Joseph Berry Brown was mentioned in the 29 June 1818 will of his father Edward B. Brown, proved 16 November 1818. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 12–13.]

In 1836, a suit was filed in chancery court. Orators and oratrices Henry Munday, Reuben Munday, Francis Munday, John Munday, Alexr Baker and Catharine his wife, Lucy Munday, and Mary and Sarah Munday infants under the age of 21 by Henry Munday their guardian and next friend. That their father Francis Munday departed this life in the month of September last seized of land and negroes, testate, leaving a widow Elizabeth. He also left a daughter Elizabeth Brown wife of Joseph B. Brown. Son James Munday was named his executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery 39-D-7.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 68A, Dwelling 42, Family 42
Brown, Joseph, 51, male, laborer, born in Virginia, cannot read or write
Brown, Elizabeth, 48, female, born in Virginia, cannot read or write
Brown, James, 15, male, born in Virginia
Brown, Susan, 14, female, born in Virginia
Brown, Archie, 12, male, born in Virginia
Brown, Adaline, 10, female, born in Virginia
Brown, Maria, 5, female, born in Virginia
Brown, Lenora, 3, female, born in Virginia