Digby Brand

Digby Brand was the son of an English vicar. He grew up in rural England, then in about 1900 he emigrated to Argentina. he worked on ranches and travelled widely over most of Patagonia. He met and fell in love with a girl whose family was descended from the Welsh settlers. He crossed the continent to establish a new estancia high in the Andes, over the border into Chile, in desolate and unexplored country. Eventually he and his Lottie were married, crossed the Pampas to the Andes together, and started their large family.

The book tells their story, against the history of Patagonia, as they faced the harsh country and climate, the hardship and isolation, joy and tragedy. You can buy the book, Digby Brand, Patagonian Pioneer, here: Digby Brand, Patagonian Pioneer: O’Connor, Mr. Patrick Digby: 9798405548760: Amazon.com: Books

The author is Patrick O’Connor. He is a grandson of Digby Brand: his parents met in Patagonia where his father, a geologist, had been sent by his oil company employer. The many letters Digby had written to Lottie came into his possession after Digby died, and they inspired him to write the book.

Patrick is a retired engineer. He travelled widely over Patagonia to research Digby’s story and travels. He is the author of other books, described below.

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