Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Timothy Brown House

1863-1865

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

1. Timothy Brown House Marker

Inscription. This Italianate brick house was constructed for Timothy Brown of New York State, a real estate speculator, founder of the First National Bank, and an official of the Madison Gas Light and Coke Company. Brown was induced to come to Madison in 1855 by fellow banker and former resident of New York State, Napoleon Bonaparte Van Slyke. Brown lived in the house until his death in 1879.

Erected 1972 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 43° 4.73′ N, 89° 23.176′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from East Gorham Street, 0.1 miles west of North Butler Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 East Gorham Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mansion Hill Historic District (a few steps from this marker); Period Garden Park (a few steps from this marker); Keyes House (within shouting distance of this marker); Bashford House

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pierce House (about 300 feet away); Old Governor's Mansion (about 300 feet away); Kendall House (about 400 feet away); Keenan House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Timothy Brown House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This cream brick house is in the Italianate style. The stately neo-classical veranda dates to the turn-of-the-last-century. Timothy Brown came to Madison in 1855 at the request of a fellow New York Stater, Napoleon Bonaparte Van Slyke, to be part of a growing Yankee contingent on Mansion Hill. Brown quickly became cashier and principal stockholder of the Dane County Bank. With others, he reorganized it into the First National Bank in 1863 (which has evolved into the present U S Bank). In 1870 Brown took control of the floundering Madison Gas Company and turned it into a financially sound business. Brown's real estate holdings and business investments made him a well-known commercial figure and one of Madison's wealthiest people. In civic affairs, he served as treasurer of the UW Board of Regents, alderman, county

Timothy Brown House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

2. Timothy Brown House

The marker is in the ground by the sidewalk in front of the house.

supervisor, and leader of the Dane County Cavalry during the Civil War. His wife, Elizabeth, continued to live in the house until her death in 1896. Mrs. Brown's house became the center of a family compound, as sons built their own houses nearby.

"Later residents of the Brown family homestead included three justices of the state supreme court, a law partner of Robert M. La Follette, and grandson Timothy Brown. The original rambling carriage house is just east of the house."

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

3. Timothy Brown House

The view of the house from the northeast.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

4. Timothy Brown House

The view of the house from the Period Garden Park to the southwest of the house.

Timothy Brown House Garage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

5. Timothy Brown House Garage

Formerly the carriage house.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,054 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.