Branch, John Egbert 1832 - 1925

BRANCH, CRUST, BARNUM, CARPENTER, JEWELL, WRAGG, CROSS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/23/2020 at 09:21:48

Elkader Register, Thur., 17 Sept. 1925.

J. E. Branch, formerly a pioneer farmer of Clayton county, died at his home near Waukee, Iowa, Saturday Sept. 12th, 1925, having reached the advanced age of 92 years, 10 months and 14 days.

John Egbert Branch was born at York, Medina county, Ohio, Oct. 29th, 1832. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, who had migrated west to Ohio at an early day, and his oldest sister was the first white child to be born in York township, Medina county.

Mr. Branch, reared on a farm, was one of a family of nine children. He received his education in the common schools of Ohio, remaining at home until he was twenty-one. At that time his health was poor and he decided to come to Iowa, where relatives had located in Clayton County. He arrived here in 1853 and located in Farmersburg township purchasing a farm there in 1855. March 28th, 1855, he was married to Sarah A. Crust, at National. In the fall of 1858, he purchased the farm in Boardman township about three miles west of Elkader, on which they lived for many years, finally retiring to a home he purchased in Elkader. Here Mrs. Branch died, Feb. 21st, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Branch were the parents of six children: Evaline, the late Mrs. Barnum, who died July 3rd, 1925; Lindly and Minnie, who died in infancy; Mrs. Mary Carpenter, Fred E. Branch and Mrs. Cora M. Jewell.

Oct. 8th, 1908, Mr. Branch married Mrs. Hannah Wragg, whom he had known many years and since then their home has been on a farm near Waukee, Iowa.

For a number of years he has been in feeble health, but was lovingly cared for by those who were dear to him; patiently waiting the call of his Saviour.

Mr. Branch is survived by his widow, herself past 88 years of age; one sister, Mrs. J. B. Cross of Akron, Ohio; one brother, Levi Branch of Medina, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Mary E. Carpenter and Mrs. Cora M. Jewell; one son, Fred E. Branch, of Palms, California; eleven grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. His daughters were with him at the time of his death.

Mr. Branch was for years a member of the Congregational church of Elkader but later transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church at Waukee. During the years he was in Clayton county he established himself as one of its substantial and highly respected citizens, a man of the highest integrity and character.

Funeral services were held at the home near Waukee, Sunday afternoon, and his remains were brought here Monday afternoon for burial on the family lot in the East Side cemetery. Rev. W. J. Warner officiated at the grave and the pall bearers were three grandsons and other relatives.