BIO: Francis A. Dony, 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
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Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, page 178-179.
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  DONY, FRANCIS ASBURY, was born in Dundaff, Susquehanna County, Pa., 
on May 3, 1841, and died in Scranton, Pa., after a lingering illness, 
on January 12, 1898.
  His parents moved to Honesdale when he was very young.  His father 
died when he was but seven years old.  Early in life he began a life of 
prayer, and when he reached seventeen he made a thorough consecration 
of himself to God at the altar of the Presbyterian church in Honesdale, 
and connected himself with that church.  He soon afterward commenced 
studying for the ministry, when the failing health of his mother caused 
him to turn his attention in other directions.
  After graduating from Wyoming Seminary he entered upon the work of a 
journalist.  For several years he published a paper in Hawley, Pa., 
called the Hawley Times.  While engaged in publishing this paper he 
studied law and was admitted to the bar in Honesdale in 1869.  Soon 
after being admitted to the bar he moved to Mauch Chunk, Pa., and 
opened an office for the practice of law.
  While living in Mauch Chunk he identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and was given a local preacher's license by the 
church in that place.  In 1873 he was employed by the government to 
look after the titles to lands claimed by the Indians of North 
Carolina.  While engaged in this work he interested himself in the 
welfare of the Indians, and succeeded in the establishing of schools 
for them, and in doing much for their upbuilding.  In 1875 he joined 
Wyoming Conference.
  On August 13, 1863, he married Miss Sarah Woodward, of Cherry Ridge, 
Wayne County, Pa., who with two daughters and a son survives him.  His 
body was laid away in the Dunmore Cemetery.
  His pastoral record is as follows:  1875-76, Rush; 1877-78, Hanover; 
1879, Sterling; 1880-81, Lake Como; 1882, Plymouth, N.Y.; 1883-84, 
Chenango Forks; 1885-87, Quaquaga; 1888-89, Damascus; 1890, City 
Missionary, Scranton; 1891-94, Secretary American Sabbath Union; 1895-
97, General Secretary Northeastern Pennsylvania Sabbath Union.