John Brown I (January 27, 1736 – September 20, 1803) is an American merchant, slave trader, and statesman from Providence, Rhode Island.

Together with his brothers Nicholas, Joseph and Moses, John is instrumental in founding Brown University (at this time known as the College of Rhode Island) and moving it to their family's former land in Providence.

John Brown lays the cornerstone of the university's oldest building in 1770, and he serves as its treasurer for twenty-one years (1775 – 1796).[

Brown is one of the founders of Providence Bank and becomes its first president in 1791.

He is active in the American Revolution, notably as an instigator of the 1772 Gaspee Affair, and he serves in both state and national government.

At the same time, he is a powerful defender of slave trading, clashing aggressively—in newspapers, courts and politics—with his brother Moses, who has become an abolitionist.

John Brown's home in Providence is now a museum and National Historic Landmark.