Born in Belfast c. 1817, John Browne was a Belfast timber merchant who served on the Belfast Corporation for eighteen years.

Browne, the son of a well-known builder, ran a timber and slate business with his brother. He was also managing director of the Cromac Saw Mills. The success of his business made him a leading figure in Belfast’s import trade.

Browne was a major property-owner, having bought up large quantities of land and houses in Belfast, Co. Down and Dublin.

Browne served as Chairman of the Belfast Corporation’s Improvement Committee. During his time as Mayor he opened Belfast’s first public baths and washhouses at St Peter’s Hill.

He was a member of the Belfast harbour Board, the Water Trust and the Castlereagh dispensary committee. Browne also sat on the Board of the Belfast Banking Company.

John Browne died aged 76 on 16 September 1893 at his Belfast residence and was buried at the City Cemetery.