Alameda County Biographies

FRANK E. BROWNING

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

	The roster of city officials of Alameda contains the name of no more worthy, 
conscientious and capable public servant than Frank E. Browning, who since May 1, 1907, has 
filled the position of city clerk with credit and ability. He was born in Livingston county, 
Michigan, September 20, 1866, but he is nevertheless a representative of one of California's 
pioneer families, his birth having occurred while his parents were visiting in the east. His 
grandfather moved from New York to Livingston county, Michigan, in the early '30s and his father, 
Jacob Browning, came to California in 1849. He settled in San Francisco in the early days of the 
city's history and engaged in the teaming business there until three years before death, which 
occurred in 1909. He was one of the founders of the Mechanics Institute and a member of the 
Vigilance Committee of San Francisco and at one time owned all of the property upon which the St. 
Francis hotel now stands. His death was a loss to the city, as the ranks of her honored pioneers 
numbered one less, and was sincerely and deeply regretted by many friends to whom his upright 
character and genuine personal worth had greatly endeared him.
	His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Zernah Smith, was born in Michigan, a daughter 
of William and Leah Smith, of Livingston. county.
	Frank E. Browning grew to manhood in San Francisco, acquiring his education in the 
grammar and high schools of that city. In 1885, after his graduation from the latter institution, 
he joined his father in the teaming business and for thirteen years engaged in that occupation, 
building up a large and representative patronage. In 1898 he began his public career, entering the 
county clerk's office in San Francisco as deputy under Frank C. Jordan. After four years he came to 
Alameda and identified himself with the Pacific Light Company of this city, acting as collector and 
statement taker until April, 1907. In May of that year he was appointed city clerk of Alameda and 
he has served by reappointment since that time, his return to office signifying the high quality of 
his services and the excellent results which have attended his labors.
	Mr. Browning married Miss Mabel Hussey, a daughter of George V. and Sarah A. Hussey, of 
San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Browning have become the parents of two children: George N., aged 
twenty-three; and Ella, eighteen. Mr. Browning is well known in local fraternal circles, holding 
membership in Alameda Lodge, No. 1015, B. P. O. E.; Alameda Aerie, No. 1076, F. O. E. and Alameda 
Lodge, No. 509, L. O. M. He was initiated into the Masonic order according to the Scottish Rite 
and is now a member of Apollo Lodge, No. 396, A. F. & A. M. He was for four years secretary of the 
Alameda Boat Club, of which he is still a member, and he is affiliated also with the California 
Pioneers. He gives a great deal of his time to the conduct of the affairs of his office and has 
made an excellent record for probity, enterprise and ability, a record which adds to the honor and 
esteem in which his name has long been held in this section of the state.

Past & Present of Alameda County, California � Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 573