The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-05-02

friends had begun to hope that his mall
ady might take favorable turn.
Up 30 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon,
there had been no change in the pa
tents condition, and, although very
weak and unconscious, Mr.. Brown was
reported to have chance for recovery.
Late In the afternoon came a decided
change for the worse. and a number
OF consultations were held by the ply
sicians, but 1t was impossible to de-
wise any means to prolong life, and
Mr.. Brown sank steadily until he
breathed his last at the hour mentioned,
surrounded by the members of his fam
lily, remaining unconscious TO the end.
Mr.. G.. w. X. Matteson, the manager
OF Mr.. Browns immense business in
terests, was at the bedside. He states
that Mr.. Brown, while unconscious at
the time of his death. had since Sun
day occasional intervals In which he
was able to recognize his friends.
John Nicholas Brown was the Oldest
son of John Carter Brown and Sophia
Augusta Brown, his mothers maiden
name having also been Brown. she be-
ing the daughter of Patrick Brown, an
English res dent of the West Indies.
where Sophia Augusta was born. John
Nicholas Brown was born in the old
Brown homestead on Benefit street, this
had excellent training and much pri-
vate tuition, and in preparing for
Brown University Professor w. c. Po-
land was his private Instructor. He en-
tered Brown University as a freshman
in 1881 and remained for two years.
being compelled 10 leave on account OF
failing health. In 1895 however, by
special vote OF the faculty, the degree
OF A. NJ. was conferred upon him.
In. l...Nt .xi.a =
the Republican state convention. and in
1888 was chosen a presidential elector.
casting his ballot for Harrison ard
Morton. Az that time brilliant pollt-
ical career seemed before him. and had
he so elected. he might have had any
honor which the people could bestow
upon him. but he decided not TO enter
upon a public life: and again devoted
himself TO his books, which were his
constant companions. He was an earn
est student Of political and social ques-
tions. and he contributed largely to sew
eral public enterprises which he deemed
worthy OF assistance. In 1897 he gave
100000 for the Providence Public Lii
brary, later increasing the gift by s6S..
$685. This generosity mace the new H.
| brary building possible. He was always
an unostentatious giver. however, .
| large minded whole-soued man, whC
| believed in deeds. not words.
lie owned a superply appointed sum.
mer residence on Bellevue avenue New.
| port and kept bacneior's hall there and
| II was with considerable surprise tha,
| his many friends learned In July. 1898
that he was engaged 10 be married tC
Miss Natalie Dresser. daughter OF Col
Frederick Dresser Y. s. A. The mar
riage ceremony. which was performed
| I'm Newport. was a very brilliant affai
| and. after an extended foreign tour. M
| and Mrs. Brown took up their winter
| residence in New York last fall. and or
| February - last son was born an,
| named aftcr his father. Within "A monti
| Mr.. Brown purchased two large estates
| on Brown street, this city. upon which
he at once arranged for the erection q
town house which was 10 be the fin
est In Providence for solidity. rich Ole
English architecture and without hi
| zarre effects.
| He had plans under way for new
| building for the remarkable vast an,
| valuable Brown librsry OF Americana
| now In an annex OF ths old colonia
home on Benefit street. This magma
| cent collection. of which Mr.. George y
Winship is the librarian. under this new
arrangement is TO be placed I'M n fire
proof structure on Power street, ad
/ Joining the HOMESTEAD.
Mr.. Brown was member of tho Hop
Club. the recently organized ard house'
University Club (beinR largely identi
fed with rs founding). the Newpor