Dr. William Henry Brownell, who occupies a prominent position in professional ranks as one of the oldest physicians of Utica, has practically retired after thirty-five years of useful service as a practitioner of medicine and surgery in this city. Utica numbers him among her honored native sons, for it was here that he was born on the 24th of December, 1853, his parents being William Henry and Rhoda Ella (McIntyre) Brownell of New Berlin, Chenango county. The family is an old one in the Empire state.
William Henry Brownell obtained a public school education in Utica and received his professional training in New York University, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1882. The same year he took up the work of his chosen calling at Norwich, Chenango county, where he continued in practice until 1889, when he came to Utica, which city has remained the scene of his professional labors. He has been accorded an extensive general practice in recognition of his marked efficiency, which has been based upon broad knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery, with ability accurately to apply these principles to the needs of suffering humanity. Though now practically retired, Dr. Brownell still engages in professional work to some extent, for his patients are loath to give up his services. After many years' connection with the staff of the Faxton Hospital he resigned to make room for a younger man. He has membership in the Oneida County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the Utica Library Association.
In 1875 Dr. Brownell was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Yale, daughter of James and Sarah (Rowe) Yale of Utica and representative of one of the oldest families of Oneida county. Dr. and Mrs. Brownell became the parents of three children: William Harold, who died at the age of forty-four; Clifford Angelo, who died at the age of twenty-six; and Edith, who died when an infant. The wife and mother passed away on the 17th of December, 1923, her death being deeply mourned by her family and friends.