John Brown

Who was John Brown?

Rev. John Brown was the third president of the University of Georgia. He served in that capacity from 1811 until his resignation in 1816.

John Brown was born on June 15, 1763 in County Antrim, Ireland, the son of Walter and Margaret Brown; who were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. At the age of three, John and his parents, emigrated to America aboard the ship "The Earl of Donegal" arriving in Charleston, South Carolina harbor on the 22nd of December 1767. John's father was granted 200 acres, per the Bounty Act of the South Carolina General Assembly passed the 25th day of July 1761 to Protestants willing to settle in the back-country of South Carolina which became, Chester County. The Brown's became members of the Fishing Creek Presbyterian church where family, faith and education were very important. Young John was an excellent student.

When the American Revolution came to their area in 1780, John Brown, age 17, joined the South Carolina Militia under the command of Capt. John McClure and General Thomas Sumter. He was in the first attack on the British at Rocky Mount and at the Battle of Hanging Rock. Being a known patriot, the family home was burned and looted, driving his parents to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. John's sister, Jane Brown Gaston, was known for her bravery during the war, as well.