[1][2] He was born in Utrecht in the Netherlands on 23 December 1792 the third son of Rev Dr William Laurence Brown (1755–1830), sometime Professor of Divinity at Aberdeen, and his wife, Ann Elizabeth Brown (William's first cousin).

In 1827, he was appointed Professor of Greek at Marischal College in Aberdeen.

In 1846, he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in succession to Rev Patrick MacFarlan.

[6] Brown died in Aberdeen, on 7 December 1872, aged 79,[7] and was buried beside his wife at Nellfied Cemetery.

1 January 1854, aged 65), daughter of William Stronach, minister of Marnoch.