William Washington Browne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Washington Browne
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait photograph of William Washington Browne
|
|
| Born |
Ben Browne
October 20, 1849 |
| Died | December 21, 1897 (aged 48) Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
| Resting place | Sycamore Cemetery |
| Spouse(s) | Mary A. Graham |
William Washington Browne (born October 20, 1849 – died December 21, 1897) was an important leader in American history. He was born into a life where he was not free, but he became a soldier for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he founded a very important organization called the Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers. William W. Browne was also a minister and a teacher, helping many people in his community.
Contents
William Browne's Early Life
William Washington Browne was born on October 20, 1849, in Habersham County, Georgia. His birth name was Ben Browne. Both of his parents, Joseph and Mariah Browne, were not free. When he was about eight years old, he was sold to a horse trader. After this, he changed his name to William Washington.
Joining the Union Army
During the Civil War, William Browne managed to escape from his owners. He then joined the Union army, which was the army fighting to keep the United States together. He served in the army until 1862, when he was honorably discharged.
Education and Family Life
After leaving the army, William Browne went to school in Wisconsin. He then became a teacher in the Southern United States. During this time, he met and married Mary A. Graham.
Standing Up for What's Right
William Browne strongly believed in the temperance movement. This movement encouraged people to avoid alcohol. He also spoke out against groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which caused harm and fear. Browne wanted to join a group called the Independent Order of Good Templars, but they did not allow Black members at that time. However, they offered him a chance to start a new, connected group called the Grand United Order of True Reformers. He accepted this offer.
The Grand United Order of True Reformers
The Grand United Order of True Reformers first started as a group focused on the temperance movement. In 1876, William Browne was asked to lead a new part of this movement in Richmond, Virginia.
Growing the Organization
As interest in the temperance part of the group began to slow down, Browne had a new idea. He started to change the organization from just a temperance society into an insurance organization. This meant he moved to Richmond in 1880 to focus on this new direction.
Over time, the organization grew very large and successful. It even managed its own bank and published a newspaper called the Reformer. The group also owned several properties. At one point, it was the largest Black fraternal society and the biggest Black-owned business in the entire United States.
Challenges for the Reformers
The organization did very well during William Browne's lifetime. However, after his death, it faced serious problems around 1910. Some employees misused money, and businesses that owed the organization money did not pay back large loans. These issues caused the Grand United Order of True Reformers to eventually collapse.
William Browne's Death and Burial
William Washington Browne passed away in Washington D.C. on December 21, 1897. He died from cancer and was buried in Sycamore Cemetery.
