The merchant and banker Alexander Brown (1764-1834) became one of America's first millionaires. He was a leading promoter of the city of Baltimore.

Alexander Brown was born and raised in Ireland, where he established himself as a linen merchant in Belfast. In 1800 he, his wife, and his sons emigrated to Baltimore, Md. He brought with him not only his stock of goods, but, evidently, a considerable amount of capital and advantageous connections with family members in business in England.

Brown's mercantile interests developed rapidly. One source reports that he obtained a monopoly of the linen trade in the Baltimore area. From an importer of foreign goods, Alexander Brown and Sons became an exporter of cotton and tobacco, a major shipper commanding a fleet of sailing vessels, and a commission brokerage and banking establishment with agents in all the major Southern ports.

Continuous growth was achieved despite the hazards...