This accession consists of digital copies of a scrapbook of Solomon Brown's family genealogy, as compiled by Ms. Clara Ellis Bailey Payne. The scrapbook includes copies
of poems written by Solomon G. Brown, photographs, lists of family trees, and copies of death certificates. The accession also includes a portrait of the Younger family, relatives
of Solomon G. Brown; and a poem written by Solomon G. Brown in memoriam of his niece, Mrs. Alevia A. Smith (nee Younger), following her death on January 13, 1888.
Historical Note:
Solomon G. Brown (1829?-1906) was the first African American employee at the Smithsonian Institution, serving for fifty-four years from 1852 to 1906. During his time
at the Smithsonian, he held many titles and performed many duties in service to the Institution. He served under the first three Smithsonian Secretaries, Joseph Henry, Spencer
Fullerton Baird, and Samuel P. Langley. He also served his community in Anacostia, a part of Washington, D.C,, and was a prominent advocate of African American progress.
