Isaac Hawkins Browne (poet) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Isaac Hawkins Browne
Born	21 January 1705 Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire
Died	14 February 1760 (aged 55) London, United Kingdom
Nationality	English
Occupation	barrister, poet
Notable work	A Pipe of Tobacco

Isaac Hawkins Browne (born January 21, 1705 – died February 14, 1760) was an English politician and a talented poet. He is best known for his clever poems, like A Pipe of Tobacco (1736). In this work, he imitated the styles of famous poets such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. He also wrote a Latin poem about the soul's immortality, called De Animi Immortalitate (1754).

Early Life and Education

Isaac Hawkins Browne was born in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. His father, William Browne, was the local Vicar, which is a type of church leader. His mother was Ann Browne.

Isaac went to school in Lichfield and then at Westminster School. Later, in 1721, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge. He was thought to have earned a Master of Arts degree, but the official records are not clear.

Career as a Lawyer and Politician

Isaac became a barrister in 1728. A barrister is a type of lawyer who can argue cases in higher courts. He was known for being a great conversationalist, meaning he was good at talking and discussing things with people. He was also a friend of the famous writer Samuel Johnson.

From 1744 to 1754, Isaac served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Much Wenlock in Shropshire. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the country's main law-making body. Even though he was an MP, he didn't speak much in debates. Dr. Johnson once joked that Browne, "one of the first great wits of this country, got into Parliament and never opened his mouth."

In February 1750, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor given to people who have made important contributions to science.

Later Life and Legacy

Isaac Hawkins Browne passed away on February 14, 1760, at the age of 55. He was remembered at Trinity College, Cambridge chapel. In 1804, a special monument was created there by the sculptor John Flaxman to honor him.

Family Life

In 1744, Isaac Hawkins Browne married Jane Trimnell. She was the daughter of David Trimnell. They had one child together, who was also named Isaac Hawkins Browne.