Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Browne, Edward (d.1730)
BROWNE, EDWARD (d. 1730), an eminent quaker, son of James Browne of Cork, was a native of that city. He was long an inhabitant of Sunderland, where he served his apprenticeship and afterwards rose to considerable opulence. In 1727 he built himself a commodious mansion, with several other dwelling-houses adjoining, intended for the residences of the captains of his ships and other persons in his employment. The mansion-house afterwards became the customhouse for the port of Sunderland. Browne died at Cork 27 Aug. 1730. 'Some Account of Edward Browne of Sunderland, with copies of manuscripts respecting him,' was printed for private circulation at Sunderland, 1821, 12mo, and reprinted for sale London, 1842, 12mo.
[Joseph Smith's Cat. of Friends' Books, i. 329 ; Richardson's Local Historian's Table Book (Hist. Div.), i. 329.]