The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-07-18
LONG AND USEFUL CAREER.
General Brownies Services i'm the Army and
In the Lower House Of Congress.

General Brownies Services in the Army and
In the Lower House Of Congress.
Thomas Mcclellan Browne was born at
New Paris, o., April IL. 1929. Ills father,
John A. Browne. was q native of Bucks
county, Pennsylvania. and his mother was
born in Cane Ridge. Bourbon county. Ken
tucky. He remained with his parents un-
til the death of his mother, which occurred
in 1S43. This misfortune broke up his
fathers family, and Thomas Browne.
then thirteen years of age. was ap-
prenticed to merchant in Spar
tansburg, Randolph county. Indiana.
Leaving him there. his father removed to
Grant county, Kentucky. where he died in
the year 1865. The rare ability, energy and
probity which formed the basis of the
character Of his master impressed them-
selves upon the mind and ultimately upon
the life of the young man. In this situa-
tion he learned the rudiments OF success Ia
characterization, method, energy. 0is-
patch and a strict adherence to truth. He
learned more-being brought up in daily
contact with the people-he acquired q
knowledge of their modes of thought and
action, which has been of great advantage
TO him throughout his career as probes
slonal and public man.
In the spring of 1913 Mr.. Browne removed
TO Winchester and began the study of law.
While thus engaged he attended. during
one short session, the Randolph County
Seminary. This was his only opportunity
of gong TO school. except his casual and
brief attendance at the schools in the viii
iass before to.v going to h w'1 fSi,hts
ness in study that few persons un-
acquainted with his early life and
advantages would have been led TO think,
from their intercourse with him, either in
public or private life, that he had not en-
and thorough culture. Few public men in
the State possessed q wider or more thor
OUCH legal, political and general knowledge
than he. and none were better able TO con-
vey 1t to others Once fairly engaged in the
profession of the law. being n gifted and
eloquent pleader, he soon acquired q large
and profitable business.
In 1868 MIR. Browne entered with zea, aud
energy upon the graver and more trying
duties of q soldier He assisted IN reoruit.
ing the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, was
elected captain of Company b. aud before
leaving the State for the field was pro-
NOTED to the rank of heutenant-cO Ioue.
With his regiment he served in Tennessee,
Mississippi. Arkansas. Louisiana and
Texas. He took part in the raids of Gems
Grierson and Smith through Tennessee
and Mississippi. In the battle of Gun
town. Miss, June 10. 1854, he was wounded.
der HIM. His commanding officer.
by special order. commended
both him and his command for gallant con-
duct in that engagement. and he was soon
afterwards promoted to the cOlOnelcy of
his regiment receiving the rank of brevet
brigadier-general, "fOr gallant and merl-
torious conduct. consplcuOusly displayed"
from the hands of President Lincoln. Dur
ing the winter of 1865 and 1865 he was IN
command of the United States forces at
Sherman, Tex. In this position, while
holding the reins Of authority with firm
ness, he manifested so much moderate
L.. H.
opinions. When he returned to his home
In Indiana he left many devoted friends in
the South.
Mr.. Brownies career in his profession and
in politics illustrates what man with
meagsr opportunities can do if he has the
will and brains He was admitted to the
bar of the Circuit Courts of Indiana in
August, lS49. and to that of the Supreme
Court in May. 1851. Before he was twenty
one years OF age he was elected prosecuting
position he served two years. In 1855 he
was elected prosecuting attorney of the
Thirteenth judicial circuit, and was re-
elected In 1857. and again In 1853, and dis
charged all the duties with marked ability.
Senate, and took a leading part IN
its proceedings during the session.
In 1861 be was elected TO the State Senate
to fill vacancy caused by the resignation
Of General Stone. and while in the Senate
distin guished himself as one of the leaders
in the celebrated revolt against the treas
enable designs of the Democratic party in
trying to deprive Governor Morton of his
rightful powers as Governor OF the State.
While he was yet Senator he served for Q
short time on the staff Of Gen. Thomas j.
Woods. and while serving in tina. capacity
he participated in the battle of Shiloh.
In April 1869. General Browne was APP
pointed United States attorney for the dis
trict of Indian, by President Grant. This
position he resigned in August. 1872. after
having filled the Office with distinguished
ability. General Browne was nominated
for Governor in 1872 by the Republican
State convention on the second ballot.
over two of the ablest and most deservedly
popular men In the State-Godioye 8. Orth
and Gen. Benjamin Harmonious was de-
feated by Thomas Hendricks By the small
number of 1000 votes. He was elected to
Congress from the Fifth district in 1876
and again in 1875. defeating the popular
Democratic nominee. w. s. Holman. by .
handsome majority.
In 1879 the Legislature reorganized his
congressional district, and he was again
nominated for the new district in 1880 and
carried it over Col NJ. b. Miller. his Demo-
cratic opponent, by majority Of 9,460. He