Heritage \ Writings \

Isaac Brown (18??-1900)
Former slave from Kentucky, long-time Bay City resident.(May 2005)

1900 Illness. Contributed by Jim Petrimoulx - April 2008.

The Bay City Tribune -- Thursday, May 23, 1900 (Page 3)

"Uncle" Isaac Brown
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Aged Colored Man Is Now On
His Death Bed
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“Uncle” Isaac Brown, a resident of Bay City for many years, is now seriously ill at his home 506 Garfield avenue, and no hope is entertained of his recovery . “Uncle” Isaac was a slave from his birth, but after nearly half a century of this he made up his mind to seek freedom and did so. This was during the early and stirring days at the beginning of the war of the rebellion. At that time “Uncle” Isaac was owned by Thomas Marshall, who had a fine plantation at Mayville, Ky. Marshall was a typical southerner, ready and handy with his gun, always willing at the slightest provocation to abuse and punish a slave, and as willing to wreak vengeance upon any one else who harmed one of his Negroes . After long struggles “Uncle” Isaac finally managed to get to Canada and there he remained until the close of the war. The exact age of the former slave is not known, but it is in the vicinity of 90. During his life “Uncle” Isaac has been a devoted and consistent Christian , and his moments of consciousness are devoted to telling how willing he is to die and how certain he is of salvation.

1900 Death. Contributed by Jim Petrimoulx - April 2008.

The Bay City Tribune - Thursday, July 5, 1900 (Page 5)

"Uncle" Isaac Brown"
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Died Yesterday At A Ripe Old Age
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Isaac Brown, or “Uncle” Isaac as he was familiarly known, died about 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon at his home, 506 Garfield avenue, of a complication of ailments resulting from old age. He was over 80 years old and had been a resident of Bay City for many years. Born a slave he was set free by the civil war and immediately came north, finally locating in Bay City. For years he was a familiar figure on the streets here. A few months ago he became ill and it was realized the end was near. A thorough Christian “Uncle” Isaac had no fear of death and went into the great unknown with perfect calmness.