Nicholas Brown Sr.: Good Friend of Providence, Rhode Island

Nicholas Brown Sr. was an American entrepreneur. He was the co-founder of the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The school was renamed in 1804 as Brown University, in honor of his son Nicholas Brown Jr.

Brown was born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 26, 1729. Together with his brothers John and Moses and other colleagues, they formed the original trustees for the incorporation of the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Aside from his active support for the University, Brown is known to be a devout member of the First Baptist Church in America until his death.

At his death in 1791, his pastor Rev. Dr. Stillman said of Brown in his eulogy that he was an “affectionate husband, a tender father, a compassionate master, a dutiful son, a loving brother, and a steady and faithful friend.” The University he helped to found, the church which he served faithfully, and the town of Providence lost a very good friend when he died.