BROWNE,
CHARLES FARRAR

(April 26, 1834–March 6, 1867) was an American writer and humorist. He wrote for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where he created the popular character “Artemus Ward,” a traveling showman. Writing as Artemus Ward, Browne composed satirical letters of comment on American life and politics. These contained intentional misspellings and puns which delighted readers. In 1859 Browne wrote for Vanity Fair, and in 1862 he published his work, Artemus Ward: His Book, in which he gave advice, such as:

Always live within your income, even if you have to borrow money to do it.2708

Charles Browne toured extensively speaking at pro-Union events. Abraham Lincoln was so taken by his essay, entitled, “Outrage,” that he read it to his cabinet in 1862. Charles Browne stated:

We can’t all be Washington, but we can all be patriots and behave ourselves in a humane and Christian manner.2709