Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
William F. Browning Is Called By Death
Former City clerk, Mason and Church Member, Died Friday Afternoon
William F. Browning, former city clerk of Bloomington, and one of the oldest residents of the city, died at 2:15 Friday at his home on east Kirkwood Avenue, of asthma after only a short illness. He was up and about the city last week and remarked at that time he was feeling almost as well as usual. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Browning was a native of Tennessee but had lived the greater part of his life in the city of Bloomington. He witnessed the growth of the city from a village to it's present size. He was for many years an employee of the Monon railroad as passenger conductor, and later entered politics where he held a number of offices. He was county sheriff, county clerk, and also served as deputy sheriff, and deputy treasurer. He was city clerk for many years. Of his family, only one son, Lincoln, survives.
Mr. Browning was a life long member of the Methodist church and was also a Mason. He attended most of the meeting of the church and also regularly attended the lodge meetings. For many year he was chairman of the Republican county Central Committee.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral. His granddaughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt, is expected to arrive from Mansfield, Ohio, tomorrow.
The funeral of William F. Browning was held at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the First Methodist church. The service was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer and it was the first funeral to be held in the new church.
Active pallbearers: William Graham, Howard Farr, N.U. Hill, Lon D. Rogers, S.E. Carmichael, Claude G Malott.
Honorary pallbearers: Atty. J.E. Henley, Judge R.W. Miers, L.S. Field, R.G. Easley, B.F. Adams, Squire Brown.
Years ago Mr. Browning prepared a history of his own life with the request that a copy be handed to the city paper upon his death. His own obituary is as follows:
William F. Browning was born in Blount county, Tennessee; July 18, 1823, and moved to Monroe county, Indiana with his parents, two brothers, and five sisters in the year 1830 where he continued to reside with the exception of two years until the time of his death which occurred October 27. John Bradford resides, six miles west of Bloomington. William F. Browning commenced to write at the age of 16 in the clerks' office for his brother, Daniel (sic) Browning, who was clerk and Records of Monroe county in 1838.
In 1844 his brother David (sic) died, and W.F. Browning was appointed by the Judge of the Circuit court to serve out the unexpired term.
In 1845 William F. Browning was the Whig candidate for clerk against Milton McPhetridge, the Democratic candidate. McPhetridge was elected by a majority of seven votes, the county being Democratic by a majority of 400. In 1847 Mr. Browning was elected on the Whig ticket, Sheriff by a majority of 57 votes, and was re-elected to the same office in 1848 by a majority of 97 votes.
He was clerk of the Indiana legislature at regular and special sessions on 1858-9. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Morton 1st lieutenant and quartermaster of the 82nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, of which Gen. Morton was the Colonel in the war of the rebellion. Afterwards he was appointed by President Lincoln assessor of internal revenue for the third Indiana district composed of the counties of Monroe, Lawrence, Brown, Jackson, and Switzerland which office he held five years until he was removed by Andrew Jackson for refusing to support his administration.
In 1866 he served as deputy collector of internal revenue for Monroe county.
In 1867 Governor Baker appointed him clerk for the Monroe raid commissioners in which capacity he served until the commissioners completed their work in the various counties in the state.
In 1871 he was appointed by Gen. Geroge A. Chapman, then receiver for the L.N.A. & C. railroad, clerk for General Mintz the superintendent, which position he held two years and dating which time he resided in New Albany. In 1873 he moved back to Bloomington where he resided until the day of his death.
In November 1874 he was elected clerk of Monroe circuit court and in Nov. 1878 was re-elected to the same office. After serving eight years he was appointed by his son, deputy clerk of the circuit court, which position he held until Nov. 15, 1886.
On February 9, 1844 he joined the Methodist church of Bloomington. He represented Bloomington for 26 years in the Indiana annual conference as lay steward. At the sessions of the Indiana conference in Bloomington in 1885 he was elected a delegate to the General Conference and attended the session of the same in 1884 in the city of Philadelphia.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 1
The W.F. Browning Funeral
The funeral of William F. Browning the first ever held in the First Methodist church, was attended by an audience that filled the church auditorium. The services at the church was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer, each of whom talked concerning the life of the deceased. The music was by the choir and a solo by Wall Pauley was entitled "I entered once a home of care.
The Masons attended the funeral in a body and conducted their ritualistic services at the grave.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Spratt, of Mansfield Ohio, were here to attend the funeral of the grandfather of the latter, William F. Browning. Mr. Spratt returned today and Mrs. Spratt will spend the remainder of the week here visiting Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Smith, north Washington street. Mr. Spratt is now doing nicely in the photograph business at Mansfield.
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Burial Records state: BROWNING, W. F / Date of Death - 10/1/1911 / Last Residence - (Blank) / Place of Birth - (Blank) / Age - (Blank) / Gender - M / Cemetery - Rose Hill / Section and Lot - (Blank)
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Early Death Records Database, www.rootsweb.com: Browning, Wm F / Date: 26 October 1911 / Age: 88 / Book/Page/Record: (Blank) / County: Monroe / State: IN / Cemetery: (Blank) / More Info: (Blank)
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American Civil War Soldiers / Name: William Browning / Residence: Nashville, Indiana / Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1861 / Side Served: Union / State Served: Indiana / Service Record: Enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant on 15 July 1861. Commission in Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1861. Resigned Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 31 Oct 1861. Commission in Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1862. Promoted to Full Captain (As of Co. D 82nd IN Inf) on 15 Aug 1862. Discharged from Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 3 Dec 1864.
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Misc Newspaper Clippings:
1.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Progress, June 29, 1881, p. 3.
Daniel Browning, son of David Browning, a former county clerk, is visiting his uncle in this place, Hon. William F. Browning. Daniel Browning is selling goods in Clinton County, Iowa.
2.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 24, 1883, p. 1.
I return my sincere thanks in this public way to those who so promptly extinguished the fire in my dwelling house and wood house while the fire was raging on the west side of the public square on the morning of the 16th inst., and I assure them that their timely aid will ever be remembered and appreciated.
W. F. Browning
3.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 16, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of Wm. F. Browning is much improved, and unless new complications arise it is thought he will soon be about again. He has had a very serious time; the erysipelas in his head gathering over the right eye where it was necessary to make an incision. The lance was also used below his eye and on the top of the head. This done he was relieved very much of the intense pain which he suffered all the time.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 20, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of William F. Browning is by no means as favorable as when last reported. In the past few days he has suffered a relapse, the erysipelas taking a new start on the side of his neck not yet affected; from this he is suffering much pain, though nothing more serious is anticipated.
He is in a very weak condition.
4.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, February 5, 1889, p.4
Sheriff Thomas Farr has appointed for his deputies Joseph Allen, Wm. F. Browning, and Robert Wilson.
5.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Process, October 6, 1896, P.1
On Saturday, Sept. 26th, Hon. Wm. E. Browning and wife had been married fifty years. Mr. Browning, though an active man, is 72 years of age, while Mrs. Browning is 71. Both are in fair health. Mrs. Browning is now the oldest living member of the M.E. church in this place. Mr. Browning states that there is not now living in Bloomington a man with whom he was associated fifty years ago.
6.) Bloomington (Indiana) Evening World, March 3, 1905, p.4
Mrs. W.H. Smith, of Princeton, Ind., is visiting her father, Hon. William F. Browning and her daughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt.
7.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Bloomington Telephone, April 11, 1905, p. 1.
Hon. W. F. Browning is at Princeton to spend Sunday with his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Smith.
8.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, June 6, 1905, p. 4.
Hon. William F. Browning is visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Smith, at Princeton.
9.) The Farm, (Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana), July 20, 1906, p. 1
Wednesday Hon. W. F. Browning of Bloomington celebrated his 82nd birthday.
10.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, July 19, 1910, p. 1
Pass Four Score
…Wm. F. Browning, the ex-county and city clerk, passed his 87th mile stone yesterday and is in good health. Many friends called to congratulate him.
11.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 27, 1911, p. 3
Former City Clerk William F. Browning who has been suffering with asthma for the past week is now confined to his bed although his physician states that his physical condition otherwise is very good. Mr. Browning is 88 years old and has had but little sickness during his busy life.
William F. Browning Is Called By Death
Former City clerk, Mason and Church Member, Died Friday Afternoon
William F. Browning, former city clerk of Bloomington, and one of the oldest residents of the city, died at 2:15 Friday at his home on east Kirkwood Avenue, of asthma after only a short illness. He was up and about the city last week and remarked at that time he was feeling almost as well as usual. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Browning was a native of Tennessee but had lived the greater part of his life in the city of Bloomington. He witnessed the growth of the city from a village to it's present size. He was for many years an employee of the Monon railroad as passenger conductor, and later entered politics where he held a number of offices. He was county sheriff, county clerk, and also served as deputy sheriff, and deputy treasurer. He was city clerk for many years. Of his family, only one son, Lincoln, survives.
Mr. Browning was a life long member of the Methodist church and was also a Mason. He attended most of the meeting of the church and also regularly attended the lodge meetings. For many year he was chairman of the Republican county Central Committee.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral. His granddaughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt, is expected to arrive from Mansfield, Ohio, tomorrow.
The funeral of William F. Browning was held at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the First Methodist church. The service was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer and it was the first funeral to be held in the new church.
Active pallbearers: William Graham, Howard Farr, N.U. Hill, Lon D. Rogers, S.E. Carmichael, Claude G Malott.
Honorary pallbearers: Atty. J.E. Henley, Judge R.W. Miers, L.S. Field, R.G. Easley, B.F. Adams, Squire Brown.
Years ago Mr. Browning prepared a history of his own life with the request that a copy be handed to the city paper upon his death. His own obituary is as follows:
William F. Browning was born in Blount county, Tennessee; July 18, 1823, and moved to Monroe county, Indiana with his parents, two brothers, and five sisters in the year 1830 where he continued to reside with the exception of two years until the time of his death which occurred October 27. John Bradford resides, six miles west of Bloomington. William F. Browning commenced to write at the age of 16 in the clerks' office for his brother, Daniel (sic) Browning, who was clerk and Records of Monroe county in 1838.
In 1844 his brother David (sic) died, and W.F. Browning was appointed by the Judge of the Circuit court to serve out the unexpired term.
In 1845 William F. Browning was the Whig candidate for clerk against Milton McPhetridge, the Democratic candidate. McPhetridge was elected by a majority of seven votes, the county being Democratic by a majority of 400. In 1847 Mr. Browning was elected on the Whig ticket, Sheriff by a majority of 57 votes, and was re-elected to the same office in 1848 by a majority of 97 votes.
He was clerk of the Indiana legislature at regular and special sessions on 1858-9. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Morton 1st lieutenant and quartermaster of the 82nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, of which Gen. Morton was the Colonel in the war of the rebellion. Afterwards he was appointed by President Lincoln assessor of internal revenue for the third Indiana district composed of the counties of Monroe, Lawrence, Brown, Jackson, and Switzerland which office he held five years until he was removed by Andrew Jackson for refusing to support his administration.
In 1866 he served as deputy collector of internal revenue for Monroe county.
In 1867 Governor Baker appointed him clerk for the Monroe raid commissioners in which capacity he served until the commissioners completed their work in the various counties in the state.
In 1871 he was appointed by Gen. Geroge A. Chapman, then receiver for the L.N.A. & C. railroad, clerk for General Mintz the superintendent, which position he held two years and dating which time he resided in New Albany. In 1873 he moved back to Bloomington where he resided until the day of his death.
In November 1874 he was elected clerk of Monroe circuit court and in Nov. 1878 was re-elected to the same office. After serving eight years he was appointed by his son, deputy clerk of the circuit court, which position he held until Nov. 15, 1886.
On February 9, 1844 he joined the Methodist church of Bloomington. He represented Bloomington for 26 years in the Indiana annual conference as lay steward. At the sessions of the Indiana conference in Bloomington in 1885 he was elected a delegate to the General Conference and attended the session of the same in 1884 in the city of Philadelphia.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 1
The W.F. Browning Funeral
The funeral of William F. Browning the first ever held in the First Methodist church, was attended by an audience that filled the church auditorium. The services at the church was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer, each of whom talked concerning the life of the deceased. The music was by the choir and a solo by Wall Pauley was entitled "I entered once a home of care.
The Masons attended the funeral in a body and conducted their ritualistic services at the grave.
-----
Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Spratt, of Mansfield Ohio, were here to attend the funeral of the grandfather of the latter, William F. Browning. Mr. Spratt returned today and Mrs. Spratt will spend the remainder of the week here visiting Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Smith, north Washington street. Mr. Spratt is now doing nicely in the photograph business at Mansfield.
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Burial Records state: BROWNING, W. F / Date of Death - 10/1/1911 / Last Residence - (Blank) / Place of Birth - (Blank) / Age - (Blank) / Gender - M / Cemetery - Rose Hill / Section and Lot - (Blank)
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Early Death Records Database, www.rootsweb.com: Browning, Wm F / Date: 26 October 1911 / Age: 88 / Book/Page/Record: (Blank) / County: Monroe / State: IN / Cemetery: (Blank) / More Info: (Blank)
=====
American Civil War Soldiers / Name: William Browning / Residence: Nashville, Indiana / Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1861 / Side Served: Union / State Served: Indiana / Service Record: Enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant on 15 July 1861. Commission in Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1861. Resigned Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 31 Oct 1861. Commission in Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1862. Promoted to Full Captain (As of Co. D 82nd IN Inf) on 15 Aug 1862. Discharged from Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 3 Dec 1864.
=====
Misc Newspaper Clippings:
1.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Progress, June 29, 1881, p. 3.
Daniel Browning, son of David Browning, a former county clerk, is visiting his uncle in this place, Hon. William F. Browning. Daniel Browning is selling goods in Clinton County, Iowa.
2.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 24, 1883, p. 1.
I return my sincere thanks in this public way to those who so promptly extinguished the fire in my dwelling house and wood house while the fire was raging on the west side of the public square on the morning of the 16th inst., and I assure them that their timely aid will ever be remembered and appreciated.
W. F. Browning
3.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 16, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of Wm. F. Browning is much improved, and unless new complications arise it is thought he will soon be about again. He has had a very serious time; the erysipelas in his head gathering over the right eye where it was necessary to make an incision. The lance was also used below his eye and on the top of the head. This done he was relieved very much of the intense pain which he suffered all the time.
-------
Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 20, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of William F. Browning is by no means as favorable as when last reported. In the past few days he has suffered a relapse, the erysipelas taking a new start on the side of his neck not yet affected; from this he is suffering much pain, though nothing more serious is anticipated.
He is in a very weak condition.
4.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, February 5, 1889, p.4
Sheriff Thomas Farr has appointed for his deputies Joseph Allen, Wm. F. Browning, and Robert Wilson.
5.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Process, October 6, 1896, P.1
On Saturday, Sept. 26th, Hon. Wm. E. Browning and wife had been married fifty years. Mr. Browning, though an active man, is 72 years of age, while Mrs. Browning is 71. Both are in fair health. Mrs. Browning is now the oldest living member of the M.E. church in this place. Mr. Browning states that there is not now living in Bloomington a man with whom he was associated fifty years ago.
6.) Bloomington (Indiana) Evening World, March 3, 1905, p.4
Mrs. W.H. Smith, of Princeton, Ind., is visiting her father, Hon. William F. Browning and her daughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt.
7.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Bloomington Telephone, April 11, 1905, p. 1.
Hon. W. F. Browning is at Princeton to spend Sunday with his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Smith.
8.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, June 6, 1905, p. 4.
Hon. William F. Browning is visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Smith, at Princeton.
9.) The Farm, (Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana), July 20, 1906, p. 1
Wednesday Hon. W. F. Browning of Bloomington celebrated his 82nd birthday.
10.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, July 19, 1910, p. 1
Pass Four Score
…Wm. F. Browning, the ex-county and city clerk, passed his 87th mile stone yesterday and is in good health. Many friends called to congratulate him.
11.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 27, 1911, p. 3
Former City Clerk William F. Browning who has been suffering with asthma for the past week is now confined to his bed although his physician states that his physical condition otherwise is very good. Mr. Browning is 88 years old and has had but little sickness during his busy life.
Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
William F. Browning Is Called By Death
Former City clerk, Mason and Church Member, Died Friday Afternoon
William F. Browning, former city clerk of Bloomington, and one of the oldest residents of the city, died at 2:15 Friday at his home on east Kirkwood Avenue, of asthma after only a short illness. He was up and about the city last week and remarked at that time he was feeling almost as well as usual. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Browning was a native of Tennessee but had lived the greater part of his life in the city of Bloomington. He witnessed the growth of the city from a village to it's present size. He was for many years an employee of the Monon railroad as passenger conductor, and later entered politics where he held a number of offices. He was county sheriff, county clerk, and also served as deputy sheriff, and deputy treasurer. He was city clerk for many years. Of his family, only one son, Lincoln, survives.
Mr. Browning was a life long member of the Methodist church and was also a Mason. He attended most of the meeting of the church and also regularly attended the lodge meetings. For many year he was chairman of the Republican county Central Committee.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral. His granddaughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt, is expected to arrive from Mansfield, Ohio, tomorrow.
The funeral of William F. Browning was held at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the First Methodist church. The service was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer and it was the first funeral to be held in the new church.
Active pallbearers: William Graham, Howard Farr, N.U. Hill, Lon D. Rogers, S.E. Carmichael, Claude G Malott.
Honorary pallbearers: Atty. J.E. Henley, Judge R.W. Miers, L.S. Field, R.G. Easley, B.F. Adams, Squire Brown.
Years ago Mr. Browning prepared a history of his own life with the request that a copy be handed to the city paper upon his death. His own obituary is as follows:
William F. Browning was born in Blount county, Tennessee; July 18, 1823, and moved to Monroe county, Indiana with his parents, two brothers, and five sisters in the year 1830 where he continued to reside with the exception of two years until the time of his death which occurred October 27. John Bradford resides, six miles west of Bloomington. William F. Browning commenced to write at the age of 16 in the clerks' office for his brother, Daniel (sic) Browning, who was clerk and Records of Monroe county in 1838.
In 1844 his brother David (sic) died, and W.F. Browning was appointed by the Judge of the Circuit court to serve out the unexpired term.
In 1845 William F. Browning was the Whig candidate for clerk against Milton McPhetridge, the Democratic candidate. McPhetridge was elected by a majority of seven votes, the county being Democratic by a majority of 400. In 1847 Mr. Browning was elected on the Whig ticket, Sheriff by a majority of 57 votes, and was re-elected to the same office in 1848 by a majority of 97 votes.
He was clerk of the Indiana legislature at regular and special sessions on 1858-9. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Morton 1st lieutenant and quartermaster of the 82nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, of which Gen. Morton was the Colonel in the war of the rebellion. Afterwards he was appointed by President Lincoln assessor of internal revenue for the third Indiana district composed of the counties of Monroe, Lawrence, Brown, Jackson, and Switzerland which office he held five years until he was removed by Andrew Jackson for refusing to support his administration.
In 1866 he served as deputy collector of internal revenue for Monroe county.
In 1867 Governor Baker appointed him clerk for the Monroe raid commissioners in which capacity he served until the commissioners completed their work in the various counties in the state.
In 1871 he was appointed by Gen. Geroge A. Chapman, then receiver for the L.N.A. & C. railroad, clerk for General Mintz the superintendent, which position he held two years and dating which time he resided in New Albany. In 1873 he moved back to Bloomington where he resided until the day of his death.
In November 1874 he was elected clerk of Monroe circuit court and in Nov. 1878 was re-elected to the same office. After serving eight years he was appointed by his son, deputy clerk of the circuit court, which position he held until Nov. 15, 1886.
On February 9, 1844 he joined the Methodist church of Bloomington. He represented Bloomington for 26 years in the Indiana annual conference as lay steward. At the sessions of the Indiana conference in Bloomington in 1885 he was elected a delegate to the General Conference and attended the session of the same in 1884 in the city of Philadelphia.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 1
The W.F. Browning Funeral
The funeral of William F. Browning the first ever held in the First Methodist church, was attended by an audience that filled the church auditorium. The services at the church was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer, each of whom talked concerning the life of the deceased. The music was by the choir and a solo by Wall Pauley was entitled "I entered once a home of care.
The Masons attended the funeral in a body and conducted their ritualistic services at the grave.
-----
Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Spratt, of Mansfield Ohio, were here to attend the funeral of the grandfather of the latter, William F. Browning. Mr. Spratt returned today and Mrs. Spratt will spend the remainder of the week here visiting Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Smith, north Washington street. Mr. Spratt is now doing nicely in the photograph business at Mansfield.
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Burial Records state: BROWNING, W. F / Date of Death - 10/1/1911 / Last Residence - (Blank) / Place of Birth - (Blank) / Age - (Blank) / Gender - M / Cemetery - Rose Hill / Section and Lot - (Blank)
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Early Death Records Database, www.rootsweb.com: Browning, Wm F / Date: 26 October 1911 / Age: 88 / Book/Page/Record: (Blank) / County: Monroe / State: IN / Cemetery: (Blank) / More Info: (Blank)
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American Civil War Soldiers / Name: William Browning / Residence: Nashville, Indiana / Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1861 / Side Served: Union / State Served: Indiana / Service Record: Enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant on 15 July 1861. Commission in Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1861. Resigned Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 31 Oct 1861. Commission in Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1862. Promoted to Full Captain (As of Co. D 82nd IN Inf) on 15 Aug 1862. Discharged from Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 3 Dec 1864.
=====
Misc Newspaper Clippings:
1.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Progress, June 29, 1881, p. 3.
Daniel Browning, son of David Browning, a former county clerk, is visiting his uncle in this place, Hon. William F. Browning. Daniel Browning is selling goods in Clinton County, Iowa.
2.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 24, 1883, p. 1.
I return my sincere thanks in this public way to those who so promptly extinguished the fire in my dwelling house and wood house while the fire was raging on the west side of the public square on the morning of the 16th inst., and I assure them that their timely aid will ever be remembered and appreciated.
W. F. Browning
3.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 16, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of Wm. F. Browning is much improved, and unless new complications arise it is thought he will soon be about again. He has had a very serious time; the erysipelas in his head gathering over the right eye where it was necessary to make an incision. The lance was also used below his eye and on the top of the head. This done he was relieved very much of the intense pain which he suffered all the time.
-------
Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 20, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of William F. Browning is by no means as favorable as when last reported. In the past few days he has suffered a relapse, the erysipelas taking a new start on the side of his neck not yet affected; from this he is suffering much pain, though nothing more serious is anticipated.
He is in a very weak condition.
4.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, February 5, 1889, p.4
Sheriff Thomas Farr has appointed for his deputies Joseph Allen, Wm. F. Browning, and Robert Wilson.
5.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Process, October 6, 1896, P.1
On Saturday, Sept. 26th, Hon. Wm. E. Browning and wife had been married fifty years. Mr. Browning, though an active man, is 72 years of age, while Mrs. Browning is 71. Both are in fair health. Mrs. Browning is now the oldest living member of the M.E. church in this place. Mr. Browning states that there is not now living in Bloomington a man with whom he was associated fifty years ago.
6.) Bloomington (Indiana) Evening World, March 3, 1905, p.4
Mrs. W.H. Smith, of Princeton, Ind., is visiting her father, Hon. William F. Browning and her daughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt.
7.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Bloomington Telephone, April 11, 1905, p. 1.
Hon. W. F. Browning is at Princeton to spend Sunday with his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Smith.
8.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, June 6, 1905, p. 4.
Hon. William F. Browning is visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Smith, at Princeton.
9.) The Farm, (Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana), July 20, 1906, p. 1
Wednesday Hon. W. F. Browning of Bloomington celebrated his 82nd birthday.
10.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, July 19, 1910, p. 1
Pass Four Score
…Wm. F. Browning, the ex-county and city clerk, passed his 87th mile stone yesterday and is in good health. Many friends called to congratulate him.
11.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 27, 1911, p. 3
Former City Clerk William F. Browning who has been suffering with asthma for the past week is now confined to his bed although his physician states that his physical condition otherwise is very good. Mr. Browning is 88 years old and has had but little sickness during his busy life.
William F. Browning Is Called By Death
Former City clerk, Mason and Church Member, Died Friday Afternoon
William F. Browning, former city clerk of Bloomington, and one of the oldest residents of the city, died at 2:15 Friday at his home on east Kirkwood Avenue, of asthma after only a short illness. He was up and about the city last week and remarked at that time he was feeling almost as well as usual. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Browning was a native of Tennessee but had lived the greater part of his life in the city of Bloomington. He witnessed the growth of the city from a village to it's present size. He was for many years an employee of the Monon railroad as passenger conductor, and later entered politics where he held a number of offices. He was county sheriff, county clerk, and also served as deputy sheriff, and deputy treasurer. He was city clerk for many years. Of his family, only one son, Lincoln, survives.
Mr. Browning was a life long member of the Methodist church and was also a Mason. He attended most of the meeting of the church and also regularly attended the lodge meetings. For many year he was chairman of the Republican county Central Committee.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral. His granddaughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt, is expected to arrive from Mansfield, Ohio, tomorrow.
The funeral of William F. Browning was held at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the First Methodist church. The service was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer and it was the first funeral to be held in the new church.
Active pallbearers: William Graham, Howard Farr, N.U. Hill, Lon D. Rogers, S.E. Carmichael, Claude G Malott.
Honorary pallbearers: Atty. J.E. Henley, Judge R.W. Miers, L.S. Field, R.G. Easley, B.F. Adams, Squire Brown.
Years ago Mr. Browning prepared a history of his own life with the request that a copy be handed to the city paper upon his death. His own obituary is as follows:
William F. Browning was born in Blount county, Tennessee; July 18, 1823, and moved to Monroe county, Indiana with his parents, two brothers, and five sisters in the year 1830 where he continued to reside with the exception of two years until the time of his death which occurred October 27. John Bradford resides, six miles west of Bloomington. William F. Browning commenced to write at the age of 16 in the clerks' office for his brother, Daniel (sic) Browning, who was clerk and Records of Monroe county in 1838.
In 1844 his brother David (sic) died, and W.F. Browning was appointed by the Judge of the Circuit court to serve out the unexpired term.
In 1845 William F. Browning was the Whig candidate for clerk against Milton McPhetridge, the Democratic candidate. McPhetridge was elected by a majority of seven votes, the county being Democratic by a majority of 400. In 1847 Mr. Browning was elected on the Whig ticket, Sheriff by a majority of 57 votes, and was re-elected to the same office in 1848 by a majority of 97 votes.
He was clerk of the Indiana legislature at regular and special sessions on 1858-9. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Morton 1st lieutenant and quartermaster of the 82nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, of which Gen. Morton was the Colonel in the war of the rebellion. Afterwards he was appointed by President Lincoln assessor of internal revenue for the third Indiana district composed of the counties of Monroe, Lawrence, Brown, Jackson, and Switzerland which office he held five years until he was removed by Andrew Jackson for refusing to support his administration.
In 1866 he served as deputy collector of internal revenue for Monroe county.
In 1867 Governor Baker appointed him clerk for the Monroe raid commissioners in which capacity he served until the commissioners completed their work in the various counties in the state.
In 1871 he was appointed by Gen. Geroge A. Chapman, then receiver for the L.N.A. & C. railroad, clerk for General Mintz the superintendent, which position he held two years and dating which time he resided in New Albany. In 1873 he moved back to Bloomington where he resided until the day of his death.
In November 1874 he was elected clerk of Monroe circuit court and in Nov. 1878 was re-elected to the same office. After serving eight years he was appointed by his son, deputy clerk of the circuit court, which position he held until Nov. 15, 1886.
On February 9, 1844 he joined the Methodist church of Bloomington. He represented Bloomington for 26 years in the Indiana annual conference as lay steward. At the sessions of the Indiana conference in Bloomington in 1885 he was elected a delegate to the General Conference and attended the session of the same in 1884 in the city of Philadelphia.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 1
The W.F. Browning Funeral
The funeral of William F. Browning the first ever held in the First Methodist church, was attended by an audience that filled the church auditorium. The services at the church was conducted by Dr. J.W. Jones and the Rev. William Telfer, each of whom talked concerning the life of the deceased. The music was by the choir and a solo by Wall Pauley was entitled "I entered once a home of care.
The Masons attended the funeral in a body and conducted their ritualistic services at the grave.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 31, 1911, p. 4
Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Spratt, of Mansfield Ohio, were here to attend the funeral of the grandfather of the latter, William F. Browning. Mr. Spratt returned today and Mrs. Spratt will spend the remainder of the week here visiting Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Smith, north Washington street. Mr. Spratt is now doing nicely in the photograph business at Mansfield.
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Burial Records state: BROWNING, W. F / Date of Death - 10/1/1911 / Last Residence - (Blank) / Place of Birth - (Blank) / Age - (Blank) / Gender - M / Cemetery - Rose Hill / Section and Lot - (Blank)
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Early Death Records Database, www.rootsweb.com: Browning, Wm F / Date: 26 October 1911 / Age: 88 / Book/Page/Record: (Blank) / County: Monroe / State: IN / Cemetery: (Blank) / More Info: (Blank)
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American Civil War Soldiers / Name: William Browning / Residence: Nashville, Indiana / Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1861 / Side Served: Union / State Served: Indiana / Service Record: Enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant on 15 July 1861. Commission in Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1861. Resigned Company C, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 31 Oct 1861. Commission in Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Aug 1862. Promoted to Full Captain (As of Co. D 82nd IN Inf) on 15 Aug 1862. Discharged from Company D, 82nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 3 Dec 1864.
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Misc Newspaper Clippings:
1.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Progress, June 29, 1881, p. 3.
Daniel Browning, son of David Browning, a former county clerk, is visiting his uncle in this place, Hon. William F. Browning. Daniel Browning is selling goods in Clinton County, Iowa.
2.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 24, 1883, p. 1.
I return my sincere thanks in this public way to those who so promptly extinguished the fire in my dwelling house and wood house while the fire was raging on the west side of the public square on the morning of the 16th inst., and I assure them that their timely aid will ever be remembered and appreciated.
W. F. Browning
3.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 16, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of Wm. F. Browning is much improved, and unless new complications arise it is thought he will soon be about again. He has had a very serious time; the erysipelas in his head gathering over the right eye where it was necessary to make an incision. The lance was also used below his eye and on the top of the head. This done he was relieved very much of the intense pain which he suffered all the time.
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Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, March 20, 1888, p. 1.
The condition of William F. Browning is by no means as favorable as when last reported. In the past few days he has suffered a relapse, the erysipelas taking a new start on the side of his neck not yet affected; from this he is suffering much pain, though nothing more serious is anticipated.
He is in a very weak condition.
4.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, February 5, 1889, p.4
Sheriff Thomas Farr has appointed for his deputies Joseph Allen, Wm. F. Browning, and Robert Wilson.
5.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Republican Process, October 6, 1896, P.1
On Saturday, Sept. 26th, Hon. Wm. E. Browning and wife had been married fifty years. Mr. Browning, though an active man, is 72 years of age, while Mrs. Browning is 71. Both are in fair health. Mrs. Browning is now the oldest living member of the M.E. church in this place. Mr. Browning states that there is not now living in Bloomington a man with whom he was associated fifty years ago.
6.) Bloomington (Indiana) Evening World, March 3, 1905, p.4
Mrs. W.H. Smith, of Princeton, Ind., is visiting her father, Hon. William F. Browning and her daughter, Mrs. R.A. Spratt.
7.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Bloomington Telephone, April 11, 1905, p. 1.
Hon. W. F. Browning is at Princeton to spend Sunday with his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Smith.
8.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, June 6, 1905, p. 4.
Hon. William F. Browning is visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Smith, at Princeton.
9.) The Farm, (Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana), July 20, 1906, p. 1
Wednesday Hon. W. F. Browning of Bloomington celebrated his 82nd birthday.
10.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Telephone, July 19, 1910, p. 1
Pass Four Score
…Wm. F. Browning, the ex-county and city clerk, passed his 87th mile stone yesterday and is in good health. Many friends called to congratulate him.
11.) Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Courier, October 27, 1911, p. 3
Former City Clerk William F. Browning who has been suffering with asthma for the past week is now confined to his bed although his physician states that his physical condition otherwise is very good. Mr. Browning is 88 years old and has had but little sickness during his busy life.
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