Mr. Browning was a witness in the case of Edwin Junk et all vs. Alvin Hansen et al, in which suit was brought for the commission on the sale of Mr. Browning's farm.

Attorney W. H. Hartzell was cross examining Mr. Browning when he suddenly fell over.  Dr. Jenkins was summoned, who arrived just as Mr. Browning expired.

The body was taken to the Hearne undertaking establishment, and that evening conveyed to the home near LaHarpe.

The La Harpe Quill says:

To the casual observer Mr. Browning would pass as a man in robust health, but his family and close friends knew that he had not been feeling well for some time.  Heart trouble was his ailment and he was stricken while sitting in the witness chair in the circuit court room.  Two physicians were summoned but they found him cold in death.

Charles was the son of Henry and Mildred (Sweasy) Browning and was born near Blandinsville, Illinois, Dec. 19, 1869.  He grew to manhood and passed his entire life in this vicinity.  He was married Feb. 25, 1892, to Miss Lillie M. Riggins of LaHarpe.  They were the parents of three children, Mrs. Inez Riley of the Colusa neighborhood, Miss Mabel, who is a musical student at Eureka College, and Channing, who died in infancy.  The last few years of their married life has been spent on the farm, two miles west of La Harpe, where they have lived happily and prospered in a business way.

Charles was 49 years, 10 months and 12 days old when claimed by death.

As a citizen of the community Mr. Browning ranked with the most prominent.  He took an active interest in township affairs and held office a number of times.  He was a helper in various ways for the well being of the community.  His energy, ambition and determination enabled him to work his way steadily upward and though he started out in life practically empty-handed, he owned a fine farm at the time of his death and enjoyed many modern conveniences to aid him in his work.  His family relations were ideal and his death so sudden and unexpected almost prostrated the loved ones with grief.  The sympathy of the entire community goes out to them in their bereavement.

Mr. Browning united with the LaHarpe Christian church, Sept. 19, 1897, during the pastorate of Elder K. C. Ventress, now of Monmouth, who was called back to officiate at the funeral Monday afternoon.  He was prominent in religious work and has held the office of elder in both the Durham and La Harpe churches.

Elder S. A. Cook, the local pastor, assisted with the funeral arrangements and the Masonic lodge held services at the grave.

Besides the immediate family he has three brothers, Frank Browning of LaHarpe; George and Samuel, of Fairfield, Iowa, and one sister, Mrs. Grate of Blandinsville, who survive him.