SummaryBorn in Northumberland, England in 1832, he emigrated to Australasia—initially managing sheep stations in Tasmania, then Otago—before relocating to Tauranga in 1867.
He cleared several thousand acres in Welcome Bay, established paddocks, sowed English grasses, and by 1882 had built an expansive mixed farm with 400 cattle, 1,200 sheep, 20 horses, as well as pigs and poultry.
In 1878 he built a large kauri homestead, five rooms downstairs and four upstairs,with views over the bay and town. The twin-gable roof, wooden shingles, and dual staircases (men to left, women to right) were key architectural features.
Brown served on multiple local civic bodies including the County Council, Waimapu Road Board, School Committee, Cemetery Board, and the Waimapu Licensing Committee. He was involved in flax milling, belonged to the Masonic Lodge, and was noted for hosting guests at his homestead with his wife. In 1895, he was fatally injured by a reaping machine accident and died at age 62.SourcesFamily Search recordEarly settlers in Welcome Bay: Jonathan Brown (Tauranga Historical Society Blog)
Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Brown, Jonathan, 1882-1895, (Person)