The Hudson Library & Historical Society’s collections on John Brown are particularly valuable for researchers interested in the life of John Brown and the Brown family.

Our collections include an extensive collection of books written about John Brown, an ongoing project to document the genealogy of John Brown, as well as several manuscript collections including the entire research collection of Clarence S. Gee, the premier Brown scholar.

Manuscript Collections

The John Brown materials span many collections at the Hudson Library. All are available for on-site research by appointment. Contact us for more information.

Clarence S. Gee collection on John Brown

Clarence S. Gee (1885-1975) was the former pastor of the First Congregational Church of Hudson and premier scholar on John Brown. He spent more than 50 years researching and collecting material on John Brown. This collection includes all of Gee’s extensive research and writings.

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Collection on the John Brown family

A collection created by the Hudson Library & Historical Society consisting of various John Brown documents and research. An autobiography of Owen Brown (edited by Clarence S. Gee), wills and letters of Owen Brown (some original), research and correspondence about John Brown’s last letter to friend Hudsonite Lora Case. Also includes several documents signed by John Brown and some photographs of John Brown and family. Also, various newspaper clippings and photocopies of original John Brown letters.

Adair family collection

Florella Brown Adair was John Brown’s half sister. The collection includes correspondence of the Adair, McFarland, Remington, Crothers, and Ward families, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and a genealogical chart of the Adair family.

Jeremiah Root Brown and the Clark family papers

The collection consists of the papers of various descendants of Jeremiah Root Brown (John Brown’s half-brother), including the Clow, Clark, Drake, and Hinsdale families.

Oliver O. Brown collection

Oliver O. Brown was John Brown’s brother. The collection consists of various holographs, copies, and transcriptions of Oliver O. Brown documents, including correspondence and deeds. The collection also includes a few original letters (from Oliver Brown) and various genealogical notes.

Brown Family Association Reunion records

Records of the Brown Family Association reunion, includes reunion letters and regrets, historian reports, programs and pamphlets, miscellaneous notes, reunion scrapbooks, postcards, newspaper clippings, minute book, and correspondence.

Oswald Garrison Villard, Ohio interviews

Includes copies of interviews (transcripts) of Ohio (and Hudson) citizens conducted by Oswald Garrison Villard in 1908 for research for his book John Brown: A Biography Fifty Years After. Originals are owned by Columbia University.

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Book Collection

The archives maintains a collection of published books about John Brown. View the library catalog for the full list.

John Brown Genealogy

The archives owns binders that document the family tree for the Brown family. Contact us for more information.