John Brown (also known as 'The King of Coal' and 'The Coal Baron'), was son of James Brown. James and his brother Alexander were co-founders of J&A Brown. John was born in 1850 near East Maitland (Four Mile Creek). At the age of fourteen he started to work in J&A Brown's Newcastle office. He then worked across various roles at Minmi mine, learning the different aspects of the mining business before traveling overseas to research new mining techniques. He soon became well known for these overseas excursions; always bringing back items for the mines (see the trains and ships in picture on the left).

In 1882, John Brown became the general manager of the J&A Brown. Instead of relying on other companies to load and ship the coal, he tried to make J&A Brown as self-sufficient as possible, purchasing and privately owning wharves, collieries, tugs, trains, rail-lines and ship loading equipment. He expanded the companies' export business by marketing the coal overseas at cheap prices. Through J&A Brown, he acquired more land for mining, and took over the Richmond Vale Colliery, which changed its name to the Richmond Main Colliery.  In partnership with his brother William, purchased Stanford Greta Number 2 tunnel, which became Pelaw Main Colliery. These mines were known for having the most up-to-date technology. 

The Baron was known by some for being severe towards his employees, always opposing the Unions, and not giving in to strikes. He refused to sell his employees the land they lived on, and so he could threaten them with eviction if they were to strike. He often quarrelled with the Colliery Employees' Federation, eventually suing them for loss of trade. Despite much industrial ill-will, the Australian Worker, admitted that on infrequent occasions, Brown was comparatively generous to his employees.

John was also an accomplished horse-breeder, having over 500 horses, many of which were fine race horses. He often brought animals back from his overseas trips (see animals in picture above).

John Brown died of a heart-attack in 1930. At his death he employed more than 2,500 people. His funeral was a huge affair, attended by many who came to see a 'show', reported to be a disrespectful crowd.