George C. Brownell was born in Willsboro, New York, in 1858, the son of a mechanic. He studied law in New York State and moved to Kansas in the mid-1880s. There he practiced law and served as mayor of Ness City and County Attorney of Ness County. In 1891 he moved to Oregon City where he continued his law practice. After an unsuccessful run for the State Senate in 1892, he was elected to that body from Clackamas County in 1894, and re-elected in 1898, 1900, and 1902. He served as president of the State Senate during the 1902-1903 term.
From the description of George C. Brownell letters, 1897-1898. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 54374199