The younger Brownell graduated from the University of Vermont in 1870 and Albany Law School in 1872.

Brownell received a Master of Arts degree from UVM in 1873.

He was also active in local businesses, including serving on the board of directors of Burlington's electric street railway, board of directors member of the Burlington Building and Loan Association, Vice President of the city's Home Savings Bank, and President of the Burlington Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

[3][4][5] A Republican, he was Burlington's Grand Juror (municipal court prosecutor) for two years, and State's Attorney of Chittenden County from 1884 to 1886.

[7] In 1902 he was elected to one term in the Vermont Senate and was chosen to serve as President pro tempore.