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John Browning (abt. 1728 - abt. 1803)

John Browning
Born about in Spotsylvania County, Virginia Colonymap
Ancestors ancestors
Son of and
Brother of , , , , , , , , , and
Husband of — married about 1751 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia Colonymap
Husband of — married 1775 in Orange County, North Carolinamap
Descendants descendants
Father of , , , , , , , , , and
Died about at about age 75 in Greene, Georgia, United Statesmap
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Contents

Biography

1776 Project
John Browning performed Patriotic Service in North Carolina in the American Revolution.

Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Genealogical Research Databases, database online, (http://www.dar.org/ : accessed July 24, 2020), "Record of John Browning", Ancestor # A016038.

1728 Birth and Parents

John Browning is generally recognized as the son of Francis Browning, Sr. In 1750 John's brother Francis, Jr., sold him land previously conveyed to Francis Jr by Francis, Sr. If John Browning had to be aged 21 to receive the land, he was born not later than 1729. Hurley gives an approximate birth year of 1728, which is reasonable. [1][2]

John's birth place can be assumed to be the family homestead which was in Culpeper County when Culpeper was formed in 1749 from part of Orange County. Orange County in turn was formed in 1734 from part of Spotsylvania County and Spotsylvania County formed in 1721 from Essex.[3] If John Browning's birth at this location was in 1728 or 1729, it would have been Spotsylvania County at the time.

Siblings

John Browning was part of a large family, and knowing who his siblings are is important to understanding many of his interactions.

Siblings Named in Primary Records

These siblings are named in Francis' will or property transfer documents.

  1. Francis Browning-257 born about 1724, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, d. 19 Feb 1761, Culpeper County, Virginia - Probate (Age 37 years) [4] Francis Browning, III, (c1722- February 10, 1761 Culpeper County) Married about 1743 to Frances Norman. The lands which they owned were primarily on the Little Fork of the Rappahannock River, and on the head of Battle Run, near Flint Hill. The will of Francis was dated December 30, 1760 in Culpeper County, and recorded in Will Book A, page 242. The will of his widow, Frances Norman, was dated November 16, 1791 and probated September 17, 1792 in Will Book D, page 60.[5]Francis Browning, Jr, married Frances Norman and had 11 children. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Francis Browning III b: ABT 1722 in Spotsylvania County, (later Orange and Culpeper County), Virginia[7][8] Francis Jr. b 1724 m Frances Norman. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyd of Maryland. [9]
  2. Nicholas Browning Sr. (Browning-143), born c1718, died 1786 in Caswell County, North Carolina. Married Sarah Washburn. Nicholas' will in Caswell County, NC, proven January, 1787 (Will Book B, page 166) [5] Nicholas Browning, born about 1718 in Essex County (later Spotsylvania County) Virginia died in Caswell Co NC- mentioned his brother Edmund in his will [7] Named as a child of Francis Browning and Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyd of Maryland. [9] Married Sarah Washburn and had children: (1) Nicholas, married Miss Sloane, (2) Charles, married Miss Wright; (3) A son who went to South Carolina. [6] Nicholas Browning: Birth: ABT 1718 in Essex County (later Spotsylvania County) Virginia. Death: OCT 1787 in Caswell County, North Carolina [8] Marshall, however, has Nicholas Browning, born later, about 1738, Bromfield Parish, Culpeper County, Virginia, d. Aft 1784, Bromfield Parish, Culpeper County, Virginia (Age ~ 47 years)[4]
  3. Edmund Browning(Browning-245) born about 1732 married Mary [10] Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyd of Maryland. [9] Edmund Browning, b. 1732, St. Mary's Parish, Essex County, Virginia, d. 1807, Caswell County, North Carolina[4] Edmund Browning: Birth: ABT 1732 in Culpepper County, Virginia. Death: 1807 in Caswell County, North Carolina [8] Edmund Browning b: ABT 1732 in Culpepper County, Virginia moved to Caswell Co NC where he stayed close to his brother Edmund who is mentioned as beloved brother in Nicholas' will.[7]
  4. Mary Browning (Browning-478) or Mary Browning (Browning-256), b. Bef 1710, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, d. 20 Aug 1776, Brumfield Parish, Culpeper County, Virginia (Age > 66 years) [4] Mary Browning, married , married Coutney Norman[6] Mary b ABT 1738 m Courtney Norman [10] Mary Browning, born about 1720 in Orange County, (later Culpeper County), Virginia [7] Mary Browning (c1720 - c 1770) married in Orange County to Courtney C. Norman.[5] Mary (Browning) Norman b. 1712 m. Courtney Norman Mary Browning (c1720 - c 1770) married in Orange County to Courtney C. Norman.[5] Mary , m. Courtney Norman. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Mary b ABT 1738 m Courtney Norman. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9] Mary Browning: Birth: ABT 1720 in Orange County, (later Culpeper County), Virginia. Death: ABT 1770 in Culpepper County, Virginia [8] Mary (Browning) Duncan, b. 1740 Culpeper, m. Joseph Duncan. Property gift as Mrs. Duncan,m 1748
  5. Amanda Browning (Browning-261) Amanda Browning b: ABT 1724 in Spotsylvania County, (later Orange and Culpeper County), Virginia[7] Amanda Browning, born c1724. Married Turner c 1743.[5] daughter, m. Turner[6] Daughter ABT 1740[10] Amanda Browning: Birth: ABT 1724 in Spotsylvania County, (later Orange and Culpeper County), Virginia. [8] Probably same person as unnamed daughter, born about 1740. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9]a daughter m. -Turner. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Property gift as Mrs. Turner, 1748.

Siblings Named in Secondary Sources

These siblings are inferred from their presence in other documents associated with the family.

  1. Jacob Browning (Browning-262), married Elizabeth Bywaters and had 8 children.[6] Jacob b ABT 1730 m Elizabeth Waters [10] Jacob Browning, Rev b: APR 1730 in Spotsylvania County, (later Culpeper County), Virginia [7] Jacob Browning, born c1726 died c 1785 in Caswell County, NC. Married c1753 in Culpeper County to Elizabeth Bywaters.[5] Jacob , m. Elizabeth Bywaters. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Jacob b ABT 1730 m Elizabeth Waters. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9] Jacob Browning: Birth: APR 1730 in Spotsylvania County, (later Culpeper County), Virginia. Death: 13 JUL 1785 in Caswell County, North Carolina [8]
  2. John Browning (Browning-263), m. Miss Demorest and had 3 children. His son Thomas Browning was the father of Robert Lewright Browning and grandfather of Charles H. Browning, founder of the order of Runnemede and author of "Magna Charta Barons, and their descendants.[6] John b 1721 m Elizabeth Demarest [10] John Browning (Sr.) see will below b: ABT 1726 in Spotsylvania County, (later Orange Co and Culpeper Co), Virginia died 1803- will in Greene Co GA. No proof yet he married Elizabeth Demarest except that it is written on his son William's tombstone that his father was John Browning and his mother Elizabeth Demarest- when was the tombstone placed? if it were placed before "Genealogy of the Brownings in America from 1621 to 1908" by Edward Franklin Browning, A.M. 1908, it would probably be proof. John moved to Orange Co NC / Caswell Co NC and then to Greene GA.[7] John Browning, born 1728 Culpeper m. Elizabeth Demarest & Susanna Teague. John Browning b 1721 m Elizabeth Demarest. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9] John , m. Miss Demorest. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] John Browning, b. Bef 1732, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, d. Aft 1752, Culpeper County, Virginia (Age > 22 years)[4] John Browning: Birth: ABT 1726 in Spotsylvania County, (later Orange Co and Culpeper Co), Virginia. Death: 18 NOV 1803 in Washington County, North Carolina [8]
  3. Ruth Browning (Browning-265), b. 1736, Culpeper County, Virginia [4] Ruth, m. William Duncan[6] Ruth born about 1736 married James Duncan [10] More Browning and Duncan information at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~dobson/va/vaculpe4.htm Ruth Browning b: ABT 1730 in Culpepper County, Virginia [7] Ruth Browning, born 1730 Culpeper,m. William Duncan. Ruth b ABT 1736 m James Duncan. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9] Ruth , m. William Duncan. Named as a child of Francis Browning and "Miss Lloyd of Maryland" in Judge Grimsley's account. [6] Ruth Browning, b. 1736, Bromfield Parish, Culpeper County, Virginia [4]Ruth Browning: Birth: ABT 1730 in Culpepper County, Virginia. Death: in North Carolina [8]
  4. Caleb Browning born about 1734 married Alice Grigsby [10] Caleb Browning, born 1734 Culpeper m. Alice Grigsley. Caleb b ABT 1734 m Alice Grigsby. Named by William Poe as a child of Francis Browning Sr and Elizabeth Lloyds of Maryland. [9]

1750 John Browning Buys Culpeper Land from Brother

1750 DEED: Culpeper Co, VA, DB A-444, 20 Oct, Francis Browning, Jr and Frances, his wife, sold 90 acres to (brother) John Browning for "10 Shillings current money of Virginia. " This was part of the 1735 patent for 400 acres granted to Francis Browning Sr and John Ashley in partnership. 100 acres of this tract was given to Francis Jr by Francis Sr. [11]

1751 First Marriage to Elizabeth Demarest

It is generally accepted that John Browning's first wife was Elizabeth Demarest, although Aldridge observes that no proof has yet been found that he married Elizabeth Demarest. She notes that the relationship is written on John's son William's tombstone. If the tombstone was placed before 1908 when Edward Franklin Browning's book was written, then it might be considered proof of the relationship. [12] If the tombstone was placed after the book was published, then it might be assumed that the relationship was derived from Edward Franklin Browning's work, which is often erroneous. [7]

Judge Grimsley writing about Culpeper Browning families in 1908, observed that Johh Browning married a "Miss Demorest." [6]

Hurley gives a date of about 1751, in Virginia, for the marriage, and suggests that Elizabeth was born about 1725 in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, the daughter of Jan Demarest, jr, and Elsie Earle Simons.[1][11] Edward Franklin Browning suggests that Elizabeth was a French Hugenot.[12]

Hurley states that Elizabeth died before June 1777 in Caswell County, North Carolina and that John married again about 1782.[1] Actually, Elizabeth most likely died before 1775, and in that year John Boren's estate documents confirm that his widow had married John Browning.

Elizabeth was the mother of all of John Browning's children, who were born during the time of her marriage. Nine children are presently identified; if they were born at two year intervals beginning in 1752, the last would have been born in 1770, and been aged 5 in 1775, so John's second wife would have acquired a family with a number of young children.

Burgess states that John married Susannah Boring in Green, Georgia [11] but he had not yet relocated to Georgia.

1754 Land Grant at Hickman's Mountain in Culpeper Co.

1754 GRANT: Culpeper Co, VA NNLG Book 43, 1 May. John was granted a patent by Lord Fairfax for 207 acres in Culpeper Co beginning in a "line of Capt Edwin Hickman on the top of the said Hickman's Mountain" The land also ran along the lines of Joseph Norman. It was surveyed by Richard Young. [11]

1756 Culpeper County Militia in French and Indian War

John Browning served in the French and Indian War in 1756 as a private, with the Culpeper County militia. [11] Edward Franklin Browning notes that Mr. John Browning was one of the nineteen men enrolled in the Infantry of Culpeper County as a foot soldier, in March 1756. [12]

1761 John and brother Nicolas witness will of brother Francis

1761 WILL: Culpeper Co, VA, WB A-242, 4 Dec 1760. John and his brother, Nicholas, and Thomas Bywaters were witnesses to the Culpeper Co will of brother Francis, recorded 19 Feb 1761. [11]

1768 Moved family to Orange Co, NC and sells Culpeper Land

John Browning moved his family to Orange Co. North Carolina. Burgess identifies 1768 as the approximate date. [11]

1770 DEED: Culpeper Co, VA, DB F-230, 20 Aug, John Browning of Orange Co, NC, granted power of attorney to Edmund Browning (his brother) to sell a "Parcel of land that Thomas Williamson now lives on being at the foot of Hickman's Mountain. also another tract of land being on the top of said Hickman's Mountain and joining the land of said Hickman. Wit: Sam Scott, John Browning and Caleb Browning. [11]

1778 DEED: Culpeper Co, VA, 7 Nov. Edmund Browning, acting as John's attorney, sold to "James Browning Junr," s/o Francis Browning III) 207 acres on the top of Hickman's Mountain, Culpeper Co, VA. This deed was "certified" in March 1779. This certification was ordered on the oaths of John Norman and Courtney Norman. This same parcel was certified age in on 17 Sep 1792 and 18 Oct 1795 by John Minion, a third witness. On the latter date it was sold by James Browning of Fayette Co, KY, by Francis Browning as "attorney-in-fact for James to Michael Tomblin. [11]

1772 John Browning in Orange County, North Carolina Records

1772 COURT: Orange Co, NC, Apr Court [274]. Ordered the sale of the estate of William Vermillion on 15 May next; John Browning returned the account of sale for recordation July Court 1772. [11]

1774 COURT: Orange Co, NC, Aug Court [282]. John purchased at sale of estate of Henry Lee. [11]

1775 COURT: Orange Co, NC, Aug Court [307]. John purchased at sale estate of William McCoy. [11]

1775 Marriage of John and Susanna Teague Boren in Orange County

Joseph Boren died and John Browning married his widow.

1775 COURT: Orange Co, NC, 24 Aug [334]. Appraisal of estate of Joseph Boren, decd; John Browning and Susanna, widow of Joseph Boren had married John that year after the death of his first wife, perhaps Elizabeth Demarest but without proof. [11]

1777 COURT: Orange Co, NC Book III,[1090]-21-folio 11, Nov term. Ordered that Letters of Testamentary with a will annexed be granted to John and Susanna Browning on the estate of Joseph Boren, decd; ordered his administrators to make sale of estate; account of sale was made in May Term 1778. [11]

1778 COURT: Orange Co, NC, 6 Apr [347]. Account of sales of estate of Joseph Boren, decd, sold by John Browning and Susanna Browning Admins. Some of the purchasers were Francis Browning (3 chairs), James Boren, John Browning (1 chest of drawers, 1 Still, 1 black mare, 1 rifle, 1 steer, 2 ewes), Susanna Boren, Richard Washburn, Wilson Vermillion, Rebecca Boren, William Culberson. [11]

1778 Oath of Allegiance in Caswell County, North Carolina

Edward Franklin Browning states that John Browning he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. [12] However, the DAR record states that although he did not serve in the military during the American Revolutionary War, he is honored by the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for his Patriotic Service. John signed the "Oath of Allegiance" on March 9, 1778 to make land entry in Caswell county, North Carolina, which was his county of residence. [2]

1778 Caswell County NC Land Grants

Edmund and Francis Browning were brothers of John. Who was Joshua?

Caswell County, North Carolina Land Grants [11]

  • Edmond Browning 100 acres 7 Sep 1778 Haw Branch Country
  • Edmond Browning 123 acres 1 Jan 1780 Andrews Creek
  • Francis Browning 100 acres 8 Jun 1778 Stoney Creek
  • John Browning 23 acres 2 Jun 1778 Big Red Oak
  • John Browning 640 acres 9 Jun 1778 Storm Creek
  • John Browning 40 acres 9 Jun 1778 Stoney Creek
  • Joshua Browning 420 acres 9 Jun 1778 Stoney Creek
  • Joshua Browning 300 acres 9 Jun 1778 Stows Creek

The above John Browning was the husband of Elizabeth Demarest. The question is are those who received land grants his sons or brothers. John had brothers and sons with the names Edmond and Francis. He had a son named Joshua. Burgess believes that they were brothers. The sons names also match. Based upon the will of Nicholas Browning Book B 1786-1787 page 166 [11]

The executors of the will of Nicholas Browning list his brothers Edmund and Joshua Browning. Nicholas Browning was also the son of John Browning and Elizabeth Demarest. [11]

1778 Buys Land in North Carolina

1778 GRANT: Orange Co, NC, 631, 57:78. Entry #1045 of 6 Dec 1778, issued 9 Nov 1784 to John Browning, 250 acres on Caswell Co line bounded on the east by William Gibbens. Many grants at that time stated "adjoining the Caswell Co. line" but a recent (1992) survey showed the line to be too far south by 3,000 feet. John received another land grant in Caswell Co, NC, that year for 640 acres. ("Caswell Co Land Grants" by Katherine Kendall.) [11]

1779 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB A-343, 20 Dec John is mentioned as owning land on Richland Creek, Caswell Co, NC Patent #147. [11]

1779 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB A-376. John was granted 23 acres on Richland and Story's Creeks, adjacent to Edward Clay, Francis and Elizabeth VanHook, Patent #125. Recorded 17 Dec 1779. [11]

1779 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB A-253, 20 Dec John is mentioned in a patent to John Wilson. [11]

1782 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB B-9. John was granted 400 acres of land in Caswell Co, NC, on the waters of Storm Creek grant #349 issued 29 Oct 1782. This land was located on the border between Caswell and Orange Co; John had entered this land 09 Jun 1778, entry #36. Land records show that Isaac Boren (son of Joseph and Susanna Boren) made some improvements on that land, and it is likely that he was living on John's land. Isaac married John's daughter Pheobe. (Caswell Co DB B-101. [11]

1780 Neighbor of Step-son Joseph Boren

1780 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB A-523, 18 Dec John entered land near Joseph Boren. John is mentioned in two deeds as having adjoining land to that sold by John Wilson to David Mitchell. [11]

1783 Neighbor of Elizabeth VanHook

1783 DEED: Caswell Co, NC DB B-300, 13 Oct John is mentioned in Land Patent #495 as having land adjoining Elizabeth VanHook. [11]

1784 Road Maintenance in Caswell County, North Carolina

1784 COURT: Orange Co, NC, Book III [1465]-208-folio 46, Aug Term. John Browning, et al, ordered to maintain road to Caswell Co, NC. [11]

1785 Moved to Georgia

John owned extensive lands in Caswell County, North Carolina, and appears in several land records in the county, but had gone to Georgia before 1785, returning to North Carolina the next year to sell some of his land.[1]

On 20 Dec 1784, John Browning, guardian of David Boring (Boren) sold land on the N Hico. It was witnessed by Joseph Boren, Jr and Elijah Fuller (John's step-son and son-in-law, respectively) John had gone to GA before 1785/86 when his brother Nicholas moved to Caswell Co, NC. He still owned land in Caswell Co, and in April/May 1786, he returned to Caswell Co, probably to see his brother and sell land there. The land sale was not recorded until later (after Person Co was formed from Caswell Co). [11]

1786 Tax List, Caswell County NC

In 1786 John Browning was gone but other Brownings were still on the tax list for Caswell County, North Carolina.

1786 Tax List Caswell County, North Carolina[11]

Numbers= (1) White male over 21 (2) White Male under 21 (3) White Females

Gloucester District

Edmund Browning 1 2 4
Nicholas Browning 0 1 3
Samuel Browning 1 2 3
George Browning 1 0 3

St David's District

William Browning 1 2 7
William Angling 1 2 3

Being a descendant of William Browning and Catherine Anglin. I cannot resist the opportunity to mention the above relationship in St David's District. This is a great indication that this is William Browning Senior who is living next door to his father in law William Anglin. Look at William Browning children. First we see that he had two sons whom I believe are William Browning who married Catherine Anglin in 1797 Caswell and Reuben Browning who married Polly Robinson in 1802. Also note the SEVEN daughters! William Browning #1695 is this man. He may have married twice and may have had two families. This record should also be compared to the 1800 Caswell County North Carolina Census.

Census/Tax List Caswell County, North Carolina 1790

Gloucester/St Davids/St Lawrence District

Edmund Browning
James Browning
Joshua Brownng
George Browning
John Browning
Samuel Browning
William Anglin
Edmund Browning Junior[11]

1787 Neighbor of Benjamin Hatcher

1787 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB D-294, 18 Aug John is mentioned as owning land adjoining Benjamin Hatcher (his son's, Joshua, brother-in-law) [11]

1788 Neighbor of James Hopper

1788 DEED: Caswell Co, NC, DB E-263, 1 Jan John is mentioned as owning land adjoining that which James Hopper sold to Richard Arnold. [11]

1790 Recorded Brand for Livestock

1790 DEED: Greene Co, GA, DB 1-395, 4 Feb John recorded a brand for his livestock. [11]

Sale of Town Creek Land

1792 DEED: Greene Co, GA, DB 2-401, 6 Jan John Browning Sr and wife Susanna of Greene Co, sold 100 acres of land on the waters of Town Creek, Greene Co, GA to John Browning Jr for two pounds sterling. Recorded 29 April 1793. [11]

1792 Stepson Appointed to Sell Caswell NC Property

1792 DEED: Greene Co, GA, Mar Court. John appointed his step-son, David Boren of Greene Co, GA, to serve as his attorney and to sell 260 acres of land in Caswell Co, NC, formerly the property of Joseph Boren, to James Smith of Caswell Co. Deed signed 10 Jan 1792 and filed in Greene Co, GA, March Court. [11]

1798 Appraiser for Joseph Carmichael Estate

1798 COURT: Greene Co, GA, CB 1-488, 8 Jan John was appointed an appraiser for the estate of Joseph Carmichael. [11]

1800 Census, Caswell County NC

John Browning is in Georgia -- these are relatives.

Census 1800 Caswell County, North Carolina 0-10 10-16 16-26 26-45 45Up 1-10 10-16 16-26 26-45 45Up [11]

Robert Browning M 2 0 0 1 0 F 3 0 0 1 0
William Browning M 0 0 0 1 0 F 2 0 1 0 0
William Browning M 0 2 0 0 1 F 1 0 1 1 1
Edmond Browning M 0 0 0 0 1 F 0 1 2 0 1
James Browning M 1 1 0 1 0 F 1 1 0 1 0

The land mark record for my point of view is the purchase of property of Widow Lay deceased. Caswell County, North Carolina Deed Book C 1798 page 300 The property of Widow Lay deceased. sold 20 Dec 1798 to Peter Lay, Daniel Gwynn, William Anglin, Mary Lay, Thomas Rice, James Browning, WILL BROWNING SENIOR, WILL BROWNING. By Peter Lay Administrator [11]

This record is fantastic to show that my William is the son of William Browning Senior. It is also interesting to note the relationship of James Browning listing here and also in the 1790 Census and the 1800 Tax List. When comparing the wills of Nicholas and Edmund Browning in Caswell we at last begin to see a clear separation beginning to appear in these families. The following will in Green County Georgia confuses the issue in that we have a John Browning who is married to Susannah (Boring?) Is this the same John Browning who married Elizabeth Demarest. Did John go to Green County Georgia with his son John Radford Browning. Is the William Browning who appears in Thomas County, Georgia the William Browning 1695? Green County, Georgia page 61-62[11]

1801 Sale of Enslaved Passunto

1801 COURT: Greene Co, GA, 5 Mar 1801. John sold a Negro man named Passunto for $400. [11]

1803 Will and Death, Green County, Georgia

His will was dated October 7,1803 and recorded January 29, 1804 in Greene County Will Book D. He names his wife and children, providing the married names of his daughters. [1]

Detailed Will

In the name of God Amen. I John Browning of the County of Greene and State of Georgia- Being sick and weak in body but sound and perfect memory and calling to mind the transitory things of this life do make, constitute, and ordain this to be my last will and testament, revoking all other wills heretofore made by me.

  • First: I give and bequeath (after paying all my just debts) unto my beloved wife Susannah Browning both real and personal during the life of her widowhood and after her decease or marriage, it is my will that the plantation whereon I now live containing one hundred & eighty seven and a half acres with all its improvements shall belong to my son William Browning.
  • It is also my will that all the balance of my property including all my Negroes, horses, cattle, hogs and stock of ever kinds, also money,.notes or debts with all my household furniture, working tools, with all & everything that may belong to me at my decease should be equally divided between my children as hereafter named, to wit, Francis Browning, John Browning, William Browning, Anna Bird, Phebe Boring, Sincy Fuller, Clara Harrelson and Milicent Wright, except a Negro man named Jack and a bay mare called Bony and one feather bed and furniture which I give unto beloved wife Susannah Browning to keep during her life and to be at her disposal at her death.
  • I also give unto my son Joshua Browning one Dollar and desire my Executors to pay him that sum, witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of Oct 1803.
  • /s/ John Browning (seal)
  • Test: Davis Gresham, Phil Clements, Saml Baldwin.
  • Greene Co, GA, Court of Ordinary, Jan Term 1804
  • The within Will & testament of John Browning decd. Proven in open Court by the oaths of Phillip Clements and Saml Baldwin who were subscribing witnesses to the same.[13]

Death

John Browning died November 18, 1803 in Greene County, Georgia. [1]

Children

John had at least nine children, all born in Culpeper County, Virginia[1]

John (1728-1803) and Elizabeth's (1728-1776) children, according to his will, deeds, etc. are as follows: [7]

  1. Francis Browning (1752-1855) Named in will. [13] Born Culpeper, married 1775, Elizabeth Vermillion (1758-1838) An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of Frances Browning, who married Elizabeth Vermillion; [2]
  2. Joshua Browning (1758-1807) Named in will but disinherited. [13]m. 1775, Margaret Rankin (1754-1850) Born Culpeper, married Margaret Rankin.
  3. Anna Browning (1760-1824) Named in will. [13] Born 1761, married Thomas Bird. An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of Anna Browning, who married Thomas Bird. [2]
  4. Phoebe (1762-1857) Named in will. [13] Married 1780, Isaac Boring (1762-1831), son of Susannah Teague Boring Browning. An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of Phebe Browning, who married Isaac Boring; [2]
  5. Clara Browning (1765-1841) Named in will. [13] Married (1) 1782, David Culberson (1762-1796), (2) 1798, Jonathan Haralson (1759-1833).
  6. Asenith (Sincy) or Cenith) (1766-1811) Named in will. [13] Married 1782, Elijah Fuller (1756-1823) 1832.
  7. John Browning Jr. (1767-1844) Named in will. [13] Marfried (1) 1780, Elizabeth Culberson (1760-1780), (2) 1790 Nancy Peeples (1777-1850). born Culpeper 1757, married C. E. Culberson and Nancy Peebles. Also Profile John Radford Browning. born Culpeper 1767, married Nancy Peebles. An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of John Radford Browning, who married Nancy Peebles; [2]
  8. William Browning (1768-1832) Named in will. [13] Born Culpeper 1759. Married 1805, Elizabeth Atkinson (1770-?).An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of William Browning, who married Elizabeth Atkinson; [2]
  1. Millicent (1775-1840) Named in will. [13]married 1790, Basil Wright

Research Notes

Was John Browning Married to Sarah Washburn?

John Browning was previously shown in the data field as married to Sarah Washburn. There is no documentation for such a marriage and the connection has been ended.

Sarah Washburn was married to John Browning's brother Nicholas.

Did John Browning Return to Culpeper in 1775 to join their Infantry?

Mrs Caroline (Whitmore) Marshall, #82058, reported that John (1728-1803) was a private in 1775 in the infantry of Culpeper Co, VA. He was born in Culpeper. NSDAR #112024, John Browning Conrad; NSDAR #145923 Thomas Steele Clopton. This may not be the same John Browning as evidenced by his activity in Caswell Co, NC at the time. [11]

John Browning served in the infantry in the Revolutionary War, 1775-1781. Jack Hockett provides a much more lucid discussion of John Browning and cites the research of several others to support his conclusions, including Mr. James Browning, Burbank, CA and Faynola Osborne, Wilmington, DE. [11]

John was said to be a Pvt. in the Revolution. Mrs Anne Wynn Laningham's DAR Supplemental application, NSDAR #363019 and 44859. DAR Lineage Book, Vol 83, pp 24-25, 1910, [11]

The following transcript which repeats the idea of John serving as a private in Culpeper County 9in 1775 is from the DAR Lineage Book: NSDAR, Vol. 164: 1921. Applicant: Miss. Eunice Wilkins. Approval/Member #163731. Descendant of John Browning, as follows:

  • 1. C.L. Wilkins (b. 1868) m. 1900 Bertha Becker (b. 1876).
  • 2. ______ Wilkins m. Eunice Lewis (b. 1841).
  • 3. Asa M. Lewis m. 1837 Ann Browning (1819-1857).
  • 4. Nathan Peebles Browning (b. 1795) m. Eunice Haralson.
  • 5. John Radford Browning (1757-1844) m. 2d Nancy Peebles (1776-1868).
  • 6. John Browning m. Elizabeth Demarest: John Browning served as private in the infantry of Culpeper County, Virginia, 1775. He was born in Culpeper County, Virginia where, in 1803, he died. (Also #151082) https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/61157/46155_b290466-00241/3772429?backurl

Which John Browning died in Culpeper in 1799?

1799 Will of John Browning, Culpeper County, Virginia

Will of John Browning, Bk E, p36-38; first bearing date of Order of County Court, Sept 1799, and a court date of Jan 16, 1804, to be recorded at this date; by John Strother, George Calvert & John Browning, belong to estate of John Browning, Jr., dec., this is an inventory; admin. were John and Francis Browning, George Talbert and John Strother. There was an estate sale, but purchasers not listed. (this appears to be John who married Elizabeth Strother in 1774, but that John Browning died c1816/18) Is this John who married Elizabeth Demarest? Full write up in Cul. Co., VA, file [14]

Deed book AA p417, wr. Nov 10, 1804, rec. June 16, 1806, John and wife, Elizabeth, to William Farrow 112 acres (John & Elizabeth Demarest???) [14]

What about the children Edward Franklin Browning reported?

Edward Franklin Browning shows John Browning, a farmer, born about 1728 in Culpeper County, Virginia, the son of Francis Browning and Elizabeth Lloyd. [12]

Edward Franklin Browning provides a list of children which is inconsistent with the will and therefore should be considered incorrect:[12] A few of these are consistent with the children of Nicholas named in Nicholas' will: Sarah, Jean, Enos, Frances, John, Charles, Mary, Elizabeth.

Probably child of Nicholas.

  1. 1693 Enos born 1751. Perhaps Enos R. Browning, born Culpeper 1751, married Jane Trim. Application was made based on the records of Enos Browning, who married Jane Trimm, however it was determined that Enos was a son of Nicholas Browning. [2]
  1. 1694 Frances born 24 Nov 1753

Not named by John or Nicholas:;

  1. 1690 James born 1745. Perhaps same as James Browning born Culpeper 1745 married Susan Hickman. An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of James B. Browning, who married Susan Hickman; [2]
  2. 1691 Joshua born 1746. Joshua Browning, born Culpeper 1746, married Anne Scott. An application for membership in the DAR has been filed by the descendants of Joshua Browning, who married Anne Scott; [2]
  3. 1695 William born 1759
  4. George born 1761. Perhaps George Browning, born Culpeper 1755, married Sarah Frances Moore Strindley.
  5. Eunice born about 1762
  6. Daniel born about 1764. Daniel Browning, born 1764. No spouse, no children.

Sources

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 William Neal Hurley. Our Maryland Heritage, Book Twelve: The Browning Families. Bowie Maryland: Heritage Books, 1998. John Browning is #6 on page 31.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 DAR Ancestor #A016038
  3. ↑ Wikipedia: List_of_cities_and_counties_in_Virginia Accessed 25 August 2021 jhd
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Mike Marshall. Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties. Profile for Elizabeth Carter Lloyd Accessed 24 July 2021 jhd
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 William Neal Hurley, Jr. Our Maryland Heritage, Book Twelve: The Browning Families. Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, 1999. Page 25-34
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 Judge D. A. Grimsley. The Browning Family in Ralph Travers Green, Genealogical and Historical Notes on Culpeper County, Virginia, Embracing a FRevised and Enlarged Edition of Dr. Philip Slaughter's Histgory of St. Mark's Parish. Culpeper, Virginia, 1900, p. 151. Accessed 18 August 2021 jhd
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 Susan Taylor Aldridge. Brownings of Culpepper VA and Greene GA. December 5, 2009.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 Jo Kramer. Brownings and More Profile for Elizabeth Lloyd. Updated 4/4/2019. Accessed 18 August 2021. jhd
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 William Poe. Browning Family Research Accessed 24 July 2021 jhd
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Notes given by Robert C. Daniel to Larry B. Harrison and posted on Harrison's site on November 27, 2002. Site no longer operative (2021)
  11. ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 11.18 11.19 11.20 11.21 11.22 11.23 11.24 11.25 11.26 11.27 11.28 11.29 11.30 11.31 11.32 11.33 11.34 11.35 11.36 11.37 11.38 11.39 11.40 11.41 Research of Jim Burgess, Mesa Arizonna. Burgess, Mullins, Browning, Brown and Allied Families. Website.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Edward Franklin Browning. Genealogy of the Browning Family in America from 1621 to 1908 John Browning, son of Francis Browning and Elizabeth Lloyd is #1663 on page 449.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9 Will of John Browning. Greene Co, GA, WB D, dtd 7 Oct, recorded: 29 Jan 1804. Rootsweb
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Jim Richey, review of wills and administration documents.

Acknowledgments

  • WikiTree profile Browning-263 created through the import of Ancestors of Lynn E Nelson.ged on Jun 1, 2011 by JaAnna Nelson
  • WikiTree profile Browning-438 created through the import of Coley Wolford Stayton McCarroll Bond.ged on Aug 7, 2011 by Tom Coley




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DNA Connections
It may be possible to confirm family relationships with John by comparing test results with other carriers of his Y-chromosome or his mother's mitochondrial DNA. However, there are no known yDNA or mtDNA test-takers in his direct paternal or maternal line. It is likely that these autosomal DNA test-takers will share some percentage of DNA with John:

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Comments: 3

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Stevens-17832 Jen (Stevens) Hutton
You list James B. Browning (married to Susannah Hickman) as a son whose descendants filed a DAR application; why is he not in your list of children of John and Elizabeth?
posted by Jen (Stevens) Hutton
Joseph Cook
World Connect also has a Clara or Clarrissa Browning born about 1765 who married David Culberson and Jonathan Haralson as the daughter of John and his first wife Elizabeth. Why is Clara not shown as a daughter?
posted by Joseph Cook
[Living Woodhouse]
Browning-438 and Browning-263 appear to represent the same person because: Mother requires clarification
posted by [Living Woodhouse]

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Categories: Culpeper County, Virginia | Patriotic Service, North Carolina, American Revolution