BIO: Henry Brownscombe, Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, PA & NY Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Denise Phillips Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ________________________________________________ Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, page 164-165. ________________________________________________ BROWNSCOMBE, HENRY, was born in Bridgrule, Cornwall, England, August 18, 1817, and died in his home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on April 30, 1886, very suddenly, almost without a moment's warning. His parents came to this country in 1830 and settled in Bethany, Wayne County, Pa. He was converted in a memorable revival which occurred in Honesdale in 1835. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was shortly afterward licensed to exhort. In the spring of 1841 he was given local preacher's license, and in September of the same year he joined Oneida Conference on trial. "Beginning his work in the early years of life, when the opportunities for a thorough classical training were not what they are to-day, he sought to make the most of every facility offered him, and at once began a thorough course of study in theology and general literature, by which he attained an honorable position among the readers and thinkers in the school of Christian thought." He accumulated a large and well-selected library, which he left to Wyoming Seminary. He became a member of Wyoming Conference at its organization. He was honored by his brethren, being elected a trustee of the Conference in 1858, which position he held until his death, and in 1864 elected a delegate to the General Conference. In 1843 he married Miss Sarah E. Overfield, who was raised near Meshoppen, Pa. Three children were born to them, John P., Henry W., and Kate D., all of whom died in the full vigor of matured life. She survived her husband until June 21, 1902, when she joined her loved ones above. She was buried beside her husband in the Hollenback Cemetery, in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. His pastoral record is as follows: 1841, Springville; 1842, Skinner's Eddy; 1843, Brooklyn; 1844-45, Dundaff; 1846, Vestal; 1847- 48, Bethany and Mount Pleasant; 1849-50, Tunkhannock; 1851-52, Providence; 1853, Skinner's Eddy; 1854, Carbondale; 1855-56, Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre; 1857-58, New Troy; 1859-60, Abington; 1861-62, Providence; 1863-66, Presiding Elder of Wyalusing District; 1867-68, Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre; 1869-72, sy.; 1873-75, Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre; 1876-79, Parsons; 1880-82, Plains and North Plains; 1883- 85, Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre; 1886, Financial Agent of the Centennial Fund.