William Browne

William James Browne, (1815 – 4 December 1894), generally referred to as Dr. Browne, was a grazier and pastoralist in South Australia who was born and died in England. His brother, John Harris Browne, was a noted explorer and pastoralist in the same colony.

Origins William Browne was born in Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, the son of Benjamin Browne, a country gentleman who died in 1821, and his wife Anna, née Cotell. His brother, J. Harris Browne (22 April 1817 – 12 January 1904) and sister Anna (1812-1873) arrived in South Australia on the Orleanna in 1840. Anna married Joseph Gilbert (1800–1881) of Pewsey Vale on 21 January 1848.

Education He was educated for the medical profession in Paris and Edinburgh, graduating in 1838.

Agricultural career Browne travelled to South Australia as assistant surgeon in the ship Buckinghamshire, arriving on 5 December 1839. Although registered to practise medicine in South Australia, he turned to agricultural pursuits on land he purchased at Pewsey Vale with Joseph Gilbert.

Political career

In Australia Browne was a member of the House of Assembly for the district of Flinders from 19 March 1860 to 27 November 1862, during which he introduced a Bill to abolish the sale of Crown lands, and to lease them out instead, but the Bill was thrown out, and he was severely criticised for its introduction,

Return to England 1866 In 1866 Dr. Browne took his family to England for their education, where they remained, though Dr. Browne made occasional visits to South Australia. His residences in England were St Stephen's House, Kensington, London and his country estate of Buckland Filleigh in Devonshire. During one of his visits to Australia he learned of the death of his wife on about 25 February 1878. He resided on his estate of Buckland Filleigh in Devonshire, and put to good use the practical knowledge acquired in South Australia.

Sons Leonard Gilbert Browne (1851-1930), He married Helen Mary Price c. September 1877. William Byron Browne (1858-1885) He inherited his father's Buckland Filleigh and Blackmoat estates in England, and half of the Booboorowie run in South Australia.

Daughters Edith Mary Browne (ca.1854 – ) became Edith Mary Carter before 1895 Annie Ibbetson Browne (25 Dec 1855 – 17 Apr 1941) married Henry Torkington Kathleen Frances Browne (1861–)

Death Browne died at Eastbourne, England.