Charles W. Browne was born on a farm in the township of Quincy, Branch county, Michigan, August 25, 1855, and with his parents removed to Ingham county in 1866. His father was a farmer, and Charles followed that avocation until he attained manhood. He enjoyed the somewhat uncertain advantages of the district school until sixteen years of age, when he began life for himself. He has had a varied business career, having been for some years a traveling salesman, and for eight years previous to 1891 being continuously in the employ of the Singer Mfg. Co., of New York, filling several positions of trust with that company in Michigan, Nebraska and Utah. June 22, 1887, Mr. Browne was married to Miss Effie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Williams of Ingham Twp. Miss Williams was an accomplished teacher in music, and a lady of culture. Two children have been born to them, both boys: Paul W., December 5, 1893, and Charles W., October 12, 1896. Both are pupils in the Mason high school. It was in the year 1891 that Mr. Browne with his wife took up permanent residence in Mason, and for nearly seven years successfully conducted a retail wall paper, book and stationary business.
In February, 1898, Mr. Browne was commissioned by President McKinley Postmaster at Mason, a position which he still retains, having been reappointed at the expiratin of his first term. His administration of the affairs of his office have met with the general approval of its patrons. Several changes for better service have been inaugurated during his occupancy of the office, the most important is the R. F. D. system. No less than ten routes have been established with headquarters at the Mason office.
In 1902 Mr. Browne purchased the building where the postoffice is now located, on west Ash street, and fitted it with entire new fixtures, making it one of the best equipped offices of its class in the State.
Mr. Browne's is one of the many pleasant homes of Mason, and being yet in the prime and vigor of manhood, with his little family about him, ought to be reasonably satisfied with the success he has attained in life and with the pleasures it affords him.
Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Page 156.
Sondra Higbee