New York, Monroe County, Rochester
![]()
Neighborhood United Association proudly dedicates this plaque in honor of D. Matthew Brown, Jr., one of Rochester's founders and a visionary for whom Brown Street was named.
In 1816, Dr. Brown settled in Rochester where he and his brother organized the Genesee Manufacturing Company to produce wedge tools. The firm arranged financing for Brown's Race, which became the most powerful waterpower source in the Genesee region.
The Brown Brothers also built the Triphammer Forge Factory at Brown's Race. Thus they created an environment for rapid industrial development.
In 1817, Dr. Brown assisted in the incorporation of the hamlets of Frankfort and Rochester into Rochesterville. He served for many years on the village's Board of Trustees, and he lobbied to obtain Rochester's City Charter.
Dr. Brown was the Supervisor for the Town of Gates from 1819-1823 and in 1828. He was appointed the first Chairperson of the new County of Monroe Board of Supervisors in 1821.
Neighborhood United Association proudly dedicates this plaque in honor of D. Matthew Brown, Jr., one of Rochester's founders and a visionary for whom Brown Street was named.
In 1816, Dr. Brown settled in Rochester where he and his brother organized the Genesee Manufacturing Company to produce wedge tools. The firm arranged financing for Brown's Race, which became the most powerful waterpower source in the Genesee region.
The Brown Brothers also built the Triphammer Forge Factory at Brown's Race. Thus they created an environment for rapid industrial development.
In 1817, Dr. Brown assisted in the incorporation of the hamlets of Frankfort and Rochester into Rochesterville. He served for many years on the village's Board of Trustees, and he lobbied to obtain Rochester's City Charter.
Dr. Brown was the Supervisor for the Town of Gates from 1819-1823 and in 1828. He was appointed the first Chairperson of the new County of Monroe Board of Supervisors in 1821.
In 1851, Dr. Brown died at his home on Brown Street and was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences awarded Dr. Brown a posthumous civic medal for outstanding contribution to the community and the nation.
April, 26, 2002
(Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
