Thomas N. Browning, Justice of the Peace and insurance agent, Robinson, was born October 25, 1844, in Harrison County, Ind.; came to Crawford County, Ill., with his parents at the age of five, and has made this his home since, with the exception of three years spent in Terre Haute. His father died when he was about seven years old, and he was put out among strangers. He gained his education principally in the school of experience. He was married, September 26, 1866, to Miss Sarah A. Huls, daughter of Joseph Huls, a well and favorably known family of this county. After farming one year, removed to Terre Haute, and in the employ of the Terre Haute iron and nail works remained four years. He then removed to his farm, five miles north of town, and farmed two years. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and moved to Robinson, and has served in that capacity continuously since. He does a good business in insurance. He represents the following reliable companies: Home, Phenix, German-American of New York, Royal, German, both of Freeport and Peoria, Ill. When civil war threatened our republic, Mr. Browning was one of that number to volunteer in defense of the union and liberty. Although too young for service as a common soldier, he enlisted as a drummer boy in Company F, Sixty-second Illinois, for a term of three years, at the expiration of which he veteranized for another term of three years or during the war. He was placed on the staff of musicians as a drummer boy, in which position he served till the "regimental band" was organized. He was made a prisoner at Holly Springs, and paroled on the ground and sent to Benton Barracks, Mo., where they were exchanged. Was discharged at Little Rock, Ark, March 15, 1866, after a service of four years and three months. He was elected Captain of Company D, Seventeenth Battalion Illinois National Guards. Also served on Col. Smith's staff as inspector of rifle practice with the rank of Captain. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. His children are Clifford, Leola H., Iona Lee and Ralph H.
