Editing John Brown (servant) (section)

== Early life ==
Brown was born on 8 December 1826 at Crathienaird, Crathie and Braemar [[Aberdeenshire]], to Margaret Leys and John Brown,<ref>"Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564–1950", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XYXQ-M21 : 2 January 2015), John Brown, 8 Dec 1826; citing CRATHIE AND BRAEMAR, ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND, reference ; FHL microfilm 993,177</ref><ref>gravestone of John Brown in Crathie Kirkyard, Aberdeenshire</ref> and went to work as an outdoor servant (in [[Scots language|Scots]] ''[[wikt:gillie|ghillie]]'' or ''gillie'') at [[Balmoral Castle]], which [[Queen Victoria]] and [[Albert, Prince Consort|Prince Albert]] leased in February 1848, and purchased outright in November 1851.

Brown had several younger brothers and a sister, three of whom also entered the royal service. His brother Archibald Anderson "Archie" Brown, 15 years John's junior, eventually became personal valet to Victoria's youngest son, [[Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany]].<ref>[http://www.tartansauthority.com/resources/graphics-library/macleay-portraits/sitters-details/ Scottish Tartans Authority]</ref>