Brown, John, Farmhouse
Also known as: Karch,Herbert S.,House; Old Tannery Farm
Why it's listed
Built in 1824 for John Brown by carpenter Herman Peck, this two-story frame farmhouse in Hudson, Ohio, was the home of the future abolitionist, his wife and their young children. Brown had grown up in Hudson, and the house replaced an earlier log dwelling beside the tannery he ran with his stepbrother. The family stayed only two years before moving to Pennsylvania in 1826. The property then passed to Brown's brother Oliver and stayed in the family until 1869. Oliver and Owen Brown used the farm as a hiding place for fugitive slaves. The house originally had a rectangular plan with a center entrance on the south end; wings, bay windows and a garage were added later, and the interior and exterior have been altered over time. It is described as the only tangible remains tied to Brown in Hudson, and that connection is the reason it was listed.
Significance in brief: The house was built as a home for abolitionist John Brown and his young family and is described as the only tangible remains associated with him in Hudson, where he grew up. Later members of the Brown family used the farm as a hiding place for fugitive slaves. The form says many alterations have occurred, but the association with Brown is retained and is the reason for nomination.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 77001088, listed September 22, 1977. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 1842 Hines Hill Rd., Hudson |
|---|---|
| County | Summit County |
| Listed | September 22, 1977 |
| Reference number | 77001088 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1824 |
| Architect / builder | Herman Peck, carpenter |
| Areas of significance | Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed in good condition and in use as a private residence; the form notes many exterior and interior alterations, with wings added between 1869 and 1950. |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Coordinates | 41.26326, -81.44821 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 77001088.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q138748193
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.