Background
He was born on September 1, 1842, in Gainesville, New York, the son of New York State Assemblyman and Senator John W. Brownson (1807–1860) and Frances L. (Cole) Brownson.
He was born on September 1, 1842, in Gainesville, New York, the son of New York State Assemblyman and Senator John W. Brownson (1807–1860) and Frances L. (Cole) Brownson.
The family moved to Sharon, Wisconsin in 1852. During the American Civil War, Brownson served in the 13th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Brownson was a merchant in Sharon, Wisconsin and served in public office.
Brownson served in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1882.