Robert H. B. Brazier
Encyclopedia
Robert H. B. Brazier was an English
surveyor
who emigrated to the United States
in July 1819.
He came as an assistant to Hamilton Fulton who had been hired as Principal Engineer by the North Carolina Board of Internal Improvements. Brazier had received his professional training under John Rennie, the Scottish Civil Engineer who is remembered as the designer of several bridges, including London Bridge
, the Plymouth Breakwater
and the London and East India docks
. Brazier’s contract with the State was not confirmed until February 1820, although he had been engaged with his duties under Fulton since their arrival.
There were those in the Legislature were opposed to any program of tax supported internal improvements
. These were mostly Easterners, who attempted to manipulate the program to obtain major benefits to the Eastern region. These efforts were opposed by those from the Central and Western parts of the State. With this political infighting the continued existence of the Board of Internal Improvements itself was in doubt. Brazier applied to the State of Virginia
for the post of Principal Engineer to the State of Virginia, which post had recently become vacant. He was endorsed for the position by Governor Gabriel Holmes
, William Nichols, Architect, and William Ruffin, but was unsuccessful and continued at his post in North Carolina.
From 1820 through 1823, Brazier completed surveys and drew maps, plans, profiles and sections of the principal water courses in the State from the Yadkin
to Roanoke Inlet. Late in 1823, he became involved with a dispute with the Board of Internal Improvements regarding his account of expenses. Brazier resigned, effective February 19, 1823 and wrote the Board what they characterized as a “disrespectful” letter, demanding settlement of his account. The requested settlement not forthcoming, Brazier entered suit against the State. The Wake County Superior Court found for Brazier and he was awarded damages in 1825.
For several years, Brazier worked privately, making a handsome map of Fayetteville
, making patent drawing
s and surveying. Among his surveys during that time was the “Buncombe Turnpike” from Greenville, South Carolina
to Greeneville, Tennessee
which was actually funded and completed by the State in 1827.
In early 1827, Brazier entered into a contractual relationship with the Board of Internal Improvement to survey swamp lands in Eastern North Carolina. His report was presented to the General Assembly in the late fall of 1827 and his expenses to the Board in early 1828, after which, his connection with the Board came to an end.
Again, Brazier worked privately. Among his work during this period was the surveying a route from Raleigh to Cobb’s Mill (now Wiggin’s Mill on Contentnea Creek at US 117 in Wilson Co.?) and laying out the Town of Rolesville.
In 1826, John McRae of Fayetteville convinced the General Assembly to fund a new map of the State. McRae first attempted to secure the services of one W. H. Hanford of the Corps of Engineers, but this did not avail, and McRae turned to Brazier. By July, 1831, he had completed most of his surveys and the drawing was ready for the engraver in 1832.
In 1831, the post of Principal Engineer in Virginia again became vacant. Brazier again applied for the position and was endorsed by the Governor, Montfort Stokes
, Senator James Iredell, Jr.
, state Attorney General Romulus M. Saunders and others, attesting to his skill as a surveyor and expressing the opinion that “as a Draughtsman, it is believed that (Brazier) has no superior in the Country.” This application again failed of success, but he was employed for various surveys in southeastern Virginia.
After his arrival in Raleigh, Brazier built a residence in a newly subdivided area just east of the originally laid out city. This house survives today with what is said by the present owner to be the original roof. It is in the south east quadrant of the intersection of Jones and East Streets, presently owned and occupied by W. E. Hutchins.
Brazier’s fortunes declined during the late 1820s. The mortgage on his residence was foreclosed in May 1830, and both real and personal property were lost. By 1833, it became necessary for the Christ Church (Episcopal) charitable fund to come to the aid of his family. His wife, Rachel and his son, James Henderson were Episcopalians. Brazier was, presumably, Anglican
. In an effort to recoup his fortunes, in 1834, Brazier, with eleven associates, developed lots in Fayetteville. The venture was not as successful as hoped, and by 1836, Christ Church once again had to come to his aid.
Following an ice storm during the Christmas season in 1836, Brazier fell from some steps and died some two weeks later as a result of injuries. The Rector of Christ Church wrote that Brazier had come to his death “by his own folly and wickedness,” though he acknowledged that he was a most excellent draughtsman, “with the talents of an angel”. Presumably, Brazier was buried in the old City Cemetery.
Many maps and surveys by Brazier survive, among which are:
as well as many others in the Map Collection of the State Archives.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
who emigrated to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in July 1819.
He came as an assistant to Hamilton Fulton who had been hired as Principal Engineer by the North Carolina Board of Internal Improvements. Brazier had received his professional training under John Rennie, the Scottish Civil Engineer who is remembered as the designer of several bridges, including London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge over the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark, in central London. Situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge, it forms the western end of the Pool of London...
, the Plymouth Breakwater
Plymouth Breakwater
Plymouth Breakwater is a stone breakwater protecting Plymouth Sound and the anchorages therein. It is wide at the top and the base is . It lies in about of water. Around 4 million tons of rock were used in its construction in 1812 at the then-colossal cost of £1.5 million .-History:In 1806, as...
and the London and East India docks
London Docks
The London Docks were one of several sets of docks in the historic Port of London. They were constructed in Wapping downstream from the City of London between 1799 and 1815, at a cost exceeding £5½ million. Traditionally ships had docked at wharves on the River Thames, but by this time, more...
. Brazier’s contract with the State was not confirmed until February 1820, although he had been engaged with his duties under Fulton since their arrival.
There were those in the Legislature were opposed to any program of tax supported internal improvements
Internal improvements
Internal improvements is the term used historically in the United States for public works from the end of the American Revolution through much of the 19th century, mainly for the creation of a transportation infrastructure: roads, turnpikes, canals, harbors and navigation improvements...
. These were mostly Easterners, who attempted to manipulate the program to obtain major benefits to the Eastern region. These efforts were opposed by those from the Central and Western parts of the State. With this political infighting the continued existence of the Board of Internal Improvements itself was in doubt. Brazier applied to the State of Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
for the post of Principal Engineer to the State of Virginia, which post had recently become vacant. He was endorsed for the position by Governor Gabriel Holmes
Gabriel Holmes
Gabriel Holmes was the 21st Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1821 to 1824. He was not affiliated with any party; a Representative from North Carolina; born near Clinton, Sampson County, N.C., in 1769; attended Zion Parnassus Academy in Rowan County and Harvard University; studied...
, William Nichols, Architect, and William Ruffin, but was unsuccessful and continued at his post in North Carolina.
From 1820 through 1823, Brazier completed surveys and drew maps, plans, profiles and sections of the principal water courses in the State from the Yadkin
Yadkin River
The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, flowing . It rises in the northwestern portion of the state near the Blue Ridge Parkway's Thunder Hill Overlook. Several parts of the river are impounded by dams for water, power, and flood control. The river becomes the Pee Dee...
to Roanoke Inlet. Late in 1823, he became involved with a dispute with the Board of Internal Improvements regarding his account of expenses. Brazier resigned, effective February 19, 1823 and wrote the Board what they characterized as a “disrespectful” letter, demanding settlement of his account. The requested settlement not forthcoming, Brazier entered suit against the State. The Wake County Superior Court found for Brazier and he was awarded damages in 1825.
For several years, Brazier worked privately, making a handsome map of Fayetteville
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville is a city located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Cumberland County, and is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army post located northwest of the city....
, making patent drawing
Patent drawing
A patent application or patent may contain drawings, also called patent drawings, illustrating the invention, some of its embodiments , or the prior art...
s and surveying. Among his surveys during that time was the “Buncombe Turnpike” from Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
to Greeneville, Tennessee
Greeneville, Tennessee
Greeneville is a town in Greene County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 15,198 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Greene County. The town was named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene. It is the only town with this spelling in the United States, although there...
which was actually funded and completed by the State in 1827.
In early 1827, Brazier entered into a contractual relationship with the Board of Internal Improvement to survey swamp lands in Eastern North Carolina. His report was presented to the General Assembly in the late fall of 1827 and his expenses to the Board in early 1828, after which, his connection with the Board came to an end.
Again, Brazier worked privately. Among his work during this period was the surveying a route from Raleigh to Cobb’s Mill (now Wiggin’s Mill on Contentnea Creek at US 117 in Wilson Co.?) and laying out the Town of Rolesville.
In 1826, John McRae of Fayetteville convinced the General Assembly to fund a new map of the State. McRae first attempted to secure the services of one W. H. Hanford of the Corps of Engineers, but this did not avail, and McRae turned to Brazier. By July, 1831, he had completed most of his surveys and the drawing was ready for the engraver in 1832.
In 1831, the post of Principal Engineer in Virginia again became vacant. Brazier again applied for the position and was endorsed by the Governor, Montfort Stokes
Montfort Stokes
Montfort Stokes was an American Democratic politician who served as U.S. Senator from 1816 to 1823, and the 25th Governor of North Carolina from 1830 to 1832....
, Senator James Iredell, Jr.
James Iredell, Jr.
James Iredell, Jr. was the 23rd Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina between 1827 and 1828.-Early life:...
, state Attorney General Romulus M. Saunders and others, attesting to his skill as a surveyor and expressing the opinion that “as a Draughtsman, it is believed that (Brazier) has no superior in the Country.” This application again failed of success, but he was employed for various surveys in southeastern Virginia.
After his arrival in Raleigh, Brazier built a residence in a newly subdivided area just east of the originally laid out city. This house survives today with what is said by the present owner to be the original roof. It is in the south east quadrant of the intersection of Jones and East Streets, presently owned and occupied by W. E. Hutchins.
Brazier’s fortunes declined during the late 1820s. The mortgage on his residence was foreclosed in May 1830, and both real and personal property were lost. By 1833, it became necessary for the Christ Church (Episcopal) charitable fund to come to the aid of his family. His wife, Rachel and his son, James Henderson were Episcopalians. Brazier was, presumably, Anglican
Anglicanism
Anglicanism is a tradition within Christianity comprising churches with historical connections to the Church of England or similar beliefs, worship and church structures. The word Anglican originates in ecclesia anglicana, a medieval Latin phrase dating to at least 1246 that means the English...
. In an effort to recoup his fortunes, in 1834, Brazier, with eleven associates, developed lots in Fayetteville. The venture was not as successful as hoped, and by 1836, Christ Church once again had to come to his aid.
Following an ice storm during the Christmas season in 1836, Brazier fell from some steps and died some two weeks later as a result of injuries. The Rector of Christ Church wrote that Brazier had come to his death “by his own folly and wickedness,” though he acknowledged that he was a most excellent draughtsman, “with the talents of an angel”. Presumably, Brazier was buried in the old City Cemetery.
Many maps and surveys by Brazier survive, among which are:
- “Plan of the Neuse River from Stone’s Mill to Major Turner’s Ferry showing the proposed situation of the Locks and Dams...” 1819
- “Plan of CroatanCroatan SoundCroatan Sound is an inlet in Dare County, North Carolina. It connects Pamlico Sound with Albemarle Sound, and is bordered to the east by Roanoke Island; Roanoke Sound is on the other side of the island. Its name comes from the Croatan Indians who once inhabited the area.The Croatan Sound is crossed...
and Roanoke SoundRoanoke SoundThe Roanoke Sound is a sound that separates Roanoke Island from Bodie Island of the Outer Banks. To the north of the Roanoke Sound lies the Albemarle Sound and to the south lies the Pamlico Sound. One bridge, which carries U.S. Highway 64, crosses the sound....
s Shewing the Proposed Situations of the Embankment and Inlet”. 1820 - “Plan and Sections of a Line of Canal from the Tar River to Tossnot (sic) Creek...” 1820
- “Plan of the Tar River from Louisburg to the Little Falls, Showing the Proposed Situation of the Locks and Dams” 1821
- “Longitudinal Section of the Catawba River from the Devil’s Shoals to the Mouth of the Little Catawba River” 1824
- “Plan of the Catawba River from the Devil’s Shoal to near Sherrill’s Ford” 1824
as well as many others in the Map Collection of the State Archives.