Wm. D. Branson 1814-1905

BRANSON, OLIPHANT, HATHAWAY

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/2/2019 at 10:11:42

30 March 1905 - West Branch Times

Wm. D. Branson died at his home in West Branch, Iowa, 3rd mo. 19th, 1905, at a ripe old age. He was born at Flushing, Ohio, on the 26th of 4th mo., 1814. He was scarcely a year old when his father died. After he was six years old he went to live with his grandfather, Abraham Branson, of Clearbrook, Virginia. There he lived for ten years and received a meagre education at the school nearby. At the age of sixteen he removed to Lancaster county, Penn, and for five years worked as apprentice to Jeremiah Cooper in the woolen manufacture. In 1835 he went to Ohio and engaged in business with his brother. On the 26th of 6th mo., 1840 he was married, by Friends ceremony, to Eliza Oliphant, of Salem, Ohio. He moved to Salem in the fall of 1841 and purchased a sawmill. In the spring of 1853 he came to Iowa and located on a farm two miles east of West Branch. He had a family of nine children, six of whom survive him and were present at his funeral--Abner Branson, of New Sharon, Reese, Newton and Sina Ann Branson and Ida B. Hathaway, who lived near their father, and Samuel Branson, of Oskaloosa.

Throughout his life he was interested in education and all the interests of the community in which he lived. He was an example of Christian living, his aim being to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with his God. He was among the earliest of the abolitionists, and like most of the society of Friends he was outspoken in his opposition to slavery. He objected to carnal warfare, believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ was a gospel of peace and good will to all men.

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." As an aged father, he was desirous that his earthly possessions should be justly divided without going to law, and his wishes were gratified.

Funeral services were held at the Friends' meeting house Third day afternoon at 2 o'clock.