Near McHenry in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mary Browning
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
1. Mary Browning Marker
Stitched collage of hand-crafted papers by Annie Simcoe, 2023
The artist, Annie Simcoe, created this piece using papers hand-crafted from plants that she grew or gathered such as cornhusks, iris leaves, and rye grass. The vibrant colors come from fabric dyes added during the paper-making process. Each plant fiber takes the dye differently giving unique colors and textures. Once the papers are dry Annie pieces them together and "sketches" on them using her sewing machine.
The Club commissioned this piece to launch an effort to tell the story of women, notably Meshach's wife Mary, during the "Pioneer Era" of western Maryland. Mary is mentioned far less than his hunting expeditions in his book, and her struggles and strength deserve to commemorated as well.
abphart.com
This piece was commissioned through a grant from the Garrett County Arts Council.
Erected 2024 by Deep Creek Lake Lions Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 2023.
Location. 39° 34.412′ N, 79° 20.193′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Portrait of Meshach Browning (here, next to this marker); Mary Browning and her Tree of Life (here, next to this marker); Life in Western Maryland during the Pioneer Era (here, next to this marker); Meshach Browning Trail System (here, next to
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
2. Mary Browning Artwork and Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
3. Additional Marker at the Left of the Artwork
"It may truly be said of this estimable lady (Mary Browning), that, though reared in the wilderness, every trait that adorns the female character shone brightly in her: she was a dutiful child, a most exemplary mother, a devoted wife, and a true friend. -(Footnote by the Editor E. S. Stabler)
Meshach Browning, Forty-Four Years of the Life of a Hunter
Walk in Mary's moccasins
Mary was born in the "Blooming Rose" area in the vicinity of what is now Friendsville. Meshach described it thus: "this place is a large tract of land, so called in consequence of the great variety of beautiful flowers that adorned the whole tract." Rolling hills and tilled fields now create pleasing vistas throughout the area.
The Browning Family Tree from the 1965 Edition of the book. Of note is the absence of any visual representation of both of Meshach's wives (both named Mary) while there are portraits of Meshach and 10 of their children. New pieces of art here provide artistic interpretations of Mary.
History often highlights the remarkable deeds of pioneering individuals, but it frequently overlooks the steadfast companions who supported and contributed to their extraordinary journeys. Mary Browning's life was one of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering support for her husband, Meshach. Together, they faced the hardships and uncertainties of frontier life, building a family of 11 children and a legacy that would endure for generations. Mary may not have been the one in the spotlight, but her contributions were vital to the family's survival and Meshach's achievements as a frontiersman. Her story reminds us that behind every great pioneer, there is often an equally remarkable and uncelebrated partner.
To find out more...
Head to the headquarters of the Friend Family Association of America in Friendsville.
They have extensive genealogical resources of the Friend and other local families, as well as a museum of local artifacts.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
4. Display of Markers at This Location
Markers left to right: Mary (McMullen) Browning, Mary Browning Artwork and Mary Browning Marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
