From the great historian of the American Revolution, New York Times-bestselling and Pulitzer-winning Gordon Wood, comes a majestic dual biography of two of America’s most enduringly fascinating figures, whose partnership helped birth a nation, and whose subsequent falling out did much to fix its course.Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could scarcely have come from more different worlds, or been more different in temperament. Jefferson, the optimist with enough faith in the innate goodness of his fellow man to be democracy’s champion, was an aristocratic Southern slaveowner, while Adams, the overachiever from New England’s rising middling classes, painfully aware he was no aristocrat, was a skeptic about popular rule and a defender of a more elitist view of government. They worked closely in the crucible of revolution, crafting the Declaration of Independence and leading, with Franklin, the diplomatic effort that brought France into the fight. But ultimately, their profound differences would lead to a fundamental crisis, in their friendship and in the nation writ large, as they became the figureheads of two entirely new forces, the first American political parties. It was a bitter breach, lasting through the presidential administrations of both men, and beyond. But late in life, something remarkable happened: these two men were nudged into reconciliation. What started as a grudging trickle of correspondence became a great flood, and a friendship was rekindled, over the course of hundreds of letters. In their final years they were the last surviving founding fathers and cherished their role in this mighty young republic as it approached the half century mark in 1826. At last, on the afternoon of July 4th, 50 years to the day after the signing of the Declaration, Adams let out a sigh and said, “At least Jefferson still lives.” He died soon thereafter. In fact, a few hours earlier on that same day, far to the south in his home in Monticello, Jefferson died as well. Arguably no relationship in this country’s history carries as much freight as that of John Adams of Massachusetts and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Gordon Wood has more than done justice to these entwined lives and their meaning; he has written a magnificent new addition to America’s collective story
Don Brown passed away peacefully on January 18, 2019. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1923, he was the
son of Samuel Raymond Brown and Theophelia Parrett Brown. He grew up in Glenbrook, CT and
graduated from Stamford High School where he was vice president of his senior class in 1941. Don
enlisted in 1942 and served in the Marine Corps., subsequently attending Princeton University and
graduating in 1947.
In 1948 Don joined Irving Subway Grating Co., where he started his career in sales. He was president of Irving when it was acquired by Harsco Steel Corporation in 1966. His years at Harsco, as divisional President for IKG Industries, took him to Mexico, South America and Europe establishing manufacturing factories producing and selling steel, aluminum and fiberglass flooring to the world market. Don raised his family in Darien, CT and retired there in 1985.
He is survived by his three children: Nancy Condon (Jay), Patricia Kinnunen (Peter), and Keith Brown (Wendy); his 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Pop”; a brother, Bruce Brown; and many close nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Don will be remembered for his smile, indelible spirit and booming voice as well as his generosity and kindness. His philanthropy went well beyond his service to the community as he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
Don and Georgie were active members of the First Congregational Church of Darien for over 60 years, serving on every board and making lifelong friends. Some of Don’s other volunteer commitments were to Person to Person as the “van man” picking up and delivering furniture for many years, Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, United Fund, and Pilgrim Towers.
Don and Georgie enjoyed traveling with friends and made many more on each trip they took. Don’s energy and happy spirit were contagious.
The Brown family were all passionate about skiing and Don was known as the “Brown Bomber” as he swooped down the mountains of VT and the ski areas out west every year with his “over 70” buddies. His last best run was at 85 years old when he joined a grandson at Vail and they skied the back bowls together.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at the First Congregational Church in Darien, CT at 2:00 on May 18, 2019.
Donations in Don’s memory may be made to The First Congregational Church, 14 Brookside Road,
Darien, CT 06820 or Person to Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT
06820. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com
