Browning, Dora Jane

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Browning, Dora Jane b18701207 FB230126LarryChafin

20121114GHLn-
Larry Chafin
January 26, 2023
· Hatfield and McCoy Feud
January 26, 2023
·
FAMED MIDWIFE FOR FEUDING HATFIELDS AND NOTED DULCIMER TALENT: DORA JANE (BROWNING) HARMON
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LOGAN, W.Va. - Aunt Dora Jane Browning was born Dec. 7, 1870, the daughter of Adam Browning and Mary Elizabeth Patterson. As a child growing up in rural Appalachia, Dora faced many hardships. Yet, due to her determination-and her faith in God-she was an overcomer.
It was during this early period of her life that she first developed a love and passion for Appalachian mountain music, and began playing a stringed dulcimer at church services, or with friends, and to compliment family gatherings.
Long ago, she said she found the quill of a turkey best suited her style of playing, far better than a traditional pick. Dora eventually perfected her dulcimer technique and was considered by many as an accomplished folk musician, both strumming and singing for local church events, community socials, and family gatherings throughout southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky.
Dora fell in love and married James H. Harmon of Logan, WV, in 1890, when she was about 19 years of age; and they had eight children together.
Dora had a nurturing spirit, and served as a midwife, assisting with the birth of many, many children in the region, including those of Anderson “Devil Anse” and Levicy Hatfield, who gained notoriety through the happenings during the Hatfield-McCoy Feud.
James and Dora settled in neighboring Mingo County, in one of the most southern parts of the Mountain State. Many of her descendants still live in southern West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky, and still pass down the story of Aunt Dora Harmon, the dulcimer virtuoso, the famed midwife, loving mother, and grandmother.
Even at the age of 90, Dora still traveled and presented her musical technique and passion for the dulcimer.
Sadly, Dora passed away May 22, 1963, due to natural causes while living with family members in Logan, WV. Her history as a midwife and her musical legacy live on through many descendants who never knew her, but feel they connect with her through the "handed-down stories" of her faith and her many accomplishments. Aunt Dora led a splendid life, indeed.
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Hear traditional mountain music performed by Dora Jane (Browning) Harmon, here:
Civil War March by Aunt Dora Harmon on Jean Ritchie’s album, the Appalachian Dulcimer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eCSagnDdWo
The Prodigal Son From American Folk Song Festival: Jean Thomas, The Traipsin’ Woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Dg0fnXCMg
- Resource: North Alabama Heritage Dulcimer Association; American Society of Dulcimer Association; and WikiTree

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