Brandon, George Nathaniel (1854-1910)

BRANDON, JOHNSON, DOWNES

Posted By: Deb Van Sant (email)
Date: 11/30/2008 at 20:43:04

Geo. Brandon is Gone

Called From His Life Work

Well Loved Citizen of Jefferson Hears Last Great Summons and Goes "Home"

George N Brandon, a genial, sunny-tempered citizen, a loyal, warm-hearted friend and neighbor, a devoted husband and father, and a high-minded Christian gentleman, is no more.

The summons, sudden and unexpected, came at an early hour last Sunday morning, bringing with it a great shock to the community, and inconsolable grief to those nearest and dearest to him who so quietly and peacefully closed his eyes upon this world and all its affairs. Mr Brandon had not been feeling well for several weeks. His trouble was a slow form of pneumonia, but occasioned no serious alarm. Last week he was considerably better and expressed a desire to spend a few days of his convalescence in the home of his children, Dr and Mrs J.K. Johnson. On last Thursday the malady which had affected him seemed to take a firmer hold, and Friday and Saturday it involved one of his lungs very seriously, and in spite of the best skill of physicians he gradually sank to his death. He faced the end with calm courage, surrounded by those who loved him.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. William Stevenson, of Clarinda, a former beloved pastor of the deceased. In honor of Mr Brandon's memory every business house in Jefferson closed for one hour during the funeral services, an evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by his business associates. The body laid in state yesterday forenoon, being viewed by many friends, and in spite of the storm of the afternoon hours, the attendance upon the funeral was very large. The floral offerings were especially numerous and beautiful. The interment was in the Jefferson cemetery.

George Nathaniel Brandon was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 7th day of August, 1854. He came of English parentage, Mr and Mrs William Brandon, natives of London. His parents were both members of the faculty of the Ann Arbor University, his father having been a professor of mathematics, and his mother teacher of languages. George was later educated at Ann Arbor. In early life he came to Rock Island, where he met and married Miss Estelle M Downes, a young lady whose father was for many years, Superintendent of the Government Arsenal there. To them two children were born, George F and Edith Mabelle, the latter now wife of Dr. J.K. Johnson.

Mr Brandon came to Jefferson in the spring of 1890, and in the year of 1892, purchased the in stock of Davis & Zimmerman. Previous to coming to Jefferson he had been a resident of Mitchellville, Perry and Coon Rapids, and at the latter place, filled the office of Mayor and City Clerk. The places came to him unsought, for, being of a quiet and retiring disposition, he much preferred that others should take the place of public life, although he was always interested in things political, and had strong views upon policies of the government. He was a membe rof the Masonic order, and also belonged to the Homesteaders lodge, of which he was local president three years, and was, at death, secretary of the local camp. He was converted in Methodist meetings during the pastorate of Rev. Stevenson, and died in the faith.

In his own home he will be greatly missed. Never lived one who had as much interest in the family circle as Mr Brandon. His day dream was the peaceful fireside, where wife and children were, and in whose company he delighted most of all to be. When the day's business was done, Mr Brandon was never found visiting about the street, but the nearest way home was his path, as soon as the store was locked.

We miss him as a kind neighbor and friend. His passing away recalls vividly to our minds how frail and uncertain is life. He filled, to the best of his ability, his life's calling, and his work is done. Deep sympathy is expressed for the family in this hour of their great affliction.

From: The Jefferson Bee, Wednesday, Oct 19, 1910