Moses Brown was born on October 2, 1742 in Newbury, Massachusetts to Abigail (Pearson) and Joseph Brown, Jr. At an early age he apprenticed as a chaise-maker and eventually went into business as a carriage manufacturer. Later on he entered the mercantile business and developed a large foreign and domestic trade, particularly in sugar and molasses with the West Indies. He owned several wharves, warehouses, distilleries and large amounts of real estate in Newburyport. He was an avid philanthropist, contributing to numerous causes in Newburyport and surrounding areas. He was married to Mary Hall from 1772 until her death in 1778. Later, he was married to Mary White from 1786 until her death in 1821. He died on February 9, 1827 in Newburyport, survived by his daughter Mrs. William B. Bannister. His granddaughter, Sarah (Bannister) Hale inherited much of his property and donated property to the Andover Theological Seminary which Moses helped establish.