Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In 1797 he purchased several thousand acres of wilderness on the east shore of Lake Ontario. The village of Brownville was founded on this tract. Married Pamela Williams in 1802.

Brown was given command of a military regiment in 1809. In 1811 he was appointed brigadier general of the militia. At the outbreak of war he was present at a skirmish at Ogdensburg. Brown was given command of a force of 400 regulars and 500 militia to defend Sackett's Harbor from a British attack on May 29, 1813. The successful defense resulted in Brown's appointment July 19, 1813, to brigadier general of the Regular Army. He participated in the expedition against Montreal in November. On January 24, 1814, he was appointed major general. His forces attacked and captured Fort Erie, which they successfully defended against a British siege. The Army suffered heavy losses at the battle of Lundy's Lane and was forced to give up the objective of taking York, now Toronto. In 1815 he became senior officer in the service. In 1821 he was assigned to the command of the United States Army. He held that position until his death in Washington, D.C.

Congress honored Brown with a gold medal (Julian MI-11) by resolution November 3, 1814, for service during the War of 1812. Dies were by Moritz Furst.

The original gold medal issued to Brown was returned for deposit at the mint on August 4, 1901. It is believed this medal is now on display at the Smithsonian.

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