James Brown | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 March 1698 |
| Died | 27 April 1739 |
| Resting place | North Burial Ground, Providence |
| Occupation | Merchant |
| Spouse | Hope Power |
| Children | Nicholas, Joseph, John, Moses |
The four sons of James Brown were Nicholas, John, Joseph, and Moses Brown who were commonly known as the "Four Brothers" during and after their lifetimes. All four were highly successful merchants from Providence, in the Colony, and later the State of Rhode Island, before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War. All four were also intimately associated with the creation and early development of the College in Rhode Island, which in 1804 was renamed Brown University after the son of one of the brothers who was a major benefactor of the institution.
The four brothers were sons of James Brown (22 March 1698 - 27 April 1739) and his wife Hope Power. James was a wealthy merchant in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and active in the civil affairs of the colony during the first half of the 18th century.