Alfred Nesbitt Brown, from an oil painting in the collection of The Elms, painted by an unknwon French artist in the 1850

Alfred Nesbitt Brown, from an...

 Charlotte Arnett, Alfred Brown

Charlotte Arnett, Alfred Brown's first...

 Marsh Brown, 1831-1845, Alfred Brown

Marsh Brown, 1831-1845, Alfred Brown's...
Celia Brown, Alfred Brown

Celia Brown, Alfred Brown's daughter...

 Wiremu Tarapipipi Tamihana, son of Te Waharoa, Chief of Ngati Haua. On June 23rd 1839, Reverend Brown baptised Tarapipipi Te Waharoa, giving him the name Wiremu Tamihana (William Thompson). Throughout the turbulent times that were to follow, Wiremu Tamihana was held in high esteem by the missionaries but it was Reverend Brown that was his principal mentor and friend. The two remained in contact either via letter or in person, with Tamihana often addressing Brown as his “loving father” and signing off “your loving son”. Brown described Tamihana as a “diligent student of the Scriptures and an indefatigable Teacher in the school... a man of deeper thought and higher intellect than most”. That such a positive relationship could endure and transcend the trials of the mid 19th century in Aotearoa, is true testament to both men’s courage and wisdom. Tamihana is believed to have lived at Te Papa Mission Station for two years, from 1854 to 1856. (Brown and The Elms by C.W. Vennell) He then returned to Peria, his village near Matamata, and proceeded to organise the King Movement.

Wiremu Tarapipipi Tamihana, son of...