I have to type a paper and here is the prompt: http://i.imgur.com/jggK8t6.png

I never remember discussing a "Jacob Brown" in class, and I can't seem to find him anywhere online.

My question essentially is.. is Jacob Brown real?

I'm thinking this question is referring to a fictional character, and with the given information about him I should be able to infer how "Jacob Brown" may have lived and eventually made it to Chicago.

I just really don't want to type a paper on someone I believe is fictional and they're actually real.. how would you approach this essay if you were in my position?