Brown, Daniel

(Apr. 26, 1698-Apr. 13, 1723). One of the Yale converts. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Brown (sometimes Browne) graduated from Yale College in 1714. He was the rector of the Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven. In 1718 he was appointed tutor in Yale College and remained in that position until 1722. On Sept. 13, 1722, he, Samuel Johnson, Timothy Cutler, and James Wetmore announced that they questioned their ordinations in the Congregational Church. This announcement was known as the “Yale Apostasy.” It is considered the birth of the high church party in the Episcopal Church. Brown resigned his tutorship on Oct. 17, 1722. On Dec. 5, 1722, he, Johnson, and Cutler sailed to England to obtain episcopal ordination. On Mar. 9, 1723, Brown received “private hypothetical baptism” at the Church of St. Sepulchre, London. On Mar. 22, 1723, he was confirmed and ordained deacon, and then on Mar. 31, 1723, he was ordained priest. He became ill on Apr. 4, 1723, and died in London. See Yale Converts.