I sent this letter to a few museums in the area back in 2008, but did not get a response. I'm posting this just to see if anyone might have any thoughts. I have recently come into the possession of a 1797 account book created by William Brown, who was a merchant in my vicinity (Lynchburg, Virginia, United States). William was born in Kirkcudbright circa 1765, and died in a theatre fire in Richmond, Virginia in 1811. He is buried at St. John’s Church in Richmond. His brother John was born circa 1776, and died in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1801. He is buried at the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg (but was originally buried in the Anglican churchyard here). My understanding is that William and John’s parents (James Brown [c. 1732-1816] and Margaret Burnie [c. 1740-1826]) are buried at Kirkchrist in your town. The Library of Virginia in Richmond is in possession of several letters between William Brown and his father James (also from relatives William Black and John Muir). These letters indicate that James Brown lived at or near “Dildawn,” which I believe is just north of you. Do you think that this means that the Browns lived at what is known as Dildawn Estate, or just in the immediate vicinity? The various business partnerships involving William Brown that I have been able to identify so far include: William Brown & Co. William Hart & Co. Hart Brown & Co. Brydie Brown & Co. Brown & Robertson Boyd Miller & Co. Miller Hart & Co. (2 Castle Court, Budge-row, London) I would be interested in knowing if your facility contains any additional information about this family. I can be reached by email at [email protected] if that is more convenient for you. Once I have completed my research, I will gladly provide your facility a copy if you wish to add it to your archives. I look forward to hearing from you soon, as I remain, Sincerely, W. Scott Breckinridge Smith -- W. Scott Smith, Principal HistoryTech, LLC Historic Preservation Consulting Office: The Piedmont Center, 311 Rivermont Avenue Mailing: P.O. Box 75, Lynchburg, VA 24505 Mobile 434-401-3995 www.historytech.com