03/25/2026
Branaman, Christian (1820-1902)
Christian served in the Union Army as a corporal in Company A, 50th Regiment, Indiana, Infantry, the 50th Indiana Infantry Regiment was formed at Seymour, Indiana, and mustered in for service on September 12, 1861. (Marker in Old Section Row 2 Lot 30)
Obituary from Jackson County Banner, Brownstown, Indiana, Wed, Sep 3, 1902, Pg 3
Christian Branaman, one of Jackson County’s most highly respected pioneer citizens, died at the home of his son, W.T. Branaman, in Seymour, (with whom he had been making his home the past year) Friday, August 29, 1902, of heart trouble and declining health in general, aged 81 years, 9 months and 17 days. Mr. Branaman was one of the county’s most highly esteemed citizens, and the father of twelve children, all of whom have attained more or less prominence in local affairs, making the family one of the most prominent of the county. The following obituary was taken from the Seymour Democrat: Christian Branaman was born in Owen township, November 12, 1820, and his entire life was spent in that township with the exception of the last year of his life which was passed in this city. His early life was surrounded by all the hardship incident to the early days of the country. He was inured to hard work and frugal habits at an early age and these qualities remained with him throughout life. In December 1841, he was married to Mary Wells, sister of the late Dr. Wells, who died January 10, 1897. To this union thirteen
children were born, twelve of whom are living, all of whom stand high in their respective communities. The twelve children all attended the same term of school in Owen township. All being within the school age. This school was taught by a master named McMillan and the Branamans constituted a large portion of the students. Mr. Branaman during his long life resided at four different places in Owen township. After reaching manhood, he left the farm and went into the tannery business at Clear Spring which business he engaged in for 20 years. Afterward he re-engaged in farming, and continued until his retirement, about a year ago. The children are as follows; Mrs. Emaline Scott, Clear Spring; Martha Branaman, Seymour; W.T. Branaman, Seymour; L.F. Branaman, Brownstown; Jacob W. Branaman, Knox County, Ind.; Henrietta McCaslin, Stanberry, Mo.; Christian H. Branaman, who lives in the old homestead; A.C. Branaman, Seymour; Daniel H Branaman, Topeka, Kan.; Frances Branaman, Seymour, and Dr. Geo. M. Branaman, of Kansas City. Mr. Branaman never held any office except that of township trustee, although he was often urged to accept positions of public trust. He was a man of temperate habits, and his greatest object in life was to rear and educate his large family. He was a member of the Clear Spring Baptist church, having become a member in 1852. He spent fourteen months in the Civil war as a member of Company A, 50th Indiana regiment and was honorably discharged after being disabled while in camp at Bedford, Ind. He was in the battle of Munfordville, Kentucky. Mr. Branaman was a gentleman of the old school. He was a most interesting man, and he delighted to relate stories of the pioneer days, of which he had a great store. Withal he was a good man and will be greatly missed.
If you are a descendent of Mr. Branaman, I have some censes, military, marriage records & family group sheets for him, please send a pm here with your email, if you would like those sent to you.
