James S. Brown is an important figure in the westward expansion of the United States. As a member of the Mormon Battalion, he discovered new lands and tamed wild country. He was present at the discovery of gold in California and helped establish new frontiers. As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he helped bring the gospel to foreign lands. His incredible story has inspired readers for over a century and, as the posterity of James S. Brown continues to grow, so does his impact on history. Hugh B. Brown once wrote of his grandfather, "It would be difficult to state in just what phase of his career the virtues of James S. Brown appeared strongest. As a member of the Mormon Battalion he was all that a soldier could be and more than the average man would have been; as a scout and Indian fighter he was brave, and humane and prudent; as a missionary to the South Sea Islands he stood true to his post while savage man-eaters were hungering for his flesh. As a husband and father his course was the same manly, undeviating path of uprightness. His was among those immortal spirits that hewed out this commonwealth and left the impress of their noble lives on the hearts of their people."