Brown, Thomas (3)

a minister of the Society of Friends, was born in Barking, Essex, England. on September 1, 1696, he arrived in America, being then quite young. His parents resided for some time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then removed to Plumstead. While residing here Thomas entered the ministry. Subsequently he returned to Philadelphia, entering into business so far as was necessary for a simple livelihood. In regard to his preaching it is said of him that, when he rose to speak, he pronounced a few words, and then stood for a long time silent, proceeding so very deliberately that strangers formed at first unfavorable surmises as to the result; but as he proceeded he frequently became eloquent. He was not, however, a learned man, and possessed no literary acquirements. Except attendance upon neighboring meetings, he travelled but little. During a long life, he continued to exercise his ministry in the vicinity of his home. See The Friend, 8:278.