About Lawrence Bernard Brown

Born into slavery in 1856, Lawrence Bernard Brown rose to become one of Florida's most accomplished African American entrepreneurs, master carpenters, and community builders. Through determination, craftsmanship, faith, and business acumen, Brown transformed adversity into opportunity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Lawrence B. Brown was born enslaved in 1856, during the last decade of slavery.  He was born in an area known as Wacahoota, located near Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. His father, Peter Brown, was a plantation minister, and his mother, Catherine, was of Native American descent. Lawrence was the sixth of seven children. Recent research suggests that there may have been as many as eleven children.  

Following the end of slavery in 1865, Peter Brown applied for and received a homestead land grant of 39.5 acres near Archer, Florida, also located near Gainesville.  At some point during the mid 1870's, the Brown family relocated to Spring Garden (present-day Deleon Springs), Volusia County, Florida. In 1881, Lawrence married Elizabeth (Betty) Washington and acquired a considerable amount of property where he constructed homes that he sold or rented. Within the subdivision, he named a street Lawrence after himself.  

Following the death of his father, Peter in 1885, Lawrence moved to Bartow, Florida. Due to the recent discovery of phosphate and the construction of the railroad, Polk County experienced an economic boom. Adhering to his father's final request, Lawrence brought his mother, Catherine, to live with him in Bartow. His wife, Elizabeth, apparently died sometime in the late 1880's. 
Continuing the pattern of his earlier successes, Lawrence acquired property in Bartow and built a large number, perhaps as many as 50 - 60 houses, which he sold or rented.

In 1897, Lawrence married his second wife Laura Lee.  She was the daughter of one of his tenants. This marriage dissolved within 2 months.  Lawrence appeared to live contentedly with his mother for nearly ten years.  

Through determination and thrift, Brown became a prosperous businessman and a leading citizen in the Bartow community. He became a faithful member of the newly organized Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church, where he served for many years as the church clerk.

In 1909, Lawrence Brown married a beautiful widow named Anna Belle (Granger) Burnette. Together they reared seven children and enjoyed a happy union until her death in 1938. She contributed significantly to the marriage as a result of her intelligence, strong will, and dedication to her husband and children.

Mr. LB, as he was also called, was credited with several occupations, including Bible salesman, cabinetmaker, furniture repairman, mirror silvering, and umbrella repairman. And, of course, he also built beautiful homes!  Brown was a leader by example and a devout Christian who was generous with his wealth.   In contradiction to his 6' 4" height, Mr. Brown was a soft-spoken man who chose his words carefully.  

The Victorian-style, two-story mansion located at 470 L. B. Brown Avenue (formerly Second Avenue) in Bartow stands as a living testimony to one person's triumph over adversity. The story of L.B. Brown serves as an inspiration to everyone. Although born under the debilitating influences of slavery, he refused to be limited by those circumstances.  At the time of his death in 1941, he left a considerable amount of cash and real estate to his children.  His net worth is estimated to have been somewhere around half a million dollars, in today’s valuation.  An appropriate inscription on his headstone reads,