Mason Brown was born on November 10, 1799, in Philadelphia. His parents were John and Margaretta (Mason) Brown. He was raised at Liberty Hall, his parents’ home in Frankfort. After receiving his early education from tutors, he graduated from Yale University in 1820. He studied law and began his law practice. He was appointed to the Kentucky circuit bench in 1839, a position he held until 1849.
He co-edited with Charles Morehead "A Digest of the Statute Laws of Kentucky" which was published in 1834. He was also active in the civic affairs of Frankfort and helped in the creation of the Frankfort Cemetery in 1844.
He served as Secretary of State from 1855 to 1859 in the administration of his friend and law partner, Charles S. Morehead.
Mason Brown married Judith H. Bledsoe of Lexington in 1825. They had one son, Benjamin Gratz Brown. After the death of Judith, he married Mary Yoder of Spencer County. They had six children: John Mason Brown, Margaretta M. (Brown) Barrett, Mary Yoder (Brown) Scott, Yoder Brown, Knox Brown, and Eliza (Brown) Bailey.
Mason Brown died on January 27, 1867, and is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery.
References:
"Kentucky Encyclopedia," (1992), pg 130;
H. Levin, "Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky," (1897), pg 208;
"Biographical Encyclopedia of Kentucky," (1878), pg 58;
Obituary, "Tri-Weekly Daily Yeoman," January 29, 1867.
