From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 233-234.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


REV. SAMUEL R. BROCKUNIER

The Rev. Samuel R. Brockunier, widely known throughout the middle and 
western states, as an able and successful minister of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, was one of the early pioneers of his denomination 
in the Ohio valley, fulfilling his mission with usefulness and 
acceptability for the space of nearly fifty years.  He was born in 
Huntingdon county, Penn., June 12, 1795; entered the ministry in 
1817, and died at his home near Wheeling, July 22, 1867.  His 
travels, in the line of his vocation, were extensive and laborious, 
embracing largely the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and 
Ohio.  His first appointment was to Chautauqua circuit (New York and 
Pennsylvania) in 1817, and was 400 miles around, preaching forty 
times each round.  In 1821 he came to the vicinity of Wheeling; 
filled prominent stations at Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Steubenville, 
etc.; was presiding elder for thirteen years, a position in the 
Methodist church of those days equivalent to that of assistant 
bishop; was a member of the general conference of 1836, and 
throughout all was abundant in labors, wise in counsel, safe in 
administration and a genial sympathetic friend and pastor.  Rev. Mr. 
Brochunier was married in 1824, to Miss Sarah Z. Clarke, daughter of 
the late John Clarke, Esq., of Belmont county, Ohio, and Rebecca 
Zane, his wife.  Their children were: Mary R., deceased: Georgiana, 
deceased; Elizabeth C., Wilbur C. and Charles W.  Mr. Brockunier was 
a man of powerful physique, a strong, active brain, and a tender, 
loving heart.  Traditions are still extant of the compass, power, 
melody and sweetness of his voice as one of remarkable character.  
His success was very great, the accessions to the membership of the 
church through his instrumentality being numbered by the thousands.  
Thus "being dead he yet speaketh." 
 

(Linda Fluharty)