He received a common school education, learned the Latin language and surveying, and also studied law for three years in the office of his brother Henry Brown in Springfield, New York.
He first settled in Jamestown in 1816, arriving on horseback, and purchased land in the Town of Ellicott in 1818.
Brown also served as District Attorney of Chautauqua County, was an agent with the Cherry Valley Land Company, was a director and attorney of the Chautauqua County Bank, and was involved in the formation of the Jamestown Academy.
In 1826, he was elected to the 50th New York State Legislature and served from January 1, 1827, to December 31, 1827, alongside Elial T. Foote.
In 1844, he was elected to the 68th New York State Legislature as a member of the Whig Party and served from January 1, 1845, to December 31, 1845, alongside Henry C. Frisbee and Jeremiah Mann.