Francis Asbury was an influential American Methodist bishop born on August 20, 1745, in England. He played a crucial role in the spread of Methodism in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Asbury was appointed as a bishop in 1784 and traveled extensively, preaching and organizing churches across the country. Asbury's leadership helped establish the Methodist Episcopal Church, which became one of the largest Protestant denominations in America. He emphasized the importance of itinerant ministry, encouraging preachers to travel and serve various communities. Asbury passed away on March 31, 1816, leaving a lasting legacy in American religious history.