THOMAS BROWNLEE was born in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in the year 1816, where he remained until the year 1842 when he immigrated to America and settled in the State of Arkansas.  In the year 1846 he enlisted in the Arkansas Regiment, under command of Colonel Yell, and with it served in the Mexican war for one year, being present at the engagement at Buena Vista.  On the expiration of his service he returned to Arkansas and there remained till 1852 when he came to California, and was in that year among the very first to settle in Vallejo where he was the original blacksmith for this now thriving city.  Is a charter member of the Benicia Lodge of F. and A. M., being one of the few originators of that lodge who are now living; is also a charter member of the Masters Lodge of F. and A.M. of Vallejo.  Married June 29, 1849, Mary Lamont, by whom he has Alexander J., Annie, and John.

History of Solano County…. – San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley  & Co., East Oakland, pub 1879, pp 341-342.