Jane Brownscombe, born in Texas Township near Honesdale in 1850, became famous as Jennie Augusta Brownscombe, talented painter and independent woman. Her father, William Brownscombe, was an immigrant from England, and her mother, Elvira Kennedy, a Mayflower descendant. After William’s death, Jennie taught school and created book and magazine illustrations. In 1871, she left for New York City, where she graduated from the Cooper Institute School of Design for Women, studied at the National Academy of Design and became a founding member of the Art Students League—leading to a long career as painter, illustrator and teacher. Probably her most famous painting is “The First Thanksgiving,” which now hangs in the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, MA. Her historical paintings were very popular and supported a lifestyle that included extensive foreign travel. She died in 1936 and is buried in Glen Dyberry Cemetery, Honesdale.

There is still an active market for Brownscombe’s art; the Wayne County Historical Society owns a sizable collection, and her paintings hang in many local homes and public buildings.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society 810 Main St., Honesdale, open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 pm, January through April. Closed Christmas Day.