Template:Wp-John Brown (Rhode Island)

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John Brown I (January 27, 1736September 20, 1803) was an American merchant, statesman from Providence, Rhode Island and maritime merchant. 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).^[1][2] Brown was one of the founders of Providence Bank and became its first president in 1791.^[3][1] He was active in the American Revolution, notably as an instigator of the 1772 Gaspee Affair, and he served in both state and national government. At the same time, he was a powerful defender of enslaving people, clashing aggressively—in newspapers, courts and politics—with his brother Moses, who had become an abolitionist.^[3][2]

John Brown's home in Providence is now a museum and National Historic Landmark.^[1] Brown's desk and bookcase reside at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut. The desk is attributed to Daniel Spencer, who opened his cabinetmaking studio in Providence, Rhode Island in 1772.