Browne, J. J. (John J.), 1843-1912

John J. Browne was raised in Indiana and graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1868. Following several years work as attorney and superintendent of public schools in Oswego, KS, he opened a law office in Portland, OR, where he also served as superintendent of schools for Multnomah County. He moved to Spokane in 1878, opened a law office and pursued real estate investment and development interests. By 1885, he devoted himself full-time to real estate management. His other business interests included the Browne National Bank, 1888-1894; street car lines; the Spokane Chronicle ; and the Auditorium Theatre. A life-long interest in higher education called him to serve at various times on the Board of Regents of the University of Washington, the Board of the State Normal School at Cheney, the Board of the State College of Washington, and the Spokane School Board.

From the guide to the John J. Browne Papers, 1874-1906, (Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)