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Hiram Brownlee was descended from John Brownlee (1665-1747) who was the third Laird of Torfoot through his second or third son, John (1699-aft 1769).

Few orators are better known through the State or more in demand in the heat of a campaign than Judge Hiram Brownlee, of Marion, and few men are as much consulted by the leaders of their party as he when the sound advice of an experienced man is desired.

Hiram Brownlee was born at Marion, Indiana, September 13th 1849.  His father, John Brownlee, was a lawyer and of good Scotch descent.  Young Brownlee was educated at Marion, attending the common schools until he began the study of law.  His early struggles were those of which that usually accompany the life of a young lawyer – hard ones.  He soon rose to prominence, however, until today he is recognized as one of the leading lawyers of Indiana.  In his early practice his powers of oratory developed, and in a short time his contemporaries realized that they had a magnetic young lawyer to contend with.  His oratory is natural, and extremely powerful and impressive.

In 1897, February 11th he was appointed Superior Judge, and so ably did he fill the requirements of that office that he was subsequently elected to the position in 1898.  He served with credit as a member of the Lower House of the legislature in 1885 and again in 1889.  He was a delegate to the Republican National conventions of 1888 and 1892.  His political services, in all ways, have been greatly in demand by his party and they have always been readily and generously granted.

Judge Brownlee is known by all his acquaintances as a courteous and true gentleman, extremely generous, and one whose friendship is highly valued in that it is sincere and true as steel.  In his social relations he is a genial and agreeable companion, respected by all who know him and loved by his intimate friends.  He is a member of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis.  He was married in 1877 to Miss Linnie McDowell, and is the father of three children, Louisa, Bessie and Phil.

Taken from the History of the Republican Party of Indiana: Indianapolis, Indiana History Company, 1899 - Page 130.