Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Walter S. Brown journals, 1896-1903. Accession 53752. Personal papers collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Purchased.

Biographical Information

Walter Scott Brown was born 8 June 1874 in Sutton, New Hampshire, to Dexter E. Brown (1826-1911) and Lois Bailey Brown (1841-1924). Brown joined an organization called the Christian Crusaders 17 October 1896, and became an itinerant evangelist, first travelling in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and eventually moving to Virginia in 1899. In Virginia, Brown mainly travelled between Richmond and Nottoway County, although he spent time in Williamsburg, Newport News, and Portsmouth; as well as Dinwiddie, Halifax, and James City Counties. In 1902, Brown moved to Highland County, Virginia, preaching there and in Pendleton County, West Virginia. In 1903, Brown was licensed as a Methodist preacher, and eventually settled in Augusta County, Virginia. He married Ada Jane Mullenex (1879-1961) on 4 May 1904, and they had two children. Brown died in Augusta County 26 August 1955, and was buried in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.

Scope and Content

Journals, 1896-1903, of Walter S. Brown (1874-1955) of Highland County and Richmond, Virginia; and New Hampshire, detailing his life as a member of the Christian Crusaders and as an itinerant minister in Highland, Nottoway and other Virginia counties and Richmond; as well as Pendleton County, West Virginia, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Brown describes prayer meetings, revivals, and worship services; as well as his personal religious journey. Collection includes correspondence, broadsides, and related documents.