John Brown (Rhode Island)
| John Brown I | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's at-large congressional district | |
|
In office 1799-1801 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Tillinghast |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Stanton, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 27, 1736 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | September 20, 1803 (aged 67) Providence, Rhode Island |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Smith |
| Children | James Brown III Abigail Brown Francis Sarah Brown Herreshoff Alice Brown Mason |
| Parents | James Brown II |
| Relatives |
Chad Brown, ancestor Nicholas Brown, brother Moses Brown, brother Joseph Brown, brother John Brown Francis, grandson |
| Occupation |
Merchant Slave trader Statesman |
John Brown I (January 27, 1736 – September 20, 1803) was an American merchant, slave trader, and statesman from Providence, Rhode Island. Together with his brothers Nicholas, Joseph and Moses, John was instrumental in founding Brown University (then known as the College of Rhode Island) and moving it to their family's former land in Providence. John Brown laid the cornerstone of the university's oldest building in 1770, and he served as its treasurer for 21 years (1775 – 1796). Brown was one of the founders of Providence Bank and became its first president in 1791. He was active in the American Revolution, notably as an instigator of the 1772 Gaspée Affair, and he served in both state and national government. At the same time, he was a powerful defender of slave trading, clashing aggressively—in newspapers, courts and politics—with his brother Moses, who had become an abolitionist.John Brown's home in Providence is now a museum and National Historic Landmark.
John Brown was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on January 27, 1736, to James Brown II (1698–1739) and Hope Power (1702–1792). His paternal grandparents were Elder James Brown (1666–1716), a pastor at the First Baptist Church, and Mary (Harris) Brown. His father, James Brown II, established himself early in the mercantile business, trading in slaves, rum, molasses, and other goods. His parents, who were married in 1723, had six children, including: Mary Brown (1731–1795), who married Dr. David Vanderlight, James Brown III (1724–1750), the eldest son who was a sea captain and who died young, Nicholas Brown (1729–1791), Joseph Brown (1733–1785), John Brown (1736–1803) and Moses Brown (1738–1836).
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