Son of John Browne and Henrietta McWillie. He was the brother of David John Browne and nephew of John McWillie.
He was born on August 3, 1829 in Ireland. He graduated from medical college in Ireland before coming to the United States in about 1850.
There, on February 25, 1858, in Hinds County, Mississippi, he married Sarah Garland "Sally" Dortch, daughter of James Norfleet Dortch and Lucy Ann Garland. They appear together in the 1860 census of Jackson, Mississippi. It seems that she died soon thereafter.
On July 18, 1861, he married his first wife's first cousin, Sallie Elizabeth Garland, daughter of William Preston and Malvina Ossian Garland. According to one family history, they had a child, but in the 1900 and 1910 census records, she reports having no children, living or deceased. They later divorced.
Dr. Browne served the Confederacy in Mississippi before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid 1860s. There, he graduated from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. He then moved to New York where, in 1867, he was granted an ad eudem (courtesy) degree from the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York.
On November 29, 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella G. Hamilton Pollock. They later divorced in San Francisco.
In late 1872, he came to California. He was aboard the steamship Sacramento when it wrecked in November on the Sacramento Reef off Baja California which was named after it. All passengers and crew were evacuated to nearby Isla San Jerónimo (then called Geronimo Island) where the steamship Montana rescued them just over a week later and brought them to San Diego.
In the early 1870s, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he taught at a college. In 1880, he moved to Roseburg, Oregon and took charge of the schools there. In the early 1880s, he moved back to Portland, where in January 1883, he married widow Esther Felicia Robbins, widow of Andrew Hurgren.
Along the way, he befriended Dr. Mary Craker Johnston at whose Boise sanitarium he died in 1907.
Browne, James. — For many years the subject of this biography has held a prominent place among the medical men of the Pacific coast. His high professional attainments have been matched by a life of conspicuous rectitude and public usefulness. To great natural force of character is united an abundant fund of that rare practical sense which makes him a leader among men, looked up to, respected and followed. Dr. Browne is tall in stature, a man of imposing presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner are united the social qualities and generous impulses which create the warmest friendships. There is about him an air of sincerity and an evident desire to do right regardless of consequences, which makes him universally trusted. Dr. Browne is of Scotch- English descent, and was born August 3d, 1829, in County Armagh, Ireland. His educational advantages were of the best. At the age of twelve he entered a classical and mathematical school at Drumhillary, not far from his father's home. At this school he made satisfactory progress, and after a four years' course he entered the Royal College of Belfast, where his education was completed. At an early age, more than a year in fact before the end of his antecollegiate course, young Browne had developed a decided partiality for the languages, but more especially for the poetry, of Greece and Rome ; the hexameters of Homer and Virgil had an indescribable charm for him, and his preceptors often spoke in terms of praise of the fluency, accuracy and ease with which he read the text of these authors and rendered it into English. In the study of languages his taste led him to etymology and orthoepy ; and in the study of medicine, to physiology and comparative anatomy. His knowledge of etymology and orthoepy is extensive and accurate, and among his literary friends his opinion on a disputed point in either of these is always listened to with respect and always carries weight. His knowledge of anatomy is equally accurate, and was acquired, as he says, " only by patient plodding and persistent effort in the practical anatomy room. ' ' In 1850 he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans ; he made that city his temporary residence, and for several subsequent years his home was in the South and Southwest. He was engaged for the most part in teaching, preferring that vocation, not because it was the most remunerative, but because it afforded him more time for his favorite studies. In 1865 he went to Philadelphia and spent a year in that city, in clinical study and work in the practical anatomy room. The next six years, excepting one summer, he spent in New York City in the practice of medicine. The summer of 1870 he was in Europe visiting the old home, which he had not seen for twenty years. In November, 1872, he came by the way of the Isthmus to the Pacific coast, suffering shipwreck between Panama and San Diego, being a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Sacramento, which was lost about two hundred and ninety miles south of San Diego. During the next, five years Dr. Browne oscillated between California and Oregon, traveling much, and visiting other places in order to fully satisfy himself as to the best place for a permanent location. During his travels he visited Mexico, British Columbia, China and Japan. He finally settled in Oregon, and continued in this State his favorite occupation, that of teaching. In 1880 he was tendered the chair of physiology and physiological anatomy in the medical department of the Willamette University ; this he accepted, and immediately removed to Portland, where he now resides. Well prepared by years of study to teach these branches, he filled the chair acceptably for nine years, and only resigned it to accept a place on the State Medical Board tendered to him unsought, by the Governor of the State. Upon the organization of the Medical Board he was elected Secretary, and in his official duties he has won the respect of all schools of medicine and of all persons with whom he has come in contact by his liberality and fairness. He has for seven years served as Medical Director of the A. O. U. W., in this jurisdiction ; and in this capacity has done much to elevate the physical standpoint of the order and has gained the confidence and esteem of the large corps of medical examiners whose work he is called on to review. The doctor in his professional life is conscientious, candid and cheerful, and these qualities, combined with industry, patience and knowledge of his profession, give him influence, reputation and rank. He is a tireless student and keeps abreast with the current of medical as well as general literature. As a teacher and lecturer he ranks high, bringing not only long experience but also a well-trained intellect to stimulate the enthusiasm of the student and listeners, this faculty of imparting knowledge being his greatest attainment. He is a man of alert mind, and speaks and writes with admirable force. He is at all times accessible, is steadfast in his friendships, and has intellectual powers that would bring him to distinction in any situation. As a citizen he is public-spirited, ever ready to forward any enterprise beneficial to the city or State, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress.
The Story of Oregon: A History, with Portraits and Biographies, Volume 2
Julian Hawthorne
American Historical Publishing Company, 1892
pp. 378-381
Portrait on p. 275
End of Life of Dr. J. M. F. Browne
Old Resident of Northwest - Once Held Chair in Willamette University
Early yesterday morning death claimed Dr. J. M. F. Browne at Dr. Mary Johnson's sanitarium, where he had lived some years. He was 79 yeasr of age. Cancer caused his death.
Dr. Browne is well known in Boise, having made many friends here as he did all over the northwest and especially in Oregon, where he spent many years. He was born in Ireland in 1829, where he lived for 21 years before coming to the United States. Here he took up the work of teaching the young, which he followed most of his life. Fifteen years after coming to this county, he took up the study of medicine in Philadelphia, which he pursued for some years.
In 1880 he went to Oregon and again took up teaching. He was later offered a chair in the Willamette university which he accepted and held for a number of years. // Dr. Browne knew his end was near and selected his pall bearers as follows. H. G. Patterson, W. L. Cuddy, C. O. Ballou, Fred Floed, Judge Dunbar and R. S. Sheridan.
The funeral will be held today at 4 o'clock from the sanitarium. Elder Stewart of the Adventist church will officiate. The body will be laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.
The Idaho Daily Statesman
25 Aug 1907
p. 6
DEATH OF DR. J. M. F. BROWNE – The dispatches yesterday morning contain a brief announcement of the death of Dr. James M. F. Browne at the sanatorium at Boise, Idaho, of cancer. Dr. Browne was a resident of Oregon for more than 30 years. He came in the early '70s and delivered lectures in the medical department of the Willamette University, and in 1880 he went to Roseburg where he was principal of the public schools for several years. Afterward he returned to Portland, and again became a lecturer in the Willamette University. He also became grand medical director of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which place he filled for a number of years until his departure for Idaho, where he was connected with a sanatorium. Dr. Browne was highly educated and was considered one of the foremost lecturers on medical topics. In addition he was well versed in general literature. He was a man of fine physique and commanding personality.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregonian
27 Aug 1907
p. 9
James M. F. Browne who was born shortly before his death appears to be named after him. The younger James was a foster son of Dr. Mary Craker Johnston who ran the sanitorium in which he died.
He was born on August 3, 1829 in Ireland. He graduated from medical college in Ireland before coming to the United States in about 1850.
There, on February 25, 1858, in Hinds County, Mississippi, he married Sarah Garland "Sally" Dortch, daughter of James Norfleet Dortch and Lucy Ann Garland. They appear together in the 1860 census of Jackson, Mississippi. It seems that she died soon thereafter.
On July 18, 1861, he married his first wife's first cousin, Sallie Elizabeth Garland, daughter of William Preston and Malvina Ossian Garland. According to one family history, they had a child, but in the 1900 and 1910 census records, she reports having no children, living or deceased. They later divorced.
Dr. Browne served the Confederacy in Mississippi before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid 1860s. There, he graduated from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. He then moved to New York where, in 1867, he was granted an ad eudem (courtesy) degree from the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York.
On November 29, 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella G. Hamilton Pollock. They later divorced in San Francisco.
In late 1872, he came to California. He was aboard the steamship Sacramento when it wrecked in November on the Sacramento Reef off Baja California which was named after it. All passengers and crew were evacuated to nearby Isla San Jerónimo (then called Geronimo Island) where the steamship Montana rescued them just over a week later and brought them to San Diego.
In the early 1870s, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he taught at a college. In 1880, he moved to Roseburg, Oregon and took charge of the schools there. In the early 1880s, he moved back to Portland, where in January 1883, he married widow Esther Felicia Robbins, widow of Andrew Hurgren.
Along the way, he befriended Dr. Mary Craker Johnston at whose Boise sanitarium he died in 1907.
Browne, James. — For many years the subject of this biography has held a prominent place among the medical men of the Pacific coast. His high professional attainments have been matched by a life of conspicuous rectitude and public usefulness. To great natural force of character is united an abundant fund of that rare practical sense which makes him a leader among men, looked up to, respected and followed. Dr. Browne is tall in stature, a man of imposing presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner are united the social qualities and generous impulses which create the warmest friendships. There is about him an air of sincerity and an evident desire to do right regardless of consequences, which makes him universally trusted. Dr. Browne is of Scotch- English descent, and was born August 3d, 1829, in County Armagh, Ireland. His educational advantages were of the best. At the age of twelve he entered a classical and mathematical school at Drumhillary, not far from his father's home. At this school he made satisfactory progress, and after a four years' course he entered the Royal College of Belfast, where his education was completed. At an early age, more than a year in fact before the end of his antecollegiate course, young Browne had developed a decided partiality for the languages, but more especially for the poetry, of Greece and Rome ; the hexameters of Homer and Virgil had an indescribable charm for him, and his preceptors often spoke in terms of praise of the fluency, accuracy and ease with which he read the text of these authors and rendered it into English. In the study of languages his taste led him to etymology and orthoepy ; and in the study of medicine, to physiology and comparative anatomy. His knowledge of etymology and orthoepy is extensive and accurate, and among his literary friends his opinion on a disputed point in either of these is always listened to with respect and always carries weight. His knowledge of anatomy is equally accurate, and was acquired, as he says, " only by patient plodding and persistent effort in the practical anatomy room. ' ' In 1850 he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans ; he made that city his temporary residence, and for several subsequent years his home was in the South and Southwest. He was engaged for the most part in teaching, preferring that vocation, not because it was the most remunerative, but because it afforded him more time for his favorite studies. In 1865 he went to Philadelphia and spent a year in that city, in clinical study and work in the practical anatomy room. The next six years, excepting one summer, he spent in New York City in the practice of medicine. The summer of 1870 he was in Europe visiting the old home, which he had not seen for twenty years. In November, 1872, he came by the way of the Isthmus to the Pacific coast, suffering shipwreck between Panama and San Diego, being a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Sacramento, which was lost about two hundred and ninety miles south of San Diego. During the next, five years Dr. Browne oscillated between California and Oregon, traveling much, and visiting other places in order to fully satisfy himself as to the best place for a permanent location. During his travels he visited Mexico, British Columbia, China and Japan. He finally settled in Oregon, and continued in this State his favorite occupation, that of teaching. In 1880 he was tendered the chair of physiology and physiological anatomy in the medical department of the Willamette University ; this he accepted, and immediately removed to Portland, where he now resides. Well prepared by years of study to teach these branches, he filled the chair acceptably for nine years, and only resigned it to accept a place on the State Medical Board tendered to him unsought, by the Governor of the State. Upon the organization of the Medical Board he was elected Secretary, and in his official duties he has won the respect of all schools of medicine and of all persons with whom he has come in contact by his liberality and fairness. He has for seven years served as Medical Director of the A. O. U. W., in this jurisdiction ; and in this capacity has done much to elevate the physical standpoint of the order and has gained the confidence and esteem of the large corps of medical examiners whose work he is called on to review. The doctor in his professional life is conscientious, candid and cheerful, and these qualities, combined with industry, patience and knowledge of his profession, give him influence, reputation and rank. He is a tireless student and keeps abreast with the current of medical as well as general literature. As a teacher and lecturer he ranks high, bringing not only long experience but also a well-trained intellect to stimulate the enthusiasm of the student and listeners, this faculty of imparting knowledge being his greatest attainment. He is a man of alert mind, and speaks and writes with admirable force. He is at all times accessible, is steadfast in his friendships, and has intellectual powers that would bring him to distinction in any situation. As a citizen he is public-spirited, ever ready to forward any enterprise beneficial to the city or State, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress.
The Story of Oregon: A History, with Portraits and Biographies, Volume 2
Julian Hawthorne
American Historical Publishing Company, 1892
pp. 378-381
Portrait on p. 275
End of Life of Dr. J. M. F. Browne
Old Resident of Northwest - Once Held Chair in Willamette University
Early yesterday morning death claimed Dr. J. M. F. Browne at Dr. Mary Johnson's sanitarium, where he had lived some years. He was 79 yeasr of age. Cancer caused his death.
Dr. Browne is well known in Boise, having made many friends here as he did all over the northwest and especially in Oregon, where he spent many years. He was born in Ireland in 1829, where he lived for 21 years before coming to the United States. Here he took up the work of teaching the young, which he followed most of his life. Fifteen years after coming to this county, he took up the study of medicine in Philadelphia, which he pursued for some years.
In 1880 he went to Oregon and again took up teaching. He was later offered a chair in the Willamette university which he accepted and held for a number of years. // Dr. Browne knew his end was near and selected his pall bearers as follows. H. G. Patterson, W. L. Cuddy, C. O. Ballou, Fred Floed, Judge Dunbar and R. S. Sheridan.
The funeral will be held today at 4 o'clock from the sanitarium. Elder Stewart of the Adventist church will officiate. The body will be laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.
The Idaho Daily Statesman
25 Aug 1907
p. 6
DEATH OF DR. J. M. F. BROWNE – The dispatches yesterday morning contain a brief announcement of the death of Dr. James M. F. Browne at the sanatorium at Boise, Idaho, of cancer. Dr. Browne was a resident of Oregon for more than 30 years. He came in the early '70s and delivered lectures in the medical department of the Willamette University, and in 1880 he went to Roseburg where he was principal of the public schools for several years. Afterward he returned to Portland, and again became a lecturer in the Willamette University. He also became grand medical director of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which place he filled for a number of years until his departure for Idaho, where he was connected with a sanatorium. Dr. Browne was highly educated and was considered one of the foremost lecturers on medical topics. In addition he was well versed in general literature. He was a man of fine physique and commanding personality.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregonian
27 Aug 1907
p. 9
James M. F. Browne who was born shortly before his death appears to be named after him. The younger James was a foster son of Dr. Mary Craker Johnston who ran the sanitorium in which he died.
Son of John Browne and Henrietta McWillie. He was the brother of David John Browne and nephew of John McWillie.
He was born on August 3, 1829 in Ireland. He graduated from medical college in Ireland before coming to the United States in about 1850.
There, on February 25, 1858, in Hinds County, Mississippi, he married Sarah Garland "Sally" Dortch, daughter of James Norfleet Dortch and Lucy Ann Garland. They appear together in the 1860 census of Jackson, Mississippi. It seems that she died soon thereafter.
On July 18, 1861, he married his first wife's first cousin, Sallie Elizabeth Garland, daughter of William Preston and Malvina Ossian Garland. According to one family history, they had a child, but in the 1900 and 1910 census records, she reports having no children, living or deceased. They later divorced.
Dr. Browne served the Confederacy in Mississippi before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid 1860s. There, he graduated from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. He then moved to New York where, in 1867, he was granted an ad eudem (courtesy) degree from the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York.
On November 29, 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella G. Hamilton Pollock. They later divorced in San Francisco.
In late 1872, he came to California. He was aboard the steamship Sacramento when it wrecked in November on the Sacramento Reef off Baja California which was named after it. All passengers and crew were evacuated to nearby Isla San Jerónimo (then called Geronimo Island) where the steamship Montana rescued them just over a week later and brought them to San Diego.
In the early 1870s, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he taught at a college. In 1880, he moved to Roseburg, Oregon and took charge of the schools there. In the early 1880s, he moved back to Portland, where in January 1883, he married widow Esther Felicia Robbins, widow of Andrew Hurgren.
Along the way, he befriended Dr. Mary Craker Johnston at whose Boise sanitarium he died in 1907.
Browne, James. — For many years the subject of this biography has held a prominent place among the medical men of the Pacific coast. His high professional attainments have been matched by a life of conspicuous rectitude and public usefulness. To great natural force of character is united an abundant fund of that rare practical sense which makes him a leader among men, looked up to, respected and followed. Dr. Browne is tall in stature, a man of imposing presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner are united the social qualities and generous impulses which create the warmest friendships. There is about him an air of sincerity and an evident desire to do right regardless of consequences, which makes him universally trusted. Dr. Browne is of Scotch- English descent, and was born August 3d, 1829, in County Armagh, Ireland. His educational advantages were of the best. At the age of twelve he entered a classical and mathematical school at Drumhillary, not far from his father's home. At this school he made satisfactory progress, and after a four years' course he entered the Royal College of Belfast, where his education was completed. At an early age, more than a year in fact before the end of his antecollegiate course, young Browne had developed a decided partiality for the languages, but more especially for the poetry, of Greece and Rome ; the hexameters of Homer and Virgil had an indescribable charm for him, and his preceptors often spoke in terms of praise of the fluency, accuracy and ease with which he read the text of these authors and rendered it into English. In the study of languages his taste led him to etymology and orthoepy ; and in the study of medicine, to physiology and comparative anatomy. His knowledge of etymology and orthoepy is extensive and accurate, and among his literary friends his opinion on a disputed point in either of these is always listened to with respect and always carries weight. His knowledge of anatomy is equally accurate, and was acquired, as he says, " only by patient plodding and persistent effort in the practical anatomy room. ' ' In 1850 he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans ; he made that city his temporary residence, and for several subsequent years his home was in the South and Southwest. He was engaged for the most part in teaching, preferring that vocation, not because it was the most remunerative, but because it afforded him more time for his favorite studies. In 1865 he went to Philadelphia and spent a year in that city, in clinical study and work in the practical anatomy room. The next six years, excepting one summer, he spent in New York City in the practice of medicine. The summer of 1870 he was in Europe visiting the old home, which he had not seen for twenty years. In November, 1872, he came by the way of the Isthmus to the Pacific coast, suffering shipwreck between Panama and San Diego, being a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Sacramento, which was lost about two hundred and ninety miles south of San Diego. During the next, five years Dr. Browne oscillated between California and Oregon, traveling much, and visiting other places in order to fully satisfy himself as to the best place for a permanent location. During his travels he visited Mexico, British Columbia, China and Japan. He finally settled in Oregon, and continued in this State his favorite occupation, that of teaching. In 1880 he was tendered the chair of physiology and physiological anatomy in the medical department of the Willamette University ; this he accepted, and immediately removed to Portland, where he now resides. Well prepared by years of study to teach these branches, he filled the chair acceptably for nine years, and only resigned it to accept a place on the State Medical Board tendered to him unsought, by the Governor of the State. Upon the organization of the Medical Board he was elected Secretary, and in his official duties he has won the respect of all schools of medicine and of all persons with whom he has come in contact by his liberality and fairness. He has for seven years served as Medical Director of the A. O. U. W., in this jurisdiction ; and in this capacity has done much to elevate the physical standpoint of the order and has gained the confidence and esteem of the large corps of medical examiners whose work he is called on to review. The doctor in his professional life is conscientious, candid and cheerful, and these qualities, combined with industry, patience and knowledge of his profession, give him influence, reputation and rank. He is a tireless student and keeps abreast with the current of medical as well as general literature. As a teacher and lecturer he ranks high, bringing not only long experience but also a well-trained intellect to stimulate the enthusiasm of the student and listeners, this faculty of imparting knowledge being his greatest attainment. He is a man of alert mind, and speaks and writes with admirable force. He is at all times accessible, is steadfast in his friendships, and has intellectual powers that would bring him to distinction in any situation. As a citizen he is public-spirited, ever ready to forward any enterprise beneficial to the city or State, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress.
The Story of Oregon: A History, with Portraits and Biographies, Volume 2
Julian Hawthorne
American Historical Publishing Company, 1892
pp. 378-381
Portrait on p. 275
End of Life of Dr. J. M. F. Browne
Old Resident of Northwest - Once Held Chair in Willamette University
Early yesterday morning death claimed Dr. J. M. F. Browne at Dr. Mary Johnson's sanitarium, where he had lived some years. He was 79 yeasr of age. Cancer caused his death.
Dr. Browne is well known in Boise, having made many friends here as he did all over the northwest and especially in Oregon, where he spent many years. He was born in Ireland in 1829, where he lived for 21 years before coming to the United States. Here he took up the work of teaching the young, which he followed most of his life. Fifteen years after coming to this county, he took up the study of medicine in Philadelphia, which he pursued for some years.
In 1880 he went to Oregon and again took up teaching. He was later offered a chair in the Willamette university which he accepted and held for a number of years. // Dr. Browne knew his end was near and selected his pall bearers as follows. H. G. Patterson, W. L. Cuddy, C. O. Ballou, Fred Floed, Judge Dunbar and R. S. Sheridan.
The funeral will be held today at 4 o'clock from the sanitarium. Elder Stewart of the Adventist church will officiate. The body will be laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.
The Idaho Daily Statesman
25 Aug 1907
p. 6
DEATH OF DR. J. M. F. BROWNE – The dispatches yesterday morning contain a brief announcement of the death of Dr. James M. F. Browne at the sanatorium at Boise, Idaho, of cancer. Dr. Browne was a resident of Oregon for more than 30 years. He came in the early '70s and delivered lectures in the medical department of the Willamette University, and in 1880 he went to Roseburg where he was principal of the public schools for several years. Afterward he returned to Portland, and again became a lecturer in the Willamette University. He also became grand medical director of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which place he filled for a number of years until his departure for Idaho, where he was connected with a sanatorium. Dr. Browne was highly educated and was considered one of the foremost lecturers on medical topics. In addition he was well versed in general literature. He was a man of fine physique and commanding personality.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregonian
27 Aug 1907
p. 9
James M. F. Browne who was born shortly before his death appears to be named after him. The younger James was a foster son of Dr. Mary Craker Johnston who ran the sanitorium in which he died.
He was born on August 3, 1829 in Ireland. He graduated from medical college in Ireland before coming to the United States in about 1850.
There, on February 25, 1858, in Hinds County, Mississippi, he married Sarah Garland "Sally" Dortch, daughter of James Norfleet Dortch and Lucy Ann Garland. They appear together in the 1860 census of Jackson, Mississippi. It seems that she died soon thereafter.
On July 18, 1861, he married his first wife's first cousin, Sallie Elizabeth Garland, daughter of William Preston and Malvina Ossian Garland. According to one family history, they had a child, but in the 1900 and 1910 census records, she reports having no children, living or deceased. They later divorced.
Dr. Browne served the Confederacy in Mississippi before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid 1860s. There, he graduated from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. He then moved to New York where, in 1867, he was granted an ad eudem (courtesy) degree from the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York.
On November 29, 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella G. Hamilton Pollock. They later divorced in San Francisco.
In late 1872, he came to California. He was aboard the steamship Sacramento when it wrecked in November on the Sacramento Reef off Baja California which was named after it. All passengers and crew were evacuated to nearby Isla San Jerónimo (then called Geronimo Island) where the steamship Montana rescued them just over a week later and brought them to San Diego.
In the early 1870s, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he taught at a college. In 1880, he moved to Roseburg, Oregon and took charge of the schools there. In the early 1880s, he moved back to Portland, where in January 1883, he married widow Esther Felicia Robbins, widow of Andrew Hurgren.
Along the way, he befriended Dr. Mary Craker Johnston at whose Boise sanitarium he died in 1907.
Browne, James. — For many years the subject of this biography has held a prominent place among the medical men of the Pacific coast. His high professional attainments have been matched by a life of conspicuous rectitude and public usefulness. To great natural force of character is united an abundant fund of that rare practical sense which makes him a leader among men, looked up to, respected and followed. Dr. Browne is tall in stature, a man of imposing presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner are united the social qualities and generous impulses which create the warmest friendships. There is about him an air of sincerity and an evident desire to do right regardless of consequences, which makes him universally trusted. Dr. Browne is of Scotch- English descent, and was born August 3d, 1829, in County Armagh, Ireland. His educational advantages were of the best. At the age of twelve he entered a classical and mathematical school at Drumhillary, not far from his father's home. At this school he made satisfactory progress, and after a four years' course he entered the Royal College of Belfast, where his education was completed. At an early age, more than a year in fact before the end of his antecollegiate course, young Browne had developed a decided partiality for the languages, but more especially for the poetry, of Greece and Rome ; the hexameters of Homer and Virgil had an indescribable charm for him, and his preceptors often spoke in terms of praise of the fluency, accuracy and ease with which he read the text of these authors and rendered it into English. In the study of languages his taste led him to etymology and orthoepy ; and in the study of medicine, to physiology and comparative anatomy. His knowledge of etymology and orthoepy is extensive and accurate, and among his literary friends his opinion on a disputed point in either of these is always listened to with respect and always carries weight. His knowledge of anatomy is equally accurate, and was acquired, as he says, " only by patient plodding and persistent effort in the practical anatomy room. ' ' In 1850 he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans ; he made that city his temporary residence, and for several subsequent years his home was in the South and Southwest. He was engaged for the most part in teaching, preferring that vocation, not because it was the most remunerative, but because it afforded him more time for his favorite studies. In 1865 he went to Philadelphia and spent a year in that city, in clinical study and work in the practical anatomy room. The next six years, excepting one summer, he spent in New York City in the practice of medicine. The summer of 1870 he was in Europe visiting the old home, which he had not seen for twenty years. In November, 1872, he came by the way of the Isthmus to the Pacific coast, suffering shipwreck between Panama and San Diego, being a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Sacramento, which was lost about two hundred and ninety miles south of San Diego. During the next, five years Dr. Browne oscillated between California and Oregon, traveling much, and visiting other places in order to fully satisfy himself as to the best place for a permanent location. During his travels he visited Mexico, British Columbia, China and Japan. He finally settled in Oregon, and continued in this State his favorite occupation, that of teaching. In 1880 he was tendered the chair of physiology and physiological anatomy in the medical department of the Willamette University ; this he accepted, and immediately removed to Portland, where he now resides. Well prepared by years of study to teach these branches, he filled the chair acceptably for nine years, and only resigned it to accept a place on the State Medical Board tendered to him unsought, by the Governor of the State. Upon the organization of the Medical Board he was elected Secretary, and in his official duties he has won the respect of all schools of medicine and of all persons with whom he has come in contact by his liberality and fairness. He has for seven years served as Medical Director of the A. O. U. W., in this jurisdiction ; and in this capacity has done much to elevate the physical standpoint of the order and has gained the confidence and esteem of the large corps of medical examiners whose work he is called on to review. The doctor in his professional life is conscientious, candid and cheerful, and these qualities, combined with industry, patience and knowledge of his profession, give him influence, reputation and rank. He is a tireless student and keeps abreast with the current of medical as well as general literature. As a teacher and lecturer he ranks high, bringing not only long experience but also a well-trained intellect to stimulate the enthusiasm of the student and listeners, this faculty of imparting knowledge being his greatest attainment. He is a man of alert mind, and speaks and writes with admirable force. He is at all times accessible, is steadfast in his friendships, and has intellectual powers that would bring him to distinction in any situation. As a citizen he is public-spirited, ever ready to forward any enterprise beneficial to the city or State, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress.
The Story of Oregon: A History, with Portraits and Biographies, Volume 2
Julian Hawthorne
American Historical Publishing Company, 1892
pp. 378-381
Portrait on p. 275
End of Life of Dr. J. M. F. Browne
Old Resident of Northwest - Once Held Chair in Willamette University
Early yesterday morning death claimed Dr. J. M. F. Browne at Dr. Mary Johnson's sanitarium, where he had lived some years. He was 79 yeasr of age. Cancer caused his death.
Dr. Browne is well known in Boise, having made many friends here as he did all over the northwest and especially in Oregon, where he spent many years. He was born in Ireland in 1829, where he lived for 21 years before coming to the United States. Here he took up the work of teaching the young, which he followed most of his life. Fifteen years after coming to this county, he took up the study of medicine in Philadelphia, which he pursued for some years.
In 1880 he went to Oregon and again took up teaching. He was later offered a chair in the Willamette university which he accepted and held for a number of years. // Dr. Browne knew his end was near and selected his pall bearers as follows. H. G. Patterson, W. L. Cuddy, C. O. Ballou, Fred Floed, Judge Dunbar and R. S. Sheridan.
The funeral will be held today at 4 o'clock from the sanitarium. Elder Stewart of the Adventist church will officiate. The body will be laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.
The Idaho Daily Statesman
25 Aug 1907
p. 6
DEATH OF DR. J. M. F. BROWNE – The dispatches yesterday morning contain a brief announcement of the death of Dr. James M. F. Browne at the sanatorium at Boise, Idaho, of cancer. Dr. Browne was a resident of Oregon for more than 30 years. He came in the early '70s and delivered lectures in the medical department of the Willamette University, and in 1880 he went to Roseburg where he was principal of the public schools for several years. Afterward he returned to Portland, and again became a lecturer in the Willamette University. He also became grand medical director of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which place he filled for a number of years until his departure for Idaho, where he was connected with a sanatorium. Dr. Browne was highly educated and was considered one of the foremost lecturers on medical topics. In addition he was well versed in general literature. He was a man of fine physique and commanding personality.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregonian
27 Aug 1907
p. 9
James M. F. Browne who was born shortly before his death appears to be named after him. The younger James was a foster son of Dr. Mary Craker Johnston who ran the sanitorium in which he died.
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