William Browne

William Browne (sometimes reported as Brown; February 27, 1737 – February 13, 1802) was a justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court of Judicature (the highest court of the Province of Massachusetts Bay) from 1774 to 1775, and Governor of Bermuda from 1782 to 1788. Early life Born in Salem, Massachusetts on February 27, 1737, son of Samuel Browne Jr. and Catherine Winthrop. He was the part of the prominent Browne family of Salem, and through his mother's side, he was descended from four colonial governors, including John Winthrop. Browne attended Harvard College and was classmate and friend of John Adams. He graduated in 1755 and was valedictorian of his class. Browne married Ruth Wanton, daughter of Rhode Island Governor Joseph Wanton. In 1762 he was appointed as collector of the port of Salem, a position he held until 1766 when he was dismissed for sympathizing with colonist on the Sugar Act. William Browne was also a colonel of the Essex County militia. Massachusetts judge William Browne was appointed a judge in Essex County from 1770, and later appointed to the Massachusetts high court in 1774, following the death of Nathaniel Ropes. He was appointed by Governor Thomas Hutchinson, though his appointment was approved during the tenure of Governor Thomas Gage.