Chad Brown (minister)

Reverend Chad Brown I (also known as Chaddus Browne) (circa 1600-1650) was one of the first ministers of the First Baptist Church in America and a co-founder of Providence Plantations. He was also the progenitor of the Brown family of Rhode Island, known for its association with Brown University.

Chad Brown was born in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England and married Elizabeth Sharparowe on 11 September 1626 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. He emigrated to New England on the ship Martin with Elizabeth and their son John. The family arrived in Boston in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in July 1638. He soon moved to Providence Plantations which was recently purchased by Roger Williams from the Narragansetts.

Sometime between 1639 and 1644, Brown and twelve others signed an agreement sometimes called the Providence Compact, an agreement of "second comers" as distinguished from the original proprietors. He was also one of 39 who signed an agreement for a government in Providence in 1640.

Brown became known as an arbitrator of disputes in the settlement, and he was also the town's initial surveyor. He owned a lot on “Towne Streete” (now South Main street and Market Square) along with the land where University Hall of Brown University now stands. The site was chosen by his descendants to establish the university in Providence on College Hill. Brown also served on a committee determining the governance of the settlement while Roger Williams was in England from 1643 to 1644 gaining an official charter.

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