John Nicholas Brown I
| John Nicholas Brown | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
December 17, 1861 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | May 1, 1900 (aged 38) |
| Alma mater | Brown University |
| Employer | Brown & Ives |
| Spouse(s) | Natalie Bayard Dresser (m. 1897; his death 1900) |
| Children | John Nicholas Brown II |
| Parent(s) |
John Carter Brown I Sophia Augusta Browne |
| Relatives |
Nicholas Brown, Jr. (grandfather) William W. Sherman (brother-in-law) John Carter Brown III (grandson) |
John Nicholas Brown I (December 17, 1861 – May 1, 1900) was a book collector who donated his father's collection to Brown University.
John Nicholas Brown was born on December 17, 1861 to John Carter Brown II (1797–1874) and Sophia Augusta Brown (1825–1909). His father was a collector of American books in the mid-19th century and was the first American to join the Hakluyt Society as a charter member in 1846, and in 1855, he was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society. His brother was Harold Brown (1863–1900) and his sister was Sophia Augusta Brown (1867–1947), who married William Watts Sherman (1842–1912).
In 1881, Brown entered Brown University, however, he left school two years, citing poor health and a weak constitution. He continued his studies of his own accord, traveling extensively and studying history, architecture, languages and the classics. In 1895, the faculty of Brown University voted to confer a degree upon him as a member of the class of 1885.
His paternal grandfather was Nicholas Brown, Jr. (1769–1841), the namesake patron of Brown University (in 1804). His great-grandfather was Nicholas Brown, Sr. (1729–1791), brother of John Brown, Moses Brown, and Joseph Brown, who was a merchant and slavetrader who co-founded the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
After receiving his degree from Brown University, Brown began to work for the family business, Brown & Ives, with the assistance of his cousin William Goddard. He also served as President of the Lonsdale Company, and in 1888, Brown and his brother, Harold, formed a partnership, "J.N. & H. Brown." The brother's business was similar to the activities of the family business where they lent funds for mortgages and invested in buildings and lands out west. In their business dealings, John and Harold relied upon George W. R. Matteson, the trustee of their father's estate for advice and assistance.
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