"Samuel Browning was born in England in 1778 and died in Baltimore, Maryland in 1864.  He was first listed in the Boston, Massachusetts City Directory in 1803 as a ship chandler.  Beginning in 1816 through 1825 he is listed in the Boston City Directory as a mathematical and optical instrument maker.  From 1829 through 1841 he is listed as a mathematical instrument maker.  The 1840-41edition of the Baltimore, Maryland directory lists him as a mathematical and nautical instrument maker.  He is listed through 1847-48."

Reference:  Smart, Charles E.   The Makers Of Surveying Instruments In America Since 1700  Troy, New York:  Regal Art Press.  1962