Albert Gallatin Browne Jr.
Albert Gallatin Browne Jr., born in 1835 in Salem, was a Harvard graduate, abolitionist, and journalist who gained fame for his reporting during the Mormon expedition, served as Military Secretary during the Civil War, and later became a successful banker, before dying in 1891.
Albert Gallatin Browne Jr.
Burial Location: Jessamine Path, Lot #730, Grave #7
Albert Gallatin Browne Junior was born on February 14 1835 in Salem. His parents were Albert Gallatin Browne, Senior and Sarah Smith Cox Browne. He was an 1853 graduate of Harvard College. He then received a doctorate from the University of Heidelberg.
He later was a law student with John A. Andrew, who was a well known abolitionist. Andrew was later Governor of Massachusetts, and the two men would again work together.
In 1854, Browne was indicted for murder and jailed with other abolitionists after assisting in trying to take Anthony Burns, an enslaved man who had escaped federal custody which was a violation of the Fugitive Slave Act. A constable died during the incident. Charges were later dropped.
Albert Browne joined the New York Tribune as a correspondent, and accompanied Albert Sidney Johnston’s expedition to Utah in 1857 against Brigham Young and the Mormons, who wanted to set up an independent state in the territory. His dispatches during this time not only gained him fame as a reporter but also built his relationships with the military authorities of the time period. Browne was asked to return to Washington to request reinforcements and supplies. He made both trips and the positive response from the US government convinced Brigham Young to negotiate a settlement. He was removed as governor and Mormons were given an amnesty. Browne then returned to law practice.
He was Military Secretary for Massachusetts during the Civil War under Massachusetts Governor John Andrew.
After the war, he became Managing Editor for the NY Evening Post, and also served as correspondent for the New York Herald.
He married Mattie Griffith after Civil War in New York City. The couple had no children.
Albert Gallatin Browne ended his varied career as a successful banker in Boston. He died on June 24, 1891 in Boston.
Sources Consulted:
- Findagrave.com: findagrave.com/memorial56818655/albert-gallatin-browne, citing harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem, Essex County Massachusetts, USA
- Hollisarchive.lib.harvard.edu/repositories/8/resources/4967
- Massachusetts Historical Society Albert Gallatin Browne Papers Finding Aid Biographical Sketch
- stevechamberlain.com/family/public Albert-Gallatin-Browne 551
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