Little is known of his early life, save for him being a shoemaker's apprentice in Yarm, before joining the Army [REF].
After his army service, Brown retired from the 3rd Hussars, whereupon he was rewarded by King George II with a gold-topped walking stick, a replica nose made of silver to replace his he lost in battle, and a King's pension of 30 crowns (£30) a year [REF].