The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1941-02-13
Pioneer Resident Passes Away
Last Friday


Abel Smith Browning, sc, we'll
known resident of this community,
died at his home, the John L. Brown
ing farm, Thayerville, eight miles
north of Oakland, on Friday, Febru-
airy 7, at 4:30 a. M, following an i'll
ness of several months. He had suf-
fered intensely for two months as the
result of an incurable malady.
Mr.. Browning was born November
2S, 1854, at Thayerville, on the
Browning farm, the youngest son of
the late John L. and Maria Thayer
Browning and grandson Of Meshach
Browning, the renowned hunter and
pioneer of Garrett county and author
of "Forty-four Years of the Life of a
Hunter"
He possessed the traditional love
of his father and grandfather for
hunting and music. In his younger
days he engaged heavily in hunting
and was always interested even when
he was unable to hunt.
His musical ability brought him an
outstanding career Of the six broth
ers he was the leading musician and
played more than 1000 tunes by ear
for he could not read a note of music.
At the age of seven he started to play
the violin and has always been fam
Gus for old-time folk music. He en-
tered many musical contests and al
ways carried away first prize. He was
in contests in the three states, Mary
land, West Virginia and Pennsylvania,
and at one time was presented with a
three-star gold medal representing
those states. At various times he
broadcast over radio stations at Pitts
burgh, Greensburg, Washington, Pa,
and Cumberland and was usually ac-
companied at these broadcasts by his
esteemed FRIEND C. L. Ayers, of Can
nonsburg, Pa, who died seven years
ago.
Playing music at many public gath
erings, he entertained thousands of
people with his favorite tunes. He
played the violin until the time of his
illness and even while sick talked
about still playing.
By trade he was a gunsmith, hav-
ing had his apprenticeship in West
Virginia under E. D. Benson, for ten
years. He later established a shop of
his own at his residence where he
continued the trade up to the time of
his illness. Within that period he re-
paired many makes and models of
rifles and shotguns. Besides making
hundreds of Old-time Misunderstanding
rifles, which are scattered throughout
several states, he was also a skilled
marksman and attended a number of
shooting matches, carrying away his
share of prizes.
During his long life the worthiness
of his character was frequently dem
onstrated. He was highly esteemed by
all for his many admirable traits, his
deeds of charity and neighborly kind
nesses. He possessed a jovial dispo-
sition, a good sense of humor and was
noted for his wit and winning person
atty.
Besides one brother, Thomas j
Browning, Thayerville, who is now 90
years of age, he is survived by his
nephew, John D. Browning, who has
always lived with him at the home
place, and by other nephews and
nieces.
Funeral services were conducted al
his home on Sunday, February 8, al
2:30 p. M, by Rev. Minor Sprague, OF
Oakland, assisted by Rev. W. B. Orn.
dorff, of Loeb Lynn. Mrs. Orndorft
and the Loeb Lynn quartet were ii
charge of music. In spite Of the colo
weather and deep snow, the funeral
was attended by large group Of
friends and relatives, and the flora
tributes were many
Active pallbearers were six neph
ews, Lynn, Bruce, Guy, Charlie, Ber