David Brown

David Brown (24 June 1734 - 13 May 1804) was a Scottish-Danish merchant and shipowner. His trading house, established in a partnership with his brother, was active in overseas trade. He served as Lord Governor of Tranquebar in Danish India from February 1774 to January 1779.

Early life

Brown was born on 24 June 1734 in Dalkeith, Scotland, the son of William Brown and Margeret Brown

Merchant

David and John Brown founded John & David Brown in 1759. It owned its own fleet of merchant ships which mainly traded on the Danish West Indies and the Mediterranean. The name of the firm was changed to John & William Brown & Co. in 1782. He ownede Benzonseje (now Tisbyholm) at Roskilde from 1788 to 1789.

Years in Danish India

David Brown served as Lord Governor of Tranquebar from 14 February 1775 to 17 January 1779.

Property

David Brown purchased the manor of Benzonseje from his brother but sold it again to merchant and shipowner Lars Larsen in 1789.

Personal life

Brown married Anna Fenwick (1741-1776). She was a daughter of Nicolas Fenwick, merchant in Helsingør, and his wife Elisabeth Fenwick née Watson. She died in Tranquebar in 1776. He then married, for a second time, Mary Forbes (1751-1827).

His first wife bore him the following children: William Brown, Margrethe Elisabeth (Betzy) Brown, Nicolas Brown, Amelie Louise Brown, John Lewis Brown, Melior Anna (Nancy) Brown and David Brown. His second wife bore him one daughter, Mary Brown (1785-1793), who died as a child.

Brown died on 13 May 1804 at Maglegård in Gentofte. He was buried at Sankt Mariæ Kirke in Vor Frue Kloster in Helsingør.