From: Cindy Stamps
Obituary of John Browning from The Arkansas Gazette, 19 June, 1844, p.
3, col. 1, found at the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives,
Washington, Arkansas; copied by hand, as there was no printer.
Died at his residence, Walnut Grove, Clark County, Arkansas, John
Browning in his 77th year. He was born in Caswell County, North
Carolina, on the 17th day of May, A. D. 1767; married at the age of 25
years; joined the Baptist Church at the age of 35, at Shiloh, Greene
County, Georgia; three months afterward was ordained deacon of the
church, the duties of which office he faithfully discharged during the
remainder of his pilgrimage on earth. At the age of 46, he entered the
army of General Floyd in the Creek Indian War as Captain of a volunteer
company. He performed an active part in the battles of Autasee and
Colebee. In the latter he had the honor of bleeding for his
country. In 1814, he was a member of the legislature of Georgia. In
1819, he removed to Alabama; in 1822, was a member of the legislature
of that state. He has been a member of 34 associations and more than
once moderator. In 1840, he emigrated to Arkansas, where he died 3 May
1844–a member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Bethel. The subject of this
notice was brought up in the distressing times of the American
Revolution. Consequently, he had not the advantages of a liberal
education; yet, his superiority of mind enabled him to discharge high
and important offices, in both church and state. He was of a lively and
cheerful disposition; always seemed desirous of making those happy
about him; plain in his manner; as a citizen, patriotic; as a neighbor,
obliging; as a parent, kind and indulgent; and as a companion, very
affectionate. He has left a companion, several children, and numerous
relations and friends to mourn the loss of so good a man. But one great
consolation they have, he died as he lived, in peace with mankind and
with his Maker. He has fulfilled the great end of his being and gone
hence to adorn the shiny courts of heaven.
“Softly his fainting head he lay
Upon his Saviour’s breast;
His Maker soothed his soul away,
And laid his flesh to rest.”
via Robert Hardy of Edgefield, SC and Coosa, Alabama.
