Browne, Isaac, 1709-1787

Anglican clergyman; rector of Trinity Church, Newark, N.J., until 1776 when his position became untenable because of his Loyalist leanings.

Isaac Browne was born on March 20, 1709 in West Haven, Connecticut. He became an Anglican, converting from Congregationalism, and after graduating from Yale College studied theology under Rev. Samuel Johnson of Stratford. In Browne traveled to England for ordination, his expenses paid for by the parish of Brookhaven and by the Churchmen of Stamford, Connecticut, both groups hoping to secure him as a pastor. He chose Brookhaven, and on December 14, 1733, Browne returned to Long Island to the Caroline Church in Setauket, where he remained fourteen years. Upon leaving Long Island, Brown transferred to Trinity Church in Newark, New Jersey, during which time he was frequently ill and dissatisfied with his parish. His discontent was justified: the parish he described as turbulent and contentious, and he had not received payment for his services from the Society since 1753. He attepted to transfer churches, but was rejected. The situation improved somewhat in 1771 when he was at last compensated for his services in Second River by the Society. At the same time he reported an improvement in his health. This period of happiness, though, did not last long. In early 1777 Brown was thrown into Morris County jail for his loyalty to England. Isaac Browne died impoverished and afflicted at Windsor in 1787.