John Brown

John Brown was one of the leading American entrepreneurs in the 18th century noted for his involvement in slave trade and trade with China.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in the merchant family, Brown started his business career working in the family firm Obadiah Brown Co. along with three brothers and uncle. The firm dealt in rum, slaves, molasses and other goods. After the firm close down in 1774, Brown started to run business on his own account.

His business moves evidence the willingness to take a risk and participate in activities that weren’t always righteous. He equipped privateers against the British, supplied the Continental Army with cannons, muskets and gunpowder and had an interest in the trans-Atlantic slave trade even after the Rhode Island law prohibited this activity. In 1787 he formed a partnership with his son-in-law, John Francis, and their firm Brown & Francis sent General Washington to Canton to engage in the lucrative trade with China. It was among the first American vessels to arrive in China. During this first voyage, cargo of naval stores, iron goods, and alcoholic beverages was successfully exchanged for a cargo of tea, silk, china, spices, and lacquerware. Chinese commodities were sold in America for almost four times as much as the original cargo. In the early 1790s Brown founded the Providence Bank and became its first president.

In addition to his mercantile interests, he was also a substantial landowner. Brown was also noted for his contribution to public matters and was instrumental in the establishment of the Brown University.