Pulaski in Giles County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Neill Smith Brown

(1810-1886)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 6, 2020

1. Neill Smith Brown Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

City Recorder of Pulaski
Member, Tennessee State Legislature
Governor of Tennessee 1847 - 1849
United States Minister to Russia 1850 - 1853
Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives
A native Giles countian, Neill S. Brown was born April 18, 1810, an older brother to the future Governor, John C. Brown. After attending Maury County Manual Labor Academy, he began his practice of law in Pulaski in 1833. In 1835 Brown moved to Texas, but shortly returned to Tennessee and joined the Florida campaign against the Seminole Indians, distinguishing himself especially at the Battle of Mud Creek.

The year 1836 saw Brown begin his political career as City Recorder and in the same year, was first elected to the Tennessee Legislature. In 1843 he ran for the U.S. Congress but was defeated by Aaron V. Brown. A strong supporter of Hugh Lawson White against President Andrew Jackson, Brown's Whig Party affiliation earned him the position of a Presidential Elector on the Henry Clay ticket in 1844.

At the age of 37, Brown was elected governor, defeating Aaron V. Brown. During his term as governor,

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the first telegraph office was opened in Tennessee. His re-election bid failed when he was defeated by William Trousdale in 1849. The following year president Zachary Taylor appointed him U.S. Minister to Russia and he served until 1853. He was once again elected to the State Legislature and in 1855 became Speaker.of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Neill Smith Brown died in 1886 and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville.

Erected by City of Pulaski.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 18, 1810.

Location. 35° 11.603′ N, 87° 1.736′ W. Marker is in Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County. Marker can be reached from South Rhodes Street north of East Cemetery Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in Maplewood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pulaski TN 38478, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Aaron V. Brown (here, next to this marker); General John Calvin Brown (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Martin (1799-1870) (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas McKissack Jones

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 6, 2020

2. Neill Smith Brown Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); General John Adams, CSA (within shouting distance of this marker); Maplewood Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); James M. McCallum (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Goff Ballentine (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pulaski.

Neill Smith Brown image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown

3. Neill Smith Brown

(Courtesy Tennessee State Library and Archives)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.