on some of those trips. She and her childhood friend, Mary McClure taught at Northwestern University before moving to Florida in 1876. Both women had family friends, such as the Comstocks, the Geers, and Richmond families who spoke highly of Central Florida. Brown and McClure purchased ten acres of land off of Lake Sylvan and built their own homestead. These women differed from early Winter Park settlers, because they were single female homesteaders. They came to the region as two retired teachers with only a modest life savings, in contrast to many early Winter Park residents who had success in business.[1]Although Mary Brown and Mary McClure came to Florida as middle aged women, neither age nor gender proved to be an obstacle for them. In fact, they often referred to their own home as “No Man’s Land.”[2] Brown and McClure always helped those who required their aid. Unlike many of Winter Park’s early residents, Brown and McClure lived in the community year round. They possessed a pioneer’s spirit and did not simply look to retire.[3] Brown’s resilient and independent nature can be seen in her diary. Defying stereotypes, over the years Brown purchased and sold property for a profit . She contributed to the community’s intellectual growth by giving lectures on literature and supported the construction of schools, libraries, and churches.[4] Brown also drew attention in the community with a mule named “Johnny Brown” that acted as a companion to Brown and McClure.[5] Mary Brown died on November 16, 1909 at the age of eighty-seven. Brown recorded much of her life in her diary. Housed in the Winter Park Public Library, the diary, lists daily activities, social events, financial information, cooking recipes, and valuable insights into the history living in early Winter Park.[6] - David Irvin [1] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.1 [2] S.L. Ickes. “Mary Browne An Early Winter Park Pioneer.” [3] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.1 [4] S.L. Ickes. “Mary Browne An Early Winter Park Pioneer.” [5] Ernest K. Zoller. “The Diaries of Mary E Brown.” p.2 [6] Ibid. p.3.
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