10/26/2026
James F. Brown, a man who escaped from slavery in Maryland, was manumitted by Daniel Crommelin Verplanck in 1828. James became a trusted employee, property manager and gardener at Mount Gulian for almost 40 years. In the extensive journals he kept, he wrote that he purchased properties and a home in Beacon by 1836, which entitled him, as a free man and property owner, to the right to vote.
On November 8th, 1837 James wrote in his journal, “The election at Fishkill took place this day at which place James F. Brown voted for the first time.” Voting as a full citizen was of prime importance for James, because every November he proudly wrote that he voted. Imagine the pride he must have felt, having once been enslaved, without any rights, to finally have the right to vote as a full-fledged citizen.
Voting gave him power and he was going to use it. Use your power this year and vote on November 3rd!
