During the American Civil War, he enlisted in the 12th New York State Militia in April 1861, and was discharged in August.
He enlisted in September 1861 in the 1st New York Engineers, and took part in the battles of Port Royal, Fort Pulaski, James Island and others in the Department of the South until December 1863 when he was discharged as a sergeant-major and brevet second lieutenant.
In November 1879 he was defeated for the State Senate by Republican Robert H. Strahan.
In 1880, Browning unsuccessfully contested Strahan's election, and studied law.
He was again a member of the State Assembly in 1881, was admitted to the bar later that year, and practiced in New York City.