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Brown, Nicholas, Hon

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an eminent merchant and philanthropist, was born in Providence, R.I., April 4, 1769. He was descended from Mr. Chad Brown, a companion of Roger Williams. At thirteen years of age he entered what was then Rhode Island College, graduated in 1786, and at once entered upon a mercantile career. Through a long life he was the far-seeing, large-hearted, benevolent merchant, forecasting results with great sagacity, and laying the foundation of institutions, the beneficent influences of which were to extend to coming ages. His private charities were unstinted. He did not make a public profession of religion, but the acts of his life furnished the best proof that he was a Christian at heart. At his own expense, he published some of the most impressive sermons of president Edwards, and several religious works of a practical character, for gratuitous distribution. He was a warm friend of the American Tract Society, and a liberal contributor to its funds so long as he lived.

He united with some other gentlemen in procuring stereotype plates of Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion and Baxter's Saints' Rest, which were given to the society for their use in the publication of these excellent works. Mr. Brown was also one of the most munificent founders of the Providence Athenseum. His benefactions to the university which has since borne his name commenced in 1792 by his giving $500 towards the purchase of a law library. In 1804 he gave $5000 as a foundation for a professorship of oratory and belles-lettres. In 1822 he built at his own expense "Hope College," so named in honor of his sister, Mrs. Hope Ives. In 1835 he erected and presented to the corporation "Manning Hall," thus called to keep alive the memory of the first president of the college, Reverend Dr. James Manning. It is estimated that the value of all his gifts to the university could not have been less than $160,000. Mr. Brown died September 27, 1841. (J.C.S.)