Joel Brown was born in 1771 in Chesterfield, Virginia. He began his woodworking journey as an apprentice at his father's wheelwright shop in Petersburg, where he likely learned the skills that would later shape his career. Eventually, Joel opened his own shop, known as the Windsor Chair Manufactory, specializing in the production of cabinets and furniture, particularly renowned for his Windsor chairs.
In September 1794, Joel married Retter Gill, and together they started a family. Unfortunately, they faced significant hardships as they experienced the loss of several children. Of their eight children, only three survived to maturity, namely Eliza Gill Brown, Henry Jerome Brown, and Robert Monroe Brown.
After the passing of Joel's father in 1808, he settled his estate and decided to relocate his family and his business to Raleigh, North Carolina, in June 1816. Joel continued his successful career as a furniture maker in Raleigh, even contributing to prestigious projects such as crafting settees and chairs for the North Carolina State Senate and the Wake County Courtroom.
However, Joel's later years were not without challenges. In July 1819, he advertised a public auction for his home and shop in Raleigh, the reasons for which remain unclear. Subsequently, a devastating fire in December 1834 destroyed his workshop, tools, and inventory. Despite these setbacks, Joel persevered, described as having "struggled against the tide of adversity" and potentially finding some comfort in his later years.
Joel Brown passed away in 1848, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a skilled furniture maker. His son, Henry Jerome Brown, is honored as a Centennial Member in the Raleigh Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the community. The Brown-Wynne funeral business, which Joel may have been involved in, remains as the only surviving business from before the Civil War.
Today, a restored Joel Brown chair can be found in the Prestwould Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, and serves as a representation of his craftsmanship and artistry. His contributions have also been acknowledged in notable publications, such as "Southern Furniture 1680-1830" by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and "Windsor-chair making in America: from craft shop to consumer" by Nancy Goyne Evans.
