John R. Browne
John R. Browne spent the first sixteen years of his life on a farm, and during that time attained a common school and part of a high school education. At the age of sixteen he began teaching, which occupation he continued for six years. Many of the nights and a large part of his vacation periods, while a teacher, were spent in reading law both at home and with Mr. O.L. Cline, and later with Paulus & Cline. In 1898 he was admitted to the bar and begun the practice on march 1, 1899, with Mr. J.F. Charles, as a partner. This partnership was continued as Charles & Browne until December 1, 1902, at which time Hiram Brownlee became the head of the new firm of Brownlee, Charles & Browne. This firm continued until May 6, 1903, at which date, Mr. Charles retired. Brownlee & Browne then continued together until November 1st, 1907, at which time, the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent.
Mr. Browne, was then engaged in practice alone until March 23, 1908, at which time the present partnership with Gus S. Condo was formed under the firm name of Condo & Browne. They practice in all the local, state and federal courts, both having been admitted to the United States Supreme Court at Washington, D.C., on December 2nd, 1912.
On May 17, 1899, Mr. Browne married Miss Grace Riley, of Van Buren, Grant County. Mrs. Browne is a native of this county and a daughter of James E. and Sarah E. Riley, a well known family here. The three children born of their marriage are named as follows: Miriam, aged eleven; Edward J., aged ten, and Ruth, aged eight.
Mr. Browne is a member and ex-president of the Marion County Club; also of the Elks Club, and is now Exalted Ruler of Marion Lodge No. 195, B.P.O. Elks. In politics, he is a Republican.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner