Philanthropist. He owned a very successful restaurant on the corner of Hanover and Court street in Boston Massachusetts. His greatest success was that of a real estate investor. He took a deep interest in his home town and he did much to promote the welfare of the city. He never sought public office but, his judgment was often sought by the city officials. His expertise in real estate made him the ideal consultant when it came to questions of street widening and other such improvements. He was one of the original directors of the Fitchburg Railroad and held that office until his death. He abstained from alcohol and tobacco, and had great sympathy for his fellow man. He often canceled notes of indebtedness and in other ways assisted those who found themselves in tough circumstances. Mr. Brigham never married. He gave very careful thought to the disposition of his large estate. He often lamented his want of a higher education. In full appreciation of it's importance, in his will. He provided $40,000 to his birth town, Bakersfield Vermont. $10,000 was to go for caring for the graves of his parents, brothers and sisters. The remaining $30,000 established and provided for the care of the Brigham Academy. After taking care of a long list of siblings, nieces, employees and servants, $1,300,000 was set a side not to be spent until 25 years after his death. By that time the fund had grown to $2,000,000. This money was to be used to establish a hospital "for the care of sick persons in indigent circumstances". Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, was a world famous medical research hospital connected with Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Peter's nephew formed the Robert Breck Brigham Hospital to serve patients with arthritis and other debilitating joint diseases. The two Brigham hospitals became formally affiliated with Boston's Women's Hospital and today are known as the Brigham Woman's Hospital.