William Brannen Line

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THE WILLIAM BRANNEN LINE

William Brannen (1810-1897) was the son of Archibald Brannen (1777-1827) and Mary Atkinson (1876-??). William and Hannah had twelve children. William was part of the second generation of Brannens and his children were the third generation of Brannens in Canada.

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William Brannen (1807-1897)

William the son of Archibald Brannen Sr (1777-1827) and Mary Atkinson (1788-??) was born June 25 1807 in Barrington Township.

He married Hannah Duncan (1811-1862) daughter of David Duncan (1768-1813) and Mary Perry (1892-1866), in 1829. Some on-line family trees ascribe the middle name ‘Henry’ to him. I have found no record of his second name. It appears that the use of Henry as a second name is result of confusion with his youngest brother Henry, as several family trees attributed Henry’s date of death to William’s.

It is unknown where William and Hannah lived from the time of their marriage until they settled in South Side. The 1838 census only records him as living on Cape Sable Island. At that time the family was made up of three males and four females. His occupation was recorded as “fisherman”.

He purchased a large lot, number three in class one of the second division of the lands on Cape Sable Island, on September 12th 1838 from Edward Hopkins for fourteen pounds and built a home and barn there. His house is clearly marked as the one nearest Centreville on the A.F. Church 1870’s map of Cape Sable Island. William described his lot as being north of the creek. The lot included waterfront on Bakers Flats and a small island and a significant portion of “savanna”. It is described as, “Commencing at the northern line near the said Burnt Woods Creek composing the one third part of the entire lot from Bakers Flats to the back line”.

In January 1843, he was shown as a member of Asa McGray’s Centreville church. In March of that year he was baptized and became active in the congregation and was a delegate to quarterly meetings of the local churches.

He and Hannah had 11 children all surviving to maturity. Where the first three were born is unknown, however the children born after 1838 were most likely born at South Side. The 1861 census showed the household consisted of nine people, four males and five females. All were listed as being older than age 15. This is inconsistent with the facts. There were clearly four children under 15 in 1861.

Church records show that Hannah passed away in March 1862 leaving young children at home: Daughter Susan was 13, Horatio 12, and Samuel age nine.

The 1871 census listed William as a widower age 62, Susan Jane as age 22 and Samuel as age 17.

He remarried, March 14 1872, to Jemima Nickerson (1840-1917), daughter of Alexander Nickerson (1780-1867) and Abigail Nickerson (1786-1860). She was the widow of Prince William Nickerson (1836-1867). She had a young son William Edgar Nickerson (1867-1933) age five. William became his stepfather.

The 1881 census listed William as age 73, a carpenter, Jemima age 45, and his stepson William Nickerson age 14. William, Jemima and her son William Edgar Nickerson were shown as shareholders in the South Union Outfitting Company of Cape Island around 1885. This co-op operated a general/grocery store in the community of South Side NS.

On the 25th March 1890 William signed a sale agreement for his land and buildings to his stepson William Edgar Nickerson for $200. Although there was no provision for his continued residence, both he and Jemima continued to live on the property for the rest of their lives

The 1891 census listed him as an 84-year-old farmer. Jemima was age 56. Also living in the house was William Edgar age 24, his wife Waite Amelia (1870-1949) age 20 and their child Beatrice nine months old.

In April 2 1892 he sold to his daughter, Catherine Duncan, for one dollar, “a small island on the front of my land…being the largest wooded island joining my pasture” This appears to refer to an island in Baker’s Flats.

His ability to sell a portion of his property after entering into an agreement for sale with William Edgar is perhaps a result of not registering the agreement.

Jemima gave a quit claim of her interest in the property to Edgar Nickerson on the 13th February 1897. This was likely to extinguish her dower rights in the property.

William died sometime before 1897 and is buried in an unmarked grave likely in the Centreville church cemetery. There appears to be no record of his death.

All except one of the children settled in the area. Horatio was lost at sea at age 20 and Samuel became a master mariner and moved to San Francisco CA

On March 10 1900 his son Jeremiah and wife Eliza quit claimed their interest in William’s estate except for the shares in the South Union Outfitting Company for $5.00.

THE THIRD GENERATION

THE CHILDREN OF WILLIAM BRANNEN (1807-1897

William had eleven children. All lived to maturity.

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Diana L. Brannen (1832-1869)

Diana was oldest child of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862). She was born about 1832 on Cape Sable Island.

January 28, 1843, Diana Brannen was listed as a member of the Centreville church.

In 1853 she married Eleazer Paul Crowell (1826-1910) on Cape Sable Island. He was the son of Eleazer Crowell Sr. (1786-??) and Sarah Swim (1789-1899) They appear to have had five children together.

She died February 10, 1869, and is believed to be buried in the Old Town Cemetery in Swim's Point with Eleazer. Diana died young at age 37 leaving three young children, Adelia aged three, Florence age six, Jeremiah age seven. Older children, Lydia Ellen age 14, and Wilson (sometimes shown as John A.) were also still at home.

Her husband Eleazer married again to Lydia Jane Penney (1850-1915) on May 1, 1870.

The 1871 census found Eleazer married to Lydia Jane Penney. Diana’s children Wilson, Lydia Ellen, Jeremiah, and Adelia were living with their father and their stepmother.

Florence was raised by a Forbes family and took their last name. Diana’s youngest child Adelia later resided with her aunt Lydia Ann Brannen (1843-1888) (Diana’s sister) and Elijah Nickerson.

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Jeremiah Bruce Brannen (1833-1904)

Jerry was the oldest son of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862). His birth date is confirmed by the 1901 census as November 18 1833. His birth is also recorded the Barrington Township records.

He married Hannah Nickerson (1839-1862), in 1860. She was the daughter of Judah Nickerson (1801-1895) and Elizabeth Smith (1809-1887). Hannah was a sister to Jeremiah’s sister, Rebecca’s husband. Hannah died March 26 1862 and is buried in the Old Town Cemetery. Jerry erected a stone memorial to her that reads:

BRANNEN

Erected by J. B. Brannen in memory of Hannah his beloved wife who died March 26, 1862, aged 23 years.

They had only been married about two years when she died. They had no children.

He married Mary Elizabeth McGray (1843-1933) November 9, 1863. She was the daughter of John Colby McGray (1810-1887) and Elizabeth Smith (1812-1904). He was described on the marriage certificate as a widower. Rev. E. G. Eaton presided as a Baptist minister on Cape Sable Island. One witness was Jerry’s new father-in-law John Colby McGray. Eliza came from a family that produced ministers, ship’s captains, merchants, and politicians. She was an energic woman and greatly contributed to his business success.

March 21, 1865, there is a record of his purchase of land in Clark's Harbour from Judah Nickerson. Judah Nickerson and his wife Elizabeth were the parents of Hannah, his first wife. He paid $225.40 for a large lot including 676 feet of shore frontage and running all the way east to the main road. This would currently be the south side of Bruce Street including the frontage on Main Street Highway #330 and included what is now the F. A. Brannen Memorial ballpark. This purchase excluded an adjacent piece of swamp 12.5 rods by 21 rods lying on the shore which he later acquired for $140. In the purchase document he was described as a fisherman.

McAlpine's Nova Scotia directory 1868-9 shows him on page 544 as living on Cape Sable Island as being a fisherman. The 1871 Canadian census shows him as age 37, a fisherman, a Free Baptist and married to Mary E. who was age 27. There were four children shown to be living with them at that time, John aged five, William T. age three, Francis age two, and Susan J. five months old.

Lovell’s Province of Nova Scotia Directory for 1871 shows Jeremiah Brannen listed on Cape Sable Island as a blacksmith on page 1563. The book CAPE SABLE: Not Just an Island by Sonia M. Wickens attributes Jeremiah as having the first blacksmith shop in Clark's Harbour. The Brannen Blacksmith Shops continued to serve Cape Island until 1940 through the secession of his son John and grandson Ira.

February 22, 1872, Jeremiah was one of the “trustees in and for school district number twenty -one” who purchased a school site. The property was the old Temperance Hall on Main Street. This suggests he was becoming actively involved in town affairs.

The 1881 Census shows him as age 47 a blacksmith and a Free Baptist married to Mary E. age 37. There were eight children living at home, John aged 15 is listed as a blacksmith, William T. age 13, Francis age 12, Susan J. age ten, Mary age eight, Cassie age five, George age two, and Minnie one year old.

The 1891 Census shows him as age 58, a master mariner and a Free Will Baptist. Their oldest son John had married and left home. Eight children remained at home and perhaps a lodger Albert Brannen aged 28. Albert was shown as a fisherman living with them (His last name may have been a recording error).

January 10, 1895, for $775.00 he purchased a house, barns and land in Centreville in part 7 of the second division. The house was located near the east end of Centreville bridge. It was built around 1860. The house and barns no longer exist.

By the later 1890’s he had established a number of businesses in Clark’s Harbour. In addition to his successful blacksmith shop he had a lumber and coal business, a wharf of sufficient depth and length to accommodate coastal steamers, and a schooner to service his lumber and coal business and commercial trade. He also harvested hay from his low laying land. His three sons were involved in the Brannen commercial interests. John operated the blacksmith shop, Francis was master of the schooner and Willy operated a variety store and a photography and framing business. The move to Centreville and his sons involvement suggests he was retiring from at least some of his business interests after 1895.

April 26, 1899, Jeremiah and wife sold their Clark's Harbour property to their sons, Francis Annis and William M. The sale was an undivided half interest to each, to Francis Brannen for $600. and to William M. Brannen for $550. The sale excepts the lot and house occupied by John H. Brannen which measured approximately 150 by 170 feet. The property being sold included the main dwelling house, William’s house/photo studio, about 650 feet of water frontage, wharf, schooner, coal shed and stable. Also included was an operating lumber and coal business.

The 1901 Census showed him as age 67, born 18 November 1833 and described as a farmer. He still had three children living at home, Cassie Belle aged 23, George age 20, and Eleanor age 18.

February 6, 1904, Jeremiah died of Bright's disease and was buried in the Centreville Cemetery. After he passed away, she continued to operate the farm in Centreville for a number of years.

On August 21, 1906, the heirs of Jeremiah conveyed to Clissie Brannen the 116 feet of frontage of land and the house occupied by John and Clissie on what was at that time known as Brannen Road now Bruce Street in Clark’s Harbour for $1.00.

July 12, 1920, Mary E. Brannen widow of Jeremiah B. Brannen sold the Centreville property to William M. Nickerson for $1,000. Jeremiah’s heirs all had quit claimed their interest to the property in 1918.

Eliza died September 20, 1933, at age 90. She is buried with her husband in Centreville.

STORY:

Jerry Brannen lived at Clarks Harbour and married Hanna Nickerson. She only lived one year and they had no family. Later he married Mary Eliza McGray of Centreville. He owned a vessel and had a coal and lumber business getting his coal from Cape Breton and lumber from Bridgewater. He also had a blacksmith business and worked in there mostly in the winter time. In the late 1890's he retired and moved to Centreville and went into farming had several cattle, a horse and buggy and planted large gardens with apple and plum trees and even grew some grapes. He remodeled the small barn and had a nice big barn with large windows in it. He had a raking and mowing machine and all kinds of tools. He had a place for everything and everything had a place. The barn was so clean. When he left Clarks Harbour his son John took over the blacksmith shop and worked there until 1923.

Ira's grandmother Mary Eliza was one great woman. When she lived at Clark’s Harbour she had a family of 9 children but kept boarders, helped her husband plank or put plank on his vessel also helped caulk it, made mats and quilts and all sorts of work. After her husband died, she run the farm. Had her place as clean as usual each morning she brushed the cows and washed the floor down took the manure out with her wheelbarrow and one time built a hen house. She was a nice housekeeper and a surpurb cook. Lived to be 90 years old.

Lottie (Penney) Brannen, granddaughter in law, 1984

STORY;

An excerpt from Sea Captains in the Barrington Township by Trudy D. Atkinson 1998:

 Jeremiah B. Brannen (1833-1904) son of William and Hanna (Duncan) Brannen who married (1) Hanna Nickerson (1839-1862) a daughter of Judea and Elizabeth (Smith) Nickerson and married (2) Mary Elizabeth McGray (1843-1933) daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (or Mary Eliza) (Smith) McGray. Jeremiah Brannen lived in Clark's Harbour and was a sea captain as well as a shipwright and a blacksmith. He was involved in offshore sailing, and the coal and lumber business trades in Clark's Harbour where he built a large wharf. He owned many schooners which he captained for transporting his stock in trade. He also lived in Centreville.

STORY:

An excerpt from The Islands Look Back published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society in 1981 edited by Margaret Messenger

Brannen’s Blacksmith Shop

by Dorothy O’Connell

This smitty's workshop was far removed from the shading chestnut tree; rather, his shop stood on a hill overlooking the bleak Atlantic at Clark's Harbour, Cape Sable Island.

Jeremiah Brannen started his blacksmith shop around 1865 close to the spot where Etheron Nickerson's house now stands. Later he moved it to the head of the lane, on the opposite side of the road, in order to be near the main highway. He had plenty of work and was always busy. In fact he was so busy that in order get everything done he often had to keep his young son, John, out of school to help with the shoeing of oxen and horses, as well as other work that was ahead of him.

When Mr. Brannen became older and unable to carry on his trade, John took over his father's business..........

STORY:

 An excerpt from An Island Town published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1984 author Margaret Messenger

 Around California Hill

....................It was probably many years after the first wharf was built that Jeremiah Brannen constructed a large wharf to accommodate his coal and lumber business. He owned his own schooner which was used mainly for transporting the materials he sold. Jeremiah also had a blacksmith shop. Originally, this was located near the shore, ........Jeremiah owned the property that had belonged to Levi Nickerson, and he built a new house on top of the hill. Part of Levi's old house was moved to form an addition at the back of it, thus adding a summer kitchen and what used to be called a back pantry.

STORY:

The following excerpts are taken from Our Island Reminisces, published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1986, author Margaret E Messenger, The Wreck of the Cherokee, pages 46-50 

 ...........Elizabeth Brannen was hanging clothes when she saw something on the water that looked like a bit of wreckage. As she watched, it looked as if a white object was being raised aloft for a few seconds, then lowered. Running to the house for a spy glass, she saw that there was indeed, trouble in the bay. She alerted a man who ran quickly to the wharves with the cry of "wreck!"- a cry that was not unfamiliar in a community so near treacherous currents and ledges of Cape Sable.

Those on shore were able to see that there were people on what was left of the brigantine, and they hastily prepared to go to their rescue. The wind moderated a bit but was still freezingly cold, and the water in the harbour was white and choppy.

Elizabeth watched her husband and neighbours set out and also saw them turn back long before they were near the wreck. While she wondered what had gone wrong with the rescue attempt, she saw them start out again. The men had lost sight of the wreck and had to come back to get its location from another point. It was a time of great concern -worry about those on the piece of wreckage and worry about those who were attempting the rescue.

Elizabeth’s husband Jeremiah Brannen was in charge of the rescue boat, one that had to be rowed through the heavy seas. On shore there was also work for Elizabeth to do. She knew that Jeremiah would bring some of the rescued to the house, and dry clothes, warm beds, and clam broth would be needed........

 At sea, Jeremiah and his crew were faced with extremely difficult problems. The people on the wreck were in critical condition, some too weak to speak a word, and no one capable of catching a rope. Gradually, the rescuers worked in close to the wreck, a dangerous procedure in the heavy seas. Two women and a child were brought aboard first, then the rest of the passengers and crew......

Four of the passengers were taken to California Hill (opposite the present ball park) ((Note: this was the Brannen residence)) where emergency beds had been set up in the living room......one of the crew was also brought there - the mate Mr. Francis Annis.....

While burial arrangements were being made for the five who had died, the mate Francis Annis, was sleeping in another room at Jeremiah Brannen's house and being cared for by Elizabeth. Since there was no doctor on the island, she did the best she could, applying dressing, providing proper nourishment, and insisting that he rest. Eventually he recovered and by the time he was ready to leave, the Brannen's had become very fond of him. One of their sons, who later became a well-known sea captain, was named for him.

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Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911)

Eleanor was born on Cape Sable Island January 13, 1836. She was the third child of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862). She married George Washington Smith (1826-1909) the son of Solomon Smith and Lucretia J. Nickerson in 1854 on Cape Sable Island. They had eight children

In the 1881 census she was shown as Ellen age 45. There were four children at home Davis, Junetta, George Jr., and Austin. The 1891 census shows her age as 56, living in Woods Harbour married to G. W. Smith Sr. Two sons were living at home Austin age 18, an unmarried fisherman, and George Jr. age 23, married to Lizzie with a daughter Luna (Alda), age one. Also living in the household was Davis Brannen (1877-1922) shown as age 11. He was likely Eleanor’s nephew, the son of her brother William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) who had died two years earlier.

In the 1901 census she was shown as age 65. He was age 74. Living with them was George Jr., a granddaughter Alda age 11 born 19 February 1890, and a grandson Davis M. born 15 Oct 1892. The 1911 census found her living with her son Austin and his family in Woods Harbour, she was 75 years old.

George died July 21, 1909. Eleanor died July 8, 1911, in Woods Harbour and is buried there with George.

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Rebecca M. Brannen (1840-1927)

Rebecca was born February 18, 1840, at South Side NS. She was the daughter of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).

She married Joshua Nickerson (1839-1902), a fisherman, around 1859 on Cape Sable Island. He was the son of Judah Nickerson (1801-1895) and Elizabeth Smith (1809-1887). He was also the brother of Rebecca’s brother Jeremiah’s first wife Hannah. Rebecca and Joshua had three children.

The 1871 census shows them with three children at home, Austin age nine, Smith aged six, and Lucie age one. In 1881 they again appear in the census. Rebecca was age 42, the three children were still at home Austin F. age 19, Smith F. age 15 and Lucinda age 11. In 1891 Hartley Cooper. Nickerson (1887-1961) age five was shown living in their household. He was the son of Martin Nickerson (1860-??) and Sarah A. Nickerson. He was born February 17, 1887, in Barrington Township NS. It appears he was raised by Rebecca and Joshua.

The 1901 census shows Joshua as a fisherman living in Clark's Harbour. His birthdate is shown as February 19, 1839. Rebecca M. was age 61. There were no children at home.

Joshua died December 9, 1902, in Clark’s Harbour NS.

The 1911 census shows her as a widow living with her son Smith Nickerson in Arcadia NS. The 1921 census shows her age 83 living in Arcadia with her son Smith aged 55, his wife May, age 54, and their daughter Pearl age 32. Rebecca was a widow.

Rebecca died May 10, 1927, in Yarmouth NS.

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William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889)

William Thomas was born at South Side NS November 18, 1840. He was the son of of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).

He married Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913) about 1862 in Woods Harbour. Virginia was the daughter of Amasa Nickerson (1816-1890) and Sarah Nickerson (1821-??). Virginia was the sister of WT’s sister Lydia’s husband. WT and Virginia had 13 children.

October 20, 1864, there was a grant of land, (100 acres) to W. T. Brannen and others in Woods Harbour. The consideration was $54.00. He was the first of William Brannen’s children to settle in Woods Harbour.

He acquired Goodwin’s Island, described as having 43.24 acres. It is located 2 miles off Woods Harbour NS. He appears to have constructed a home and buildings and operated his fishing operation from there. The 1881 census found him on Goodwin’s Island with 10 children at home.

He died of a heart attack in 1889 on his island. His son Horatio, who was sixteen at the time rowed to the mainland to get a doctor, but his father was dead by the time he could return with help.

He left a family of eleven children at home. WT is buried in the Centreville cemetery; his grave is marked with a prominent stone.

The 1891 census showed Virginia as a widow with a family of eleven children at home.

The estate of William T. Brannen was listed as a shareholder of six shares in the Eureka Outfitting Company of Woods Harbour as of July1st 1900.

Virginia out lived her husband by 24 years. She died June 19, 1913, at 12 Cutter Street Somerville MA and is buried with him in Centreville.

STORY:

An excerpt from Ester Brannen memories 1983:

William died suddenly on November 10 1890.It is not known when William and Virginia moved to Goodwin’s Island where William   operated a lobster cannery, but ist is believed that most of the family of thirteen were born at Wood;s Harbour . Goodwins’ Island had been granted July 13, 1879, to Samuel Nickerson, who was William’s uncle. He sold the island to William, and after his death, his widow, Virginia, sold it to her son, Ezra . Esra sold shares to three of his brothers, David, Lawless and Horatio. In 1979, their heirs sold the island for to Douglas Construction for $10,000.

Grandmother Brannen suffered a fatal heart attack (in Massachusetts), She was brought back to Centreville and buried from our home. Her sons in accordance with her wishes, had Grandfather Brannen’s body brought down from Woods Harbour and buried beside her (in the Centreville Cemetery).

STORY:

The following is an abridgement of a letter written in 2000 to Connie Sargent by Thelma Salmas a great-grand-daughter:

William Thomas Brannen married Virginia Nickerson. William Thomas was my great great-grandfather. He was a cooper and lived in the Woods Harbor area and rumor has it he was a drinker.

Virginia Nickerson’s Father was Amasah Nickerson. William Thomas and Virginia had 13 children

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Lydia Ann Brannen (1843-1888)

Lydia was born in South Side NS on March 18, 1843. She was the daughter of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).

She is shown in Centreville church records as having been baptized by Rev. Brown in either 1856 or 7.

She married Elijah Nickerson (1842-1928) April 18, 1866. He was a master mariner, the son of Amasa Nickerson and Sarah Nickerson. He was a brother to Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913), the wife of Lydia’s brother William Thomas (1840-1889). Lydia and Elijah appear to have had only one child, Elijah Nickerson Jr. (1870-1870). The child died in infancy.

Lydia appears in the 1881 census as being 36 years old and married to Elijah a ship’s captain. They were living in Woods Harbour. Adelia Crowell (1866-??) At age 16 was living with them and going to school. Adelia was her niece, the daughter of Lydia’s sister Diana who died when Adelia was less than five years of age. Adelia married Joseph A. Swaine (1862-1887) on March 7, 1883.

Lydia Ann died at age 45 on October 31, 1888 and is buried in Woods Harbour. Elijah outlived Lydia by many years. He died in 1928.

END

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Catherine Brannen (1845-1915)

Catherine was born at South Side NS December 26, 1845. She was the daughter of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862

She is shown in Centreville church records as having been baptized by Rev. Brown in either 1856 or 7.

She married David Duncan (1837-1920) son of Samuel Duncan (1800-1860) and Grizelda Crowell (1808-1883) June 17, 1865, on Cape Sable Island. They settled in West Head and had four children

The 1871 census shows her as age 26 with three children at home, Ella age four, Thomas age three and James age two years.

Catherine appears in the list of shareholders in the South Union Cooperative Company. She held one share which cost $10. The purpose of the company was a general dry goods and grocery business serving South Side NS.

They appear in the 1881 census living on Cape Sable Island. He was a fisherman. There were four children at home. The 1891 census shows David as a fisherman with four children living at home. Estella age 24, Thomas age 23, James’s age 22 and Andrew age 17. The boys were all listed as fishermen.

April 2, 1892, she purchased from her father “a piece or parcel of land laying on the South Side of Cape Island......it being a small island on the point of my land, the southern boundary of which is the creek and being lot number 3 in class number 1, being the largest wooded island joining my pasture".

Catherine Brannen Duncan appears in the 1901 census as age 56 married to David a fisherman. No children were at home. In the 1911 census there is a grandson Samuel Duncan age 9 living with them.

She died October 31, 1915, and is buried in the Evergreen cemetery Lower Clark's Harbour. Her husband outlived her by five years. He died January 30, 1920.

STORY:

Found in undated notes made by Annis Brannen-Corbett RN, Catherine’s grandniece:

Aunt Katherine Brannen, Mrs. David Duncan lived in a house directly behind the old Baptist Church in Clark's Harbour. She brought water lilies from Boston and New York, sewn into the hem of her petticoats. Known as the waterlily lady of Cape Island. She planted them in ponds and ditches of the 'savannah'. She also made wax flowers for memorial wreathes. The practice of the time was to remove the brass identification plates from caskets and then mount them in wreaths and display them in parlors. She was a great church worker at both church and Sunday school.

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Lavina Brannen (1848-1921)

Lavinia was born January 6, 1848, at South Side. She was the eighth child of William Brannen (1807-1897 and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).

Lavinia was married twice. She married her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879) March 7, 1867. He was the son of Josiah Sears and Lorena Nickerson. He was lost at sea in the Village Belle in 1879. They had five children that survived. At the time Jeffery died the children were all under 12, Cora Belle age 11, William H. age eight, Eugenia age five, Susan age four and Gertrude age two years.

Her second marriage was to William Addison Sears (1863-1931). They married in Barrington Township February 25 1885. He was a fisherman, the son of Reuben Sears and Joanne Kelly. They had two children of their own, Nina Ray Sears (1886-1976) and Chesley Mackenzie Sears (1888-1910).

She appears in the 1891 census as age 42 living in Woods Harbour with three children at home; Nina A. age four, Chesley age two, and Gertie Sears age 13. Gertie was Lavinia's daughter from her first marriage.

In the 1901 census there were only two children, Nina and Chesley, still at home plus a domestic servant George Connell age 16 who was also living with them. Lavinia appeared in the 1911 census as age 63 living with Addison age 48. There were no others in the household.

She died in Woods Harbour January 17, 1921. William died ten years later, July 13, 1931, also in Woods Harbour.

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Susan Jane Brannen (1849-1929)

Susan was born in South Side NS April 4, 1849. She was the daughter of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862). She married Ezra Matthew Jeffery (1845-1903) on April 7, 1878, in Woods Harbour. He was the son of Matthew Jeffery (1817-1846) and Jane Goodwin (1817-1897). Susan was about age 29 when she married. He appears to have had two surviving children with his first wife Lala Nickerson (1848-1877), Elijah and Davis. Susan raised the children as their stepmother.

The 1881 census shows three children, Elijah E. age 11, Davis D. age seven and her child Otis W. age one year. The 1891 census shows her living in Woods Harbour age 42 married to Ezra M. Jeffery age 45 a fisherman. There was a son Elijah age 21 a fisherman living with them. There is no mention of Davis who was 18 or Otis Wardlow age 11.

On July 1st 1900 she was shown as owning one and two thirds shares in The Eureka Outfitting Company., a community co-op.

The 1901 census confirms her birthdate as 1851. At home were, Wardlow age 21 a fisherman, Roy age 19 a fisherman, Etta age 18 and Alice M. age 14

Ezra died in Woods Harbour on April 7, 1903, and she married for the second time in 1908 to Mark Atwood (1846-1932) of The Hawk NS. She was age 59; he was age 62.

The 1911 census shows her as age 62 living at The Hawk, born April 1849, married to Mark Atwood age 65. He was born in April 1846. Mark was a fisherman. There was a son Samuel Atwood age 30, born August 1880, a fisherman, living with them. He was her stepson from Mark's first marriage Susan and Mark had no children together.

In the 1921 census Mark was listed as a fisherman/farmer aged 75, Susan was age 72. They lived at The Hawk NS.

She died December 16, 1929, of carcinoma of the stomach and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Woods Harbour 18 December 1929. Mark died March 13, 1932.

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Horatio Harris Brannen (C1850-1871)

Horatio was born about 1850 in South Side. He was the tenth child of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).  

He was age 21 when he was lost at sea. It appears he had never married.

His death is recorded in the Marblehead, MA records as September 19, 1870, “Drown at sea”.

The Lost Mariners of Shelburne County V2 1991 shows him as being lost from the Topaz on the Sambro Ledges March 1871.

END

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Samuel D. Brannen (1853-After 1911)

Samuel was born at South Side NS June 3, 1853. He was the youngest child of William Brannen (1807-1897) and Hannah Duncan (1811-1862).

Samuel’s life contains two mysteries; his marriage to “Mina” Lawrie and where, and when he died.

The 1871 census shows Samuel Brannen age 17 living at home in South Side with his father William and sister Susan J., age 22. He was shown as a fisherman.

There is a Gloucester MA marriage record December 5, 1873, showing Samuel D. Brannen, a Gloucester fisherman, age 20, son of William Brannen and Hannah Duncan of Nova Scotia, marrying Mina Lawrie (1856-1911). She was age 18, the daughter of James Lawrie and Alice Wilkinson of Nova Scotia. It was the first marriage for both, and both were residents of Gloucester. Rev Whittaker, Methodist, presiding.

There is a story in her family about Margaret Caroline Lowrie which briefly tells her life story, but it contains no, mention of Samuel, however Mina Lawrie and Margaret Caroline Lowrie are clearly the same person.

There is a record of Saml. D. Brannen of Gloucester becoming a naturalized US citizen March 28, 1876. His birthdate is given as June 3, 1853, born in Nova Scotia. Card #B655. USCC in Boston MA.

Margaret Messenger’s family tree showed Samuel with a wife named Sadie Jordan and two children Horatio, unmarried, and William, killed in the Spanish American War. She shows no details, and I have found no public records of these, either wife or children.

The San Francisco City Directory of 1890 and 1891 page 232 lists a S. D. Brannan as master of the bark Aureola with an at office 48 Market St, San Francisco, CA. There is also a Report of Chief Police of San Francisco that names the vessels that shipped non-union crews and were given police protection while anchored in the stream: 1899 April 14 and May 19 the bark Aureola.

The Great Register of Contra Costa County CA in 1894 lists Samuel D(illegible) Brannon age 38, 5 feet 8 inches in height, light complexion, blue eyes, light colour hair residing in Crockett, CA, occupation master mariner. He gave his country of nativity as “Mass.” The date of registration was August 24, 1894.

There is a passenger and crew list for the S.S. Willscott sailing from Hong Kong September 22, 1902, and arriving in Honolulu Hawaii December 27, 1902. S.D. Brannen age 48, married, is listed as mate. He listed his country as “Mass”. and his last residence as New York. He was listed as being in good health and never having been in prison.

1903 City Directory for San Francisco shows Samuel D. Brannan living at 132 6th Street SF. He was listed as a master mariner. 1904 he is listed at 23 1/2 6th Street.1905 he is listed at 233 6th Street (these could be errors in transcription and may be the same address as above)

There is a San Francisco city directory entry for Mrs. Sadie Brannan R 1250 Golden Gate Av. Several family trees have shown Samuel married to a Sadie but no confirmation of this marriage or relationship has been discovered.

1908 he was listed at 2053 Sutter Street and in 1911 he was again shown at 23 6th Street.

All the city directory listings show him as Brannan which seemed to be a San Francisco spelling as no Brannen, Brannon and few Brennens were found in the directories.

The date and location of his death are unknown.

STORY:

Margaret Caroline Lowrey aka Lowrie, Laurie, was born in Pt Hawksbury Nova Scotia approx 1856. to James and Alice (Wilkinson) Lowrey. At a very young age, 18, she came to Gloucester MA as a maid and lived at 7 Middle St in a house belonging to Eliza Steele. Shortly thereafter she gave birth to Charles Steele (Jr), in 1873, illegitimately. Charles C Steele was listed as a hackdriver on the birth certificate, but there was never a record of a marriage between a Charles Steele and Caroline Lowrey. Carrie later married John Clark and lived at 8 Beacon St. They had hard times and had to burn furniture for enough heat in the early years. She had several children by Mr Clark. Charles had a difficult time living with his new family so Caroline sent him back to Pt Hawksbury to be raised by a family member. Her mother and father came to Gloucester and lived at 27 Addison St .Her sisters Temperence E. married Alfred McPherson, and Irene, married Basil W Boesh who had a daughter Olga that died at age 14. -Believe Irene was "Aunt Suse" Caroline went on to raise and educate a fine family, all, including Charles, very successfully. She seemed to have close relations with her son Charles’s family as many Sunday dinners were visited at the Clarks by Grandfather Steele and crew. She gave birth to several Clark children. The children seemed to have been educated well as to later vocations, attorneys etc. so I have to think that Carrie (or Maggy) and John H. worked very hard to support them all- She died in January 7, 1911.

STORY:

Samuel Brannen (1854-??) son of William and Hanna (Duncan) Brannen, who married Sadie Jordan. He lived on the West Coast of Canada where he sailed as master mariner to Alaska and Mexico.

Sea Captains in the Barrington Township by Trudy Atkinson 1998

END

THE FOURTH GENERATION

THE CHILDREN OF DIANA L. BRANNEN (1832-1869)

Diana Brannen and Eleazer Crowell had five children; they are the fourth generation of Brannens.

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John Wilson Crowell (1853-??)

Wilson (John?) was the oldest child of Eleazer Crowell (1826-1910) and Diana Brannen (1832-1869). In some places he is shown as John A. and in others as Wilson. It appears they are one the same. He was born on Cape Sable Island October 1, 1853.

His mother died February 10 1869 when he was age16. His father remarried in May1870.

In the 1871 census he was shown as Wilson age 17 living at home with his father and stepmother Lydia Jane Penney (1850-1915). Also, with them were his three siblings and a half brother aged two months.

He appeared as John A. in the 1881 census, age 27, single, a fisherman, living with his father, and stepmother in Clark’s Harbour.

He appeared as Wilson Crowell in the 1891 census as age 33, a lodger living with his father and stepmother, Lydia Jane, in Clark’s Harbour. It appears he was a farmer. This is the last known public record of him. It is possible he married and moved to the Boston MA area.

END

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Lydia Ellen Crowell (1855-??)

Nellie was oldest daughter of Eleazer Crowell (1826-1910) and Diana Brannen (1832-1869) she was born on Cape Sable Island June 1855. She was fourteen years old when her mother died on February 10, 1869.

She married Albion Cran Gould (1847-1930) January 9, 1873, on Cape Sable Island. He was shown as “Dr.” which does not appear to have been a medical accreditation. He was born in Bridgton ME to Asa and Jane Gould. Nellie and Albion had four children George A. (1874-1935) born on Cape Sable Island, Percy L. (1882-1920) born in Charlestown MA, Florence M. (1884-1943) also born in Charlestown, and Edward Gould (1894-??). She appears to have divorced Albion.

Nellie and Charles Crowell Nickerson (1859-1936) appeared together in the 1910 US census. She was shown as age 41 and he age 51. Living with them were three of his children. This was her second marriage. He was a widower, the son of Amasa Nickerson (1816-1890) and Sarah Nickerson (1820-1897).

In the 1920 US census Nellie as shown as age 62 and Charles age 61. Living with them was Edward Gould age 36. He was Nellie’s youngest child.

Her first husband Albion died in Carthage Missouri December 20, 1930. At the time of his death, he was a widower and a merchant aged 83.

Charles appears to have died in Nova Scotia in 1936.

She married for the third time to Joseph Garland (1860-??). He was from New Brunswick.

END

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Jeremiah Crowell (1862-1924)

Jeremiah was a child of Eleazer Crowell (1826-1910) and Diana Brannen (1832-1869). He was born on Cape Sable Island September 6, 1862. He was only six years old when his mother died on February 10, 1869.

He appeared in the 1871 census as age eight living with his father, stepmother Lydia Jane Penney (1850-1915), brother John Wilson, and four half siblings.

He was listed in the 1881 census as being age 19. He was living with his father and stepmother in Clark’s Harbour. His employment was not given.

About 1890 he married Emma Ida Swim (1866-1942) on Cape Sable Island. She was the daughter of George Henry Swim (1842-??) and Abigail Nickerson. They had three children Beatrice Hamilton (1891-1975), Hibert Wellington (1893-1960) and Warren Lester (1897-1968).

Jeremiah was “lost at sea” August 25, 1924, from the schooner Proctor Brothers. Emma lived on until September 8, 1942. She is buried in Clark’s Harbour NS.

STORY:

He was a resident of Clark`s Harbour. He was lost at sea at the age of 59 when he was fishing from a Gloucester schooner Proctor Brothers. His dory capsized while he was checking trawl.

Lost Mariners of Shelburne County V2

END

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Florence Sophronia Crowell (1863-1957)

Flossie was the daughter of Eleazer Crowell (1826-1910) and Diana Brannen (1832-1869) she was born on Cape Sable Island about November 30, 1863. She was only about six years old when her mother died in February 10 1869.

She does not appear in the 1871 census with her father and her siblings. It appears she went to live with another family. It is likely a family named Forbes as she seems to have taken the name Forbes before her marriage.

About 1895 she married Clifford Doane Crowell (1874-1948). He was the son of Moses Crowell. They had three children Maggie born in 1895, Iona born in 1896, and Desmond born in 1898.

Clifford died November 16, 1948, in Woods Harbour NS and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery there. Flossie died May 13, 1957, in Woods Harbour and is buried with Clifford.

END

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Adelia Lewis Crowell (1864-??)

Adelia was the daughter of Eleazer Crowell (1826-1910) and Diana Brannen (1832-1869) she was born on Cape Sable Island September 26, 1864. She was only about three years old when her mother died February 10, 1869.

In the 1871 census she was recorded as age five. She was living with her father and her stepmother Lydia Jane Penney (1850-1915). She appears in the 1881 census living with Elijah Nickerson and her aunt Lydia Ann. Brannen (1843-1888) in Lower Woods Harbour. She was age 16 and recorded as Adelia Crowell. She was still in school.

March 7, 1883, she was married to Joseph H. Swain (1862-1889) by Rev. Gower and witnessed by Jessie Hopkins and Eliza A. Hopkins. His parents were William Braddock Swain and Ruth Hannah Hopkins.

Joseph died January 11, 1889, on Cape Sable Island at age 27. His father William Swain died in the same year.

I have found no evidence of her life after the death of Joseph, and I do not know if they had children or if she remarried. She had a difficult time losing her mother at age three and her husband at age 25.

END

THE CHILDREN OF JEREMIAH BRUCE BRANNEN (1833-1926)

Jeremiah and Eliza had nine children. Their children are the fourth generation of Brannens.

John Howard Brannen (1865-1926)

John was the oldest son of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1926) and Mary Elizabeth McGray (1843-1933). The birth registration for John can be found in Registration year 1865 Book 1821-page 7 number 70. His last name is shown as Brennen. The original document Births Registered in the County of Shelburne 1865-66 shows Jeremiah, his father, listed as a fisherman residing on Cape Sable Island. His mother Elizabeth McGray. The day of his birth is the 3rd. The month was December. The year of his birth was 1865. The date of registration appears to be April 10, 1866; however, the column titles and the listed information doesn't always conform. The accepted date of his birth has always been November 15 1865 and that is how his headstone is inscribed.

John appears in the 1871 Canadian census as age five. Ten years later in the 1881 census he was shown as being age 15 and a blacksmith living with his parents in Clark's Harbour. John worked for his father in his blacksmith shop from the time he was a child. According to his son Ira he could neither read nor write.

Dec 26, 1889, he married Clissie Ann Newell (1872-1962) the daughter of Eldridge Wood Newell (1848-1938) and Viola Kenney (1852-1907). Their parents’ homes were in sight of each other in Clark’s Harbour.

In the 1891 Census he was listed as 26 years old, a blacksmith, a Free Baptist married to Clissie age 18 and living separately from his parents in Clark's Harbour. There were no children in the household.

AN ISLAND TOWN written by Margaret E. Messenger in 1984 on page 42, refers to the house John and Clissie occupied in Clark's Harbour. "Although John eventually bought a home in Centreville and started a blacksmith shop there, he continued to work part time at Clark's Harbour. He had previously built a house on what is now Bruce Street................" When Archibald sold his holdings, which surrounded John’s house. It was described as: ".......other land of said Jeremiah B. Brannen occupied by John H. Brannen....". There are photos of the property which was located about 150 feet from Main Street on the south side of the lane. This property was part of a larger parcel owned by Jeremiah, his father, that ran from Main Street to the water. The house has been gone for a number of years. It was an attractive house with a mansard roof and a number of bay windows. It was described as second empire mansard roof with steeply curved lower slope with dormer windows. The front fence was unique in being decorative iron, a function of his blacksmith trade. Charles Atkinson of Newellton built several houses like it on the island (including his own) and he may have been the builder. It is believed that all of the children except Laura were born while they lived in this house which suggests it was constructed prior to 1892. In the 1980's, Ira, John's son who was born in that house retrieved piece of the iron from the fence as a souvenir, the house had been torn down by then.

On October 2 1897 John and Clissie sold a piece of property on School Street in Clarks Harbour for $650. to Sanford Kenney. The source of this property is unknown, perhaps a gift from his father.

On page 282 of Mc Alpine's Maritime and Newfoundland Gazetteer John's advertisement:

J. H. BRANNEN

General Blacksmith

Hardware and Wood Turning

Having just fitted up with new and improved Machinery, I am pre-

pared to execute, with dispatch, all orders in above lines

Special Features: Sawing and Fancy Turning,

Stovepipes, Vessels’ Blocks made and Ironed, Wheel-

barrows made and ironed, Tacklers, Boat Anchors of all sizes

and lots of useful articles, manufactured and in stock.

CLARK’S HARBOUR

On the 21 of August 1906 the heirs of Jeremiah sold to Clissie the 116 feet of frontage of land and the house occupied by John and Clissie on what was at that time known as Brannen's Road, now Bruce Street for $1.00.

Mc Alpine's Directory for Nova Scotia 1907-8 on page 732 lists "Brannen, John H. gen. blksmith, Clark's Harb."

July 6, 1908, Clissie sold the Clark's Harbour house she and John occupied to Harris Nickerson for $1,000.00. At approximately the same time they moved to Centreville and occupied what became known as the McGray-Brannen house and lands around it. It was purchased from the trustee of Asa Ellsworth McGray's estate. The only recorded transfer is by way of a release of mortgage to John and Clissie in 1927. The date the deed was written was 1929. It was a large lot with approximately 400 feet of water frontage, a nice house built in 1852, a barn, another building at the shore, and wood lots located near Amos Creek.

On April 8th 1910 John bought a property in Centreville for $100.00 from Mary Elizabeth (McGray) Brannen his mother. She had purchased this property from John McGray, her father. It appears to be/or near Lot 17 of the 1st Division. This property was re-conveyed to Clarence Newell his son-in-law for $1.00 November 2 1926.

The 1911 Census shows him living in Centreville age 45, born 1866, married to Clissie age 40. There are seven children living with them, Ina the oldest child had married in 1909 and was not living with them. John is shown as a Baptist while Clissie and the Children are listed as Advent. He indicated on the census he could read and write English; this was probably not true. He is shown as a blacksmith with his other occupation as an engineer on a steamboat. This would be consistent with his son Ira's story that his father worked as the marine engineer on the salvage boat Coastguard with Horatio Brannen for a time around 1910.

Sometime before 1920 John acquired a federal government contract to tend the channel buoys in the harbour and channel around Clark's Harbour. This provided a $100 a year income for the family. This would be the equivalent to $1,165. 2018 dollars.

The 1921 Census shows him as age 55 and living in Centreville. There were two daughters and two sons living with them. Ira was age 20, a blacksmith working for him, and Shirley, a labourer also working for him, Laura age 10 and Cleo 13 years old, were students.

July 1, 1922, John and Clissie sold the Clark's Harbour blacksmith shop, which had been relocated to the east side of Main Street, to John Daly for $200.

December 8, 1926, John died of Hepatitis. His death certificate was signed by Dr. Brown December 10, 1926. He was buried in Centreville December 17th. At death he was 61 years and 21 days according to his death certificate.

Ira took over the Centreville blacksmith shop and bought the house, barn, shop and property including wood lots from Clissie for $1,000 on July 8 1929. Clissie retained an apartment in the north end of the house which she occupied when she was not visiting her family in the US.

Clissie outlived John by many years. She died in 1962 and is buried in the Centreville cemetery with John.

STORY:

John and Clissie were both born in Clarks Harbour and all the children were born there except Laura. They both belonged to the Salvation Army and worked with them for years. John and Clissie were such nice people so pleasant and good natured. John was a jolly man liked fun and lots of people around him. In 1908 he moved to Centreville bought that we lived in and made the McGray fish store into a blacksmith shop, but he loved the water and always had a boat, when work was slow in the shop he would go out in his boat.

In the fall men come to have their oxen shoed and it was a busy time, several there at a time and when he went in for dinner, he would ask the men to go in also, so Grammie never know how many or who she would have for dinner and it was the same when Ira took over the shop. Grampie John passed away Nov 20, 1926. He gave the shop to Ira because Ira had always worked with him. We bought the house from Grammie. Moved there Dec 13th, 1926.

Lottie Penney Brannen, daughter-in-law, 1984

STORY:

..........There are two times I can recall being in close touch with him (John) I cannot tell you my exact age the first time I visited the old homestead. I had not started school so it must have followed that I was three or four years old at the time. He was a tall slim man with a mustache and always spoke in a kindly manner.

I was scraping the frost off one of the kitchen windows which had a crack in it. a dangerous thing to be doing. I sliced my finger. Grandpa picked me up and tied a bandage on my finger. I still have the scar. He then put me down and picked up a piece of firewood- the kind used for kindling; in no time he had whittled a small boat suitable for sailing in a wash basin. It even had a paper sail on it.................

The second time I saw the old homestead I had already started school. I spent a lot of time in the blacksmith shop just across from the house. My grandfather permitted me to turn the crank on the bellows. It was interesting to see him shoe a horse. First, he would remove the old shoe and then used a rasp to even up the hoof. He would then make a shoe from a drawing of the hoof and heat a piece of iron in the forge. Referring to the drawing he would roughly shape the shoe and then throw it back in the forge for reheating. Again, he would continue to shape and when it looked right he would plunge the shoe into a half-barrel with water in it. Then he would place the shoe on the hoof to see if more needed to be done. If it did he would reheat the shoe and work until it was right. Once he was satisfied, he would heat the shoe and place the red-hot shoe on the hoof of the horse. I always looked away because I thought the horse was being burned..........................

There were always a lot of men hanging around the shop. Those who had a shoeing job to be done or just to hang around and chew the fat. Anyway, this is what I remember of grandfather Brannen.

This is a excerpt from a letter to Bruce Brannen from Russell (Brannen) Brannon who was a grandson of John and a son of John Beverley. The letter is dated 5 Jan 1996

STORY:

An excerpt from The Islands Look Back published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society in 1981 edited by Margaret Messenger

Brannens Blacksmith Shop

by Dorothy O'Connell

This smitty's workshop was far removed from the shading chestnut tree; rather, his shop stood on a hill overlooking the bleak Atlantic at Clark's Harbour, Cape Sable Island.

Jeremiah Brannen started his blacksmith shop around 1865 close to the spot where Etheron Nickerson's house now stands. Later he moved it to the head of the lane, on the opposite side of the road, in order to be near the main highway. He had plenty of work and was always busy. In fact, he was so busy that in order get everything done he often had to keep his young son, John, out of school to help with the shoeing of oxen and horses, as well as other work that was ahead of him.

When Mr. Brannen became older and unable to carry on his trade, John took over his father's business. John too found more work than he could handle by himself, so he hired Maurice Smith of Barrington to help him.

In the year 1908 John opened another blacksmith shop at Centreville. He purchased the building that had been the McGray fish store and grocery store and converted it into a workshop. At the same time he bought the home of Nehemiah McGray,........

John kept both places operating for a few years. When the shop at Clark's Harbour was especially busy he would often stay there for a week at a time in order to catch up on the work. He knew no eight-hour days as we have now. He started at daybreak and often worked until late in the evening.

When he stayed at Clark's Harbour he slept and ate in the room which was also his office. He was a good cook, as well as a smithy, so he prepared his own meals. My sister and her husband to be (his son Ira) called on him one evening. “My! What an aroma of baked beans and brown bread! It would put young women of today to shame.”

John's sisters and brothers had all grown up and gone away from home, his father had passed away, and his mother was left alone. She was active for her age and loved to cook, so she often baked a pie or cake to send down to John for dessert. She then hailed someone going that way to take her goodies to him. In these days the speed of travel was rather slow. Most folks travelled on foot or by horse and buggy, and it was very easy to stop a passer-by travelling with a horse.

John and his wife were a very devoted couple, and somewhat adventurous, John owned a sailboat and frequently sailed down to Clark's Harbour to his work. His wife often accompanied him when he went this way and she visited friends while he was working. On one occasion, when they were sailing home, the wind died out completely, obliging to anchor and spend the night in their small boat.

Due to helping his father, Mr. Brannen was unable attend school and had very little "book learning". I have been told when someone ordered an article he drew it on his books. He could always remember who wanted the work done, and he explained it to his wife who kept the books and collected the bills.

In those days there was no electricity on the island, all work had to be done by hand. Hard coal was for the fires needed to heat the great iron rods which had to be shaped into different articles that had been ordered. The iron used came from Yarmouth on the boat LaTour and was landed at McGray's wharf.

The shop in Centreville being larger than the one at Clark's Harbour had more rooms. In one room was the forge and anvil, in another was his turning lathe for making stand and chair legs, and also stair banisters. There was a small office as well.

A forge is a large sort of fireplace with an open fire for heating the iron so that it can be shaped in whatever article is required. An anvil is a block of iron on which the heated iron is hammered and shaped with large hammers. \the hot iron must be handled with large tongs and thrown into a large tub of water to temper it.

Mr. Brannen not only made shoes for horses and oxen, he put them on as well. He did iron work for wagon wheels, trucks and bob-sleds; and he also made gaffs, anchors, and other articles for fishermen....................

After a few years Mr. Brannen closed his shop at Clark's Harbour and operated only the one at Centreville, with his son Ira helping him. When he passed away in 1926, Ira took over the business and purchased the old homestead. By this time horseshoes were bought in Halifax and shipped to the smithy, thus eliminating some of the work.

A change was also taking place in fishing equipment. Fishermen were using engine haulers, and in addition to making anchors and baskets, Ira was being called upon to make rollers to help hauling the traps over the side of the boat. Rollers sold for $3.75 (Baskets are large iron rods , put together in such a way they cover the propeller of the boat and protect it from buoys.)

The blacksmith shop was also a gathering place for men, especially on stormy days. Many a story was told and everything from politics to religion was discussed. On the opposite side of the road the smithy's wife was always prepared to feed (without charge) anyone who had to wait over the noon hour to have his order filled.

John Brannen was born in 1866, and in 1890 married Clissie Newell of Clark's Harbour. To the couple five daughters and three sons were born.

Mr. and Mrs. Brannen worked with the Salvation Army at Clark's Harbour for a number of years. After they moved to Centreville they joined the Baptist Church there. Mrs. Brannen sang in the choir and was a great worker in the church and Sunday school.

One daughter Cleo, now serves with the Salvation Army , as does one of her daughters. For John Brannen's family there is a record of three generations of blacksmiths, and three generations of Salvation Army service.

When Mr. Brannen passed away in 1926 and Mrs. Brannen in 1962, they left behind fond memories for all those who knew them.

STORY:

An excerpt from Our Island Reminisces published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1986 author Margaret Messenger

"..........John Brannen (1865-1926) used his ability to sketch in a very practical way to help with his work. He made a catalogue of the articles he could produce in his shop and beside each he marked the price. This must have been a great convenience for his customers who could choose what they needed without having to give a detailed description............................................."

STORY:

Wrecking off the Cape

My father often told me the story of he and his brother going out on a salvage boat "off the Cape" with their father John when they were young boys. It would appear he was about nine or ten years old at the time. John was working with his cousin Horatio Brannen who was captain and Lawless Brannen his brother the diver on a ship called the SS Coastguard. The boys were supposed to stay in the cabin and away from crew and divers but of course they didn't.

His story of two children on a salvage boat remained with me long after his passing because it seemed such an exciting adventure for small boys. I discovered that in the 1911 Canadian Census John listed his "Employment other than at chief occupation or trade if any." as "engineer" on a "steamship". His length of employment in 1910 at "other employment" was 16 weeks and income $240. At his occupation or trade 26 weeks with an income of $250.

That date fitted with the time frame of my father's story and indeed the wrecking boat was a steam ship and his skill and value to the operation he would be described as a ship's engineer. He was also a cousin to the master.

There is a story in Archelaus Smith Museum's book Island Echoes published in 1985 about Horatio's career and on pages 23-4 I found Horatio was given command of the Coastguard around 1900 and the most noted wreck they worked was the S.S. Hungarian which sank in 1860 but was salvaged 51 years later;, that would be about 1910-11. On page 25 there are two photos of a diver being assisted by a man with a moustache and a unique cap very much like one John was photographed in around 1911 or 12.

When I was growing up I lived in John’s former home. In the barn was a large pile of mahogany trim that had be salvaged from the Hungarian. In our house is a desk he built for Clissie to do the blacksmith shop bookkeeping. It was completely built from mahogany from the Hungarian including a one piece drop front door/desktop cut from the ship’s bar. It currently resides in my basement in Ottawa.

There is one additional Brannen connection, John's youngest brother George Horton was likely also part of the crew on this salvage operation. The 1911 census record shows him living in Centreville and employed as a seaman of a steamship at that time.

Bruce Brannen, 2016, Grandson of John H. Brannen

STORY:

When Jeremiah retired, his eldest son, John continued the blacksmith business, having worked in the shop since he was a young boy. Although John eventually bought a home in Centreville and started a blacksmith shop there, the continued to work part of his time in Clarks’ Harbour.

STORY:

McGray - Brannen House Centreville

This wood frame, 1 1/2 storey house is located on land that once belonged to, and contained the home of, Rev. Asa McGray, who was the first Free Will Baptist preacher in N.S. and the initiator of the Baptist movement on Cape Sable Island around 1821. An old cellar, possibly that of the Rev. McGray home, is located on this property. This home is an example of a New England Colonial style dwelling and has several details worthy of mention: two bay windows- one square and the other round segmental; four knee or kneeling windows which form a frieze at the front of the home; return eaves with slight eave overhang; and an ell at the southern side. There is also a small ell at the northwest side of the home which was originally the office of Nehimiah McGray, the son of Asa Turner McGray, and the grandson of Rev. Asa. Nehemiah lived here after his father's death and served as an American Consul as well as being the representative for Shelburne County in the House of Assembly in Halifax from 1878 until 1882. This small ell addition to the home was built for Nehemiah at approximately this time; it later became an apartment for his widow, Mary Jane, after his death.

The home was built by James C. Smith in 1851-2 and its original owner was Asa Turner McGray, merchant, who also had a store in the field near the house. The home was owned and occupied by the McGray family until 1927, when it was sold to John Brannen, a blacksmith. John's son, Ira and his wife, Lottie, later owned it as well as their son, John L. Brannen.

The rather elaborate style of this home for the year in which it was built would seem to emphasize its' original owner's wealth and importance in the community.

It is to be considered a landmark building due to its historical importance in the area.

Sources of Information: Book entitled Our Island Heritage Registry of Deeds and Probate Office, Barrington

Two notes to the above article which prepared for the Municipality of Barrington:

The house passed out of the McGray ownership in 1910, however John Brannen was the son of a McGray.

Clissie retained and apartment in the house after her sale to Ira until at least the late 1930’s.

Bruce Brannen 2019

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William Minard Thomas Brannen (1867-1946)

William (Known to his family as Willie.) was born in Clark’s Harbour NS August 12, 1867. He was the son of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Elizabeth McGray (1843-1933).

The 1871 Canadian census listed him as age three living with parents in Clark's Harbour NS. He is listed as age 13 in the 1881 census and a student. The 1891 census shows him as age 24, listed as Willie, single and living with his parents in Clark's Harbour. His employment is illegible.

Sometime in the early 1890's he set up a photography shop in one of his father's buildings and he also had a salon on wheels that he used to go from place to place taking pictures. The photographs were captured on glass plates that he later developed into prints.

On September 4, 1895, he married Maggie Homer Coffin (1872-1945) of Barrington, daughter of William K. Coffin a master mariner. No mother's name is given. They had no children.

Around 1895 he had a house built on his father’s property at the corner of the main road and the lane to his father’s wharf, now known as Bruce Street, but then known a Brannen Road.

In 1896 he appeared in the McAlpine’s Nova Scotia Directory as Wm M. Brannen Photo Clark's H.

June 15, 1899, his father Jeremiah sold him an undivided half interest in Clark’s Harbour property, along what is now known as Bruce Street, to the shore except for the parcel occupied by John H. Brannen. The other half interest was sold to his brother Francis Annis. William’s price was $550. His father’s businesses except the blacksmith shop were included. These businesses included the lumber and coal business, the Brannen Wharf and a schooner. After purchase the business became known as Brannen Bros.

February 1900 there was a major fire that destroyed his store and studio that was located near Brannen Bros. Wharf. He was slightly injured, and his stock and equipment were destroyed. It was described in a newspaper account as "About midnight flames were discovered breaking through the roof of the large store of Brannen Brothers at their wharf at Clark's Harbour. The building was destroyed with all its contents...." . He reopened his studio in his home on the main road.

July 25, 1900, Francis Annis and Belle Brannen sold a portion of lot number 3 class 4 to William M. and wife for $1.00. This lot included his home and studio on the main road and its shore frontage. This transaction would have separated Will’s property from the jointly owned lands of the Brannen Bros.

1901 Canadian Census showed him as age 33, born August 12, 1867. He was living in Clark's Harbour working as a photographer and artist. Others in the household were Laura Brannen age 17, his niece, and James Worth age 38, a boarder.

January 10 1901, he and Maggie took a mortgage loan (BAR 59) from Charles M Freeman for $600. on Lot 3 Class 4 described as being 56' X 38' X 70' X 870'. The mortgage was redone February 10th, 1902, for $636. In January 1903, he obtained a mortgage from his father of $730. A release of this mortgage was granted February 16 1903. Jeremiah was deceased by then.

Newspaper advertising from January 15, 1902, shows he operated a store likely in his house:

If you are collecting

Presents for your friends you can get them at BRANNEN’S STORE

Photo views, Photo Frames, Pictures of all kinds---framed and unframed, Views on glass and paper weights, Fancy Opal and Ebony Articles.

Framing and Enlarging Pictures in Crayon, Water Colors and Sepia is a Specialty.

Also remember, you will find at Brannen’s Fruit Store a nice variety of Seasonable Fruits, Choice Confectionary Ice Cream, Fancy Cakes, Nuts Cigars and Canned Goods.

1906 February 26 he departed on CP Rail for the US. This would suggest he had disposed of his Clark's Harbour property and business by this time.

The 1907 city directory for Seattle showed him as Brannen living at 1404 N. 41st Street. It does not mention Maggie or his employment. The city directory for Seattle in 1909 listed him as Brannon working as a frame maker at Globe Wallpaper Co. and still living at 41st. In 1910 his occupation listed as a framer and in 1911 his occupation is listed as a photographer. The 1912, 13, and 16 City Directories for Seattle he was listed as Brannon working as a frame maker at Globe Wallpaper Co. and still living at 41Street.

April 1 1913, he partitioned for naturalization giving his arrival date as February 26 1906.

The 1917 to 1925 city directories for Seattle listed him as Brannon married to Maggie running an art goods store at 3520 Fremont Av. living at 1404 N 41st St. 1926 City Directory had him at same home address but business address now 4243 University Way. His business was described as pictures and picture framing. In the 1929 city directory he is listed as running a picture and picture framing store at 4528 University Way and living at 1404 41st Street. He is listed as Brannon and in the1939 & 1940 city directories the business was still located at University Way and his home address at 41St Street. There is a photo of him in front of his store with the name Brannon’s Art Store painted on the window.

Maggie passed away April 10, 1945, in Seattle. He died April 7, 1956, at age 78 in Seattle. (Ref ID 1576 Film # 2032516),

It is believed that he was lame.

STORY:

An excerpt from An Island Town published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1984 author Margaret Messenger

 Around California Hill

..............A third son, William, had a photography shop on the upstairs floor of a building located near his father's house.........In February 1900, there was a very bad fire at the store and this building burned. A newspaper account at the time gave this description: " About midnight flames were discovered breaking through the roof of Brannen Brothers at their wharf at Clark's Harbour. The building was destroyed with all its contents. The upper story was occupied by a photograph saloon and was filled with a large stock of picture molding, frames etc., all of which were consumed. In attempting to rescue these articles Mr. Brannen was overcome and fell to the floor and was rescued with difficulty. There was slight insurance on the property and the loss was a heavy one. By dint of hard work, the contiguous buildings and the wharf were saved from destruction. The neighbours raised a purse of over $100 on the spot for Mr. Brannen whose entire stock of pictures and cameras was destroyed".

Following the fire, William Brannen moved his photography shop to his house which stood on the at the corner of \Main Street and Brannen Lane (now Bruce Street). A large skylight and huge windows in an upstairs room provided the light needed for his work. Many of his photographs are still be found on Cape Sable Island. When he moved to the United States his home was bought by "The Firm" and converted into the Symonds Hotel.........................

STORY:

An excerpt from The Islands Look Back published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1981 edited by Margaret Messenger:

The Symonds Hotel by Maxine Shand

Nearly forty years have passed since the Symonds Hotel was torn down, and a building that was once a landmark is now only a memory.

Constructed early in the 1900's at the corner of Main and Bruce Streets it was originally a dwelling, the home of William (Will) Brannen who in 1895, married Margaret Coffin. Directly behind his house, and on the lane that now leads to the baseball park (Bruce Street), stood his brother John's home. In fact, the Brannen family owned all the property from the hotel to the water.......................

STORY:

William was a photographer and had a salon on wheels and used to go from place to place taking pictures.

They were on glass plates. We have some of them here yet of his (The McGray Brannen House).

He went out west in 1907 and still carried on his work.

Lottie (Penney) Brannen, 1980

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Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944)

France was the third son of son of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Elizabeth McGray (1843-1933). He was born in Clark’s Harbour NS February 7, 1869. He was named after a survivor of a shipwreck off Clark’s Harbour that had recuperated at the Brannen home.

He appears in the 1871 and 1881 Canadian Census as living with his parents in Clark's Harbour. He was recorded as age two and as age 12.

Around 1881 he began his life at sea when he went as cook on a coasting vessel when he was only about age 12. By 1889 he became master of the Rheuama. The 1891 Canadian census lists him as age 22 still single living with his parents. There is no employment listed for him.

July 15, 1892, he married Belle Dickie (1868-1936) age 23 daughter of Dr. Davis S. Dickie (1839-1893) and Prudence R. Wickwire (1845-1891). Her father was a medical doctor in Port La Tour. France was age 23 living in Clarks Harbour, a master mariner. He lists his father as a master mariner. His brother William was a witness for the marriage.

Around 1895 he took over his parents’ home on California Hill in Clark’s Harbour when they moved to Centreville. On June 15 1899 his father Jeremiah sold him an undivided half interest in the Clark's Harbour property along what is now Bruce Street to the shore except for the parcel occupied by John H. Brannen. The other half interest was sold to his brother William M. The price was $600. It appears to have included the coal and lumber business, the wharf, and the vessel. They carried on the business as Brannen Bros.

July 4, 1899, he is listed as a passenger on the SS Boston sailing from Yarmouth to Boston. He is shown as age 30 a resident of N.S. His destination was MA.

In February 1900 there was a fire in one of the buildings on the Brannen Brothers property described in a newspaper account as "About midnight flames were discovered breaking through the roof of the large store of Brannen Brothers at their wharf at Clark's Harbour. The building was destroyed with all its contents...."

July 25, 1900, Francis and Belle sold a portion of lot number 3 class 4 to William M. Brannen and wife for $1.00. This separated William’s home from the jointly owned business property.

In 1901 the census record shows him as age 32, a merchant married to Belle. The children at home were Annis aged six, Prue age two, Alvora age one, and a 2-month-old baby girl, Norma.

On page 25 in the book Our Bygone Days published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society there is an apparent reference to Francis Annis:

" In November 1902, Captain Brannen in his schooner Hazel Glen was on the way from Prince Edward Island to Clark's Harbour with a large cargo of oats and other produce when she went aground on a reef in Barrington Passage and sprang a leak. Although she was refloated at high tide, both vessel and cargo were badly damaged."

July 10th 1902, he published a notice that he was selling his coal C.O.D. He had closed his books in coal trade and was giving his accounts to an attorney to collect in full.

April 2, 1906, he published the following advertisement in local newspaper:

Property and Business for Sale

Tenders will be received up to July 15th 1906 for the property and business of the undersigned consisting of a large DWELLING HOUSE, STABLE, COAL SHED (3 years old 750 tons capacity): Lobster Factory (on wharf): wharf lately rebuilt (400 feet by (?). One set 4 ton scales (5 years old) Hay land cutting 4 tons of hay. Waterfront about 650 feet best location here considering water privileges wharf need by Cann’s line steamers. Property in good repair generally. A chance of a life time to any party or company wishing to start in a coal or general business.

Also for sale a schooner “Nellie Hansom” 16 tons register in good condition sails used less than two years. Will be sold cheap.

Can give possession of property 60 days after sale. Not bound to receipt of highest of any tender.

F. A. BRANNEN

Clark’s Harbour, April 2, 1906

In May 1910 he is shown arriving in port at Sumas WA at age 41. He is described as a master mariner from Clark's Harbour NS. His destination is shown as Seattle WA. At that time, he made a declaration to become a US Citizen.

The 1911 Canadian census shows him as age 42 living in Clark's Harbour, He was a master mariner on a steamboat. There were 4 children at home. He is shown as having $1,500 of life insurance.

February 18, 1914, he is recorded on the manifest of the S.S. Lusitania sailing from Liverpool England. He was listed as age 45, a master mariner and a Canadian. His permeant address was Clark's Harbour NS.

On March 10, 1917, he became a naturalized citizen of the US. At that time his address was 77 Sacramento St., Somerville MA and his occupation was seaman (second officer). His date of birth was given as February 7, 1869.

In January 1918 he appeared on page 33 of the US Navy Register " Class Four Qualified for or in training for duty afloat". His date of birth listed as Feb 7, 1869. He held the range as Ensign. His date enrolled was Mar 21, 1917.

The 1920 US Census has them living at 159 Avon St., Somerville MA. They were renting. Their daughter Annis was age 24, a nurse, and Prudence was age 21, a secretary at a college, Alvora age 19 and Norma age 18 were students living with them. He is described as a captain of a steamer.

The 1925 city directory for Somerville MA has Francis, Belle and two daughters, Norma a nurse, and Prudence a secretary, at 33 Russell Rd. He is listed as a master mariner. The 1927 and 1929 city directories of Somerville MA showed him living at 41 Walker Rd. His daughter Prue is shown as still at Russell Rd. with him.

In 1928 he applied for daughter Annis’ birth certificate and gave his address as 41 Walker Street Somerville

The 1930-1 Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corp. listed him as Lieutenant Commander (N.R.) West Somerville MA.

The 1930 US census has them living at 24 Electric Av. in Somerville. He was age 61 married to Belle also age 61. He was not employed, and his year of immigration is shown as 1913. Prudence, age 29. was a secretary at a college and was living with them. They were renting. None are shown as naturalized, and he is not shown as being a veteran of US military.

June 28, 1930, the Town of Clark's Harbour expropriated lands owned by Francis Annis for the purpose of a park. The compensation was $325. This property had been used as the town baseball park for many years.

The 1933 Melrose city directory showed him at 522 Lebanon and a master mariner.

Belle died in 1936 and is buried in the Wyoming cemetery in Melrose MA

The 1940 US census has him as age 71, a widower living in New York NY, at 308 West 28th Street. He is listed as a naturalized citizen. He is shown as a master mariner, renting his home. The highest grade he completed was 2nd grade. He is shown as a wage or salary worker in government work with the USN but working no hours and receiving no pay.

Margaret Messenger in her family tree indicates he retired from the sea several years before his death due to ill health.

May 6, 1941, he travelled from Yarmouth to Boston on the SS Yarmouth.

He died in September 1944 and is buried with Belle in the Wyoming cemetery in Melrose MA.

On July 8, 1981, Clark's Harbour ballpark was named F.A. Brannen Memorial Park. This was part of the property purchased by Jeremiah Brannen in 1865 and sold to Francis and his brother William. It was the last remaining part of his father’s holding that was still in Brannen ownership.

STORY:

An excerpt from An Island Town published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1984 author Margaret Messenger:

….Jeremiah's second son, Francis, took over the coal and lumber business, including the vessel. He had spent the early part of his life at sea, starting out at age twelve as a cook on a coasting vessel. Advancing rapidly, he took charge of the schooner Rheuana when he was twenty. By the time he returned home, he had become a successful skipper. He lived in the house on the hill that had been his father's and was conveniently close to the business. The wharf that had been built by his father he extended into deep water, making it possible for larger vessels to dock safely, an important addition to Clark's Harbour's port facilities. Later Capt. Francis was placed in command of the steamboats engaged in coastal trading, and at times, he made voyages to the West Indies. It was after he became involved in the operation of steamers that he decided to move to Massachusetts, and when that country entered World War I, he served in the United States Naval Reserve Forces.

STORY:

Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) son of Jeremiah B. and Mary Elizabeth (McGray) Brannen, a sea captain who lived in N.S. and the USA. He married Belle Fellow Dickie (1969-1902) daughter of Dr. Davis S. and Prudence Dickie, who lived in Port LaTour at one time. He was captain of the coasting vessel "Rhuama" in N.S. as well as captain of vessels "Emma B." and "Conrad S.". He was master of steamships " Wanda", "Edgar  R.". Willfred C." and "Amelia". He lived in the USA during World War I and joined the Navy Reserves.

Excerpt from Sea Captains in the Barrington Township by Trudy Atkinson 1998

STORY:

Steamship Masters of Cape Sables. By Capt. A. N. MacGray

Capt. Francis A. Brannen

Born February 7, 1869, this widely known Master of fore-and-afters and both small and large steamships began his salt water training in fishing boats and shallops at the tender age of ten. At 12 he became cook of a coaster, and at 17, like many another Cape Sable boy, gravitated to Gloucester, here he followed most branches of the fisheries. The one skipper, whom he reveres to this day, was the highly successful Capt. William Atkinson  ..

He next engaged in steamboat service on the American coast, until, at 20, he returned home and took charge of the schooner "Rheuarna", engaged in general coastwise trade. During the following five years he was [Master of several vessels and became part, or sole owner of some of them, among which was the "Emma B" and 3-Master, Conrad S." His native energy and enterprise scored for him many outstanding successes, while ashore, he conducted a considerable coal and lumber business-extending his wharf property to deep water, sufficient to safely dock craft. of 500-tons dead weight capacity, -an expensive, but greatly needed improvement to the port facilities of his native Clarks Harbour,. He took a keen interest in civic affairs and was a leading spirit in many of them.

In 1893 he entered the field of steam. becoming Master of the Lockport steamer "Wanda". Later, he sailed the coastal steamers Edna R, Wilfred C. and Amelia, -. the latter plying between Halifax, and way ports.  In 1909 he became Master of the S.S. McElwain, operating largely in the pulp-wood trade, between Gulf of St. Lawrence and U. S. ports, but at times making West Indian voyages, while successfully operating this and other steamers for several years. he had taken up residence at Somerville Mass. When the U. S, entered the World War he enrolled in the U.S. Naval Reserve Forces and on May 10 1917 he was assigned command "US Patrol No. 40". In July of the same year he was assigned Navigator of the "US Yanktown" and proceeded overseas.

His next assignment was to the USS battleship Virginia, based in Gibraltar, as an Warrant Officer. Shortly after he was transferred to patrol duty in the English Channel and North Sea-serving on both destroyers and mine sweepers and on one of which he was in charge of the gun crew thus participating in active duty on four combat ships of the U. S. Navy. In this service the rigid rules of personnel rating prevailed. Most destroyers were under command of a Senior or a Junior Grade Lieutenant of the regular Navy. All Reserve Officers serving under them were barred from holding a commission of equal rank, thus, many able Masters and Officers of the Merchant Marine who were so enrolled and assigned to combat ships, seldom reached. Higher than the rating J.G. ….this rule worked as a serious hardship to many….                                                                                                                                                                            

After the Armistice, he commanded the U. S. S. Lake Geneva and Lake Wimico. in European waters, running to New York, he entered the employ of the U.S. Shipping Board; having been dis-enrolled from the Naval Reserve on August 15. 1919, Here his command was the S S. Chappet, engaged in over-seas trade, Later he was transferred to their 11,600 ton (D,W ) S.. S. Edenton, and still later to their. 10 000-ton (D.W.) S. S, Archer. In these ships he voyaged to Northern European and Mediterranean ports, in all of which he made a highly creditable record.

With the I921 slump in shipping, he accepted service as Chief Officer with the Ore Steamship Co. a subsidiary of the Bethlehem Steel Co., and was assigned to their S.S. Firmore, of 13,000 D. W. capacity; engaged in the transport of Cuba-mined ore to North American ports. During the temporary illness of his Captain, he was assigned the command, in which capacity he made two or more voyages.

In 1922 he became Master of the 4-masted auxiliary schooner Cashier of 1400 tons; making several voyages from New York to Gulf of St. Lawrence ports. in the heavy timber trade.

During the period of these latter services, he gradually developed an exceedingly painful rheumatic condition, which became acute, and Naval Hospitalization followed., The cold and exposure, and the drenching work of chasing submarines and sweeping mines, in the wintery waters of the turbulent North Sea, had finally overcome his physical resistance, and thus his activities afloat were ended.

Excepting for this misery-making condition, which has been considerably alleviated by recent treatments, he remains hale and hearty, -in which his keen sense of humor plays no unimportant part while the warm glow of friendliness which characterized his wide association with the people of the South Shore of Nova Scotia, in the long ago, still burns undiminished.

From the Shelburne Coastguard February 23 1956.

The author Arthur N. McGray was born in Centreville on Cape Sable Island in 1862 and died in Somerville MA in 1949. Francis Annis Brannen died in 1944. This article appears to have been written prior to WW2.

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Susan Julia Innes Brannen (1871-1942)

Innes was born in Clark’s Harbour NS October 8 1871. She was the fourth child and oldest daughter of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933).

The 1891 Census shows her as age 21, born about 1870 living at home in Clark's Harbour with parents and two siblings, Willie and Francis.

January 16, 1889, she married Samuel Albert Swim (1860-1934) in Clark’s Harbour. He was age 27, she was age 18. He was known as “Shorty”. He was, a mariner, the son of William Henry Swim (1839-1920) a mariner and Matildia Watt. Innes’ father was also described as a mariner. Her name on the marriage record is Ennis Brannen. Maurice Nickerson was the witness. Innes and her husband lived in a large home at Swim’s Point.

The 1901 census shows her as age 29, born 1871, married to Albert S. Swim age 38. There were four children Alexander R. age seven, Mildred A. age four, Merle age two and William age one year. The 1911 census shows her as age 39 and listed as Innis Swim. There were five children at home.

May 1921 she and her daughter Mildred were passengers on the boat to Boston. She did not appear in the 1921 census in Clark's Harbour. Based on the oral history she and her husband separated several times. He was considered a difficult person who was not good with his family or employees.

Her husband died January 25, 1934, at Clark’s Harbour and was buried in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour.

Her death certificate shows her date of death as April 29, 1942, at Clark's Harbour. The cause of death Coronary Thrombosis. She is buried in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour with her husband. Her obituary misspelled her name as Ennis.

STORY:

From the book An Island Town published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1984 author Margaret Messenger:

Albert (Shorty) carried on a successful business at Swims Point for many years, buying fresh fish and lobsters. He processed boneless cod, sent iced halibut to Yarmouth on the Cann boats which called twice a week at the Point and shipped lobsters to Boston. Known locally as "Shorty" he built a large house which stands only a short distance from the entrance to the Swims Point road. When Albert retired the business was taken over by his son Evan. For a time, his company engaged in extracting oil from fish livers.

STORY:

From the book Island People published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1984 author Margaret Messenger:

He lived opposite the cemetery on the Swims Point road. He was a well-known businessman. He married Susan Innes daughter of Jeremiah Brannen. they had 8 children. Albert Evan married Annie daughter of Job Duncan, Alfreda was not married, Merle married Florence Thibodeau, Alexander married Gladys Wigglesworth, Flossie Belle died at age 6 and 2 died in infancy

STORY:

Extracted and edited from an e-mail from a daughter of one of Shorty and Innes neighbours:

Shorty's fish business was on Swim's Point. His home was there on the corner of Swim's Point Road. Merle lived in that house until he died, and his son Gayton lived there until his death.

Mom says Innes left Shorty many times because he was so cruel, and that Shorty would cry and she would return. Mom does not know where Susan would go when she would leave Shorty. One son was beaten so much by Shorty that he left home and went to, I think, Lunenburg area.

I think Shorty was considered a very wealthy man, as was his son Evan. He left a nice-looking house there near our original (place). When I was a young child, the property was partly surrounded by a stone wall with iron chains and gates.

OBITUARY:

Mrs. Ennis Swim Clarks Harbor—There passed away on Wednesday evening, April 29th, from a heart attack, Mrs. Ennis Swim. She had been in poor health for some time but had improved in health until she was suddenly stricken and passed away as above stated. She was in her 71st year and was a woman of sterling Christian Character and will be greatly missed by a host of friends. She leaves four sons; Merle, in Yarmouth, Alexander in Boston; William in Ontario in the army, and Evan at home and one daughter, Freda at home; four sisters, Mrs.. Frank Cole in Port Washington, Long Island, N, Miss Lena Brannen in Atlantic City, Mrs. Arthur Creamer, York Harbor, Me , and Mrs. Mamie Nickerson at home, also three brothers, Capt. Franc's Brannen in New York; William Brannen in Seattle, Washington; and George Brannen in Boston. The funeral was held on Sunday after-noon at 2 30 o'clock from the 'United Baptist Church, Rev. A. M. McNintch conducted the service

2-4-10

Mary (Mame) Elizabeth Brannen (1874-1962)

Mame’s Nova Scotia Record of Birth shows her birthdate as 13 May 1872 on Cape Sable Island. Her parents were Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933). Her father Jeremiah was described as a fisherman in her birth registration. This was a late registration, and it clearly gave an incorrect year as her older sister was born only seven months earlier.

In the 1891 Canadian census she was reported as age 14 born in 1877 and living with her parents in Clark's Harbour

August 17, 1893, she married Freeman Crowell Nickerson Jr. (1868-1929). He was the son of Freeman Nickerson Sr. (1829-1892) and Lucinda Smith (1833-1870). He was a fisherman. Their home in Clark’s Harbour was just south of the I.O.O.F. hall. They had five children.

The 1901 Census shows her as age 26 married to Freeman. She is reported as being born May 13, 1874. There were three children at home Louisa M. age six born May 26, 1894, Elizabeth Marie age two, born October 30, 1898, and Flossie B. age six months, born October 5, 1900.

The 1911 Canadian census shows her as age 36 born May 1872. There were five children at home. The 1921 Census she is listed as 48 living in Clark's Harbour with Freeman age 51, a fisherman. There were two children at home Donald, age 19, and Joyce age 16

Freeman died and was buried in Oakvale cemetery November 17, 1929. She died August 24, 1962, in Lockport NS and is buried in Oakvale cemetery at Clark's Harbour NS with her husband.

STORY:

Mary Elizabeth was always known as Mame and was always Aunt Mame in my family. Any visit to her home usually resulted in a card or board game.

Bruce Brannen 2013

2-4-11

Cassie Belle Brannen (1877-1962)

Cassie was born October 7, 1877, in Clark’s Harbour. Her parents were Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933).

The 1881 Canadian census found her age five living in Clark's Harbour NS. She appears in the 1900 US census as living at 188 Louisbourg Pl. Somerville, MA as a roomer along with her sister Minnie Herman Brannen (1880-1991). Both were single. She was shown as born April 1880 and working as a servant. It shows her as arriving in the US in 1899.The 1901 Canadian census shows her as age 23 living at home with her parents in Centreville NS.

December 10, 1908, she married Frank Murray Cole formerly Francis Marie Jeffroy, in Centreville NS. He was a fisherman and a native of France There were no parents listed on the marriage documents for Frank. Cassie lists her father as a sea captain. Frank was a shipwreck survivor and came to Clark’s Harbour when his ship the Pioneer foundered on Seal Island NS.

The 1911 Canadian census found Cassie and Frank living in West Head NS. His date of birth was listed as December 1881, age 29, from France. He was listed as employed as a fisherman and doing odd jobs. They had two children at home, Francine, and Madeline age one. They were twins born August 1909. The 1921 Canadian census shows Cassie age 42 with four children at home all born in Canada. Frank is described as a fisherman.

They built a large home at the corner of the Main Road and Smith Lane in Lower Clark’s Harbour. The house still stands.

They moved to Port Washington NY around 1925 after a storm destroyed his boat. He took a job as a yachting captain. It is suggested that perhaps at one time he worked on J. P. Morgan’s yacht.

The US census on 1930 found them living in North Hempstead NY. Her and the children’s arrival year was 1925. His arrival year was listed as 1899. He was recorded as captain of a boat. They had two children living with them Elaine born about 1912 and Elliott born about 1918.

In the year 1935 they were still listed as living in North Hempstead NY.

The 1940 US census lists them at 324 Main Street North Hempstead NY She was still listed as a Canadian citizen age 63. Her education is listed as grade eight. Frank was a captain on a private yacht, his age reported as age 56. Elliott their son was still at home, age 22, working as a truck driver. His employer’s name was illegible.

Frank died 7 October 1952. She died in 1962. Their son Elliott was buried in the Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington Long Island NY. It seems likely that Frank and Cassie Belle may be in the same cemetery.

STORY:

Cassie Belle Cole

…..a member of the First Baptist Church and extremely active in various social events. She is the wife of the late yachting Captain Frank Cole who came here from Canada in 1926 and had been associated with Purdy's Shipyard for many years. She is the mother of three daughters, Mrs. Adolph J, (Francine) McNamara of 88 Bar Beach Road, her twin sister, Mrs. Madeline Edwards of 22 Neulist Avenue and Mrs. Peter A. (Elaine) Walters of 73 Highland Avenue. Mother also of the late Elliott L. Cole of 26 Dunes Lane, she has, three grandsons, Elliot G. Cole of Dunes Lane, James McNamara of Lynbrook and Peter R. Walters of Highland Avenue, and two great grandsons, Peter Reed Walters of 73 Highland Avenue and Kevin McNamara of Lynbrook. Besides her immediate family, including her sons-in-law, also attending the birthday celebrations were Hartley Crowell of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Ray Ramon of Westbury, close friends of the family.

STORY:

Frank. Cole

Frank Cole was shipwrecked at Seal Island on the ship Pioneer. Tradition says that he came from St. Malo, France, and was sixteen years old at the time of the wreck. He stayed for a while at Seal Island and was later brought to Clark's Harbour by Mr. Joseph Symonds whose father had also been shipwrecked. At Clark's Harbour he was taken to Mr. Symonds' brother, Frank, who was the operator of the Symonds Hotel. He was treated there as one of the family.

Jeremiah and Elizabeth Brannen lived not far from the Symonds' home. It was inevitable that, sooner or later, Frank Cole would meet the Brannen family. He not only met them but fell in love with one of the daughters. In December 1908, he and Cassie Brannen were married. They moved to Elam, New York, and Mr. Cole passed away there in 1952.

Excerpt from Yesterdays Island by Margaret Messenger published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society 1898.

2-4-12

George Horton Brannen (1878-1955)

George was the youngest son of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933). He was born September 4, 1878. His birth date was sworn to by his sister Susan Innes who was eight years old at the time of his birth.

He appears in the 1881 census as age two. George appears in the Canadian 1891 census as being 13 years old living with his parents in Clark's Harbour.

September 1899 George is listed as a passenger going from Yarmouth to Boston. He was aged 21 and employed in fishing.

He married Edith Kenney Wickens (1878-1967) November 21, 1900, in the Free Will Baptist Church at Clark’s Harbour. She was the daughter of Charles H. Wickens and Jane Smith.

In the 1901 Canadian census he and Edith are shown living with his parents in Centreville. The report does not indicate that they had any children. He appears to be listed as a mariner.

April 17, 1902, he was listed as a passenger on the S.S. Boston from Yarmouth to Boston He was age 23 employed in fishing.

The 1911 Census shows him living in Centreville. At that time, he was 33 years old and working as a seaman on a steamboat and a farmer with his time split between the two. His income from his main occupation, seaman was $250. and he had another $100. from farming. This time frame corresponds with Horatio Brannen's salvage business and his salvage work on the SS Hungarian. As they were cousins it is very possible that his shipboard employment was on the SS Coastguard, a ship Horatio was master of at that time and that George’ brother John was marine engineer.

Living with him in 1911 was his wife Edith age 32 and children, Marion age ten, Bruce age six, Margaret age five, Austin age four and Ruth two years old. Also living with him was Eliza his mother aged 68 and an aunt, Cynthia age 59 who was a private family nurse. He was living in his mother's house next to the Centreville bridge that Jeremiah and Eliza bought in 1895. This suggests he did not leave his parents’ home until he moved to the US.

In 1914 he moved to Eliot ME. This date was found in his 1920 US census report. He was living with Edith and the family at South Beech Street Manchester NH. Edith indicated she was a married woman.

He registered for the US WW1 draft on September 7, 1918. He gave his DOB as September 4th, 1878. His address was listed as South Beech Street Manchester NH and his occupation as quartermaster for the Nantucket Steamboats. His nearest relative was given as Edith.

The 1920 US census has him living in Manchester with Edith and children Marion age 18, Bruce age 15, Margaret age 14, Austin age 12 and Ruth ten years old. The 1924 city directory has him at 618 South Beech Street and described as a mariner. Bruce is also listed at that address working as a clerk.

The 1930 city directory still has him at the same address and employment. Also, at that address was Austin a stenographer, Margaret a bookkeeper and Ruth a clerk. The directory information is incorrect.

According to Robert Sheppard, his grandson, he left his family in 1929 and moved to 36 Elmwood Street Roxbury MA.

September 3rd, 1930, George is listed as a passenger on the S.S. Prince George going from Yarmouth to Boston.

The 1937 City Directory has him at the South Beech Street address working as a carpenter. Ruth and Austin are shown at the same address. This is incorrect, he had left the family prior to that date.

The 1940 US census does not list George as living with Edith and the family at South Beech Street. Edith still declared she was a married woman.

His US Draft Registration Card 01001 from 1940 shows his address as 332 Granite St, Quincy, Mass. He was 62 years old and employed at the Hingham Ship Yard. His contact person was Jennie Brannen, East Holden Maine.

He died September 28, 1955. He is buried with Jennie F. Brannen (1894-1981) in Hillside Cemetery in Penobscot, Hancock County, ME. Family members believed he left the family sometime prior to 1930 and refused any further contact. He appears to have entered a long-term relationship with Jennie sometime prior to 1940.

STORY:

From a letter from Austin Brannen to his brother Weldon dated February 17, 1978

….Mother was married on November 21 1900, at the age of 21. Father was one year older than her, and he was last heard from April 1929, in Boston where he was a building contractor. I was working in Boston myself, at that time and consulted with some private detectives to find out what happened to him, but nothing ever came of it…..

STORY:

From an e-mail from Bob Shepard September 2010

……George H's WWll registration lists his person to contact as: Mrs. Jennie Brannen of East Holden , Maine. We found the graves of George H. and Jennie F. in the Hillside Cemetery, No. Penobscot, Maine. The dates on the stone are the same as George's Social security claim. The claim date was Nov. 2nd 1955 with a death date of Sept. 28th '55…..

2-4-13

Minnie Herman Brannen (1880-1981)

Minnie was born in Clark’s Harbour NS April 17, 1880. She was the daughter of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933).

She married Arthur Morton Creamer (1879-1942) February 1, 1904, her address was given as Centreville NS, his was Waldoboro Maine.

Their son Edward L. Creamer (1913-1967) was adopted. It is not known when he came into the family.

The 1919-21 city directories for Cambridge MA show them as living at 37 Wendell, Cambridge. Arthur was a butcher. The 1927 city directory for Portland ME, show them at 212 Middle Street, Portland. He was a steward.

The 1930 census showed them at State Road 1A York Harbour ME. She was age 49, he was age 50 and their adopted son Edward was 17 years old.

The 1934 city directory for St. Petersburg FL shows the family including Edward living at 1008 14th Av.

The 1940 census showed them at Main Street State Road 1A York Harbour ME. All three worked in a hotel food shop catering department.

Arthur died in 1942 in York ME.

Around 1955 her younger sister Eleanor Brannen (1883-1964), who had never married, came to live with her.

Minnie died at age 101 in York Harbour ME February 4, 1981, and is buried in the First Parish Cemetery in York Village ME with Arthur and her sister Eleanor.

2-4-14

Eleanor Leaston Brannen (1883-1964)

Lean was born May 17, 1883, in Clark’s Harbour. She was the youngest child of Jeremiah Brannen (1833-1904) and Eliza McGray (1843-1933).

She never married. She moved to the US in 1904 and spent the rest of her life there. At first, she went to the Boston area where many of her relatives were already living. She appears to have worked as a waitress in both the Boston MA and the Atlantic City NJ areas.

The Atlantic City directories of 1950 and 1954 list her as living at 41 S. North Carolina Av in Atlantic City and working in the cafeteria at the YMCA.

She retired around 1955 and returned to her native Cape Sable Island with the intention of living there. Those plans did not work out and she moved to Maine to live with her sister Minnie.

She died May 2, 1964, at age 80. Her obituary shows her name as Brannon. She was buried in the First Parish cemetery, York Village, ME May 5th. At the time of her death, she was living with her only remaining sibling Minnie Herman Brannen (Mrs. Arthur Creamer) (1880-1981).

She appears on the same tombstone as Minnie and Arthur as Brannon.

Her SSN number was 150-07-4010.

OBITUARY

Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) 1964_05_04.

Miss Eleanor Brannon YORK HARBOR — Miss Eleanor L. Brannon, 80, of this town, died Saturday at York Harbor Born in Nova Scotia, May .17, 1883, she was the daughter of Capt. J. B. and Mary E. McGray Brannon. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Arthur Creamer of York Harbor and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Notices BRANNON — Miss Eleanor L. Brannon, age 80, of York Harbor, died May 2. Funeral services, Tues. at 2 p.m. at the Roger K. Lucas Funeral Home, Calling hours, Mon, evening,

STORY:

I believe I only encountered my great-aunt Eleanor (who was known as Aunt Lean in the family) once sometime in the mid 50's when she returned to Cape Island and arrived at our house with the apparent desire to make it her home. My father was her nephew and because we lived in a large home and always welcomed visitors, she perhaps thought my parents would welcome her to our home as a boarder. It may have taken a few days for my parents to realize her intent. As my parents were not accustomed to turning any one away this caused some distress for my mother who was experiencing health problems and already had my paternal grandmother Clissie for extended visits. In any event the problem was resolved when Eleanor was taken ill and sent to the hospital in an ambulance. She didn't return and I never saw her again.  

Bruce Brannen 2014

END

THE CHILDREN OF ELEANOR BRANNEN (1836-1911)

2-4-15

Stephen Smith (1852-1928)

Stephen was the first-born child of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born October 11, 1852, in Woods Harbour NS.

He married Susan Jane Nickerson (1853-1908) in Woods Harbour December 24, 1872. She was the daughter of Seth Hall Nickerson (1829-1903) and Mary Anne Daley (1824-1903). They had four children.

They appeared in the 1891 census, living in Woods Harbour. He was age 40 and she was age 37. There were four children at home, Mary L. and Effie, shown as age 15, Etherington age 13 and Charles S. age 11.

In the 1901 census he was shown as age 49 and Susan age 47. With them were their sons Ethern age 23 and Charles age 20 and his niece Clara Nickerson age nine was living with them.

Susan died April 12, 1908.

In the 1911 census he was shown as a widower age 60 living in Woods Harbour. His son Charles was living with him.

He married Georgina “Doty” Nickerson-Malone (1853-1947) November 29, 1911. She was the adopted daughter of Ephraim Nickerson (1822-1904) and Agnes Johnson (1827-1897). She was the widow of Lovitt Malone (1853-1897).

Stephen died October 4, 1928, in Woods Harbour NS.

END

2-4-16

Davis Emmons Smith (1855-1883)

Davis was the second child of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born about 1855 I Woods Harbour NS.

He was listed in the 1881 census as living at home. He was single.

He was lost at sea at about age 28 in 1883.

He did not marry.

He is memorialized on a stone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Woods Harbour NS with his brother George Jr.

END

2-4-17

Dorcas Ann Smith (1856-1934)

Annie was the daughter of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). She was born April 13 1856 in Woods Harbour NS.

She married William Alfred Nickerson (1852-1934) in Woods Harbour January 13, 1875. He was the son of Soloman Lester Nickerson (1821-1891). They appear to have had nine children,

The 1881 census found her at home, age 24 and single in Shag Harbour. The 1891 census shows her married to Alfred and age 34. There were four children at home. In the 1901 census she was living in Woods Harbour with five children at home. In the 1910 US census she was shown as Age 52 living in Everett MA with seven children at home. In the 1920 census they were living with her father-in-law in Boston.

She died February 27, 1934, at age 77 in Moultonborough NH. The death certificate showed her birth as April 13, 1856.

END

2-4-18

Alwida Jaunita Smith (1859-1936)

Alwida was the daughter of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). She was born July 10, 1859, in Woods Harbour NS.

She married George Wellington Nickerson (1850-1905) December 17, 1874, at Clark’s Harbour. She was age 16 he was age 24. He was the son of Asa Nickerson (1826-1856) and Sarah Covel Smith (18??-1917) They appear to have had seven children, Sarah Jane born 1878, James Ephraim born 1880, and George Emmons born 1881 and Edrick Roy born 1883, Cora, Alwilda Jr. and a baby (1890-1890).

The 1900 US census found them in Somerville MA with five children at home, James, George, Edrick, Cora and Alwilda Jr.

George died May 23 1905 in Somerville MA of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and is buried in West Head.

She married Smith Duram Baxter (1855-1946) May 5, 1909, in Somerville MA. It was his third marriage and her second. He was master mechanic. He was the son of Phillip Baxter and Charlotte Cove.

The 1910 census showed him as age 54 and Jane as age 50. There were six children at home all shown with the Baxter last name.

In the 1920 census he was shown as age 63 and Jane age 60. Living with them was his daughter Agnes Baxter age 20, Jane’s son Edrick age 36 and his wife Alice E. Baxter described herself as a daughter in law.

She died May 27, 1936, in Watertown MA. He died in 1946 and is buried in Belmont cemetery.

OBITUARY:

BAXTER-In Cambridge, May 27, Alwida J., wife of Smith D. Baxter of 71 Oxford av. Funeral services at Belmont Street Baptist Church, Templeton parkway, Watertown, Friday May 29 at 2:30 p.m.

END

2-4-19

Jonathan Smith (1860-??)

Jonathan was the son of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born about 1860 in Woods Harbour NS.

According to The History of Barrington Township he married the daughter of David Morrisey.

END

2-4-20

Nathaniel Smith (1864-??)

Nathaniel was the son of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born about 1864 in Woods Harbour NS.

I have found no public records for him.

END

2-4-21

Juanetta L. Smith (1865-1941)

Junietta was the daughter of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). She was born about November 29, 1865, in Woods Harbour NS.

She married Asa Norman Penney (1861-1928) December 28, 1886. He was the son of Eleazar C Penney (1814-1871) and Sophia Brannen (1817-1900). Junietta and Asa were cousins, their mothers were sisters. He appears to have been raised by his grandparents Daniel and Sarah Penney. In the 1881 census he is shown living with them along with his siblings, Roswell, Joanne, Maretta, and Reuben.

Junietta and Asa appeared in the 1900 US census. They were living in Somerville MA. Their son Roswell age 11 was living with them. The 1910 census showed them living in Medford MA. Roswell was still living with them.

Asa died December 12, 1941, in Malden MA….

END

2-4-22

George Washington Smith Jr. (1867-1908)

George was the son of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born about November 22, 1867, in Woods Harbour NS.

George was married twice. He married his first wife Mary Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wilson (1870-1894) December 28 1889 at Shag Harbour.. She was the daughter of Lewis Wilson (1840-1904) and Mercey Devine (1840-1913). They had three children Alda Juanita born 1890, Davis Emonds born 1892, and Lewis Hartley (1894-??). Lizzie died August 25, 1894, leaving three very young children.

His second wife Margaret Sarah Nickerson (1880-1973) took place October 1, 1902, at West Head NS. They had two children of their own Keith Desmond (1903-1982) and Ethel E. (1906-1969).

George and Leslie Crowell went out lobstering from Seal Island January 29, 1908, in a motorboat and were never seen again.

He is memorialized on a stone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Woods Harbour NS with his brother Davis.

Margaret married again. She died August 22, 1973, in Clark’s Harbour. She was buried with her second husband Thomas Eldridge Penney (1876-1943).

END

2-4-23

James M. Smith (1870-1870)

James was the son of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born February 17, 1870, and died March 17, 1870, Woods Harbour NS.

END

2-4-24

Austin Franklin Smith (1872-1954)

Austin was the son of Eleanor Brannen (1836-1911) and George Washington Smith (1826-1909). He was born October 27, 1872, in Woods Harbour NS.

The 1891 census has him living at home at the age of 18. He was a fisherman.

He married Delphine Sears (1873-1949) July 21, 1892, in Shag Harbour and settled in Woods Harbour. She was the daughter of Charles Sears (1852-1901) and Barbara Nickerson (1853-1881). They had at least eleven children.

The family appeared in the 1911 census living in Woods Harbour. Austin was age 39 and Delphine was age 38. There were nine children at home plus his mother Eleanor.

He was a carpenter.

Delphine died July 6, 1949. He died November 16, 1954, at Upper Woods Harbour NS. They are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Woods Harbour NS.

END

THE CHILDREN OF REBECCA BRANNEN (1840-1927)

2-4-25

Austin Freeland Nickerson (1862-1896)

Austin was the oldest child of Rebecca Brannen (1840-1927) and Joshua Nickerson 1839-1902. He was born on Cape Sable Island August 12, 1862, and appears in the 1871 census as age 9. He also appears in the 1881 a 19 and living at home.

He married Sarepla “Sarah” Ann Nickerson (1864-1952) June 24, 1882. She was born in Clark’s Harbour; she was the daughter of McCallum Duncan Nickerson (1838-1908) and Rebecca Jane Kenney (1884-1937). They had three children, Ethel Myrtle (1884-1968), Daisy M. (1888-?) and Milward Freeland (1895-1958).

In the 1891 census he was shown as age 29 married to Serapla age 26. There were two children. He was a fisherman.

He was lost at sea from the Helena Maud August 29, 1896. A memorial is in the Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour NS.

Sarah moved to BC and died in Prince Rupert BC January 27, 1952, at age 87. She is buried in the Fairview cemetery there with her son Milward Freeland (1895-1958).

END

2-4-26

Smith Freeman Nickerson (1866-1954)

Smith was born on Cape Sable Island March 3, 1866. He was the son of Rebecca Brannen (1840-1927) and Joshua Nickerson (1839-1902).

He married Sarah Mae Eva Kenney (1867-1956). They had one child Perley Trueman (1888-1955).

In the 1901 census he was listed as a barber in Clark’s Harbour. The 1911 census found him living in Arcadia and working as a tinsmith. In the 1921 census he was listed as age 55 a commercial fish merchant. Living with him was his wife Mae, his son Perley age 32 and his mother Rebecca age 83.

He died January 12, 1954, and is buried in the Arcadia Cemetery with his wife Mae (1867-1956) who died November 4, 1956, and son Perley T. Nickerson (1888-1955).

END

2-4-27

Lucinda A. Nickerson (1870-1904)

Lucinda was the youngest child of Rebecca Brannen (1840-1927) and Joshua Nickerson (1839-1902). She was born January 1, 1870.

She appears in the 1871 Canadian census as Lucy, age one year, and in the 1881 census as age 11.

She died at age 34 May 29, 1904, in Boston MA.

It appears she never married.

END

THE CHILDREN OF WILLIAM THOMAS BRANNEN (1840-1889)

2-4-28

Effie Hannah Brannen (1864-1889)

Hannah was born in Woods Harbour in 1864. She was the oldest child of William Thomas Brannen 1840-1889 and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913). She married Rev. William P. Dodson of Maryland. They were missionaries.

He was associated with the Bishop Taylor Mission and was appointed as the presiding elder of the Angola district in Africa. They took up residence there sometime after the Mission commenced in 1885.

She died in Pungo Andoago, Angola, Africa, of yellow fever and childbirth complications January 21, 1889. It appears the child did not survive. She was buried in Africa.

She was listed in the Mission’s records as “our honoured dead E. Hannah Dodson age 26 January 21, 1889, in Pungo Andoago”

Rev. Dodson continued his missionary work in Africa.

OBITUARY:

Effie Hannah Brannen, daughter of William B. and Virginia Brannen of Woods Harbour Nova Scotia came to Africa in 1886. Her time was spent in Nhangue-a-Pepo and Pungo Andongo. Coming from a life of struggle and trial, she seemed to blossom out mentally and spiritually among us and find rest for her soul. Her time was spent studying, teaching, and helping generally. In 1885 she became the wife of W. P. Dodson. Four happy months were spent together and then God called our beloved sister to himself, at the age of twenty-six. She triumphed in death, saying “Jesus stands by.” We all loved her and felt that her character could be expressed by the words spoken by Jesus of Nishanth “In whom is no guile.”

END

2-4-29

Lalah Belle Brannen (1865-1940)

Lalah was born July 31, 1865, in Woods Harbour NS. She was the daughter of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913). She received a late birth registration from The Province of Nova Scotia on July 27, 1936, attested to by her cousin Mathilda Nickerson.

The 1881 census has her age as 15 living at home in Lower Woods Harbour

In September 22 1883 she appeared on manifest of the Anne M. Bill sailing from Pubnico to Boston. She gave her age as 18.

On October 6 1886, she gave birth to a child, Harry Chetwynd (1886-1949) in Boston. She was unmarried. The father was Henry Elma Chetwynd (1862-1894). The child, Harry, was raised by his grandparents Israel F. Chetwynd (1829-1911) and Mary Jane Nickerson (1837-1909).

The 1891 census shows her age 23 living with her parents in Woods Harbour.

In January 4 1893 she married Robert E. Garland in Somerville MA. He was the son of Joseph Garland (1832-1872) and Mary Jane Horseman (1832-1863). He was age 33, and she gave her age as 26. It was his second marriage and her first. Her father`s name is recorded as David and her mother’s as Virginia. She was working as a domestic. Their marriage is also recorded in the church records. Robert had four surviving children from his first marriage. Lalah became stepmother to these children aged two to 14. Lalah and Robert had five children of their own. Three of those lived to maturity.

She appears in the 1900 US census as age 33; she gave her birth date as July 1866. There were four children at home, William born in 1896, Virginia born in 1898, George born in 1890, and Esther born in 1891. Also living with them was Nellie Brannen, her younger sister who was born in 1882.

The 1920 census recorded them at 37 Sewell Street in Somerville MA. She was shown as age 52 that she immigrated in 1886 and that she was a naturalized citizen. He worked on the railroad. There were three children at home. Virginia, Pearl and Blanche plus his adult son George age 30 along with his one-year-old son Willie.

The 1924 city directory shows them living in Quincy at 37 Sewall. Her mother, Virginia, was living with them.

Robert died about 1927 in Boston MA.

The 1930 US census found Lalah living at 122 Lakeview Av. Queens NY. The head of the household was William C. Perry. He was originally from Canada.  He was 65 years old and a widower who had worked for a bank as special officer. Lalah was listed as age 62; and as Garland; a widow. She was described as a housekeeper. The 1940 census does not include Lalah in the household, there was another housekeeper listed. No record of a marriage of Lalah to William was found.

She died August 13, 1940, in Queens NY and was buried Aug 17, 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY in The Evergreens Cemetery 1629 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn NY 11207-1849 Burial record #329261

STORY:

My husband's great-grandmother, Lalah Belle Brannon Garland Perry, born 13 July 1865, Nova Scotia, Canada. Married Robert Edward Garland 4 January 1893 in Boston, MA. Edward died in 1927. Lalah married Robert C. Perry after Edward's death, exact date yet unk. Lalah & Edward had 4 children, William M., Virginia B., Minerva Pearl & Blanche Thelma.

- Linda (Myers) LaMere

2-4-30

Ezra Mathew Brannen (1866-1946)

Ezra was born 22 July 1864 at Woods Harbour. He was the son of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

The 1881 Census showed him as age 13 living with his parents and nine siblings in Woods Harbour.

The 1891 McAlpine’s Directory listed him as a fisherman in Woods Harbour.

The 1891 census lists him as single age 22 living at home in Woods Harbour with his widowed mother.

He married Cynthia Swain (1859-1913) August 12, 1893, in Bear Point NS by Rev. Holiday of Bear Point. They had four children. She was the daughter of Reuben Swaine and Louisa Nickerson.

The 1901 Census shows him as age 34 born July 22, 1866, working as a lobster packer in Woods Harbour. He had three children at home plus two brothers living with him. In the 1911 census he was 45 years old married to Cynthia age 50 with four children at home.

Cynthia died on June 6, 1913, is buried in Centreville. He married Ardith Anne “Addie” Smith (1881-1948) in Centreville January 2, 1914. They had one child Ezra Norman (1917-2009).

Both of his older sons enlisted in army and served overseas in WWI. In 1917 his oldest son William “Willie” Thomas Jr (1895-1959) was seriously wounded and lost a leg in Europe. August 10, 1918, his son Randall (1896-1918) died from wounds in Amiens France. Ezra was granted a government pension due to the loss of his son Randall.

The 1921 census shows him living in Centreville married to Addie with one child, Norman aged four.

He was later appointed postmaster and given the contract for mail delivery to the Island post offices. Ezra Brannen was the McGray Post Office Postmaster from November 15, 1924, to October 27 1927 when he resigned.

His wife Adrith was appointed Postmaster Dec 31, 1929, and resigned 21 May 1947

He died in Yarmouth Hospital February 23, 1946. Dr. Burton signed the certificate on February 25. He was buried in Centreville the 25th

STORY:

An excerpt from Ester Brannen’s account of her early life:

Father had a lobster canning factory on Goodwin’s Island as his father before him. Apparently , he moved there shortly after my birth. It was equipped for family living, also providing living quarters for the factory workers, oddly enough I do not remember any of this.

EZRA M. BRANNEN HONORED ,

A very happy evening was spent at the home of Mrs. B. S. Abbott. Somerville, August 20, where a family reunion took place in honor of Ezra M. Brannen, of Centreville, C, S. I. who is visiting relatives in Boston, Thirty one were present, twenty-nine being relatives. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. T. Brannen, Woods Harbor, nine are living, Effie, the eldest of the family, died many years ago in Africa, where she went as a missionary, Capt., Horatio was killed in the Halifax explosion-ion; Capt. Davis was accidentally shot while moose hunting in Prince Rupert. B. C. and Capt., Lawless drowned off Port Maitland, Yar, Co. Those living are Lalah, (Mrs. Wm. Perry): Blanche, (Mrs. G. Barnett); Elizabeth (Mrs. O'Connell); Esther (Mrs. C. Flynn); Nellie (Mrs. G. Cadrain); Alice (Mrs. B, S, Abbott); Ezra, Sam and Captain Arthur, These were united Tuesday for the first time in years, The evening was spent in dancing, the grand march being led by Ezra Brannen and Mrs. Wm. Perry. Delicious refreshments were served; the color scheme of ' _ the tea table being yellow and green. This was followed by an elimination waltz the prize being won by Ezra Brannen_ The evening closed with singing `For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' and Auld Lang Syne, Those present were: Mrs. G. Barnett, Mrs. Wm Perry, N. Y.; Mrs. Elizabeth O'Connell, Malden; Mr. and Mrs. Chas, Flynn, Mr. and Mrs. Cadrain and daughter Virginia, Wayland; E. M. Brannen, Centreville, and his daughter Mr., J. E. West, Quebec City; Mr. and Mrs. S. Brannen, and children, Arthur, Ruth and Sam; Mr. and Mrs, Brant Brannen and daughter Barbara, Wayland; Mr., and Mrs., R. O'Connell, Yarmouth, W. Brannen, Brookline; Mr. and Mrs. B, S, Abbott and daughter Marjorie, Mrs. Junie Penney, Medford; Miss M. Melrose, of Brookline; D, Brannen, Miss B. Wilson, Allston; Mrs., W. Bent, Cambridge; Mrs., Wm. McInnis, Somerville and C. Richards, Wayland, Mass, We seldom can be together. For fate has kept us apart... But in memory oft we wander To the scenes that are dear to our hearts.

Though many miles divide us. And each other we seldom see, Still in love our hearts are united, And so it will ever bey

STORY;

Ezra was WT's (Willie’s) dad, my father’s grandfather. He had many tragic events in his life, but my father remembers his grandfather as a cheerful, energetic man. Ezra lost his son John Randall in WW1, his brother Horatio in the Halifax explosion, his wife Cynthia, and his brother Davis, killed in a hunting accident in western Canada, Lawless and Davis travelled out west together, Alberta and BC. Lawless, another brother was drowned off Yarmouth, near the Bay of Fundy, while fishing.

My Dad remembers Ezra as a well-dressed man, always driving a new car. He came to Sunday dinners in Woods Harbour at WT's(Willie’s) from Centreville. My mother knew him as well and she always told me what a charmer he was. I like to cook and Mom always said that I must get that from Ezra. He wore suits and spats and loved to dance. When my father knew him, it was a mystery as to where he obtained his relative wealth as he did not work. He would have been in his 60's then. Ezra met my father at the train station in Shelburne when he came back from the war and drove him and Bruce Jamieson to Woods Harbour. Ezra worked as a cook on a merchant vessel that travelled from NS to Boston at the turn of the 19th century. He brought back a $5 American Indian head gold coin that he obtained in Boston. It would be worth perhaps a week’s wage back then. Not something that would be purchased as a souvenir. Certainly not with a growing family at home. This was passed on to WT, (Willie) who passed it to my father, and it is now in my possession in its original box from the Atlantic National Bank of Boston dated 1909.

Alan Brannen July 14, 2014, e-mail

STORY:

Ezra’s daughter Ester recorded stories from her early life for her son-in-law Richard Garrity in 1983. The following are some excerpts from her interview:

…Father had a lobster canning factory on Goodwin’s Island, as his father before him. Apparently, he moved his family there shortly before my birth. …I do not remember any of this..

…. Goodwin’s Island originally had been a grant of land to my grandmother’s brother. My father …. sold equal shares to four of his brothers..

….(Later)Father had bought a house in Lower Woods Harbour…I do not remember the year father sold our house……and moved to Centreville …..Father bought the house from a McGray.

STORY

Ezra, known in the community as Ezrie, was not only postmaster in Centreville but had the contract to drive the mail from the Barrington Passage station to all the post offices on the Island. As a result, he had one of the very few cars on the Island that was driven during the depression. He also had a small pension from the death of his son Randall.

Jack Brannen, former neighbor, 2014

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Mary Elizabeth Brannen (1868-1944)

Her birth is recorded as 5 December 1968 in Woods Harbour. She was the daughter of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

In the 1891 census she was listed as age 20 living in Woods Harbour with her widowed mother.

She married George Obediah O’Connell (1872-1963) August 3 1893 in Bear Point NS. They had five children.

In the 1901 Canadian census she is shown as married to Obediah. She was 28 and they were living in Yarmouth. There were four children. The 1911 census showed her as age 32 living in Yarmouth. In the 1921 census they had three children at home, Daniel 21, Guy 18, and Earl. Three served in WWII; two suffered wounds in action.

l 17. They were living on Argyle Street in Yarmouth.

He enlisted on 10 April 1915, gave his date of birth as 14 August 1875. He was a fisherman. He was married and lived in Yarmouth. His birth records show August 14, 1872. It appears he added his age for his enlistment papers.

In the 1921 census there were three remaining children at home, Daniel 21, Guy 18, and Earl 17. They were living on Argyle Street in Yarmouth.

She died May 26, 1944, in Yarmouth. George died November 1963 in Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax. They are both buried in Mountain cemetery in Yarmouth NS.

OBITUARY

GEORGE O'CONNELL First World War veteran, George O’Connell, formerly of Yarmouth, died in Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, last week. The son of the late Silas and Mary Elizabeth. (Brannen) O'Connell of Shag Harbour, Shelburne County, was 93 years of age.

He is survived by. four sans, Harold and Guy, Yarmouth, Earl, England, and Roy, in Massachusetts, His wife predeceased him in 1942. They had resided in Yarmouth until about 30 years ago.

Mr. O'Connell enlisted is the 40th Battalion Canadian Army, in 1915, and later served in France the famous, 25th Battalion.

He was a well-known fisherman and was the last remaining member of the crew of the late Capt. John Simms.

Funeral services were held from Sweeny's Funeral Home, with Rev. Miller, pastor of Temple Baptist Church officiating. The interment was in Mountain Cemetery.

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Blanche Nora Brannen (1872-??)

Blanche was born April 26, 1872, in Woods Harbour. She was the daughter of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

She appears in the 1881 census living in Woods Harbour. She was age ten living with her parents and siblings under the name Nora. In the 1891 census she is shown as age 19, single, living with her widowed mother and siblings in Woods Harbour and again she was called Nora.

May 24, 1896, a child was born in Somerville MA to Blanche Nora Brannen and Walter Sinclair. Walter was a clerk originally from Philadelphia PA. Their address was shown as 24 McLean St. Boston. There are photos of Hildebrand as a small child with Blanche and he also appears in a family portrait. He is believed to have died in France the first world war in 1917.

Blanche had hopes of becoming an actress and may have had some minor stage experience in this era.

Blanche married George Barnett (1881-1964) in 1909. They had no children together. They appeared in the 1910 US census living in New York City at 312 West 47th Street. George was age 29 and Blanche gave her age as 28. He was a plumber and she was a dressmaker working at home. With them was a 12-year-old, Hildebrandt Barnett and Nellie Brannen age 24, her sister, who was employed as a retail saleslady. Both Blanche and Nellie indicated their birthplace as MA.

In the 1915 NY census he was shown as working for the railroad and she doing housework They lived at 851 Halsey St Brooklyn. In the 1930 census they lived on Grand Concourse Blvd. He was a taxi driver. Living with them was Ernest Brannen (1901-1973) her nephew age 34 and Ethel Brannen, Ernest’s wife, age 30. There was a Barnett family (Harry) next door.

In the 1940 census Blanche and George were living in 143 Wadsworth Av New York City he was shown as age 59 and she gave her age as 58 (She was actually 68 years old.). She was a naturalized citizen. He was a taxi driver.

In April 1959 there was a 50th anniversary party for Blanche and George hosted by her brother Arthur and held in Cochituate MA at Esther’s home. Blanche’s siblings Arthur from Eliot ME, Alice from Somerville MA, Nellie from East Kingston NH were in attendance.

George died February 8, 1964. Blanche’s date and the location of death are unknown.

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Horatio Harris Brannen 1873-1917

Nova Scotia Birth Records show him born 27 Dec 1873 at Woods Harbour to William Thomas. Brannen (1840-1889) a fisherman and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913) who were married 1863 at Woods Harbour.

The 1881 census shows him as eight years old living with his parents and siblings in Woods Harbour.

The 1891 census shows him as single age 18 living with his widowed mother in Woods Harbour along with his siblings. He was a fisherman.

Mc Alpines Nova Scotia directory of 1896 shows him as a fisherman at Clark's Harbour on page 1460.

The 1901 census shows him as age 28, a fisherman living in Clark's Harbour. He was married to Susan. They have 4 children Harris, Walter, Viola and Ernest.

He entered the salvage business as captain of the Twilight which did salvage work off Cape Sable.

There is a record of his registration of the sloop Fly that was built in 1906. The length was 32 feet. His residence was shown as Woods Harbour and he was described as a mariner. He appeared to be part owner.

The salvage ship the SS Coastguard was registered to the Provincial Wrecking Company of Barrington. This was a steamer with sails, recorded as built in 1904. The vessel had one deck and was 72 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 72. It is believed he took command not long after she was built. The Coastguard carried out salvage operations around Cape Sable. Most notably was the salvage work done on the SS Hungarian which had gone down in 1860. This project went on for several seasons in the 1909-11 era.

July 5 1909 Horatio purchased Part lot 6 Class 4 2nd division of Cape Sable Island for $50 from Vincent Nickerson, his father in law. He built a new home on the lot.

September 4th 1910, he sold a piece of property at Stoney Island to his brother Lawless for $5.00. This property had earlier been conveyed to both Horatio and Lawless by William B. Smith.

July 14, 1911, he purchased 1/4th of Goodwin's Island from his brother Ezra for $25.00. The island had been owned by his father, W.T., and it appears Ezra was acting as executor of his father’s estate.

He became master of the SS Deliverance which carried out salvage work out of Liverpool. When the SS Deliverance was taken into naval service as a mine sweeper, he went with the ship. The SS Deliverance was run down and sunk in fog in 1916. All crew were saved. He was the last to leave the sinking ship.

He is listed in the service files of the RCN. His occupation listed as Master Mariner Service Number OFF VR-10

After the loss of the SS Deliverance he took command of the SS Stella Maris for the Halifax Dock Graving Company. He was killed in the Halifax explosion. He is considered a hero for his efforts and is recognized in a memorial in Halifax. He is also featured in the Nova Scotia Museum in Halifax. He has been portrayed in films about the explosion.

His body was shipped to Clark's Harbour for interment. He had been decapitated and was identified by his wife and his neighbor, Allan Nickerson, by a deformed finger.

He is buried in Clark's Harbour at Oakdale Cemetery.

STORY:

The following is a profile of Horatio Brannen extracted from the book, The Halifax Explosion: SS Stella Maris and the Cape Island Connections by Bruce Brannen, self-published 2017

Captain Horatio 'Race' Harris Brannen was born December 27, 1873, on Goodwin’s Island He was the sixth child of William Thomas Brannen 1840-1889 and Virginia Nickerson 1845-1913. His father died young when Horatio was only 16. The family oral history suggests he rowed to the mainland to get a doctor, however his father died before he could return. In 1891 the Canadian Census showed him living with his widowed mother and siblings in Woods Harbour. He was a fisherman.

April 28, 1894, he married Susan Nickerson 1870-1956 of West Head NS, in Clark's Harbour. She was the oldest child of Vincent Nickerson 1847-1933 and Hannah Newell 1849-1937. Their sons Harris Horatio and Walter Trueman were born in 1894 and 1896. Census reports and McAlpine’s Directories of 1891, 1896 & 1901 showed him as a fisherman. It appears he settled on Cape Sable Island after his marriage. The 1901 census showed him living in Clark's Harbour with four children. It is believed he became a master mariner by the time he was 21 years old. He became a member of the #70 Sea Side Lodge of the I.O.O.F.

He entered the wrecking/salvage business as both a captain and as a diver working on wrecks near Cape Sable. Wrecking was the common word in that era to describe the dismantling of sunken ships. His first command of such a ship was the Twilight a 37-ton sloop he took command of around 1900. SS Coastguard was registered to the Provincial Wrecking Company of Barrington sometime after she was built in 1904. Horatio took command sometime between 1904 and 1906. He always recruited his crew from family, neighbours, and seamen from the area. Over the coming years two of his sons, Harris and Walter were crewmembers. Three of his brothers, Davis, Lawless and Arthur Winbourne, a well as cousins John Howard Brannen, and George Horton Brannen, two brother-in-law’s Walter C. and Aubrey Nickerson, and at least two nephews William Thomas Brannen and Sidney Malone, were all crewmembers for him at one time or another.

He received a Government of Canada award for the rescue of the crew of the shipwrecked Canadian barkentine Edith Sheraton on June 6th 1905. He also is credited rescuing two of the crew of the fishing smack Mystery who lost contact with their ship in the fog and drifted for three 3 days without food or water.

Not only had be become a master mariner but also an accomplished deep-sea diver. Helmet diving suits consist of a waterproof one-piece suit made of canvas and rubber that entirely covers the wearer except for the head and hands. The diver wears leaded boots weighing about 40 lb. and a metal helmet with side and front windows covers his head. A non-collapsible pipe connects the helmet to an air supply on the deck. An attached lifeline hauls the diver to the surface. Four of the Brannen brothers were divers. Diving skills were essential in the wrecking business.

Wrecking" became a lucrative business. The famous Cape Sable Ledges were not far offshore. They have been the graveyard for many ships that strayed off course. The most notable wrecking operation that he mounted was that of SS Hungarian which foundered in 1860. From about 1909 they dove on her wreck for several seasons. It proved to be a successful project as evidenced by the fact that several of his crew built or purchased substantial homes in that period.

July 5 1909 Horatio purchased a lot in West Head from his father-in-law for $50 and constructed a new home with the first concrete foundation on the Island. His red house is still there and still owned by his descendants.

In late July 1911 Captain Brannen and the SS Coastguard went to the aid of HMCS Niobe a large navy cruiser of 11,000 tons. Near midnight she was overtaken by thick fog and went aground on Blond Rock just off Cape Sable. She refloated on the next tide and despite a hole of ten by twenty feet in her hull as able to make Clark`s Harbour. There was serious concern that she would be lost due to taking on water. Using her pumps and augmented by those of the SS Coastguard pumping 24 hours a day they were able to stabilize the ship while naval and Coastguard divers patched the hull. She was moved to Halifax for repairs and eventually became the RCN depot ship in Halifax Harbour and played a significant role in the 1917 Halifax Explosion story.

The Southern Salvage Company of Liverpool NS (which became part of the Brookfield companies) took over the Provincial Wrecking Company and the SS Coastguard. They then built SS Deliverance, a larger ship that was launched in 1914. She was a wooden hulled ship formerly known as the Gerald Turnbull before being salvaged and rebuilt. She was 111 feet long and displaced 280 tons. Built to be an up to date salvage/wrecking ship, she was equipped with two derricks, air compressors, diving apparatus, powerful pumps and wireless radio. Captain Brannen moved to the larger Deliverance about March of 1915 and took his son Walter and brother-in-law Aubrey M. Nickerson with him. Later his sons Harris and Walter joined him.

When Canada entered the war in August 1914, it began to build a coastal navy from trawlers, yachts and tugs by chartering them, usually with accompanying non-military crews. The Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve was created, and mariners and fishermen recruited.

Horatio was one of the first to enlist in the RNCVR and was assigned VR# 10. This would suggest his enlistment was likely early 1915. It appears SS Deliverance was likely taken over by the RCN for minesweeping duties in mid October 1915 and was then referred to as HMCS Deliverance. Captain Brannen was considered to be on active duty while Deliverance was chartered to the RCN. Most of his crew was also enlisted in the RNCVR.

June 15 1917 while sweeping near Portuguese Cove in thick fog Deliverance was run down by the Norwegian ship SS Regin. Captain Brannen attempted to beach Deliverance at Herring Cove with the aid of her companion ship but water got to the boilers before they made it in and she went to the bottom. No one was lost in the accident. The captain was the last off the ship staying on board until she was almost submerged.

Captain Brannen, his brother Davis, sons Harris and Walter were all enlisted in the RNCVR during WW1 and actively involved in minesweeping duties in the Halifax Harbour approaches. Captain Brannen settled his family including Walter, who was still single, in a house at 51 Duncan Street, Halifax. Harris who was married, lived a short distance away with his family at 2 Murray Place near the North West Arm.

After the loss of HMCS Deliverance the naval authorities eventually directed her officers to report to PV-V a converted trawler leased, and being used as a minesweeper out of the North West Arm. Both Captain Brannen and his son Walter who were employed by Brookfield accepted their employer’s offer of positions on SS Stella Maris another of the Brookfield company’s ships before receiving the Navy’s directive. In June 1917 Horatio took over command of Stella Maris from his youngest brother Arthur Winbourne Brannen. His salary was $170.00 per month. When he took over the position as master of Stella Maris, Captain Brannen was no longer deemed to be on active duty by the RNCVR and neither was his crew. He sought confirmation of this and was told that he was not released from the navy and could be recalled at any time they needed him.

SS Stella Maris was a former RN gunboat that in recent times had been converted and equipped for salvage and wrecking. She was also chartered by the RCN at $50 a month with crew. The contract appeared to allow Stella Maris to take on private salvage jobs. One of his major salvage attempts, as master of Stella Maris was SS Kristianiafjord. She was a large Norwegian passenger liner sailing from New York to Norway on June15 1917 when she ran aground near Cape Race, Newfoundland. There were 1,144 passengers and crew on board at the time, but no lives were lost. Captain Brannen and his Stella Maris crew went to the aid of the grounded ship and were able to stabilize her but a storm a few days later on the 28th of June resulted in her sinking. They had returned from Buctouche NB on December 5th after going to the aid of two ships that had encountered problems in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

On the morning of December 6th 1917, they had been tasked with towing two scows to Bedford Basin from the Brookfield dry dock. He was on the bridge of the Stella Maris when Imo and Mont-Blanc collided. When he saw the fire aboard the Mont-Blanc he immediately made the decision to go to the aid of the ship in trouble. While working under the instructions of the senior naval authority at the scene to mitigate the impending disaster by towing Mont-Blanc away from the pier, he was decapitated by the explosion.

The bodies of Captain Brannen and the men killed on Stella Maris and entombed in the hull, were not quickly recovered. Mr. Brookfield tried for several days, but with the dry dock so depleted of men he had great difficulty in raising a party to go on the ship. One day he started out in his automobile with the intent of getting some men in the vicinity on along the road to assist in recovering the bodies but when he got to Young Street his automobile was commandeered and he was ordered to take an injured man to the hospital. The rest of the afternoon was spent looking for a hospital to admit the man. The following day he sent a car with four men but they were not successful. According to Harris Brannen, it was not until Sunday the 20th, before the bodies were taken off.

Captain Brannen’s daughter Mable wrote in 1965: “I found my way home to find that great damage had been done there. Windows shattered…..The corner walls must have opened….”

Horatio’s wife Susan closed the Halifax house and left with her three daughters and sons Ernest and Claremont to return to her West Head home with his body. She and neighbor Alan Nickerson provided positive identification based his deformed finger. He was buried in Oakvale Cemetery at Clark's Harbour on December 27, his birthday. Sixteen-year-old Ernest was employed by a men's clothing store, Pages, in Halifax returned to his job there and daughter Viola returned to school in Halifax after the funeral.

His widow Susan in her declaration for the Halifax Relief Commission said she had no savings; no investments and he had no life insurance (as a diver he did not qualify for life insurance). Her only asset was the family home at West Head NS valued at about $1,000. There were no other assets.

A Clarkès Harbour neighbour wrote to S.M.Brookfield, Captain Brannen's employer and a well-connected businessman:

Some time before the explosion in Halifax Dec. 6th Captain H. H. Brannen of "Stella Maris" went to the Naval authorities in Halifax and asked them if they considered him discharged from the Naval Service. They told him that they certainly did not and that they would call upon him at anytime that they had need of him.

Would you, as a friend of Captain Brannen, inquire about this matter and see if there is a pension due his widow as she will need it with the family that she has now, also, when Captain Brannen lost the S. S. "Deliverance" he lost about, $500, and again when he lost his life on the "Stella Maris" he had a considerable sum of money on him, besides other securities which are lost to his family. Now there is no personal gain for me in this, but I have known Captain Brannen since we were boys together besides being a neighbour and I feel that anything that we can do would not be too much for a man who so nobly laid down his life.

Hoping that you will look into this for his widow

I remain,

George E Nickerson JP

 From H.L.Holmes Commander to Admiral Superintendent. H.M.C.S. Dockyard Feb. 25, 1918:

               .....I beg to report that as far as known in "Niobe" Mr. H.H. Brannen was instructed to join P.V. 5 on or about the 5th July in accordance with telegram ......, but further instructions were received from the Captain Superintendent ZZ. .........of the 13th of July stating that Officers from 'Deliverance' should be sent to P.V. 5 Monday, the 18th of July. It is understood H.H. Brannen would not take this appointment as he had already been offered an appointment in another ship by a private firm

The Halifax Recovery Commission granted a monthly pension of $84.00 ($60.00 for his wife Susan, and $8.00 for each child until they reached age 17). She was given $200. by the HRC for loss of personal effects and his employer Brookfield gave her $100.

His widow, at a cost of $150 erected a suitable monument in the Oakvale Cemetery. When his estate was finally probated expenses, and cash had balanced at $976.00.

It appears around 1920 his widow, Susan, and the children except Harris moved to Malden MA. For the rest of her life she spent her summers at the West Head NS home and the rest of the year in the US with her children. Members of the family joined her for at least part of the summer. Walter's son Raymond says he spent every summer from age 5 to 18 at his grandmother's house in West Head. She visited her children in the US in the cooler months, staying frequently with Thelma.  She passed away in Bloomfield NJ April 30 1956 while living with Thelma. Her daughter Mable purchased the house in West Head. Ownership in the house has remained in family and it is still used by the family as a summer residence.

Captain Brannen's sons gave up the sea; Harris, the oldest, went to work for the Canadian Government after the war and became a regional radio inspector in the Maritimes. Walter moved to the US in 1921 and eventually became a representative for General Motors. Ernest and Claremont never went to sea. Claremont died young of pneumonia at Walter's home in New York City in 1929.

On the 67th anniversary of the explosion The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower was dedicated in Needham Park over looking the site of the explosion. Captain Brannen was recognized on the memorial:

Canada Ports Corporation

In memory of Horatio Harris Brannen

Captain of the salvage tug "Stella Maris"

The Nova Scotia Maritime Museum in Halifax maintains a permanent exhibition of the Halifax Explosion in which Captain Brannen is prominently featured.

Unfortunately, the Canadian navy has never acknowledged his contribution or sacrifice and his name does not appear on the cenotaphs of either Clark’s Harbour or Wood’s Harbour. He was a resident of the former and native of the latter.

STORY;

Shelburne Gazette, February 6th 1918

 Capt. Brannen's Great Work.

One of the outstanding characters who lost his life in the great Halifax disaster was Captain Horatio H. Brannen, commander of the S.S. Stella Maris, who was making a heroic effort to reach the burning Mont Blanc and tow her to a place of greater safety before the catastrophe came.

Captain Brannen was born at Woods Harbor, Shelburne County, forty-five years ago, and so was just coming into manhood's fullest prime when his life was so tragically cut off. When a mere lad, he came to Clark's Harbor, Cape Sable Island, and engaged in fishing, where his enterprise and integrity soon won for him a foremost place. He was not content to fish along the smaller lines and soon began to push out into the larger lines of lobster fishing and of deep-sea fishing. His enterprise and good judgement soon attracted the attention of others and about the year 1900, he was given command of the S.S. Coastguard, then owned by the Barrington Wrecking Company and engaged in salvage operations in which a good degree of success was attained. The Coastguard, passing to the ownership of the Southern Salvage Company of Liverpool, Captain Brannen went with her into the service of that company. Later, Captain Brannen was given the command of a larger craft, the S.S. Deliverance, in which he continued his work of salvaging.

The most noted wreck upon which Captain Brannen worked was the old S.S. Hungarian wrecked off Cape Sable Island about sixty years ago. After this ship had lain on the bottom fifty-one years, captain Brannen and his crew attempted to salvage her cargo. They worked several seasons upon her and were richly rewarded. Very interesting relics of this famous wreck are to be seen today in the late home of Captain Brannen in Clark's Harbor.

When the Canadian naval ship, the Niobe, foundered off Cape Sable, it was Captain Brannen and his crew who went to her assistance, hauled her off the rocks, fixed her up so that she went to Halifax for repairs in the dry dock.

At the outbreak of the war, the S.S. Deliverance was taken into naval service and Captain Brannen went with her. The boat was engaged in minesweeping and so continued until run down and sunk by a Norwegian bark off Portuguese Cove early last season. Captain Brannen stuck to his ship until she was going down when, after a severe struggle he escaped with his life. After the loss of the S.S. Deliverance, Captain Brannen took command of the S.S. Stella Maris, for the Halifax Dock Graving Company. In this capacity, he went to Newfoundland to rescue the S.S. Chritianafjord and later to the Magdalen Islands and rescued two ships that had got into trouble there.

Captain Brannen had never been discharged from the naval service and, on the morning of the great disaster, he was taking the S.S. Stella Maris into Bedford Basin when he was sent to the aid of the burning ship. Aided by British blue-jackets he was trying to reach the Mont Blanc with a line in the hope of towing her to a place of greater safety when the explosion came.  -

Shelburne Gazette

STORY

Taken from the Martime Hertiage Data

While taking barges into Bedford Basin STELLA MARIS had to maneuver quickly to avoid the outgoing Imo. After Mont Blanc and Imo collided, Stella Maris quickly anchored the barges and went to assist the burning Mont Blanc. Stella Maris trained a water hose on the burning munitions ship and, when it was clear the fire was uncontrollable, made preparations to tow the Mont Blanc away from Pier 6. At this point Mont Blanc exploded. Stella Maris was gutted by the explosion and her wreck was washed ashore south of Pier 6. Most of her crew including her captain, the noted salvor Horatio Brannen, were killed. Five of her crew managed to survive the explosion. Remarkably, the hull of Stella Maris was rebuilt, and she was later returned to service.

STORY;

An excerpt from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic web site

http://www.rvtravelog.com/canada.dir/nsmaritime.dir/nsmaritime1.htm

 Captain Horatio Brannen was in command of the tug Stella Maris. After the collision between Imo and Mont Blanc, he gave orders to anchor the scows his ship had towed and approach the burning vessel. His firehoses proved useless against such a fire. When Mont Blanc exploded, Captain Brannen and his crew were trying to fix a tow to drag the ship away from Pier 6. Stella Maris was badly damaged. Captain Brannen and eighteen of her twenty-four crew were killed. Captain Brannen had had a portrait taken which was intended as a Christmas gift for Mrs. Brannen. She was told of it and went to the photographer's studio, where the owner presented an extra framed copy to the captain's small daughter.  

STORY:

He was portrayed in the movie, and his part was played by Brian Downey in the 2003 TV movie Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion.

STORY:

Horatio H. Brannen (1873-1917) son of William T. and Virginia (Nickerson) Brannen who married Susan A. Nickerson !1870-1956) daughter of Vincent and Hannah (Newell) Nickerson. He lived in Clark's Harbour and was killed in the Halifax Explosion. He commanded the "S.S. Coast Guard" ship owned by the Barrington Wrecking Company and he was employed in salvage operations. Later he commanded the "S.S. Deliverance" in salvage operations

Sea Captains in the Barrington Township by Trudy Atkinson 1998.

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Esther Brannen (1875-??)

Esther known as Essie was born in Woods Harbour July 7 1875. She was the daughter of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

In 1893 she married John R. Crowell (1866-1939) in Boston. She was 18 years old. He was age 22 and described as a laundryman. She was described as a domestic. Both gave their residences as Boston and their places of birth as Nova Scotia.

She divorced from John Edgar Crowell before 1898 and he remarried September of that year.

In 1922 she took in David Brannen (1916-1985). He was her brother Davis’ son. Davis and his wife both died in British Columbia. David had two sisters, that were raised by Alice Mable and Nellie. David would have been about six years old when he came to live with her.

The 1924, 1927 and 1936 city directories for Boston shows her as president of Crowell`s Wet Wash Laundry Inc. 51 Langdon, Roxbury MA, and living in Wayland. She is listed as Esther Brannen.

July 19 1927 in Yarmouth she married Charles F. Flynn (1891-??) He indicated his age as 36; a catholic, bachelor. She was shown as age 42 but was likely between 50 and 52 years old. She used her maiden name Brannen. She indicated she was divorced. Witnesses were her sisters Lalah B. Garland of 148 Spring St Quincy and Blanche G Barnett 621 W 135th Street, New York.

The 1929 Weston city directory listed Charles F. Flynn and wife Esther. The employment was a laundry in Roxbury. They lived at Old Conn Path and Indian Road.

The 1930 census showed them living at Indian Road, Wayland. She was president of the laundry and a naturalized citizen. She indicates her age as 44 but was likely closer to 55; he was 39. David was no longer living with them.

The 1937 Boston city directory shows them living at 883 Huntington Av in Roxbury. In 1942 Charles Draft Registration showed them still living on Indian Road Cochituate, MA.

Her date, location of death and burial are unknown.

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Lawless Farlow Brannen (1878-1933)

Lawl was born in Woods Harbour March 14, 1878. He was the son of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913). He appeared in the 1881 census as age four living in the Woods Harbour area.

The 1891 census has him as 14 living in Woods Harbour with his widowed mother

Lawless age 21 Davis age 20, and William age 20 were on the passenger list of the SS Yarmouth travelling to Boston July 8, 1899

The 1901 Census found him single age 23 boarding with his brother Ezra in Woods Harbour and listed as a fisherman. He gave his date of birth as November 1878

The marriage record shows he and Olive Garron married May 4, 1901, in Upper Woods Harbour. He was age 23 and she age 19. She was born December 16, 1881, in Central Woods Harbour. She was the daughter of John Eldridge Garron (1852-1899) and Sarah Ann Swaine (1853-1936). He was shown as a fisherman born and living in Upper Woods Harbour. They had two children Alden (1902-1995 and Helen Alta (1905-1979).

February 5 1909 Lawless purchased a property at Clark's Harbour for $850. August 19, 1910, Lawless purchased a property from Lavinia Nickerson for $200. September 4th, 1910, he purchased a piece of property at Stoney Island from his brother Horatio for $5.00. This property had earlier been conveyed to both Horatio and Lawless by William B. Smith. July 14, 1911, he purchased 1/4th of Goodwin's Island from his brother Ezra for $25.00. The island was owned by his father W.T. and it appears Ezra was acting as executor.

Lawless was a deep-sea diver and worked with his brother Horatio ``wrecking`` off Cape Sable. Around 1910 they did salvaged work on the wreck of the SS Hungarian.

The 1911 Census shows him as age 33 married to Olive living in West Head. There were two children living at home. He is listed as a diver.

About 1918 his brother Arthur W. appears as a passenger on the SS Yarmouth on passage from Yarmouth NS to Boston MA. He is listed as a mariner, age 30 from Newellton, going to New York, NY. He is on his way to visit his brother Lawless Brannen at 24 State Street NY for an indefinite period. The State Street address is in Battery Park at the lower end of Manhattan.

According to the book Lost Mariners of Shelburne County Volume 2 he moved to New York where he also worked as a diver, He later gave up diving and moved to Somerville Mass where he operated a laundry. This seems to skip his move to Prince Rupert BC. He moved to BC with his brother Davis after the war and worked with him as a diver and fisherman until Davis death in 1922.

October 2, 1922, he was hunting with his brother Davis E. Brannen and others near Welcome Harbour on Porcher Island in British Columbia when Davis was killed in a hunting accident. Oral history suggests that he and his brother had moved west together. The newspaper report of the accident said that Davis had arrived 4 years earlier in Prince Rupert and had been engaged as a diver and had been halibut fishing for a short time.

The 1923 and 1925 and 1927 Boston City Directory lists him at Brannen`s Wet Wash Laundry 164 Border in East Boston. Also, listed is his brother Arthur W.

He was issued an Alien Certificate on October 16, 1925. He was described as 5'7" age 47 weight 185 pounds, light brown hair and blue eyes. His destination was Somerville MA.

The 1925 City Directory for Somerville shows Lawless, Olive and their two children Helen and Alden living at 27 Howe. That address also seems to be the address of the laundry.

It appears he and Olive separated sometime before 1926. The 1926 and 1927 City Directory shows Lawless living in Everett MA and working at Brannen's Wet Wash Laundry 64 Border in East Boston

The US 1930 Census shows a Lawless Brannen of approximately the same age as a lodger on 12 Salem Place in Malden MA. He was listed and an agent for a laundry. He declared he was married. Also lodging there was Rebecca Manuel age 35 a trained nurse in from Nova Scotia. She indicated she was single. They were both classed as aliens.

According to Lost Mariners V2 he returned to Nova Scotia to engage in the lobster fishing industry. Lawless was drowned 28 April 1933. His boat was later found in the breakers off Brier Island, Digby County, Nova Scotia, but his body was never recovered.

Olive died February 7, 1968, in Yarmouth NS and is buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery in Woods Harbour.

STORY:

An excerpt from page 150 Lost Mariners of Shelburne County Vol II

Captain Lawless Farlow Brannen. Born in Woods Harbour 4 March 1878, Captain Lawless Farlow Brannen was the son of William Thomas and Virginia (Nickerson) Brannen, and brother of Captain Horatio Harris Brannen …. who died in the Halifax Explosion 6 December 1917. Lawless married at Upper Woods Harbour 4 May 1901 Olive Lavinia Garron, daughter of John and Sarah (Swain) Garron. Olive was born 16 December 1881 and died 7 February 1968. A deep-sea diver by profession, Lawless Farlow Brannen had explored a number of wrecks in this area. Later he worked in New York where he followed his chosen career. When the company for whom he worked wanted him to go abroad he gave up diving and operated a laundry in Boston. In time he returned to his native Woods Harbour to engage in the lobster fishing industry Lawless drowned 28 April 1933. His boat was later found in the breakers off Brier Island, Digby County, Nova Scotia, but his body was never recovered.

Children of Captain Lawless Farlow and Olive Lavinia (Garron) Brannen. i. Alden born in Woods Harbour 1 March 1902, died in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, 4 December 1995. Married 17 December 1931 Essie Jemima Blades.  ii. Helen Alta born in Clarks Harbour 9 July 1905, died in Woods Harbour 26 November 1979. Married James Matheson.

STORY:

Lawless was drown off Brier Island Digby County, 28 April 1933 his body was never recovered.  What I have always been told is that Lawliss went out West to BC and Alberta with his brother Davis, where Davis was killed in a hunting accident, this would have been during the WW1 years.

Alan Brannen e-mail July 21, 2014

2-4-36

Davis Emmons Brannen (1879-1922)

Davis was born in Woods Harbour NS November 1, 1879. He was the son of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

In the 1881 census he was age two living with his family in Lower Woods Harbour. The 1891 census found Davis Brannen 11 years old living with George Washington Smith and his wife Eleanor Brannen. Eleanor was Davis’ aunt.

In 1899 his father died suddenly of a heart attack.

Davis 20, William 20 and Lawless 21 were on the passenger list of the SS Yarmouth travelling to Boston July 8, 1899

In the 1901 census he was listed as single boarding with his brother Ezra in Woods Harbour. He was a fisherman. Also living there was his brother Lawless. He gave his date of birth as November 1879.

June 8,1901 he was a passenger going to Boston on the SS Yarmouth.

September 21, 1901, he married Emma Sears-Marden (1862-1937) age 38 a widow. He was age 23, a fisherman. They were residing at Woods Harbour. Witnesses were Etta Smith and Selma Nickerson. Rev James W. Smith married them.

June 8, 1902, he was a passenger on the SS Prince George going to Boston. He was listed as age 21 and single.

His daughter Lala (1902-1990) was born August 1902.

June 21, 1903, he was a passenger on the SS Prince Arthur going to Boston. He was age 25, married, and a fisherman. Also, on this passage was Frank Brannen age 25 and single. Frank was a fisherman

March 6, 1906, Davis purchased a property in Upper Clark's Harbour from M. G. Nickerson & Co. for $800.

According to Trudy Atkinsons research he acquired the property lying to the east of the McGray's Wharf Road in 1909. He obtained a mortgage from James McGray the vendor on July 2, 1909.At the same time he conveyed his interest in the Clark's Harbour property to James McGray for $1.00 (BAR5029066929). He built the house that still exists on the Centreville property.

The 1911 Census shows him head of the house age 33, married to Emma age 50, living in Centreville. His birthdate is shown as Sept 1877. He is shown as a seaman on a steamboat as well as farming. There is one child Lala born August 1902. This date corresponds to Horatio’s salvage work on the SS Hungarian. This suggests he was a crewman on the SS Coastguard at this time and would account for his ability to build an impressive home in Centreville.

July 14, 1911, he purchased 1/4th of Goodwin's Island from his brother Ezra's wife Cynthia for $25.00. The island had been owned by his late father W.T. and it appears she was acting as executor.

Davis and Emma appear to have separated sometime around 1915-16 as he had a child David Emmons Brannen (1916-1985) with Lila Mae Clark (1891-1922) born in Chester NS March 1 1916. Two other children were born to that relationship. Lila Mae's death certificate shows her as a housewife from 1917. His death certificate shows he had lived in Prince Rupert for 5 years.

Davis E. Brannen appears on the List of Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy With Their Officers. He was Temp. Ch. Boatswain on the 418-ton trawler sweeper, Beline (Baliene). The date of assignment was January 1 1918. RCN records show him as enlisting April 16 1916. December 6th 1918 he was in command of the HMCS Beliene. The Beleine was a coastal patrol minesweeper, a converted trawler. That morning Davis was aboard the Baliene when she was on duty and minesweeping just outside Halifax Harbour with the trawler/minesweeper HMCS PV-IV. .The ship was mentioned in "Ships of the Halifax Explosion": Commissioned: 01 Feb 1915. Baliene was an ocean going tug which was converted to a minesweeper under charter to the Canadian Government. She was manned by a civilian crew…..Beliene: Canada: Minesweeping trawler       Sweeping Harbour approaches for mines      Felt explosion, undamaged, continued sweeps.

He continued as master of HMCS Baliene until she was paid off sometime around February 15, 1918, when he resigned his commission.

From Halifax he moved to Prince Rupert BC in 1918 with Lila, son David and his brother Lawless. With Lawless he set up a diving operation and went halibut fishing.

January 20, 1920, Davis signed the sale agreement to sell his Centreville property to his nephew William Thomas "Willie" Brannen. He signed the document in BC. The sale was registered June 23 1923 showing a $1.00 sale price.

In the 1921 census he is shown living at 620 6th Street Prince Rupert with his wife (shown as Mary) and 2 children, David and Virginia. He was listed as a fisherman.

Lila died of acute cholecystitis July 22, 1922, and is buried in Prince Rupert.

Davis was killed in a hunting accident on Porcher Island BC October 2 1922 and was buried in Prince Rupert BC. The Prince Rupert Daily News described him as a well-known diver, and formerly a deep-sea captain on the Atlantic coast who saw service in the navy. His death occurred less than three months after Lila Mae's passing.

His children with Lila Mae, David, Virginia, and Jean Margaret were raised by his family members in New England. David was raised by his aunt Esther, Jean Margaret was raised by her aunt Alice Mable. She changed her given names to Margery Thelma. Virginia raised her aunt Nellie Rae.

His first wife, Emma, died in 1937 in Oak Park NS while his oldest child Lala died February 1990.

STORY:

Davis Emmons. Brannen, The well known diver was the victim of a terrible hunting fatality which occurred near Welcome Harbour on Porcher Island yesterday morning about 7:45 o’clock when , mistaken for a deer which he was carrying on his back and which concealed his own form, he was instantly killed by John Currie , of the contracting firm of Mitchill and Currie.

It appears. that deceased had shot a deer in the woods and was carrying the carcass out on his back. Coming into the view of Mr. Currie, who was a member of the same party but who set out in a different direction, nothing but the moving deer could be seen. Mr. Curried shot and the bullet entered the unfortunate man’s neck and the base of his head, piercing right through and causing what must have been instantaneous death.

As soon as he had discovered the tragedy, Mr. Currie got in touch with L.F (Lawless) Brannen a brother of the deceased and S.W. Taylor, both of whom were members of the same expedition. Between them they carried the body for some distance through the woods to a point where other members of the party were met and the remaining journey to the beach was made.

The entire party returned to the city about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon with news of the tragedy and Mr. Brannen’s remains. The Provincial police and Walter Gale acting government agent were immediately notified and preliminary statements were taken by the latter. Other members of the party besides those mentioned were W.E. Williams, M. Gonzales, Paul Aivazoff and Fred Roberge. They all set out on the ill-fated expedition on Saturday afternoon.

There will likely be an inquest although no definite arrangements have been made pending the return of J.H. McMullin government agent from the south tomorrow on the steamer Prince George. In the mean time the remains are in the hands of Hayner Bros. undertakers.      The Prince Rupert Daily News

2-4-37

Alice Mable Brannen (1881-1963)

Alice was born is Woods Harbour February 10, 1881. She was the daughter of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

She married Benjamin S. Abbott (1881-??) in North Conway NH November 1 1903. He was the son of Hosea Abbott.

In the 1910 US census they were living at 198a Pearl Street Somerville MA. They were both age 29. He worked for the City of Somerville in the Department of Scales. Her immigration year was shown as 1889. There were no children.

The 1930 US census shows the Abbotts living in Somerville MA. He was in weights and measures, and she was a garment worker aged 46. They had an adopted daughter Margery Thelma. age eight born in British Columbia June 7th, 1921. She was the daughter of Alice's brother Davis E. Brannen and his wife Lala Mae Clark. Lala Mae died suddenly in July 1922 in Prince Rupert BC. Davis died less than three months later in a hunting accident. There were two other children raised by two other of Alice Mable's siblings.

The 1940 US census and city directory listed them on 65 Rogers Av. in Somerville MA, he was age 59 and she was age 56, Marjorie was age18. He worked for the city in weights and measures. Margery T. B. was listed as a student.

Alice died June 17, 1963.

END

2-4-38

Nellie Rae Brannen (1882-1962)

Nellie was born August 24, 1882, in Woods Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Williahttps://prod.content.atticus.io/images/NellieGE8R1JPTzDN3_compressedfiletype_jpeg_ce.jpegm Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

She appeared in the 1900 US census living with her sister Lalah Belle and her family in Somerville she was age 18 and single.

Nellie appeared in the 1910 US census living in New York City 312 West 47th Street with sister Blanche and her husband George Barnett and Blanche’s son Hildebrandt Barnett. Nellie was age 24 and employed as a retail saleslady. Both Blanche and Nellie indicated their birth place as MA. Although they both had been born in Canada.

The 1920 Census showed her living in Boston, a lodger, single, age 39. She came to the US in 1889. She was working in a laundry as a laundress.

At the time of her marriage to George Joseph Cadrain, (1887-1970) June 25, 1922, she was living in Brookline and working as a laundress and gave her age as 34 (1888) but it she was likely age 40. They married in Acworth NH.

In 1930 they were living in Boston Mass on 34 Bickerstaff Street, He was age 45 and she claimed to be age 40 They had an adopted daughter Virginia aged 11 living with them. Virginia was born in Prince Rupert BC to Davis Brannen (1877-1922) and Lila Mae Clark (1891-1922). Her parents both died within months of each other when she was three years old. She was adopted by her aunt and George Cadrain. She chose to retain Brannen as her second name and became Virginia Brannen Cadrain. In 1940 they were living in East Kingston NH, Nellie was shown as age 53 according to the census but likely 58. He was shown as age 53 as well. There was a 56-year-old hired hand living with them, Andrew Gould.

When she applied for a delayed birth registration, she provided sworn statements from her oldest sister Mary Sears and a relative Theodoria Nickerson that she was born August 24, 1882.

The East Kingston City Directory for 1947 shows, Nellie and Husband George living at Depot Rd. He was working in Boston as a machinic it also refers to Miss Virginia B. "rem to Raymond"

In 1957 the Exeter city directory showed them living at Depot Rd. In 1959 they were living in East Kingston NH.

George died in Milton MA August 1, 1970.

Nellie died February 24, 1962, and is buried in Hillside cemetery East Kingston NH.

STORY:

At this time (his death) Davis and Emma would have been separated and Davis was married to my grandmother, Lila Mae Clarke with 3 young children, David Arthur, Virginia (St Laurent), and Jean (my mother).

From an e-mail from Bev Cavanaugh December 30, 2014.

END

2-4-39

Samuel Derrick Brannen (1886-1957)

Sam was born in Woods Harbour January 8, 1886. He was the son of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913).

The 1916 city directory showed him living at 324 Cadman Dr., Dorchester and working as a washer. Oral history refers to him as being a fighter (boxer) in this era.

In 1916 he married Minnie Lois Spencer (1891-1976) in Boston MA. She was the daughter of Charles Spenser (1853-??) and Florence Lillian Troop (1857-1912).

His WWI draft registration card dated June 5, 1917, or 8 shows him as age 29 born January 8, 1888. He was employed by H. D. Malone at 5 Barnes St. Boston as a laundryman. He was married with no children. It is possible he added two years to his birthdate as later census reports, his 1942 draft registration and death certificate suggest his birth year was 1886.

On September 2, 1919, the Gertrude DeCosta arrived in Boston from fishing. On the ship’s manifest was Samuel D. Brannen age 31. He was listed as a seaman 5 foot 8 inches and weighing 166 pounds. Has nationality was Canadian.

The 1920 Census shows him as age 34 employed "At sea". He is married to Minnie L. age 29 from New Brunswick. There were two children, Charles H. age one year and seven months and illegible one month old (Arthur). Viola, a niece aged 20 and a bank clerk was living with them. They were at 18 Argyle, Boston. The 1921 Boston directory has Samuel D. living at 18 Argyle Dorchester and employed as a fisherman.

The 1924, 1930, and 1932 city directories for Quincy MA show a Samuel D. Married to Lois S. He was a laundryman living at 98 Spring.

The 1930 census shows him living at 98 Spring St. He was age 44 (31 when married) Minnie as 39 (age 26 when married). He is a washer in a laundry. They had four children at home. Charles H. age11, Arthur W. age ten, Ruth age five and Samuel D. Jr. one year old.

In 1934 the Boston directory has him working for his sister Esther Brannen at Crowell's Wet Wash.

October 5, 1937, and August 29 1938 a Samuel Brannen was a passenger on the SS Yarmouth going to Boston

His draft registration in for WWII in 1942 lists his age as 56 and birthdate January 8, 1886. His home address is 3327 W 134th Street Hawthorne CA. His contact is Arthur S. Brannen at the same address. He was unemployed.

The California Voter Registration of 1952 for Los Angeles County has a listing for Samuel at 134th. Av. He was a registered Democrat. Also listed was Mrs. Barbara A. Brannen at 3316 W 134th Place also a Democrat this appears to be the same street and nearby address to where Samuel lived in 1942. This is likely the wife of Charles Hildebraut Brannen, Samuel's oldest son

Samuel died in Hawthorne February 15, 1957. Minnie died November 13 1976 in Contra Costa CA.

OBITUARY:

15 February 1957 Portsmouth Hearld

Word was received here today from Hawthorne Calif. of the death of Samuel D. Brannen brother of Arthur W. Brannen of River Road.

Other survivors include four sisters, Mrs. George Cadrain of East Kingston NH, Mrs. George Barnett of New York City, Mrs. Charles Flynn of Wayland Mass. and Mrs. Benjamin Abbott of Somerville Mass. and nieces and nephews.

2-4-40

Arthur Winbourne Brannen (1887-1971)

Arthur was born in Woods Harbour. He was the son of William Thomas Brannen (1840-1889) and Virginia Nickerson (1845-1913). His year of birth has been questioned. He originally used March 1, 1887, when he enlisted in the US Navy and his naturalization application. Later he used 1890 as his birth year.

In the 1911 Canadian Census he is recorded as Winburne married to Lizzie and living in Newellton with his in laws Charles Atkinson (1850-??) and Emma. He is shown as a sailor.

RCN records according to author J.G Armstrong in his book The Halifax Explosion and the RCN: Inquiry and Intrigue show Arthur as master of the SS Stella Maris in May 1917.

About 1918 he appears as a passenger on the SS Yarmouth on passage from Yarmouth NS to Boston MA. He is listed as a mariner, age 30 from Newellton, married, wife Elizabeth Brannen going to New York, NY. He indicates he had been in the US before in 1912-13 in Rochester MA. He is on his way to visit his brother Lawless Brannen at 24 State Street NY for an indefinite period.

In 1918 he resided in Wayland MA with Elizabeth and children Herbert born 26 August 1911, Ralph born 26 September 1912 and Warren born 20 December 1914. The children are listed as being born in Nova Scotia.

He enlisted in the US navy on August 24 1918 and was released June 14 1919. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US. Navy due to his experience as a diver and ships master.

In the 1920 City Directory he is shown at the Beaconsfield Laundry at 1597 Beacon in Brookline. His residence was 74 Kent Street Brookline.

He appears in the 1921 Canadian census living in Newellton, age 34, married to Elizabeth. There were three children at home Herbert age nine a student and Ralph aged eight and Warren age six. He is shown as a laundry man with his own laundry. This is a census error as he was living in the US in 1921 and operating a laundry there. By then Elizabeth and the children were back and living in Newellton.

In 1922 he again appears in the Brookline City Directory associated with Brannen's Wet Wash and Laundry still living at Kent Street in Brookline.

He appears in the immigration records for 1925 number 2217158. Born 1 March 1887 he was a laundryman married to Elizabeth, living in Wayland. Date of admission September 21, 1925

In 1927 he appears in the Brookline directory associated with Brannen's Wet Wash which has moved to 164 Border St. East Boston. His residence was Wayland MA.

The 1930 US census shows him as age 40 living in Brookline Mass as a boarder, divorced. His birthplace is shown as Canada and his emigration was in 1894. He was the proprietor of a laundry and not a US citizen.

January 21, 1932, he joined the Masons, Brookline Lodge. He gave his date of birth as March 1 1890.

Although he continued to support Elizabeth and regularly return for visits to Newellton to see the family, they eventually divorced sometime before 1937.

He appears in a record of marriages for Wayland MA. as marrying Frances Hastings (1905-2004) of Wayland on December 7, 1937. She was the daughter of Bertrand Phillips and Anna Dunn. It was her first marriage; she was age 32. He indicated he was divorced, 47 years old and a laundryman. They had one child, Anna Virginia (1939-1995).

The 1940 Brookline Directory shows him married to Frances H. He was the proprietor. of Brannen's Laundry at 74 Kent Street and residing at 39 Somerville Road. He is shown as age 50 and a naturalized citizen.

Arthur W. Brannen was Chairman of general committee at 36th annual charity ball of Canadian Club of Boston.

September 4 1941 Arthur and Frances were on the passenger list of the SS Yarmouth going to Boston.

In April 1942 he completed a WWII Draft Registration Card. He gave his name as Arthur Winbourne. He said he was 52, born March 1 1890 in Woods Harbour. Closest person was Mrs. A. W. Brannen at 39 Somerset Rd. Brookline. His place of employment was Brannen's Laundry at 74 Kent Street, Brookline, he was self-employed. He stated his height as 5 feet 8.5 inches and his weight as 168 pounds.

The 1944 Brookline directory showed he and Frances at 39 Somerset Rd, Brookline.

Due to reoccurring health problems he retired early and became a “gentleman farmer” in Eliot MA.

He died in 1971.

STORY:

Arthur was referred to in the newspaper as a `selectman`for Wayland MA. the meaning is as follows:

In most New England towns, the adult voting population gathered annually in a town meeting to act as the local legislature, approving budgets and laws. Day-to-day operations were originally left to individual oversight, but when towns became too large for individuals to handle such workloads, they would elect an executive board of, literally, select(ed) men to run things for them.

These men had charge of the day-to-day operations; selectmen were important in legislating policies central to a community's police force, highway supervisors, poundkeepers, field drivers, and other officials.

STORY:

My Grandfather Arthur Wimbourne Brannen was known to me as Daddy Art. I saw Daddy Art frequently – he often came to the farm in Wayland while we lived there, and I remember going to the laundry he owned in Brookline especially when my Father worked there. I remember being allowed to iron the handkerchiefs. It was an exciting place for me as a child with all the hustle and bustle and noise and machines. My Mother and I would sometimes go to downtown Boston and eat clam chowder and lemon meringue pie at Pieroni’s restaurant and ride the swan boats on Boston Common. I remember Daddy Art as a very dignified and reserved man as was his generation. Having little formal education, he was the classic self—made man.

Arthur Brannen had lost his Father when he was very young - how young depends on which year he was born. However, he had many older brothers who filled the role. He became a salvage diver working for older brother Horatio. In 1911 they were salvaging the wreck of The Hungarian off of Cape Sable Island. The Hungarian had gone down in February of 1860 before the lighthouse was erected on Cape Sable. Some materials were recovered from the wreck at the time but further salvage was begun in 1911 with new technology. The captain’s watch was found, pieces of the table silver, bolts of cloth as well as steel was salvaged. I remember seeing coins and cloth from the wreck and a silver tray remains in the family. Horatio was 38 and Daddy Art was 21 by his reckoning and 24 by mine. He always said he was only 13 when he started work with Horatio. He married Elizabeth Atkinson and my Father, Herbert Allan was born in 1911, Ralph Samuel in 1912 and Warren Ellsworth in 1914.

Daddy Art was commissioned a Lieutenant in the US. Navy and granted United States citizenship because of his diving abilities. We don’t know what prompted him to do this but it certainly was a bold move and indication of his abilities. He obviously went to New England at this time and Elizabeth and the boys remained in Newellton, living near her parents.

Horatio’s death in the Halifax Explosion in 1917 may have influenced Daddy Art to stay in Massachusetts and get out of the military - or that may have been his intention all along. In any case, he bought a laundry in Brookline, Massachusetts, a farm in Wayland and moved Elizabeth and the three boys to the farm. They lived there for several years but he and Elizabeth divorced and she took the boys back to Cape Sable Island where they finished growing up.

STORY:

Daddy Art was active in the community - he belonged to the Canadian Club, Masons, Eastern Star and Kiwanis. In 1937 he married Frances Hastings and had daughter Anna Virginia in 1939. He was a successful businessman and served three terms on the Building and Finance Committee of the Brookline School Board. Quite an accomplishment for a man who had 6 years of formal schooling. He had stomach problems and underwent 3 operations in 1939 and his health was never robust after that. He sold the laundry and moved to a farm in Eliot Maine in 1931where he became a gentleman farmer of sorts. He died in 1971.

Arthur Brannen's life was full of tragedy as well as success. Besides growing up without a father his brother Horatio died a violent death in 1917, his brother Davis was shot in a hunting accident in 1922, his son Warren was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1938, his son Ralph was confined to a wheelchair with polio, his brother Lawless had been lost at sea in 1933, and after Arthur’s death his daughter Anna was rendered quadriplegic in 1975 in a car accident and Anna’s daughter Roseanne killed in a car accident when she was 17. Definitely an unfortunate string of tragedies.

As of this writing in 2000, Arthur Brannen’s living descendants are 4 Grandchildren and4 Greatgrandchildren. His second wife Frances still lives on the property in Eliot Maine.

An extract from a letter from Thelma Selmas to Connie Sargent.

THE CHILD OF LYDIA ANN BRANNEN (1843-1888)

2-4-41

Elijah Nickerson Jr. (1870-1870

He was the only child of Lydia Ann Brannen (1843-1888) and Elijah Nickerson Sr. (1842-1928). He was born June 23, 1870, and died as an infant July 8 1870.

END

THE CHILDREN OF CATHERINE BRANNEN (1845-1915)

2-4-42

Estella Duncan (1867-1905)

Estella was born July 20, 1867, on Cape Sable Island. She was the first child of Catherine Brannen (1845-1915) and David Duncan (1837-1920).

In the 1871 census she was age 4, in the 1881 she was age 14 ad in the 1891 she was age 24 and a domestic living at home.

She married John R. Fraser (1870-??) April 22, 1893. He was from Waterville NS. They had two children Irving David (1896-1901) and John Wesley (1898-1898). Neither child survived to maturity.

In the 1900 census she had one son Irvin.

She died April 15, 1905, in Boston of Angina Pectoris. She is buried in Mt. Hope cemetery. She was only 38 years old.

END

2-4-43

Thomas Duncan (1867-1934)

He was born July 3rd, 1867, the second child of Catherine Brannen (1867-1905) and David Duncan (1837-1920). The 1891 census showed him living with his parents He was age 23 and single.

He married Frances L. Penney (1873-1902) November 9, 1892. She was the daughter of Hannah Penney. He was a fisherman. The 1901 census showed his wife Frances born January 31, 1873. His brother James born 25 Feb 1870 was living with them.

Thomas and Frances did not have children, and she died young October 19 1902 at age 29.

He married Carrie Ann Ross June 16, 1905. She was the daughter of James Freeman Ross (1852-1910) and Zilphia Atkinson (1853-1909). She was the widow of George Thomas Atkinson. She had a daughter, Laura Mildred Ross (1894-1992).

The 1911 census showed his wife Carrie, seven years younger born Sept 1874. They were living on Main St. Clark’s Harbour. With them was Laura born March 1894 his stepdaughter, and Mildred noted as “illegitimate”. She was born February 1911 and was three months old. I have not found any further record of her. She perhaps was the daughter of Carrie’s daughter Laura Mildred.

The 1921 census found him on Main Street Clark’s Harbour with his wife Carrie age 46. He was listed as a fisherman.

He drowned on April 16, 1934. Carrie died February 1, 1966, in Lockport NS.

STORY:

He fished for lobster from Seal Island. He drowned April 16, 1934, while tending his traps. His body was found

washed up on the beach the next day.” Lost Mariners V2

END

2-4-44

James Jackson Duncan (1869-1940)

James was born February 25, 1869, on Cape Sable Island. James was the son of Catherine Brannen 1867-1905 and David Duncan (1837-1920).

He appeared I the 1871 census as age two.

The 1891 census showed him living with his parents He was age 22 and single and working as a fisherman.

The 1901 census showed him living with brother Thomas. He was recorded as age 31 born in 1870.

He married Helen Ida Penney February 27, 1909, in Yarmouth NS. She was the daughter of Albert Swim Penney (1853-1900) and Arletta Jane Ross (1856-1946). She was also his sister-in-law,

McAlpine’s directory in 1906 shows him a resident of Shelburne County NS.

There is a record of his part ownership in the sloop Aerolite built in 1906.

The 1911 census showed him as age 39 a resident of Deep Cove NS. There were two children Kathleen (1911-1994) and Nellie (1908-1988). Two children followed Nevera Ann (1915-1995) and Russell Clayton Crowell (1916-1946) Russell was the son of Roy Crowell who was raised by James.

He died December 5, 1940, in Wolfville NS. His death certificate shows he had only been there four days

END

2-4-45

Andrew Gordon Duncan (1874-1931)

Andrew was born February 10, 1874, on Cape Island. He was the child of Catherine Brannen (1867-1905) and David Duncan (1837-1920).

The 1891census found him living at home with his parents in Clark’s Harbour. He was 17 years old and working as a fisherman.

November 4, 1895, he married Athalia Amelia “Minnie” Penney at South Side NS. She was the daughter of Albert Swim Penney (1853-1900) and Arletta Jane Ross (1856-1946).

The 1901 census showed his birthdate as February 10, 1874. He was married to Minnie born January 6, 1880. They had three children, Herbert age four born November 4, 1896, Lawton age two born May 2, 1898, and Lewis F. ten months old born May 8 1900. Bernice Swim age 15, a domestic, lived with them.

He was shown on the Canada, Seafarers of the Atlantic Provinces records as owner of the sloop Thalia D. built 1904.

In 1911 the census found the family living on Ellenwood Island. They had six children living with them, Herbert, Lawton, Lewis, Samuel. Athena and Estella.

The 1921 census found him living on Alma Street in Yarmouth NS. There were five children at home. He was described as a manager.

He died October 10, 1931. Minnie married again to William H. Doughty. She died April2 1949.

END

THE CHILDREN OF LAVINA BRANNEN (1848-1923)

2-4-46

Cora Belle Sears (1868-1923)

Cora was born Aug 18, 1868, on Cape Sable Island. To Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879).

She appears in the 1881 Canadian census as age 12 living with her widowed mother and siblings.

She married Norman Devine (1868-1915) Apr30 1890 at Bear Point NS. He was the son of Arthur Devine and Rosanna Wilson of Charlesville NS.

They had four children:

1.William 1903-1907 who died young.

2.Jean Evelyn 1891-1968

3.Jacob A.1893-1967

4.Glen Whitney 1907-1988

Norman died 1915 at Woods Harbour. Cora died Oct 3, 1923, Hebron NS and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Woods Harbour NS with her husband Norman and son William.

END

2-4-47

Jacob Sears 1870-1870

Jacob was born in 1870 on Cape Sable Island to Lavinia Brannen 1848-1921 and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears 1843-1879. Jacob died as an infant.

END

2-4-48

William H. Sears (1871-??)

William was born May 28, 1871, on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879).

He appears in the 1881 Canadian census as age ten living with his widowed mother and three siblings.

I can find no public records of him after the 1881 census.

END

2-4-49

Eugenia Sears (1874-1890

Eugenia was born Feb 15, 1874, on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879).

She appears in the 1881 Canadian census as age seven living with her widowed mother and siblings.

She married Frank Elmer Mood (1869-1927) Apr 30, 1890, Bear Point.

She died Oct 17, 1890, on Cape Sable Island and is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Woods Harbour. She was only age 21 at death. There appears to have been no children.

Frank married again to Ina Dorothea Nickerson (1875-1961).

END

2-4-50

Susan Sears (1875-1888)

Susan was born December 1875 on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879).

She appears in the 1881 Canadian census as age five, living with her widowed mother and siblings.

She died at age 13 April 14, 1888, on Cape Sable Island.

END

2-4-51

Gertrude Sears (1878-??)

Gertrude was born about 1878 on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her first husband Jeffery Jacob Sears (1843-1879).

She appears in the 1881 Canadian census as age two living with her widowed mother and siblings.

1891 census she was 13 living with mother and stepfather and two siblings in Woods Harbour.

There are no public records of her after 1891.

END

2-4-52

Nina Ray Sears (1886-1976)

Nina was born October 13, 1886, on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her second husband William Addison Sears (1863-1931).

In the 1891 census she was age four living with mother and father in Woods Harbour.

In 1921 census she was age 36, married to Locksley Crowell (1891-1963) age 36 They were living with her widowed father in Woods Harbour.

She died August 2, 1976, at Woods Harbour and is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery.

END

2-4-53

Chesley MacKenzie Sears (1889-1910)

Chesley was born October 6, 1889, on Cape Sable Island. to Lavinia Brannen (1848-1921) and her second husband William Addison Sears (1863-1931).

He was born Oct 6, 1889. In the 1891 census he was age two living with mother and father in Woods Harbour

He died September 10, 1910, lost at sea from the Good Luck.

He has a memorial in Greenwood Cemetery in Woods Harbour.

END

THE CHILDREN OF SUSAN JANE BRANNEN (1849-1929)

2-4-54

Otis Wardlow Jeffery (1879-1956)

He was born October 19, 1879, in Woods Harbour NS. He was the oldest son of Susan Jane Brannen (1849-1929) and Ezra Matthew Jeffery (1849-1929).

He appears in the 1881 and 1891 census as a child at home ages one and 11. In the 1901 census he was 21 a fisherman, single and living with his parents in Woods Harbour.

According to his granddaughter Sally Johnson Dewald he emigrated to the US in about 1904 and never returned to Canada. He married in about 1906. They lived and raised a family of four girls and one boy in Washington state. He died in Phoenix AZ in 1956 while visiting his daughter.

END

2-4-55

Raymond Chesley Jeffery (1881-1961)

Ray was born May 2, 1881, in Woods Harbour. He was the son of Susan Jane Brannen (1849-1929) and Ezra Matthew Jeffery (1849-1929). In the 1901 census he was 19 years old working as a fisherman. He was living at home with his parents. He was single.

He married Eva Dell Larkin January 8, 1908. They lived in Woods Harbour NS and had four children, Evelyn born in 1910, Bradford born in 1912, Dora born 1913 and Anna born in 1918.

The 1911 census showed him employed as a teamster. He was married to Eva. They had one child Evelyn born July 10th, 1910. The 1921 census found them living in Woods Harbour with four children at home.

He died July 6, 1961.

END

2-4-56

Veleria Etta Jeffery (1882-1984)

Etta born January 27, 1882, in Woods Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Susan Jane Brannen (1849-1929) and Ezra Matthew Jeffery (1849-1929). In the 1901 census she was shown as single, living at home. She was not employed.

She married James Letson Nickerson (1875-1965), January 1, 1908. He was the son of Samuel H. and Selina Nickerson. James was a fisherman. They had five children, son Clifford Jeffery Nickerson born September 6, 1909, Inez about Feb 1911, and Lebonde born about 1913, Chesley born about 1915 and Doris born February 1921.

In the 1921 census she was shown as age 38 and he age 45. There were five children and two of his cousins in the household in Woods Harbour NS.

James died October 22, 1965, in Yarmouth NS. Etta died September 16, 1984, in Woods Harbour.

END

2-4-57

Alice Mae Jeffery (1886-1935)

Alice Mae was born November 27, 1886. She was the daughter of Susan Jane Brannen (1849-1929) and Ezra Matthew Jeffery (1849-1929)

She married Crowell O. Malone (1883-1930). The had two children, Emerson born 1905, and Ruth Mae born 1916.

Crowell died in May 15 1930 in Woods Harbour. She died May 31 1935 in Woods Harbour and is buried in the Mount Pleasant cemetery there.

END

THE FIFTH GENERATION

THE CHILDREN OF JOHN HOWARD BRANNEN (1865-1926)

John and Clissie had eight children. All their children lived to maturity; they are the fifth generation of Brannens.

2-5-1

Ina Viola Brannen (1892-1978)

Ina was born September 4, 1892, in Clark's Harbour. She was the first born of the children of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962). Ina’s birth details were sworn by her mother November 14, 1939 "I am her mother, and she lived with me until her marriage."

There is an early photograph taken by William M. Brannen, photographer, her great uncle. She was about one year old in the photo.

She appeared in the 1901 Canadian census as age nine living with her parents in Clark's Harbour. Her religion is listed as Salvation Army.

She married Harry O. Chetwynd (1886-1949), April 1, 1909. The marriage took place in Somerville MA. She was 18 and shown as being born in Boston MA. (Not correct) He was shown as the son of Henry and also born in Boston MA. He was the child of an unmarried relationship between Harry Alma Chetwynd (1862-1894) and Lilah Belle Brannen (1865-1940). His employment was given as motorman for the B. E. Rail Company. She was shown as a factory operative. His address was 27 Dana St., Somerville and hers 198-A Pearl St., Somerville MA.

The 1927 city directory for Quincy MA showed the couple living at 9 Highland Av, Ward 1.

In the 1930 census they were living in Duxbury, Plymouth, MA. She was age 38 and he was age 41. He was listed as a lobster fisherman. They had three children at home, Harry 19 shown as a mason, Clyde age 17 and Norma age 15. In the 1940 US Census they had added an 'e' to become Chetwynde. She was shown as age 48 and he as age 53. They were living on Chapel Street in Duxbury. He was a laborer with an income of $1,000. per year. They owned their home worth $3,500. Clyde was shown living at home. Clyde, age 27 was an American citizen and working as a laborer at odd jobs. Harry Jr. was then married with a three-year-old child. He was renting and apartment in their house.

Harry O. signed his Draft Registration as Harry Sr. They were living at Chapel St., Duxbury MA. Harry was age 55 born in Boston October 5, 1886, and working for National Fireworks Co. in Hanover MA.

Harry died March 1, 1949, in Duxbury MA and is buried there. Ina died January 26, 1978, in Quincy MA and buried beside Harry in Duxbury.

STORY:

Harry and Ina met in Novy at a baseball game on Cape Sable Island, he played regularly, even though from Woods Harbor. I don't know which went to Mass. first, but they both ended up in Somerville, but on different streets. Married in 1910 on Dana St...... My Dad was born in Somerville in 1911 (Harry Arthur Chetwynde), then they went back to Novy where my uncle, Clyde, was born, then back to Mass. to have my aunt Norma. Clyde was born in the original farm house (still there)......

Harry and Ina moved to Duxbury, and he had a lobster boat and she had a job canning crabmeat. My folks lived next door, and when I was 4 or 5, I used to go over and "help" her; one piece for the can and one piece for me. We always lived in towns near by, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. Ina played the guitar (by ear) and we played games and walked to the library often.

From an e-mail from Connie Sargent, granddaughter August 2014.

2-5-2

John Beverley Brannen (1895-1975)

John Beverley was born in Clark’s Harbour November 6, 1895.He was the oldest son of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962). He was always known as Bev.

The 1901 census listed him as Beverley, age five living with his family in Clark's Harbour.

Sometime around 1906 when he was about 11 years old he contracted rheumatic fever which damaged his heart. Dr. Brown warned his parents that he was unlikely to live to age 21.

He worked with his father in his blacksmith shop when he was in his early teens. Around 1914 he went to Boston area an worked in a block and tackle factory. Due to the results of rheumatic fever, he did not qualify for military service in WWI.

In September 1915 he married Mildred McLeod (1897-1985) in Somerville MA. She was from Milton NS. They had ten children all of them lived to maturity.

There is a photo of taken with him and his brothers, Ira and Shirley, in Schenectady NY. This would likely be the winter of 1920-21. They worked there together in what was referred to the block and tackle factory.

The 1921 Canadian census listed him as living at Milford Street, Milton, Queens County, He was listed as John B. Brannon married to Mildred with children Russell, May and James. His occupation was listed as blacksmith.

In 1922 the family moved to Schenectady NY. He was working at American Locomotive along with his brother Shirley.

The 1925 New York census found him living in Schenectady, age 28 married to Mildred with four children. He was listed as John B. Brannon Living at 135 Lafayette.

He was injured at work likely in early 1925. The injury prevented him from employment with any significant exertion He received a $500 settlement from the company. In late 1925 the family moved to Boston. In Boston he joined as a partner with his brother Shirley who already had a painting business on the go.

The 1929 city directory shows John B. Brannen living at 497a Medford in Somerville MA. He was a foreman working at 111 Hillsdale Rd. He was also shown under a second listing as John B Brannon a painter at the same address.

1930 US census found him living at 681 Broadway in Everett MA with wife Mildred and seven children He was employed as a painter. His name was given as John B. Brannen.

Around 1931 he changed the spelling of his name to Brannon. No legal change was made but the children born after this date were registered as Brannon.

Around 1934 he became supervisor of a crew of 52 painters at Tufts College in Medford.

December 28, 1935, there is a John Brannen assistant engineer on the Playmayd arriving in Gloucester MA from Halifax. He is 38 years old 5 feet 9 inches and 170 pounds. This was their oldest son Russell evidently using his father’s identification as he was only eighteen years old.

In 1936 while in NS on vacation Mildred decided she did not want to return to Boston. Bev resigned from Tufts and sold their house in Saugus MA and returned to NS. John their youngest child was born July 24, 1936, in Dartmouth NS.

The 1945 voters list shows Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Brannon living at Albro Lake Rd. He was a painter. His son Russell and his wife appear to be living there as well. In the early 1950's he had a floor finishing business. In the mid 1950's he purchased a lot Caledonia Road in Dartmouth and built a home there.

The 1972 voters list shows J. B. Brannon retired and Mrs. J. B. a housewife living at 204 Caledonia Rd. in Dartmouth along with son Reg. Their son John H. Brannon, and his wife lived next door at 200 Caledonia Rd. he was a pipefitter.

He died April 17, 1975, in Dartmouth. Mildred out lived him by ten years and died April 28, 1985. They are buried in the Dartmouth Memorial Gardens, Dartmouth.

STORY:

A letter from Russell Brannon to Bruce Brannen March 1 1995

Page-1

As I look back on the events leading up to two brothers acting like pouting children, it makes one wonder how such stupidity could exist.

Something which you may not have heard before, is that my father had rheumatic fever at age eleven.  The family doctor said he would be very fortunate if he lived past 21 years of age.

He worked with his father in Clarks Harbour for a number of years. Among the things a blacksmith did in the early days was make block pulleys for ships, and when World War II broke out my father was not eligible for military service.  He went to Boston and worked in a block and tackle factory during the war, except for brief trips home.

My first trip to the United States came in 1922. We went by boat from Yarmouth. After arriving in Boston, we took the train to Schenectady, New York, where my father and uncle Shirley were working at the American Locomotive. Shirley and my father had been renting a flat. We moved in with them and stayed there until my father had his back injured in a work accident.

Dad was laid up in a hospital for a number of months. He was unable to do any work which required physical exertion. American Locomotive offered him a lifetime pension or a $500.00 settlement.

He took the $500.00. We moved to Boston in late 1924. Shirley had a painting business on the go and Dad joined him as a partner. They got along really well and Shirley was a regular visitor to Winchester, where we were living. After a year in Winchester, we moved to another town nearby - Woburn. Massachusetts. My Uncle, Heber MacLeod, my mother’s brother, occupied   the lower apartment, while we had the upper. Heber worked in a tannery.

From Woburn, we moved to Roxbury, Massachusetts.   (An old family joke was - it was cheaper to move than pay rent). In Roxbury, we lived on Elmwood Street. Shortly afterward, Aunt Cleo showed up and lived with us for more than a year. She worked in one of the large stores in Boston as a clerk. Uncle Shirley, who was living in East Boston on the site of what is now Logan Airport, was a frequent visitor for Sunday dinner. Shirley and my father would often take me to Boston Garden for wrestling and boxing matches. At that time, they were real buddies.

While we were living on Elmwood Street, Aunt Cleo met a Portuguese fellow by the name of John Ferara, (sic) (Ferreira) and they were later married. Cleo moved to East Boston where John’s parents were living. Dad took an instant liking to John and he and Cleo would visit us often. I cannot say whether Shirley and John were more than casual acquaintances. John died some time in the mid '70s. (1966)

PAGE 2-

Aunt Laura also dropped by once in a while. I really don't know if she was married at that time, but I do know she married a Smith (Smithy Bateman) from the Island. I can never remember Uncle Shirley ever wearing anything but a blue serge suit. He always smoked cigars and looked the prosperous business man, was always good to us youngsters. He always brought each of us something when he came to visit. He married a girl much younger than himself and the first time Dad saw her, he took an instant dislike, so Shirley didn’t bring her around very often.

When the stock market crashed in 1929, things changed drastically for all of us. We moved to a cheaper location - still in Roxbury - but more remote from the centre of the city proper. That was on Fort Avenue. The painting work was so scarce that there was only enough work coming in for one of the brothers to make a half way decent living, so Dad decided to head for New York to try and get something to do. He found work at a taxi company. It was all night work, cleaning the cabs for the next day's work. He used to find some loose change behind the seats and this helped ease things for him. It was a dangerous place to work in Harlem, even in those times. He always had a piece of lead pipe in his pocket to drive away guys who sneaked in to steal what they could from the cabs or men who worked there. After seven months, he packed it in and came back to Roxbury. About that time, Dad met a real estate man by the name of Simms. He handled rental properties. He gave my father some work to do in Somerville and later decided to keep my father on.

We moved to Somerville and lived on Pearl Street in a tenement house. (Otherwise known as Bedbug Heaven). The work load warranted a helper, so Shirley and my father were once again working together. We moved again, this time to Everett, Massachusetts, which was a fair sized city. Of course, we took some of the local inhabitants along - the bedbugs and cockroaches. It was there that my sister, Eleanor, had a serious accident.   She was playing on the second-floor balcony with some other children and was either pushed or fell to the pavement below, splitting her skull from over the left eye back to the nape of her neck. The doctors didn’t hold out much hope. After weeks in the hospital, she came home. She did not seem to know anyone. We would talk to her, but she didn't seem to recognize us. She never said a single word, so we accepted the thought that she would be a mute because of the damage to her head. About a month after that, she suddenly began to talk and knew everyone. It was a very happy day for the whole family. Eleanor lives in Sudbury, Ontario now, and is in her sixties.

PAGE-3

In the meantime, Shirley and my father were eking out a living working for Mr. Simms.   It was now 1931 and the depression was no better. Dad sold Fuller brushes door-to-door to supplement his income. I was in high school at that time and probably the shabbiest one attending school. Things got so bad that even Mr. Simms took pity on us. He told my father he had a house in Saugus which had been empty for a number of years. Saugus is three miles from Lynn, separated by a salt water swamp. Going out without some citronella on your bare body parts was just inviting the mosquitos to a feast of human flesh.

On one of his trips to Boston, my father met a fellow by the name of George Peach. He was from Gold River, Nova Scotia, and they had known each other at an earlier time. Peach was boss painter at Tufts College in Medford. He told Dad there was a part time job opening up and to see a Mr. Henson who was supervisor of maintenance at the college, which encompassed 152 buildings. Dad got the job, so we were able to get off welfare which we had been on for almost a year. Each week, people who were on welfare would go to the town hall and get a grocery chit good for bread, margarine, sugar and some flour. You also got a 15 pound sack of cracked wheat for cereal.

Dad got his first car, a Ford touring car, which he painted fire engine red. When we went for Sunday drives, it seemed every other car on the road would honk at us. I spent many Saturdays in an old tin garage passing tools to my father who would periodically tear down and rebuild the engine.

While my father was working part time at Tufts College, Shirley was carrying on with the painting end for Mr. Simms. Eventually, George Peach retired and my father was made boss painter of 52 men. He intended to hire Shirley as soon as there was an opening. It was summer holidays so I worked with uncle Shirley washing ceilings and sanding woodwork and other odd jobs. We got along great. With my father working full time, Shirley began to resent the fact that he had to scrape out a living working for Simms. One day he became a bit irritable and started pumping me about how much money my father was earning and how we could afford better things. I told him I didn't know how much my father earned, but he persisted in pumping me about other matters. Finally, he blew his top and sent me home and told me to tell my father he was through with the whole setup. So that was the end of brotherhood as we understand it. They never spoke to each other again. (Note: Uncle Shirley came to Dartmouth early in the seventies and went to visit my mother and father. He never got inside the door. (Had I known he was in Dartmouth, he would have found a welcome at my house)).

PAGE-4-

It was while we were living in Saugus that my father started getting bills addressed to him from people he didn't know. When he did not reply to them, he began getting threatening letters from lawyers and collection agencies. It got so bad that he decided to do something about it. In the Boston telephone directory there were more than 50 J. B. Brannen's listed. Obviously, this mail was being sent to the wrong J. B. Brannen. My father, at that time, changed the spelling to Brannon. So that is how the change came about. It was not done legally. In 1957 when I applied for an amateur radio licence, I was told I needed a copy of my birth certificate. I went to the Bureau of Vital Statistics and applied for a copy. They told me there was no such person as Russell Brannon. I asked them to check again, and they came back with my name spelled with an "en" at the end. So, now I get mail with my name spelled both ways. Not amusing.

So there you have it. With one fell swoop, my father disassociated himself from the whole family. There are many more details which I could mention, but as you said, your father was a story teller who perhaps embellished. I have given you the facts as they occurred.

………………………………………….

A letter from Russell Brannon to Bruce Brannen Jan. 5, 1996

Dear Bruce,

It was so nice to receive the information on the various members of the Brannen clan. I read every page twice and found there was some holes that I could fill. I should say "can” fill. You mention a "block" factory. That was located in Albany on the Mohawk river. My Dad always referred to it as a block and tackle factory. This was due to the large demand for these items during the first war. Of course, my father was not eligible for military service. He had Rheumatic fever at the age of 11 years. Doctors told the family he would never live to see 21 years. My second name is Howard- The second name of my grandfather. You never knew John Howard. There were two times I can recall being in close touch with him. I cannot tell you my exact age the first time I visited the old homestead. I had not started school so it must follow that I was three or four years old at the time. He was a tall slim man with a mustache and always spoke in a kindly manner.

I was scraping frost off one of the kitchen windows which had a crack in it. A dangerous thing to be doing. I sliced my finger. Grandpa picked me up and tied a bandage on my finger. I still have the scar. He then put me down and picked up a piece of firewood-the kind used for kindling, in no time at all he had whittled a small boat suitable for sailing in a wash basin. It even had a paper sail on it.

The one thing I remember most vividly was breakfast. People ate very hearty because they worked hard. I recall Grandma Clissie frying slabs of ham on the kitchen stove. There was the smell of coffee and the sizzle of eggs frying. Home made biscuits with newly made butter which was churned right there in the kitchen. I don’t know about the winter months but I know the cream to make butter was kept in a wooden bucket which was lowered into the well.

On that trip I can remember kerosene lamps were in use and the glass shades had to be cleaned each morning to remove the soot. The one thing that stands out is the bricks, covered with carpet sewed around the out side. These were put in the oven and heated. The one night I remember I slept between your father and Uncle Shirley. The hot carpet covered bricks were at the bottom of the bed to keep your feet warm.

The second time I saw the old homestead I had already started school. spent a lot of time in the blacksmith shop just across from the house. My grandfather permitted me to turn the crank on the bellows. It was interesting to see him shoe a horse. First, he would remove the old shoe and then used a rasp to even up the hoof. He would then make a shoe from a drawing of the hoof and heat a piece of iron in the forge. Referring to the drawing he would roughly shape the shoe and then throw it back in the forge for reheating. Again, he would continue to shape and when it looked right, he would plunge the shoe into a half-barrel with water in it. The he would place the shoe on the hoof to see if more needed to be done.  If it did, he would reheat the shoe and work until it was right. Once he was satisfied, he would heat the shoe and then place the red-hot shoe on the hoof of the horse. I always looked away because I thought the horse was getting burned.

Page   TWO

The shoe was nailed in place. The nails protruded right up through the hoof of the horse and were snipped off. I once saw an ox brought in. It was moved into position and a large canvas support was passed under the ox and it was partially hoisted up. I believe this was done because oxen, if free, could deliver a kick that could lay a man up.

There were always a lot of men hanging around the shop. Those who had a shoeing job to be done or just to hang around and chew the fat. Anyway, this is what I remember of Grandfather Brannen. When the old fellow died, we,-my father got a telegram and immediately took the train to Yarmouth and attended the funeral. Evidently, he died of pneumonia because he was looking after the channel buoys at that time-often in rain and fog.

In 1933-ten years before you were born. A friend and I -Harold Henry decided to go around N.S. just for the sake of doing it. We had arrived from Saugus for a N.S. vacation, but my mother decided she did not want to go back to the states, so Dad went back, sold the house in Saugus along with the furnishings. He did send pictures, books and other items of a personal nature.

He stayed on there until 1936. The only person he saw of the family was me. I was second engineer on a ship owned the Nova Scotia shipping Company which was founded and operated by Ralph Hendry. an old boy-friend of my mother from Liverpool, and later Halifax Harbour Master.

Harold Henry and me left Dartmouth late in July and began hiking and thumbing rides down the south shore toward Yarmouth. We each had a fifty-cent piece for emergency use. After a week we wound up in Barrington Passage. We took the ferry to the island and hiked to the old homestead. We were just in time for haying so we pitched in and between tossing hay and killing snakes we spent almost two weeks there. Your Dad had a single car garage with a car which I have forgotten the make. He took Harold and one of the boys and me for a drive on Stoney (Island) beach. I went in for a swim but it was probably the shortest on record. I swear my skin was blue.

It was while we were visiting that your father told me he had made arrangements with my father, that if he died, I was to become a member of your family.

I remember your mother as being one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. My friend Harold was completely taken up her. We had a wonderful time to be sure. Good wholesome food, a comfortable bed and plenty of hard work which was enjoyable. 

By the way the house was lit by electricity which was produced by a many-finned windmill over the blacksmith shop used to be. I believe the bulbs were the 32-volt type like we used on ships.

As you know Pauline and I visited the island quite often. We always enjoyed listening to your Dad tell stories. He would also take us to Clarks Harbour to the fish plant. We watched men building Cape Island Boats. We visited the museum. We also met and chatted with a man who was known as the unofficial ambassador of The Island. I believe his name was (Dewey) Nickerson. We saw the old fence surrounding the old burial grounds which Grandfather Brannen made in the blacksmith shop.

I guess you know that we spent our honeymoon on the Island and stayed in the old house.  After we were married Grammy Brannen would come to Dartmouth once in a while and stay with us. Those were the days of memories. By the way, we visited Roseway Hospital in Shelburne just a few days before your mother died. We had gone to Bide-Awhile and found out she had a stroke. We spoke to her and called her name but there was no sign of recognition.  My heart was acting up-Pauline was just beginning to drive so we did not get to the funeral.

STORY:

In her spare time mom (Mildred) played the organ for different churches for food money. In her younger days she played piano for silent movies. She also played accordion trumpet mouth organ... etc

Edited from the unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

STORY:

…..dad had been working at the American Locomotive Works running a drop forge hammer run by steam operated by foot pedal he would pick up a piece of red hot metal with the tongs place it on the steel table step on the pedal and a big heavy hammer would flatten the hot metal he would turn it over and over until the piece lost heat then put it back in the fire repeat until it was shaped as required. One day it flew off and hit him in the stomach and damaged his spine.

He lost the job and when he was well enough he started to paint houses later he became boss painter at Tufts college now Tufts University by now he had moved to Saugus my memory from here on was much better.

Edited from the unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

STORY:

(Around 1930)….about this time I realized why we moved so much in the Boston area depression was in full swing and I suspect that we were evicted because we could not pay rent so the final move to Saugus brought us closer to Nova Scotia.

Edited from the unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

2-5-3

Myrtle Irene Brannen (1905-1982)

Myrtle was born in Clark’s Harbour 15 June 1905. She was the sixth child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962).

In 1925 she married Clarence Newell (1900-1977). She was working as a maid for a wealthy family. He was fishing there. They returned to Centreville in 1926 where their first child, Gloria, was born. November 2, 1926

Clarence purchased a property in Centreville from his father-in-law John Brannen.

They returned to the US and were living in East Boston in 1928 when Buddy was born. They again returned to Centreville where they settled and their children, Carol, in 1931, Cleo in 1932, Larry in 1937 and Roger in 1941 were born. Their home was just north of the current site of the Fire Station and at that time next door to her brother’s Ira’s home in Centreville. In total they had six children.

In 1941 Clarence went to Labrador to work as a carpenter. The money he made allowed them to purchase their Doctor's Cove home. In 1952 he returned to work in Labrador for the summer.

For a number of years in the forties and early nineteen fifties her mother, Clissie, boarded with them.

In 1955 they purchased a lot in Shelburne and constructed a home there. Their daughter Gloria had settled in Shelburne. They did not like living in Shelburne and they sold the home in 1957 and moved into the Jethro Newell house, his parent’s former home, in Newellton. In 1959 they moved back to the US where they worked for five years at a small college.

August 1, 1962, Myrtle and Clarence sold their Newellton home to Francis and Ralph Nickerson. Francis was their son-in-law, the husband of daughter Carol. In June 1965 they again returned to Nova Scotia and built a new home in Barrington Passage. They moved in in December 1965.

Clarence was a municipal councillor for Barrington Municipality from 1965 to 1973. In 1977 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He did not recover from surgery and died in the Yarmouth Hospital November 31 1977 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Barrington Passage NS November 16 1977

Myrtle outlived Clarence by five years. She died June 29, 1982. She buried with Clarence in Forest Hills cemetery in Barrington Passage.

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Cassie Edna Brannen (1898-1989)

She was the third child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962). She was born in Clark’s Harbour June 13, 1898.

Edna and her cousins Flossie and Marie worked at the cotton mill in Yarmouth. Flossie and Marie were daughters of "Aunt Mame”. This likely explains why Edna and Kenneth Keith Smith (1894-1956) were married in Yarmouth. They married June 13, 1918, when she was age 20 and he was 24 years old. He was the son of Frederick C. Smith (1864-??) and Marjorie.

The 1921 census shows Edna age 23 and Kenneth age 27 and their daughter Evelyn two years old living in Newellton.

They purchased a lot on the Newellton Creek and had Bill Smith of Centreville construct a new home for them.

She appears on the voter's lists for 1949 and 1957.

Kenneth died of a heart attack aboard his boat while lobstering April 14, 1956. He is buried in the Newellton Cemetery.

Edna was the mother of ten children. She was a long-time member of the Newellton Church. Her hobby was crocheting. After selling the house in Newellton she lived in a senior’s apartment in Clark's Harbour. She spent her later years, almost 15, in the Roseway Manor in Shelburne. She died at age 90 in 1989 and is buried with Kenneth in the Newellton Cemetery.

STORY:

Delayed Registration of Birth

Found in Registration year 1898 page 9900889

DOB 13 June 1898 at Clark's Harbour NS

" I am the mother of Cassie Edna Brannen and the date of her birth is recorded in a family record scroll containing all names and dates of birth of my children, and the same is now in my possession”

signed Clissie Ann Brannen

22 Nov 1956

STORY:

Coastguard newspaper article June 1988:

Mrs. Edna Smith celebrated her ninetieth birthday on June 3. She was born in Clark's Harbour and attended school there. On June 13, 1918, she married Kenneth Smith of NewelIton. The same date on which they both celebrated their birthday. Mrs. Smith has had a very busy life as mother of 10 children, but she found time to do beautiful crocheted work without the aid of a written pattern. She is a member of Neweilton Church and was active there until moving back to Clark's Harbour where she lived at Senior Citizens Apartments. Due to ill health, she has been in Roseway Manor for the past 12 years. She is still alert, has a good sense of humor and she is still up and dressed each day and ready for company which she really appreciates.

OBITUARY:

Smith, Cassie (Edna)_ 90, Roseway Manor, Sandy Point, formerly of Newellton, died in the Roseway Hospital after a short illness. Born in Clark's Harbour, she was a daughter of the late John and Clissie (Newell) Brannen. She was a member of Newellton Baptist Church. She is survived by five sons, Keith, Eldridge, both of North Rustico, P.E.I.; Noble, Freddie, both of Newellton; Frank, Saint John, N.B.; Four daughters, Mrs. Evelyn Perry, Barrington; Mrs. Myrtle Smith, Mrs. Mildred Blades, Mrs. Greta Stoddard, all of Clark's Harbour; a brother, Shirley, Massachusetts; two sisters, Mrs. Laura Mumford, Boston; Mrs Cleo Ellis, Pennsylvania; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth; a daughter Carolyn. Funeral was held form the Newellton Baptist Chruch with Rev. A. D. (Billy) Newell, and Rev. Donald Scheel officiating. Burial was in the Newellton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity.

Card of Thanks:

Smith: The family of the late Edna Smith wish to pay thanks for many pleasant visits and prayers for her while she was in Shelburne and for us at her passing. Thanks too for flowers, cards, food and phone calls. Also, the comforting words from pastors Bill Newell, Don Scheel and Robie Atkinson and all the music so beautifully rendered. To bearers, Kenney's Funeral Home, Roseway Manor & Roseway Hospital and all, "Your caring will not be forgotten." From the Children & Grandchildren

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William Ira Brannen (1901-1982)

Ira was born February 3, 1901, at Clark’s Harbour NS. He was the second son and the fourth child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962). He always went by his middle name, Ira, as there were many boys named William around his age in the community.

He appears in the 1901 census as two months old living in Clark's Harbour. Around 1906 he and his brother Bev contracted rheumatic fever. He always said they were put in a tent out back of their house in Clark’s Harbour to isolate them while they recovered. There were no treatments except fresh air and rest.

In 1911 he appears in the census in Centreville living with his parents and siblings. His birth date is shown as February 1899 (incorrect). He was shown as being a fisherman (he was 10 years old and definitely not a fisherman). It shows he spent 9 months at school in 1910. There is confirmation he attended school in the school year 1912-13. He claimed went to school through grade six. From that time on he worked with his father in the blacksmith shop as well as the usual farm chores that went with a small household farm.

There is a photo of Ira and his brothers Bev and Shirley likely taken in the winter of 1920-1 in Schenectady NY when all three worked at a block and tackle factory in the tri-city area. Ira appears in the 1921 census as a blacksmith working for his father. He was 20 years old living at home in Centreville.

December 31, 1921, he married Lottie Blanche Penney (1902-1992) in a snow storm in Clark’s Harbour. They spent their first month of marriage living with his parents. Later that winter he went lobstering with his brother-in-law Kenneth Smith at Deep Cove. When he came back in May of 1922 they rented and fixed up an old house that was across the road from the beginning of the McGray wharf lane. George, their first child was born there December 14th, 1922, in the rented house.

In 1923 he went to Boston to find work, In Nov 1923 he appears as a ship's passenger going to Boston, he was listed as age 22, a blacksmith, his home was Centreville and his wife was Lottie. He declared he had $25 with him, and he was joining his uncle Capt. F. A. Brannen 32 School Street. He was 5 feet 9 inches tall, and he was born in Clark's Harbour. He had Lottie and George join him later. In January 1924 Lottie was listed with her sister Norma Penney on the ship to Boston. Her final destination was East Boston. She was going to meet her husband Ira at 111 Lexington Street. She was age 21. Her infant son George was not listed on the manifest. They rented rooms in East Boston. There is a photo of them taken there.

Around June 1924 they returned to the Island and son Jack was born August 25, 1924, in the rented house in Centreville.

Ira returned to work with his father in the blacksmith shop at Centreville. In the summer of 1926, his father became ill with hepatitis and died in December 1926 leaving the business to Ira who also bought the house, barn, shop and property including wood lots from his mother Clissie for $1,000 on July 8, 1929. He also inherited his father's $100.00 per year contract with the Dominion Government to maintain channel buoys. He was the 3rd generation blacksmith carrying on the Brannen blacksmith business on Cape Island. The Brannen Blacksmith Shop lasted from 1865 to 1940. Blacksmithing was known as “the master trade” because of how essential it was in traditional village life in that era.

In 1930 as the depression deepened and collecting from customers became a serious problem. He took a job managing a farm in Centreville for Rob Nickerson. The family moved to the farm about a mile from their own home. He continued to do some blacksmith work in the evenings as well as maintaining the channel buoy contract. Their fourth son Ralph was born while they were at the farm.

The combination of his employment at the farm, his blacksmith work and the channel buoy contract allowed him to buy a late model, 1929 Essex car in 1931. At that point in the depression, they were only a few cars on the whole island. There were three in Centreville and his was the only one in regular use except the one used to deliver the mail to post offices. A car was definitely a luxury at that time.

In 1933 they returned to their home, and he returned to full time blacksmith work and later added a new shop at Clark's Harbour. To do so he moved a storage building located at the shore which dated from McGray's ownership. He also acquired a Model T Ford which he converted to a tractor. The family’s needs were always provided for by raising cows, pigs, chickens, and growing hay and kitchen crops on the property.

In 1940 the blacksmith business had fallen off. The era of blacksmiths had passed. He had accumulated some debts due to the difficulty in collecting from customers during the depression, so he took a job with Evan Swim at Clark’s Harbour. Both George and Jack joined him there at various times. In 1942 they had to close the house and rent a place in Clark's Harbour due to gas rationing and his work being mostly there. Son Bruce was born in the rented house in Clark’s Harbour August 22, 1943. Later that year they moved back to Centreville and he went to work for Kenney & Ross at Stoney Island as plant foremen.

About 1953 he quit Kenney & Ross when he was denied a raise. Reg Ross’ response was "No one is indispensable." Ira put on his coat and walked out. B.C. Packers quickly approached him, and he joined them as second plant engineer and in due course became plant engineer. He worked for them for 14 years. He acquired Province of Nova Scotia certification as a stationery engineer/fireman, and for refrigeration.

January 17, 1963, they sold all of Lot 2 Block N except George's lot for $150 to Bernice and Leroy Quinlan. This property ran from the highway to the shore.

He retired in 1967 and after that did only a bit of consulting. After retirement he filled his time doing home maintenance, shingling, and painting around his house and barn.

August 21, 1975, they sold a lot 100' x 1500' to Robert and Mary Brannen for $1.00 (BAR2147) and later he sold the land across the highway to the shore.

Over time his health declined. He had suffered heart attacks from the time he was 55, no doubt, as a result of having rheumatic fever in childhood. He had a pacemaker installed and prostrate surgery. Near the end he was moved to the nursing home in Shelburne. He died in 1982 at age 81. He is buried in the Centreville Cemetery.

Lottie lived on in the home for several years. When her health declined, she sold the house remaining property their son Jack and moved to a retirement apartment in Barrington Passage. She spent her later years in a nursing home in Shelburne. She died September 2 1992.and is buried with Ira and son Ralph in Centreville.

OBITUARY:

Centerville: W. Ira Brannen, 81, died Saturday, November 20, 1982 in Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. Born in Clark's Harbour's he was a son of the late John and Clissie (Newell) Brannen.

He is survived by his wife, the former Lottie Penney; four sons, George, Port Clyde, John, Brampton, Ontario, Robert, Toronto, and Bruce, Ottawa; a brother Shirley, Bellerica , Mass.; Three sisters, Mrs. Edna Smith, Shelburne, Cleo, Philadelphia, and Laura Sommerville, Mass.; 16 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son Ralph; a brother Beverly, and two sisters, Ina and Myrtle.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 23, 1982 in Kenney's Funeral Home, Barrington with Lic. Frank Hudgins officiating. Burial was in Centerville Cemetery.

STORY:

Ira and his brother John Beverley contracted rheumatic fever when young boys. These were times of primitive health care. Fresh air was the general prescription for recovery. With rheumatic fever death was common and even with recovery there was usually heart damage. My father told me on many occasions that they were put in a tent behind the house to recover. Both did recover. Later in his early 50's Ira developed a "heart trouble". Bev's heart condition seemed to have developed much earlier and was more acute.

Bruce Brannen, Ottawa 2013

STORY:

Delayed Registration of Birth Nova Scotia:

"This is to certify that I have this day examined a school register for Shelburne County for the school year ending July 1913. Listed among the entries in the said register I have found the following entry:

Name: William Ira Brannen

Age: 11 years, 6 months on Aug 1, 1912

Parent name: John Brannen

signed: Deputy Registrar General, Nova Scotia

Dated: Halifax N.S. April 7 1967"

STORY:

Lottie (Penney) Brannen wrote a bit of family history in the mid 1980's when she was about 82 years old.

We were married Dec 31st 1921 at Clarks Harbour went in an old car with side curtains. There was a lot of snow and banks. Had to get out and push sometimes. We stayed at Ira's home for a month then went on Deep Cove Yar. Co. as Ira was going hired with Kenneth Smith lobstering. Came home the last of May. Ira planted a garden, then we rented an old house and started to make it fit to live in and moved in. George was born Dec 14th, 1922. It was the coldest winter. Ice froze all across to Bear Point. Was the first time in 40 years. In April there was no work so Ira went to the USA and sent for me to come over in June. We rented a few rooms for $10.00 per week and his wages were $21.00 a week. We stayed there a year and moved home. Jack was born Aug 25, 1924, the day he was born a man hung himself in the school house at Clarks Harbour and we couldn't get a Dr., had a midwife instead, the next day was a hurricane and tore things apart buildings down. We lived there until Dec 1926 in the meantime Ira's father was sick all summer and passed away the last of Nov and we moved to their house as Ira bought it from his mother. Moved into this house Dec 13, 1926. His father gave him the blacksmiths shop as he was the only that worked with him. We were there three weeks when Bob was born. Couldn't get any help so didn't have much time in bed. Ira was so busy in the shop lots of oxen to shoe and he would bring the men for dinner a lot of days. They were busy days with cows, pigs, churning butter to make and all the baking to do but it was a way of life also make all the children's clothes, knit socks, mittens and sweaters. The only thing I didn't like was haymaking. In 1930 Ira took a job looking after Rob Nickerson's farm and we moved there in June. Ralph was born in August 1930. In 1931 Ira sold some things and worked nights in the blacksmith shop and we bought a car an Essex. His father had the channel buoys to tend for years paint and keep them in place for a $100. a year after his father died, they gave the contract to Ira which was really a big help. We moved back here in 1933. The depression was on and no work or money, but we did farming, had cows, pigs, hens and made out OK. He still worked in the shop 'mostly handing out'.In 1940 he went to Clam Harbour to work for Evan Swim in a lobster factory for $40.00 a month. In the summer he took Geo. to help and Jack got the hay and did the work here.  Next spring both boys went to Clam Harbour and worked all summer at Swims Point, worked until 12 o'clock as well as all day. I sure hated it for them to work so hard, hurt me so. The next spring George went to New Glasgow to Tech. College. We moved to Clarks Harbour as gas rationing was on. That was 42. George went in the service, Jack went away. Bob worked on a farm in Yar. Co,. then Jack enlisted it sure broke me up and after awhile 1943 Bob went to Liverpool to work and Bruce was born in Aug 1943. Bob enlisted in the fall. We moved home and Ira went to work for Reg Ross at Stoney Island canning fish. Worked there almost 10 years then went to BC Packers as engineer worked there 14 years. Retired 1967 Ira also had a licence for refrigeration one for fireman and an engineer's licence. In 1951 Ralph went to Halifax to work at Simpson's ------ three weeks he got polio was in an iron lung on his 21st birthday in the lung. Died Aug 30th.

STORY:

The following is a excerpt from The Life and Times of J.L.B. by Ira's son John (Jack) Brannen published in 2009:

When my grandfather Brannen died in December 7, 1926, he gave his blacksmith business to my father, who had worked with him. My parents bought his house from my grandmother. We moved there December 13th, 1926. On the 31st my brother Robert was born. The house was the best one in Centreville. It had been built for A. T. McGray a merchant around 1851. The property was very large with a lot of buildings. The house had thirty doors with four of them leading outside. It had thirty -four windows. It had a large barn for cattle and machinery. Next to the house was another building in which my dad kept his old Model T. Across the road was a former general store that had been run by several generations of McGray's. This had been turned into a blacksmith and woodworking shop by my grandfather who bought the property in 1908. At the shore there was an old wharf and a building to keep the boat supplies in. My dad later moved the building to Clark's Harbour for a second shop. The house had an apartment in the back where my grandmother Brannen lived for a while..........................

…………..While living on the farm in 1931 my dad purchased a 1929 Essex automobile. It was only 2 years old at the time. Cars were few and far between on the island at that time. There were only 3 in Centreville and the Essex was the newest and the only one used regularly.  This was during the Depression and times were very tough, so a car was certainly a luxury. As well as running the farm he still did evening work in the blacksmith shop, and he had a Government contract for a $100 a year. Compared to most families during the depression we were 'well off'……

……After moving back to the old homestead Dad decided the six of us should take a trip and tour Nova Scotia. With a large box mounted on the back of the Essex for food storage and a piece of canvass for a tent, we were ready to go. The first day, with the car doing 30 miles an hour on dirt roads we made it to Martin's Point on the South Shore not far past Bridgewater. We had to camp near trees so Dad could cut poles to hold up the canvass. We went on to Halifax the next day and toured the Public Gardens. From there we crossed to the Bay of Fundy shore and 'The Valley". We visited many interesting places on the trip. For a family from a small island in the midst of the Depression this was a great trip and a chance to see some of the province………

…….A few years later the Barnum and Bailey circus came to Yarmouth. It was one of the biggest circuses in the country. It consisted of two trains full of tents and animals. Dad took George, Bob and I. We got to Yarmouth in time to see them unload and set up in a large field near town. There were lots of animals and the large tent with 3 rings. What a day it was for us, something we will always remember…….

……..My Dad loved baseball. If there was a game in Clark's Harbour he would drop what he was doing and go to the game and take us with him. He also liked swimming in the summer months. He made sure we all learned to swim. With our property bordering on water there were plenty of opportunities to swim and

not far to go.................

……..My dad was a 3rd generation blacksmith. Blacksmiths in small villages were more than fabricators of iron, they were also wheelwrights, tinsmiths and provided wood working for their communities.

My dad's blacksmith shop was across the road from our house. It was originally the A. T. McGray General Store. He did not use the large part and tore part of it down. With the material he built a garage for the car near the house. The shop was divided into 2 parts, one for the blacksmith work, shoeing oxen and horses and the other into a woodworking area with saws, lathes and other woodworking machines. A one- cylinder two- flywheel engine with ran the equipment in the shop. Over- head belts could be switched to run each piece of equipment. The lathe was used to make parts for things like wheelbarrows, spokes and furniture legs. In earlier times a windmill on the roof ran the belts. When the windmill was blown off in a storm it was later installed on a large rock near the house. In the blacksmith portion there was a sling of heavy canvas, and a roller to pull the canvas tight to hold the ox steady. The ox's head was strapped to a beam. Each leg had a bench to rest his feet on in order to apply the shoes. Horses were more docile and didn't require special equipment for shoeing………

………….He later opened a second blacksmith shop at Clark's Harbour in a building he moved from a location on the shore below our house. The building had likely been there from the time the McGray's lived on the property. Both the McGray's and the Brannens used it for supplies for sailing vessels. The Clark's Harbour shop was used for blacksmithing and tinsmithing. He made stovepipes and fuel containers as well as items of the blacksmith trade......................

...............My dad was in charge of maintaining the channel buoys in Clark's Harbour.  In the summer months they were marked by iron can buoys. But due to ice in the winter months they were changed and marked with wooden spar buoys.  He had an old boat that was unfit for fishing. It didn't have a house on it, and it leaked.  The engine was a small one cylinder "make and break".  In the middle of the boat was a winch for lifting the weights for the buoys.  This is where I came in; it was my job to crank the winch.  When not doing that, I would be busy on the hand pump to keep the boat from filling with water.  After we changed all the buoys we would start for home with six or eight of those large buoys in tow. It was slow going with that small engine.  In the spring the job was done in reverse. We put the can buoys back in place. The strain of the winch pulling up the weights and the boat lying over partly on its side did not bother me at the time, but thinking back now, I am surprised we didn't pull the old boat apart.  My dad received one hundred dollars a year from the government to maintain those buoys; not much money for all the work but it was certainly needed.

STORY:

An excerpt from The Islands Look Back published by the Archelaus Smith Historical Society in 1981 edited by Margaret Messenger

Brannen’s Blacksmith Shop

by Dorothy O'Connell

After a few years Mr. Brannen closed his shop at Clark's Harbour and operated only the one at Centreville, with his son Ira helping him. When he passed away in 1926, Ira took over the business and purchased the old homestead. By this time horseshoes were bought in Halifax and shipped to the smithy, thus eliminating some of the work.

A change was also taking place in fishing equipment. Fishermen were using engine haulers, and in addition to making anchors and baskets, Ira was being called upon to make rollers to help hauling the traps over the side of the boat. Rollers sold for $3.75 (Baskets are large iron rods , put together in such a way they cover the propeller of the boat and protect it from buoys.)

The blacksmith shop was also a gathering place for men, especially on stormy days. Many a story was told and everything from politics to religion was discussed. On the opposite side of the road the smithy's wife was always prepared to feed (without charge) anyone who had to wait over the noon hour to have his order filled...........................

STORY:

McGray - Brannen House Centreville

This wood frame, 11/2 storey house is located on land that once belonged to, and contained the home of, Rev. Asa McGray, who was the first Free Will Baptist preacher in N.S. and the initiator of the Baptist movement on Cape Sable Island around 1821. An old cellar, possibly that of the Rev. McGray home, is located on this property. This home is an example of a New England Colonial style dwelling and has several details worthy of mention: two bay windows- one square and the other round segmental; four knee or kneeling windows which form a frieze at the front of the home; return eaves with slight eave overhang; and an ell at the southern side. There is also a small ell at the northwest side of the home which was originally the office of Nehimiah McGray, the son of Asa Turner McGray, and the grandson of Rev. Asa. Nehemiah lived here after his father's death and served as an American Consul as well as being the representative for Shelburne County in the House of Assembly in Halifax from 1878 until 1882. This small ell addition to the home was built for Nehemiah at approximately this time; it later became an apartment for his widow, Mary Jane, after his death.

The home was built by James C. Smith in 1851-2 and its original owner was Asa Turner McGray, merchant, who also had a store in the field near the house. The home was owned and occupied by the McGray family until 1927, when it was sold to John Brannen, a blacksmith. John's son, Ira and his wife, Lottie, later owned it as well as their son, John L. Brannen.

The rather elaborate style of this home for the year in which it was built would seem to emphasize its' original owner's wealth and importance in the community.

It is to be considered a landmark building due to its historical importance in the area.

Sources of Information: Book entitled Our Island Heritage Registry of Deeds and Probate Office, Barrington

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Shirley Jeremiah Brannen (1903-1998)

Shirley was the fifth child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962). He was born in Clark’s Harbour March 31, 1903.The 1911 census shows him as age nine living in Centreville with his family.

The 1921 Canadian census shows Shirley living with his parents in Centreville. He was single, age 18, a labourer working for his father. Later that year went to Schenectady NY and met up with his brothers Bev and Ira. They worked in the block and tackle factory there. He moved to Boston in 1923.

The ship’s record for November 1923 B&Y SS Company shows Shirley age 20 as a passenger from Yarmouth to Boston. His calling or occupation was listed as blacksmith, his last permanent address was Centreville, and his destination was 167 Falcon St., East Boston. He was listed as 6 feet tall.

Sometime prior to 1925 he established a painting business and in 1925 he was joined by his brother Bev. The 1927 City Directory shows Shirley living at 389 Meridian in East Boston and working as a shoe worker. His mother Clissie is living with him.

He married Estelle Marie Boissonneault in 1928. She was very young perhaps sixteen. They had two children Shirley born in 1928 and John Robert born in 1930.

The 1929 City Directory shows him living at 4 Trenton in East Boston and working as a pipefitter. His mother Clissie is also living with him.

The 1930 Census has him living on Falcon Street age 27 employed as a house painter, Estelle is shown as age 18. Daughter Shirley is one year, and 6 months old and son Robert is eight months old. His younger sister Laura Brannen-Bateman age 19 was living with them, she was unemployed.

There is a record of his passage on the SS Evangeline to Boston September 2 1934 travelling with his mother Clissie.

January 21, 1935, at age 31 he was granted US Naturalization. He had acquired the nickname of “Stick” among those who knew him well.

The Boston city directory of 1935-6-7 and 8, shows Shirley and Estelle living at 48 Falcon in East Boston.

There is a record of his passage on the SS Evangeline from Yarmouth to Boston July 20 1936. With him was Estelle and children Robert and Shirley.

Shirley and Estelle separated in late 1938 or early 1939 and Stella went to live with Smith Bateman who was Shirley’s brother-in-law, his sister Laura’s husband. Their children Shirley and Robert became wards of the state. It is believed that they had little contact with their father after that.

July 21, 1939, there is a record of his passage on the SS Evangeline from Yarmouth to Boston. There is a Ruth Brannen travelling at the same time, she was a cousin.

In the US Census of 1940 Shirley is shown as age 39 married to Estelle age 28 with the two children; daughter Shirley age 11 and Robert age ten was living with them. Shirley gives his highest completed grade as 8. He was a painter, interior and exterior. They were living in Boston at 647 Saratoga Street. (This data must have been collected in early 1939 as they were no longer living together in 1940.).)

Shirley and Stella divorced around 1942 and November 28, 1942, Stella married Smith Bateman the ex-husband of Shirley's sister Laura.

Shirley married again. His New Hampshire marriage certificate for his marriage to Nellie Maude Smith-Burrows (1901-1983) dated 16 December 1942 showed him living at 18 Summer Road, Billerica, MA. She gave her address as 28 Summer Road. He was age 39, divorced, this was his second marriage. He was listed as a painter. She was age 40 and divorced. It was her second marriage. She was listed as a bookkeeper. Her father was James Parker Smith age 72, a farmer in St Stephens NB. Her mother was the late Helen A. Grant born in St Stephen NB. They were married by Denton J. Neily.

The 1951,1953, 1955, 1957 and 1959 City Directories found Shirley and Nellie living on Summer Road Billerica MA; telephone # MO3-8139. He was a painter. The phone directory had a listing for him at 28 Summer Street Billerica 506-663-8138 for the years 1993-4-5. The zip code was 01821-5802.

She died November 30, 1983, in North Billerica MA. He died February 1 1998 in Dorchester MA and is buried in Billerica MA with Nellie in the North Cemetery, Billerica.

STORY:

My Uncle Shirley and Nellie used to try to visit the Island each summer in the 1950’s. They stayed with his sister Edna in Newellton. He always came in a new or at least very late model car, most years a Buick. He always wore a light-coloured suit and loud tie. Please remember he was visiting Cape Sable Island where suits were for weddings and funerals and where working ¼ pickup trucks were common and premium passenger cars almost non-existent. He also smoked the largest cigars available. He did not want his show of success to be missed and could be found any where there might be a gathering of more than two people. He was a big man at least six feet tall and always well tanned and always looking for a chance talk. He spoke loudly and often about his Boston experiences. He loved to lead sing songs, his voice above all others. Nellie made sure there were gifts for all young nieces and nephews.

Shirley was my Favourite “rich uncle”. What kid would not be impressed? He even went to the Red Sox games (casual ticket stub in his pocket) he even knew the Yankee roster. My mother was not impressed with any of it and knew he was just a show off. I imagined him as wealthy but in realty he ran a small painting company and lived in modest home in Billerica MA and probably spent his disposable income on his trips to Nova Scotia.

Bruce Brannen, nephew 2019

OBITUARY:

BATEMAN, Marie Estelle "Stella" (Boissonneault) of Dorchester, Ma., passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the age of 98. She was the beloved wife of the late Archibald Smith Bateman; devoted mother of Shirley A. Brannen of Dorchester and the late John Robert Brannen; cherished grandmother of Diane & Charles Klotz of Florida, Joanne & Gerald Powers of Kingston, Christine & William Diaz of Florida; Marilyn & Eric Fredericksen of Derry, N. H. and Estelle & Thomas Flett of Norton. Also survived by many great grandchildren; great great grandchildren. Funeral was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 4 from the H. Huskilson's Memorial Chapel, Barrington, Rev. Alvin McComiskey officiated. Interment was in the River Dale Cemetery, Riverhead. Memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society. Marie's family is grateful that she lived her life to the fullest and was very active until her final day.

2-5-7

Cleo Leaston Brannen (1907-2000)

Cleo was born November 16, 1907, at Clark`s Harbour. She was the seventh child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962).

 She first appears in the census in 1911 as a child living with her parents. In 1924 at age 16 she left home and moved to the Boston area.

A record of her crossing on the `Boston Boat` exists for her February 1924 passage on the B&Y SS Company. She declared her permanent home was in the US in West Somerville MA.

She lived with her uncle Bev and his family, first on Elmwood Street Roxbury for perhaps a year. She was employed as a clerk in a store. While there she met John Ferreira (1906-1967). He was a native of Madeira, Portugal and was her future husband.

According to Russell Brannon after Roxbury she moved to East Boston near to John`s parents. They married June 16, 1927.

The 1930 US Census spells her name as Clio Firriera. She shown as age 22 married since 1922 to John aged 23. There are three children John Jr age one and Laura and Arthur also listed as age one. John is listed as being from Portugal, Cleo from Nova Scotia. His employment was as a stationary fireman. In 1934 they begin appearing in the Boston city directories. In 1934 he was shown as a fireman, and they were living on Trenton St in East Boston.

In 1935-6-7-8-9 and 1941 and 1942 they were shown to be living at 154 Falcon St in East Boston.

In 1940 she appears in the US census as age 33 living on Falcon Street in Boston and is described as an alien. She was working 21 hours a week as an ironer for $600 per year. She declared she had a grade 8 education. There are four children at home John Jr. age 12, Laura 11, Arthur 10 and Edward age eight years.

The 1946, 1947, and 1951 directories showed his employment as a marine engineer and their address as 71 Lexington Street in East Boston. The 1952 directory showed their address as 107 Lexington. 1898The directories for 1954-6-8-9 and 1960 showed his employment as engineer and a new address of 58 Homer St.

John died in 1966 however the 1967 and 1968 directories have them living at 123 Lexington Street in East Boston and his employment as a marine engineer working for The Boston Tow Boat Co.

Sometime after 1966 she married Albert Ellis (1898-??) a second marriage for both of them. According to his daughter they lived in Brooklyn. She indicated they were both active in the Salvation Army church. Albert was was an officer in the Salvation Army.

She died in 2000 at age 92. She is buried with John in Woodland cemetery in Everett MA.

OBITUARY:

Portland Press Herald (ME) - Saturday, June 17, 2000 Cleo Ferreira Ellis, 92, formally of Pine Wood Manor at Ocean Park in Old Orchard Beach, died June 16, 2000, at Springbrook Nursing Center. She was born in Nova Scotia, a daughter of John and Clissie Newall Brennan. She moved from Clarkes Harbor in Centerville, Nova Scotia, at the age 16 to Brookline, Mass. In 1927, she married John Ferreira and they settled in East Boston. She came to Ocean Park in 1993. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star in East Boston and a former local officer for the Salvation Army. She enjoyed reading and crocheting. Her husband died in 1968 and a son, John Ferreira, died in 1946. Surviving are two sons, retired Salvation Army Maj. Arthur Ferreira of Old Orchard Beach and Edward Ferreira of Tewksbury, Mass.; a daughter, retired Maj. Laura McEwen of Old Orchard Beach; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home,  Maj. Mary Jane Teneyck officiating. Burial will in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, Mass.

DEATH RECORD:

Name: Cleo Ellis SSN: 031-05-6522 Last Residence: 04064 Old Orchard Beach, York, Maine, USA Born: 16 Nov 1907 Died: 16 Jun 2000.

STORY:

Application for delayed Nova Scotia registration of birth:

Registration Year 1907 page 9210043

DOB 16 Nov 1907 at Clark's Harbour NS

 "That I Clissie Ann Brannen am the mother of Cleo Leaston Brannen and she lived in my house until she became of the age of sixteen years."    

signed :Clissie Ann Brannen 22 June 1942

STORY:

An excerpt from a letter from Russell Brannon to Bruce Brannen March 1995:

..........In Roxbury , we lived on Elmwood Street. Shortly afterward, Aunt Cleo showed up and lived with us for more than a year. She worked in one of the large department stores in Boston as a clerk.

......While we were living on Elmwood Street, Aunt Cleo met a Portuguese fellow by the name of John Ferara, and they were later married. Cleo moved to East Boston where John's parents were living. Dad took an instant liking to John and he and Cleo would visit us often........

STORY:

There was a man named John Ferreira  who dropped by a few times possibly with Aunt Cleo he usually brought something, food or toys.

From the unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

END

2-5-8

Laura Matilda Brannen (1911-1961)

Laura was born September 30, 1911, in Centreville after her family moved there from Clark’s Harbour. She was the youngest child of John Brannen (1865-1926) and Clissie Newell (1872-1962) and the only one born in the Centreville house.

In the 1921 Canadian census Laura was age ten living in Centreville.

She married Archibald (Smithy) Smith Bateman (1908-1996) the 7th December 1929 in Centreville. He was the son of John Bateman (1875-1957) and Mary Essa Brannen (1877-1945). Smithy was age 21 and described as a labourer. She was age 19 and a housekeeper. Her brother Ira and sister Myrtle were witnesses to the marriage. They had four children.

In the 1930 US Census Laura Bateman was living with her brother Shirley and his family at 48 Falcon Street East Boston. There are no children shown with her. She shown as age 19. Later in 1930 while they were living in Stamford CT their first child Jeanette was born June 12th.

Laura and her husband Smith Bateman purchased a house in Centreville in 1931, they lived there for several years.

September 7, 1935, and again December 21, 1937, Laura, and her daughters Jeanette and Mary J. were passengers on the SS Evangeline going from Yarmouth to Boston.

 In 1938 they moved back to East Boston. Laura and Smith separated in late 1938 or early 1939. They sold their Centreville house in 1939. The house still stands. It was located three houses south of her brother Ira’s house (her parent’s former house) where the South Side Road joins the main road.

Their fourth child Sandra was born after their separation. The four children remained with Laura. Smith moved in with Laura’s brother Shirley’s estranged wife Stella.

The 1938 and 1939 and 1941 and 1942 Boston city directory showed her living at 163 Condor Street in East Boston with her husband Smith A. Bateman a bargeman. In 1940 and 1942 she appears as Laura Bateman head of the household at 163 Condor Street, age 29. There were 3 children living with her. She was not employed.

Around 1941 she met Peder Murburg (1916-1996) a Norwegian sailor. They married in 1945. They had two children Ingrid and Ronald. Her six children stayed with her.

The Boston city directory for 1953 shows their residence as 10 Common St. Charleston. He was a painter. The 1960-61-62 city directories for Boston shows them living at 23 Union Street Charleston.

Laura was granted naturalization June 20th, 1960.

Peder died December 25, 1996, in Tewksbury MA. Laura died in 2005 in East Bridgewater, MA.

STORY:

In 2019 Ingrid Bateman Roome, Laura’s daughter replied to my question:: She struggled financially with 4 girls to raise, Smithe always made such they had clothes and visits to him and Stella.

I am not exactly sure how she met my dad, he was a merchant marine, and probably in a port of Boston. He was the love of her life and she his. He had a ruff childhood and ran away at 11 or 12 and joined the merchant marines. My sister Jeanette loved him and said he was good to them.

There were times when she worked. She loved studying the Bible and trying to sew or quilt

The Children of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944)

They had five children; they are the fifth generation of Brannens.

THE CHILDREN OF FRANCIS ANNIS BRANNEN (1869-1944)

2-5-9

Annis Wickwire Brannen RN (1894-1986)

Annis was born December 2, 1894, in Clark’s Harbour NS. She was the oldest daughter of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) and Belle Dickie (1868-1936). Her delayed birth registration was made in Aug 1928. Dr. Brown certified he was present at her birth.

She appears in the 1911 Canadian census as age 16 living in Clarks Harbour with her parents and three siblings.

She was listed as a passenger on the Boston boat August 1916. She was age 21, employed as a nurse. Her home was Clark`s Harbour and her nearest relative was F. A. Brannen, her father. She was going to Melrose MA. She was listed in the 1920 US census as age 24 living with her parents and three siblings at 61 Avon Street Somerville. Her immigration year was 1914. She was not a naturalized citizen. She was shown as a nurse in a doctor`s office.

In 1914-1917, she trained at the Melrose Hospital in MA. where she received her R.N. certification. In 1918-1919, she took the course as a lab technician at Melrose Hospital and Huntington Hospital, Harvard Medical School. In 1921 she visited a classmate in Viking, Alberta and started a municipal hospital there in the town of Viking, and was the superintendent. In July 15 1922, she married Dr. John Robert Corbett then of Edmonton, and returned to Melrose, MA where they lived for the next 15 years.

Annis and Dr. Corbett took in a child, Marie Derrah, born in 1919. At the time she came to live with them she was likely somewhere between ten months and two years old. She stayed with them until about the time she started the first grade at school. She was not legally adopted but treated and considered as their child. The family of Marie raised objections based on the Corbett’s religion. They were protestant while Marie's mother was Roman Catholic. Marie was removed and placed in a convent to be raised.

In the 1930 US census Annis was living in Melrose at 794 Main Street. Emigration year was shown as 1922. She was not employed. They had a boarder Barry Burgess, age 42, a physician.

On September 28, 1937, she was a passenger on the SS Yarmouth travelling to Boston

Along with her husband they moved to Shelburne and organized a hospital for treatment and major surgery in 1938.

In 1943 they moved to Clarks Harbour and set up a general practice that they operated until John's retirement in 1974.

She appears in the 1949 voters list in Clark`s Harbour

Annis and Dr. Corbett did not have children of their own but they adopted and raised Prudence who was born in 1947. She was named for Annis’ sister.

Dr. Corbett died Nov 13, 1974, in Yarmouth and is buried in Centreville.

Annis spent the final years of her life in a wheelchair living with her daughter Prudence and her family at The Hawk NS. She died June 1, 1986, at The Hawk NS and is buried with the doctor in Centreville.

STORY:

Unsubstantiated remarks about doctors

To the editor: Re: Letter by Judy Conrad, R.N., Surgery and obstetrics not the issue, in the November 14 issue of your newspaper. It just so happens that for the past year I have been doing extensive research on the doctors, and medical services and care in the western end of Shelburne County. Ms. Conrad steps back in time 20 years but, by comparison, I can remember the past 50 years. So let's take a look at the past, as her letter suggests. I could do it from a patient's point of view but, for the moment, let's look at historical facts. A surgical and obstetrical hospital for this county was the brainchild of none other than Dr. John R. Corbett and his wife Annis Brannen Corbett, R.N. of Clark's Harbour.

 They saw the need for such a hospital and cared enough to give up their practice in the United States, and move to Shelburne in 1938. With their own money they purchased land in the town and made plans for a 50-bed cottage hospital. I have before me invoices made out to Dr. Corbett for medical and surgical equipment and supplies. Here we have the beginnings of a county hospital by a couple from the western end of the county. So, before Ms. Conrad does any more bellyaching about the doctors from this end of the county, perhaps it would be a good idea for her to delve more closely into the past, and find out exactly how much our doctors and taxpayers have contributed to the support of the Shelburne Hospital over the years. Furthermore, Ms. Conrad mentions today's Shelburne doctors "spend lunch hours attending meetings with hospital staff." Again, looking at the late Dr. Corbett's records, let's take a peek at his work-load and compare. He was the public health officer for the town (i.e. he was required to inspect all eating establishments and the schools on a regular basis) ; the coroner for Shelburne County; a government-appointed medical caretaker for all local seamen; he was responsible for the medical needs of the civilians at the Military Base at Sandy Point (We must not forget that the road to Sandy Point was at that time a narrow, rocky, muddy road that was full of potholes) ; the doctor on call for the Poor Farm; did home deliveries of 105 babies the first year at $15 per case; made house calls at all hours of the day and night, seven days per week, regard-less of weather conditions; attended to all accidents and emergencies, including one at the Half Moons light station. His first emergency was that of a man with a severe scalp wound, and in a half-drowned, unconscious condition. Dr. Corbett and his wife did all this and more, without any back-up doctors. He had expected to have Dr. L.P. Churchill as one colleague but he was called into military service, and the other was Dr. Fuller who died suddenly of a heart attack. Today, as back then. I know for a fact that our local doctors frequently miss meals to attend to emergencies. Rarely can they squeeze in enough time for a meeting or a social event. Let's rely on facts and figures. Ms. Conrad's unsubstantiated remarks about the doctors and people in Western Shelburne County and their lack of support for Roseway Hospital rates nothing more than a "spit in the bucket." Sincerely Hattie A. Perry Barrington

Hattie Perry a Barrington author wrote this letter to the editor of what appears to have be the Shelburne Coast Guard on an unknown date.

STORY:

DR AND MRS JOHN ROBERT CORBETT OF CLARK'S HARBOUR

by Prudence Blades

Annis Wickwire Brannen-Corbett was born the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Francis Annis Brannen of Clark's Harbour, and the grand-daughter of Dr David Somerville Dickie of Canning, Kings County, Nova Scotia. In 1914-1917, she was in training at the Melrose Hospital in Mass. where she received her R.N.'s. In 1918-1919, she took the course as lab technician at Melrose Hospital and Huntington Hospital, Harvard Medical School. In 1921 she visited a class-mate in Viking, Alberta and started a municipal hospital there in the town of Viking, and was the superintendent. In July of 1922, the fifteenth day, she married Dr. John Robert Corbett then of Edmonton, and returned to Melrose, Massachusetts where, Dr. Corbett practiced for fifteen years. John Robert Corbett was born to Jesse and Katherine Corbett of South Granville, Prince Edward Island. He left the province when a boy to enter St. Stephen's College in Alberta. He next entered the University of Alberta. After completing his studies there, he went to McGill University, Montreal, from which he graduated in medicine with the degree of M.D., C.M. After his graduation, he spent some time in hospitals in Montreal and then pro-ceeded to Boston. He practiced in Melrose, Mass. until 1938. During this time he was on the surgical staffs of the Melrose Wakefield Hospital and the New England Sanatorium.

In 1938, Dr. and Mrs Corbett came to Shelburne, N.S. upon advice of friends to organize a hospital for the treatment of major surgical patients. Dr.Corbett came well recommended by his colleagues as a surgeon in the various hospitals he had served. He was licensed with the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom as well as having registration in the United States of American which makes him Dr. J.R. Corbett M.D., C.M., L.G.M.C. An item in the "Canadian Medical - Association Journal" of June 1941,. page 646, states: "A hospital for Shelburne is to become a reality, following the purchase of land and the preparation of plans by Dr. J.R. Corbett of Clarks Harbour. The first hospital in the county, the new institution will be beautifully situated on the banks of Shelburne harbour." A site was picked, land was bought at the head of Shelburne Harbour and they went into temporary quarters to be temporarily called the Shelburne "Cottage" Hospital. Plans were drawn to start the building. Two large donations, one Canadian and one American were to be made to make this possible but they were caught in World War II and Shelburne was made a joint United States and Canadian Base. Dr. Churchill was called into service and Dr. Corbett had to take over Dr. Churchill's practice, the mariners, the public health officer for Shelburne, the schools, poor farm, in addition to running the small temporary quarters of the Shelburne "Cottage" Hospital.

Re the small hospital after emergency treatment, patients were sent on if able, if not, popped into bed. It was a hard task and they were busy until roads were built and buildings were set up. Once the Shelburne hospital was started, they knew eventually this would be passed over to Shelburne, so they gave up their plans and sold a 36 inch castle pressure sterilizer to the Halifax Infirmary and also sold the site of their hospital and at this time they went to New York City where Dr. Corbett did post graduate work in surgery until July of 1943. when he returned to Canada. He came to Cape Sable Island and has done general practice until 1974. In August of 1974, the Town Clerk Mrs Hattie Crowell of Clarks Harbour, and the Mayor, Mrs Augusta Nickerson, with some members of the Town Council paid a visit to Dr and Mrs Corbett. Mayor Nickerson presented them with a beautiful plaque from the citizens of Clarks Harbour. It reads:

 Presented to Dr & Mrs J.R. Corbett by the citizens of Clarks Harbour in grateful appreciation of your years of dedicated and untiring service to the people of this Community. This shows that some people still care about the wonderful work that Dr and Mrs Corbett

STORY:

Clark's Harbour, Shelburne Co.. 20th August 1955

Dear Mrs. Corbett

The Clark's Harbour Home and School wish to thank you for your very interesting lessons on Home Nursing and to thank you also for your generous contributions to the children’s playground equipment fund.

Sincerely, Mrs. Ina Daley, Secretary

END

2-5-10

Prudence Dickie Brannen (1898-1984)

Prue was born May 5, 1898, in Clark’s Harbour. She was the daughter of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) and Belle Dickie (1868-1936).

She became a naturalized US citizen in 1916. July 1917 she is listed as a passenger on the S.S. Prince Arthur, a ship going to Boston. She is shown as age 19 a schoolteacher. She was going to 162 Lowell St. Somerville. She had $40.00. She appeared in the 1920 US census as age 21 working as a secretary at a college. She was living with her family on Avon Street Somerville MA. In the 1930 US census she was shown as age 29 and single. She was living with her parents at 24 Electric Av. She was a secretary at a college. Her immigration year was shown as 1914.

She married Dr. Alfred Doane Brown (1897-1962) July 19, 1934, in New York City. Alfred was also from Clark’s Harbour and evidently, they knew each other from there. He was a son on the legendary Dr. Brown of Cape Sable Island. Alfred was a veteran of WWI.

In the 1940 US census she was shown as married to Dr Alfred Brown living on West Wyoming Av in Melrose. He was a dentist in private practice. She was age 41.

Alfred’s 1942 Draft Card showed his address for his home and business as 12 Wyoming Av.

In the 1946 city directory Alfred and Prudence were listed as having a summer residence at Rowley Shore, Gloucester MA.

Alfred died July 15, 1962, in Boston. Her last residence before she passed away November 6, 1984, was Rockport, MA. She died in Gloucester MA.

END

2-5-11

Alvora Somerville Brannen (1900-1968)

She was born January 25, 1900, in Clark’s Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) and Belle Dickie (1868-1936). She is listed as age one in the 1901 census living at Clark's Harbour. In the 1911 census she was shown as age 11 born January 1900. She was still living at Clark's Harbour.

She was on the passenger list of a ship going to Boston November 1916 with her sister Norma and her mother Belle Brannen They were going to 7 Sacramento Street Somerville.

She married Alvah Watson Abbott (1900-1978). He was a college graduate, apparently divorced. They had three children, Elaine (1924-1966), Alvah W. Jr. (1926-2001) and Frances B. (1931-??).

In 1930 they were living in Somerville MA at 80 Raymond Av. She was age 30. He was a creditman at a stove company. They had three children

The 1944 city directory has them living at 106 Chestnut in Gardner. She was a stenographer at Thayer Co. where he also worked. Their daughter Elaine was still living with them.

Alvora died April 1 1968 in Augusta ME. She and Alvah Abbott are buried in a small cemetery outside of Waterville ME on a road that leads to Sidney.

END

2-5-12

Norma Dickie Brannen (1901-1980)

Norma was born February 4, 1901, in Clark’s Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) and Belle Dickie (1868-1936). She appears as age ten in the 1911 census living in Clark's Harbour.

 Norma and her mother and sister moved to the US in 1916. Norma was listed on the passenger list of a ship going to Boston November 1916 with her sister Alvora and her mother Belle Brannen. They were going to 7 Sacramento Street Somerville.

She appears in the 1920 US census as age 18 living in Somerville MA with her family.

She married Milton Arthur Day (1901-1980) around 1925. They had five children Mary, Norma, Margaret, Milton Jr (1929-) and Esabella. Mary and Esabella died as infants.

In the 1930 US census she was shown as married to Milton Day age 30, she was age 29. There were four children. He was a gas works labourer. They were living at 140 Austin Place Cambridge MA.

They appeared in the 1940 US census at School Street, Woburn with only three children at home. He was a foreman at a sewer project and was shown as age 38. Norma was shown as age 39, a naturalized citizen. Children, Margaret, Milton Jr. and Norma were living at home.

In 1942 he was shown as self employed living at 210 School Street, Woburn MA.

Milton died February 26, 1958, in Woburn MA and is buried in Puritian Lawn Cemetery in Peabody MA

Norma died May 14, 1980, in Yarmouth NS.

END

2-5-13

Isobel Eaton Brannen 1906-1907

Isobel was born in Clark’ Harbour NS in 1906. She was the youngest daughter of Francis Annis Brannen (1869-1944) and Belle Dickie (1868-1936).

She died as an infant in 1907.

END

THE CHILDREN OF SUSAN JULIA INNES BRANNEN (1871-1942)

2-5-14

Flossie Belle Swim (1890-1896)

Flossie was born in Clark’s Harbour July 31, 1890. She was the daughter of Susan Julia Innes (1871-1942) and Samuel (Shorty) Swim (1860-1934). She died as a young child only six years old on November 23, 1896, and buried in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour NS.

END

2-5-15

Alexander Rose Swim (1894- 1954)

Alexander was born at Swim’s Point NS March 12, 1894. He was the son of Susan Julia Innes (1871-1942) and Samuel (Shorty) Swim (1860-1934). In the 1901 census he was shown as age seven and in 1911 shown as 17.

He married Gladys Glendening Wigglesworth (1893-1966) October2 1917. She was the daughter of William Thomas Wigglesworth (1853-1933) and Celia Keddy (1856-1912). They had nine children.

The 1920 US census shows him married to Gladys with one child Frederick five months old.

In March 22 1922 there is a record of him returning to Canada from USA. He declared he was married, a fish dealer formerly of Liverpool, and his father’s name was Albert. He had entered the US in fall of 1918 to work. He had been living in Somerville MA.

The 1930 US census shows an A. Swim age 36 married to Gladys living in Boston. There were five children all listed as having been born in Canada. He was a fish buyer. The 1940 US census shows him on Norton Street in Boston. There were seven children at home.

His 1942 draft registration card shows him at 75 Norton. He declared he was unemployed.

He died October 19, 1954, in Boston MA

Gladys appeared in the Boston city directory in 1964 as a widow. Three of her children, Rose born 1928, William born 1932, and Gloria born 1938 were living with her at 75 Norton St Dorchester MA.  

END

2-5-16

Mildred Alfreda Swim (1896-1977)

She was born at Swim’s Point August 31, 1896. She was the daughter of Susan Julia Innes (1871-1942) and Samuel (Shorty) Swim (1860-1934). In the 1902 census she was shown as age four and in the 1911 census as age 14.

In May of 1921 she is shown travelling with her mother on the boat to Boston.

She does not appear to have married or had children.

She died December 13, 1977, and is buried in the family plot in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour.

END

2-5-17

Merle Dundas Swim (1898-1968)

He was born July 21, 1898, at Swims Point NS. He was the son of Susan Julia Innes (1871-1942) and Samuel (Shorty) Swim (1860-1934). He appears in the 1901 census as age two, and in the 1911 census as age 11.

In 1921 he and his brother William age 20 were passengers on the "Boston Boat". They were listed as seamen going to Somerville MA.

He married Florence Evelyn Muree (1922-2012). They had three children, Gayton Dundas (1942-2014), Ward Sterling (1944-1945) and Dean.

They lived in Brooklyn NS. after marriage but moved to the family home in Clark’s Harbour in 1946.

The 1949 voter’s list showed him as a labourer living with Florence.

The voter’s list of 1965 shows him as a gentleman living in Clark's harbour with his wife. He apparently lived there in his parent’s former house at Swim's Point Road.

He died June 23, 1968, and is buried in the Brooklyn cemetery at Brooklyn NS. Florence died August 27, 2012, and is buried with Merle.

OBITUARY:

SWIM, Florence Evelyn – 90, of Villa St. Joseph du-Lac and formerly of Clark’s Harbour, Shelburne Co., passed away August 27, 2012 in the Villa. Born January 8, 1922 in Pubnico, she was a daughter of the late Dennis and Elnora (Gray) Muree. Florence was a much loved and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She devoted her life to her home and her family and was well known for both her cooking and her hospitality. In her early married life, she lived in Brooklyn and often talked about how much she loved living there. In 1946, she moved to Clark's Harbour to live in the Swim family home and ran a bed and breakfast out of her home for a few years. She is survived by sons, Dean (Edna) Swim, Shag Harbour; Gayton Swim, Clark’s Harbour; sisters, Edna White and Annie Surette, both of Yarmouth; daughter-in-law, Carole Swim; grandchildren, Michael (Susan) Swim, Rebecca Symonds (Tony Woodworth), Robert (Kimberly) Swim, David (Miranda) Swim, Helen (Blake) Nickerson, Lance Swim (Sharon Balalong), Stephen Swim (Melissa Ryer) and Jennifer Swim (Lloyd Benoit); as well as seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband, Merle; son Ward in infancy; brother, William.  Interment followed in Brooklyn Cemetery.

END

2-5-18

William Jeremiah Swim (1900-1962)

He was born April 25, 1900, at Swims Point NS. He was the son of Susan Julia Innes Brannen (1871-1942) and Samuel (Shorty) Swim (1860-1934). In the 1901 census he was listed as age one, the 1911 showed his age to be ten.

When he enlisted in WWI, January 30, 1819, he gave his middle name as Jerry and his DOB as October 25 1899 (There is a possibility he increased his age to enlist as other sources state his DOB as 1900). He was with the Nova Scotia Regiment; his number was 3180371.

In 1921, he indicated his age as 20. He and his brother Merle, age 22, were passengers on the "Boston Boat". They were listed as seamen going to Somerville MA.

He married Muriel Carolyn Duncan (1905-1990). They appear to have had five children, Verne Merle (1929-2010), Courtney (1933-1970) and  three more.

He is found on the manifest of the SS Sonia Aug 26 1940 going from NS to NY. He was an able seaman aged 41. He indicted his height was 6 feet and his weight was 170 pounds. He had been with the ship since June. The captain was Norman Smith.

He died at Brooklyn NS August 28, 1962. Muriel died August 16, 1990.

END

2-5-19

Albert Evan Swim (1903-1953)

Evan was born October 19, 1903, at Swims Point NS. He was the youngest child of Innes Brannen (1871-1942) and Samuel Albert Swim (1860-1934). He married Annie Phillips Crowell (1907-1998) August 17, 1925. She was the daughter of William H. Crowell. They had seven children:

Glendean Innis (1926-1967)

Royden William (1927-1993)

Paul Evan (1929-1985)

Clair Rita (1932-1997)

Cyril Bruce (1933-2001)

Melba June (1935-1994)

He took over his father’s businesses when his father passed away. The businesses were centered in Clark’s Harbour/Swims Point and Clam Harbour NS. They focused on the fishing industry, buying, processing fish and lobsters. They also processed cod livers into oil. In addition to these he owned the Vimy Block in Clark’s Harbour which contained a theater with bowling alleys and a pool parlor upstairs.

He died suddenly at age 49 January 21, 1953, when he took his own life with a gunshot wound. He was likely an alcoholic and suffered from depression. He was buried January 23, 1953, in the Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour.

Annie died November 4, 1998, and is buried with Evan in Clark’s Harbour NS.

STORY:

The following is excerpted from Jack Brannen’s book The Life and times of JLB. It tells of some of Evan’s businesses in the early1940’s.

My first job was in 1940 working for Evan Swim, a fish broker at Swim’s Point. My Dad and brother George already worked there. I started out helping with shingling the old building, whitewashing the walls, and pouring new concrete floors. Next, a 3 masted vessel arrived with a load of salt from the West Indies and my job was to use a small truck as back up. My truck would be used when none of the bigger larger trucks was available. (Later) I was laid off until it was time to harvest ice in the winter. I had only about 2- or 3-weeks work that fall and was unemployed until February when the ice was thick enough to be cut. This time my job was to push the blocks of ice to the ramp to the icehouse.

In the spring of 1941, I was hired back on to go to Clam Harbour to work in a lobster factory.  The rest of the crew came down in three lobster boats that were used for buying lobster along the harbours in the area.  Dad and my brother arrived shortly after us. We borrowed a boat and rowed across to the factory on the island. 

Once we got operating, my job was to pick the meat out of the lobster arms. This was a very tedious job.  The days the factory operated we had to take the packages of lobster meat to the cold storage in Halifax which was approximately sixty miles away.

After the lobster season was over …….(and) …. we got back, we found Evan had bought the theatre which had been closed for a few years.  Upstairs were four bowling lanes and four pool tables.   The theatre was heated with a hot water radiator.  To fill the system in the cold weather we had to carry a pail of water from a well across the road, up two sets of stairs (until it was full).  After a few weeks Evan bought a pump.  So that ended that part of my job.  Another job was to refinish the bowling alleys because a lot of bowlers ‘tossed’ the balls so hard it dented the alleys.  To sand them, we used a large wooden box full of bricks with sandpaper on the bottom. The box was dragged up and down the alleys until they were smooth.  Then they were shellacked, and when dry, wax applied.  The box, this time with a cloth pad, was dragged up and down again to polish the wax.

Cod livers became available in the spring and Evan reopened his cod liver oil plant for the season.  The livers were put in an old bread mixer, and then beet pulp added until it was like porridge.  The liquid was drained off into a pail, then dumped into forty-five-gallon drums.  These were taken to Yarmouth to be refined and bottled. 

After the liver plant closed in October for the season, we fixed up an old building to store salt.  A few days later the salt vessel arrived. With salt off, the ship needed ballast, so George and I had to haul tons of rock from Hawk Beach to the ship.

With the salt job done in December Dad and I went to Barrington to cut firewood for the theatre.

In the winter of 1942, I was back harvesting ice again but this time I got to drive the car that pulled the ice up the chute. After we finished the ice, I was laid off for a while, but I was called back to work in March to haul fish products to Yarmouth. I got all the trucking jobs. The fish I was hauling was dried fish that was shipped by freight boats from Yarmouth to Boston.  I made several of these trips bringing back coal or sawdust for the icehouse. Then in April 1942 I went back to Clam Harbour. This time the factory wasn’t operating. I was put in charge of buying lobsters from the local fisherman for between 10 and 15 cents a pound. On Saturday the lobsters were picked up by a small boat and taken out to a larger ship and on to the market in Boston. I also had to go into Halifax to get supplies for the boats and cookhouse. We kept some of the lobster in crates until we had a truckload. Once I had enough, I made a night run to Clark’s Harbour

When we left Clam Harbour that May, it was the end of operating the factory or buying lobsters in that area for Evan Swim.

I was just back from Clam Harbour when another load of salt arrived on the same three masted vessel. After the vessel was unloaded, I hauled all the salt out of the storage building and that was the end of Evan’s salt business.

Back home, and working for Evan Swim again, I was driving a truck to Halifax with dried fish twice a week. In the summer the local fishermen used to go out and live on the islands off Cape Sable near their fishing grounds. They would split, salt and dry their catches and in the fall when they came home, they would sell their fish to a fish broker. He shipped them to Halifax, as there was nowhere locally to get them packaged.

I made two trips a week as it took 2 days for a trip with loading, travel and unloading. On the way back I would pick up a load of fish skins at a place in Halifax and bring them back to the glue factory on Stoney Island Road. Every second week I would go down to the Eastern Shore and buy cod fish out of pickle. Each fisherman down there salted their own fish and usually had their own boat and wharf. As they usually didn’t have cars there were no driveways to the wharves. You just took the shortest route across their fields. My dad went with me a few times. The fish were small, so it took a long time to get a load. It meant visiting a lot of fishing wharves.

As well as my Halifax trips in January 1943 I had a boxcar of wallboard to be unloaded and delivered to the bowling alley for its new walls. Along with the wallboard they needed a load of strapping from Shelburne.

I had planned to quit driving for Evan, which I did.  I was getting tired of the long hours of driving and small pay. I went to Yarmouth for a few days but didn’t find anything suitable, so I asked my old boss for another job.  As it turned out my dad needed a helper to work with him putting up the wallboard.

That year when we put the ice in the icehouse, I used the truck to haul up the ice. After the ice was done, I quit again.

END

THE CHILDREN OF MARY ELIZABETH BRANNEN (1872-1962) Mae Nickerson (1894-1983)

Louisa Mae Nickerson (1894-1983)

Louie Nickerson was born May 26, 1894, in Clark’s Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Mame Brannen (1872-1962) and Freeman Nickerson (1868-1929).

She and her sister Flossie worked at the cotton mill in Yarmouth NS around 1918 along with their cousin Edna Brannen.

She married Smith Thomas Messenger (1886-1973) November 16 1912 in Clark’s Harbour. They had eight children.

They appear in the 1921 census as living in Clark’s Harbour with five children at home. He was 34 and she was 27 years old.

Smith died October 10, 1973, in Clark’s Harbour NS

She died December 16, 1983, Shelburne NS and is buried in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour NS with Smith.

OBITUARY

Clarke's Harbor: Louie M. Messenger, 89, died Friday, December 16, 1983 in Roseway Manor, Shelburne. Born in Clark's Harbour, she was a daughter of the late Freeman and Mary (Brannen) Nickerson. She attended the United Baptist Stone Church, Clark's Harbour.

 She is survived by three sons, Donald and Gerald, both of Clark's Harbour, and Bruce, Bridgewater; two sisters, Mrs. Flossie Allen and Joyce (Mrs. Leo Tobin) , both of Stoughton, Mass.; 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a great great grandson. She was predeceased by her husband T. Smith; three sons, Lawrence, Carl and Bernard; two daughters Valerie and Olive; a brother Donald, and a sister Marie. The funeral service was held on Monday, December 19, 1983 in the United Baptist Stone Church with Rev. Frank Hudgins officiating. Burial was in Oakvale Cemetery

END

2-5-21

Elizabeth Marie Nickerson (1898-C1979)

Marie was born in Clark’s Harbour October 3, 1898. She was the daughter of Mame Brannen (1872-1962) and Freeman Nickerson. (1868-1929).

She and her sister worked at the cotton mill in Yarmouth NS around 1920.

She married Bernard Thomas Grace (1892-1962) March 13 1920 at Arcadia NS. He was the son of Thomas Henry Grace and Lucy Larkin. They had four children, Arthur Grace (1920- 1989, Walter Grace (1920-??), Mildred Gertrude Grace (1923-1996) and another daughter.

The 1921 census showed her age 22 living in Clark’s Harbour with nine-month-old twins Walter and Arthur.

In 1951 she was living in Halifax and working as a housekeeper. She divorced Thomas, who died at Mader’s Cove NS in 1962, and moved to the US.

 In 1957 she was granted US citizenship while living in Roxbury MA.

In 1974 she was listed as a widow living with her son Arthur in Walton NS

At the time of her brother Donald’s death in 1979 she was shown as a resident of Halifax. Her date and location of death is unknown.

END

2-5-22

Flossie Belle Nickerson (1900-1994)

Flossie was born October 5, 1900, in Clark’s Harbour. She was the daughter of Mame Brannen (1872-1962) and Freeman Nickerson. (1868-1929).

The 1901 Census shows Flossie Belle aged six months. Her birthdate was shown as October 5, 1900. She was living with her parents Mame Brannen (1972-1962) and Freeman Nickerson (1868-1929), and siblings Louie age six, Elizabeth age three.

The 1911 Census shows her as age eleven living with her parents and four siblings at West Head.

She was recorded as crossing on the Yarmouth to Boston boat November 1917 and June 1920.

Around 1918 she worked at the cotton mill in Yarmouth with her sister Marie and her cousin Edna Brannen.

She married Harvey Burton Allen (1898-1947). They had six children:

She lived in the US, and she became a US citizen.

He died in 1947.

In 1951 she was living in Roxbury MA.

January 9, 1957, she was granted US citizenship. She was living in Roxbury.

Flossie died August 15, 1994, in Stoughton MA. She is buried in the Evergreen cemetery in Clark’s Harbour.

END

2-5-23

Donald Belmont Nickerson (1902-1979)

Donald was born in Clark’s Harbour May 24,1902. He was the son of Mame Brannen (1872-1962) and Freeman Nickerson. (1868-1929).

The 1921 Canadian census shows him as being 19 years old and working as a fish packer.

He married Bertha Marie Atwood (1908-1999) February 14 1925. They had three children Alfreda, Shermaine, and Marsha.

Various voter lists show him as a fisherman living in Clark’s Harbour.

He died July 4 1979 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery at lower Clark’s Harbour. Bertha died about 1999 and is buried with her husband.

OBITUARY

Donald Belmont Nickerson, 77, of Clark's Harbour died July 4, 1979 in the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Clark's Harbour, Cape Sable Island, he was the son of the late Freeman Nickerson and Mary (Brannen) Nickerson, He is survived by his wife, Bertha Marie (Atwood); three daughters, Alfreda (Mrs. Warren Nickerson), Clark's Harbour; Shermaine, (Mrs. Cecil Atkinson), Yarmouth; Marsha. (Mrs. Brian Nickerson), Clark's Harbour; and four sisters, Mrs Louie Messenger, Clark's Harbour; Mrs Flossie Allen, Waltham. Mass.; Mrs. Marie Grace, Halifax; and Mrs. Joyce (Leo) Tobin, Roxberry, Mass. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 6, 1979, at 2 p.m. from Kenney's Funeral Home, Barrington, the Rev. Stanley Fidler officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery, The Hawk, Cape Sable Island.

END

2-5-24

Kathleen Joyce Nickerson (1904-2003)

Joyce was born in Clark’s Harbour December 29, 1904.She was the daughter of Mame Brannen 1872-1962 and Freeman Nickerson. 1868-1929.

She had a child Kathleen B. Nickerson born in Clark’s Harbour 1924 when she was 20. It is not known if she was married or the identity of the father.

She married James Leo Tobin (1903-2012) before 1927. They had two children Leo Bertram Tobin (1927-1969) and Joyce M. (1929-).

The 1940 US census listed two children of Leo and a step daughter Kathleen Nickerson age 16, born in Canada.

Kathleen Joyce Tobin died at age, 99 in Stoughton December 9 2003.

OBITUARY

Kathleen Joyce (Nickerson) Tobin, 99, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Copley at Stoughton Nursing Home in Stoughton. She was the wife of the late James Leo Tobin.Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, she was a resident of Stoughton for more than 35 years. Mrs. Tobin was a homemaker.

In her younger days she enjoyed dancing.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen B. Hayes of Dover and Joyce M. Nee of Stoughton; her grandchildren Thomas J. Nee, Robert B. Nee, Bruce Hayes, Dana Hayes, Wade Hayes and Christopher Hayes, and five great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband James Leo Tobin, five brothers and sisters and her son Leo B. Tobin.

Funeral services were held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on this morning, Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11 A.M. Burial followed at Dry Pond Cemetery, Stoughton.

Source: Stoughton Journal, Dec. 11, 2003

END

THE CHILDREN OF CASSIE BELLE BRANNEN (1877-1983)

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Francine Cole (1909-1983)

She was born August 4, 1909, in Clark’s Harbour. She was the daughter of Cassie Belle Brannen (1877-1983) and Frank Cole (1883-1952). She was a twin to Madeline Cole (1909-1988).

In the 1911 census report she was shown as age one living with her parents on Cape Sable Island. In the 1921 census she was still in Clark’s Harbour. She moved with her family to Port Washington around 1925.

Francine Cole married Adolph J. McNamara (1901-1971) September 5, 1929. He was the son of Frank S. McNamara (1858-1932) and Amelia Bruening (1861-1932). They lived at 88 Barbeach Rd., Port Washington NY.

In the 1930 census they were living in Port Washington without children. They had one son James McNamara (1933-1993).

Francine and Adolph appeared in the 1930 census without children. In the 1940 census they were in North Hempstead NY with one son, James.

Adolph died May 1971 in Port Washington Francine died January 1983 also in Port Washington NY.

END

2-5-26              

Madeline B. Cole (1909-1988)

She was born August 4, 1909, in Clark’s Harbour. She was the daughter of Cassie Belle Brannen (1877-1983) and Frank Cole (1883-1952). She was a twin to Francine Cole (1909-1983).

in the 1911 census report she was shown as age one living with her parents on Cape Sable Island. In the 1921 census she was still in Clark’s Harbour and age 11. She moved with her family to Port Washington around 1925.

She married William Joseph Kurtz (1905-??) at Sea Cliff NY March 30, 1929.

She appears in the 1930 US census as 20 living in North Hempstead NY years old. NY. She was married William Kurtz. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or a charity of your choice in Mrs. Brannen's memory

In 1935 she was living in Los Angeles CA and married to Edgar Tedford age 40.

The Quincy MA 1939 city directory showed her living there. The 1940 US census showed her living in Portland ME and married to Edgar Tedford (c1899). She was not an American citizen.

She married three times; her third husband was William Edwards.

She had no children.

She died July 27, 1988.

END

2-5-27

Margaret Elaine Cole (1912-2013)

Elaine Cole was born February 3rd, 1912, in Clark’s Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Cassie Belle Brannen (1877-1983) And Frank Cole (1883-1952).

She appears in the 1921census living with her parents and siblings in Clark’s Harbour NS.

She moved to Port Washington NY around 1925. She appears in the 1930 US census as single age 18 living in North Hempstead NY.

She married Peter A. Walters (1907-1972) in 1972. They had one son, Peter Robert Walters born August 20th, 1933. Her husband Peter passed away July 1972 at North Port NY and is buried in Knolls cemetery.

Her son Peter Robert Walters married Joan P. Reed Born November 27th

Elaine passed away July 31st, 2013, at just over 101, at Huntington Station NY and is buried in Knowles cemetery.

OBTITUARY:

Margaret Elaine Cole Walters of Northport, Suffolk, NY and Melbourne, Brevard, FL, died peacefully on 31Jul2013. At 21, she was proud to become an American citizen. She was preceded in death by her parents Captain Frank and Casandra Brennen Cole, her twin sisters Francine McNamara (Adolf) and Madeline Edwards (Bill), her brother Elliot and his wife Betty Fiigon Cole and Elaine's husband Peter A. Walters. She is survived by her son Peter Robert Walters and his wife Joan Reed Walters, her grandson Peter Reed Walters and his wife Karen, her granddaughters Melissa Anne Walters-Bonamo and Lisa Walters-Bonamo, her great grandchildren Victoria Ann Walters and Peter Karl Walters, and many nieces and nephews. Elaine, as she preferred to be addressed, requested no memorial service.

END

2-5-28

Elliott Leslie Cole (1918-1959)

Elliott was born in Clark’s Harbour October 3, 1918. He was the son of Cassie Belle Brannen (1877-1983) And Frank Cole (1883-1952).

The 1921 census listed him as age three living in Clark’s Harbour NS.

He moved with his parents to Port Washington around 1925 when he was seven years old.

In the 1930 US census he was shown as age 12 living with parents in North Hempstead NY. In the 1940 census he was 22, single, a truck driver living with his parents.

Elliott served in the USN from September 21, 1943, to December 13, 1945. He was a seaman first class assigned to the USS Midway during WW2.

He married Betty Jane Fiigon (1919-2006). She passed away in Florida. They had one child Elliott Geffroy Cole born July 1943.

Elliott Geffroy married Linda Jeanne ????? and had one child Julianne.

Elliott Cole died Sept 25, 1959, and is buried in Knolls cemetery Port Washington NY.

OBITUARY:

Elliott L. Cole, 41, of 26 Dunes Lane, Manorhaven, died on Friday, September 25th, following an apparent brain injury from a fall which occurred in a local store on Sunday, September 20th.

A native of Clark's Harbor, Canada, he came. to Port Washington when he was 7 years old, with his parents Mrs. Cassie Cole of Neulist Avenue and the late Frank Cole.

An operating, engineer, he had been with the Grant Park Construction Company in Lynbrook at the time of his death. Formerly he was with Salerno and Sons,a local construction firm for more than seventeen years.

He served with the US Navy Air Corps as an aviation machinist on USS Midway during World War II.

He was a member of the Port Washington Lodge No. 1010 of Free and Accepted Masons.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, the former Miss Betty Fiigon, daughter of Mrs. Ethel Fiigon of 33 Irma Avenue and the late Port Police Chief Austin Monroe Fiigon: a son, Elliot Geffroy Cole, a student at the Paul D. Schreiber High School and three sisters, Mrs. Adolph (Francine) McNamara of Bar Beach Road, Mrs. William (Madelyn) Edwards of Neulist Avenue and Mrs. Peter (Elaine) Walters of Highland Avenue,

Masonic Services were held on Sunday, September 27th at the Rollins Funeral Home where he reposed, following, religious services conducted by the Reverend William Bruce Reed D.D., minister of the First Methodist Church. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery. OLE-Elliott L., on September 25, 1959, of 226 Dunes Lane, Manorhaven, Port Washington, L.I. Beloved husband of Betty, devoted father of Elliot J.;beloved son of Cassie Cole; dear brother of Francine McNamara, Madelyn Edwards and Elaine Walters. Religious service 8:00 PM, Masonic service 8:30 PM Sunday, September 27th at Rollins Funeral Home 9 Madison St., Port Washington. Interment Monday, 2:00 PM at Nassau Knolls Cemetery, Port Washington.

THE CHILDREN OF GEORGE HORTON BRANNEN (1878-1955)

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Marion Brannen (1901-1980)

Marion was born September 27, 1901, in Centreville NS. She was the daughter of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). She moved with her parents to Manchester ME around 1914.

March 20, 1920, she married Giles Willis Fernald (1899-1975) in Manchester NH.

The 1920 census found her in Manchester NH single, living at home and working in a silk mill. The 1930 US census shows her married to Giles Willis Fernald and living in Eliot, Maine. There were four children Lillian, Margaret age eight, Gordon and Barbara. He was a supervisor clerk at the Navy Yard. Her immigration date was given as 1904. She was not a naturalized citizen at that time.

In the 1940 US census showed her living in Eliot, York, Maine, she was a naturalised citizen married to Giles W. There are three children at home, Lillian F age 19, Gordon A. age 17 and E. Barbara age 15.

The 1952 Portsmouth directory shows her as manager of the Silver Slipper Hosiery Shop and living in Eliot. Married to Giles.

In 1957 she was a clerk at Goodman’s Boys Shop living in Eliot.

Giles died January 14, 1975, and Marion passed away April 14 1980.

END

2-5-30

Charles Austin Brannen (1902-1903)

He was born in Centreville NS in 1902 He was the son of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967).

He died as an infant in 1903.

END

2-5-31

Jeremiah Bruce Brannen (1904-1979)

Bruce was born in Centreville NS on June 20, 1904. He was the son of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). He moved with his parents to Manchester NH around 1914.

He married Madalyn Hunter Evans Johnson (1901-1997) November 2, 1925, in Pittsburgh PA. She had been married previously and had a small child, William Evans Johnson born January 4, 1922. William Evans took the Brannen name.

Bruce worked as a labourer in a steel mill in Pittsburgh until sometime after 1930 and then Bruce and Madalyn moved to Eliot ME where he operated a Citgo gas station. They lived in Manchester NH for a while.

They had four other children, John, Ruth, Norma Jean and Edith.

They had a cabin on Great East Lake in Maine and enjoyed having the grandchildren visit.

 He died February 5, 1979, in Eliot ME and he is buried in MT Pleasant cemetery.

END

2-5-32

Margaret Brannen (1905-1995)

Margaret B. was born November 9, 1905, in Centreville NS. She was the daughter of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). She moved with her parents to Manchester NH around 1914.

After she graduated in 1923 from Manchester Central High School, she worked for a number of years at the National Life Insurance Agency in Manchester. She retired January 1, 1979.

She married George Francis Smet (1905-1985), a native of Belgium April 19, 1936, in Lebanon NH. He arrived in the US in 1911.

They had 3 children, David Austin Smet (1937-1954), Phillip George Smet (1941-1999) and Jonathan Bruce Smet (1946-).

George died February 1985. She passed away August 9, 1995, and was buried August 12th St Patrick’s Cemetery in Newport NH.

.

OBITUARY

Margaret B. Smet , 89 Grandview Avenue died August 9, 1995, at New London Hospital.

She was a 1923 graduate of Manchester Central Hight School.

She employed at National Life Insurance Agency in Manchester for 13 years.

Mrs. Smet was an avid bowler.

Past Presidents Club.

She was a long-time communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.

She was born Nov 9, 1905, in Centreville, Cape Sable Island, the daughter of George and Edith (Wickens) lived in Newport for more than 60 years. Her husband George Smet died in 1985.

She leaves two sons Phillip G. Smet, Rutland, VT and Jonathan, Van Nuys, CA, two grandsons, Christopher----VT and Andrew D. Smet, Van Nuys Calif and------Brannen, Tucker GA.

David Smet died in 1954.

Rites of Christian burial was celebrated \Aug 12 in St. Patrick’s Newport, with Rev. Joseph Mahoney----. Burial was in St Patrick’s Cemetery Newport.

END

2-5-33

Charles Austin Samuel Brannen (1907-1979)

He was born in Centreville NS May 9, 1907. He was the son of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). The 1911 census showed him age four living in Centreville. He moved with his parents to Manchester NH in 1914.

In the 1930 US census he was shown as 22 years old living with his parent in Manchester NH. In the 1940 US census he was shown as single, working as a stenographer in Washington DC. He was shown as a naturalized citizen boarding in Washington.

The 1956 Torrance CA city directory showed him living at 178 Manhattan Av. in Hermosa Beach CA. He was working as a bookkeeper at a brick company.

He became an actor located in Los Angeles. He died there and was buried June 24, 1979, in Hollywood, CA in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Section 1 at Opening, Right Wall Facing East. Section 4, Bottom Small Crypts. Alcove of Repose.

He never married.

STORY:

From a letter from Austin to his brother Weldon February 17, 1978

….I was the first year of school when we left….As I recall so well….Lord Fauntroy curls ……I remember when they were chopped off, I have in my belongings to this day, some of those blond locks…..

From a letter from Austin to his brother Weldon May 10, 1978

On the subject of differences between brothers, I remember …..people used to say they couldn’t believe Bruce and I were from the same parents, we were so unalike. Some folks used to say to me, “If you would only be like your brother.” Which always drove me straight up the wall. Hey, man, each is an individual. Viva la difference…….l

From and e-mail from Mark Brannen, Austin’s nephew, to the Author September 2010

Austin was an accountant by trade and lived in Hermosa Beach - moved there in the 50's and stayed til his passing.  I only met him one time at Grandmother's funeral in Manchester in 1967.  I had planned to see him when I was in LA with a helicopter flight in the late 70's, but he was not able to get together.  He was a huge Dodgers' fan and season ticket holder.  He always lamented on his trips to NH that he could not get the west coast scores in the paper.  He did summer stock in New England and continued that in LA, becoming friends with many of the stars of the 60's and 70's - particularly the "Wagon Train" cast members.   He was one of the funniest people I ever met and when Dad was on the phone with him, the laughter never stopped.  He never married but stayed in touch with other Brannen clan who moved to CA and AZ - loved his family.

END

2-5-34

Ruth Elizabeth Brannen (1909-2002)

Ruth was born 6 March 1909 at Centreville NS. Dr. J. A. Turnbull was listed as the physician in attendance. Ruth was the daughter of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). On her birth registration her father George was listed as a butcher.

She moved to Manchester NH with her parents around 1914.

In the 1930 census she was age 21 living at home with her mother and two brothers and a sister. She was working as a bookkeeper.

She married Harold Joseph Bohan (1898-1962) May 27, 1939, in Manchester NH. He was age 39 and she was age 30. On her marriage certificate her father George was listed as a contractor aged 70, residence unknown.

1940 census shows her living in Manchester on Massabesic Street and employed as a stenographer in a law office. Harold was a bookkeeper in a bank.

They had one child G. Robert Bohan born May 6,1940. Their son died in 1969.

Harold died October 30, 1962. Ruth died September 28, 2002, in Manchester NH.

END

2-5-35

Weldon Marshall Brannen (1921-2013)

Weldon was born in Manchester NH on March 1 1921. He was the son of George Horton Brannen (1878-1955) and Edith Wickens (1878-1967). He was the youngest child of George and Edith and the only child born in the US.

In the 1930 census Weldon was nine years old living at 618 South Beech Street Manchester with his mother Edith who is listed a married. His father George Horton is not shown as residing there. At that address were sisters Ruth E. Brannen age 21 and Margaret E. Brannen age 24, both are listed as bookkeepers. His brother Austin age 22 was also living at home working as a clerk.

In the 1940 census Weldon is shown as age 19 living with his mother Edith at South Beech. He was a stenographer in retail auto sales. He was single. Weldon’s birthplace is shown as New Hampshire. In the 1942 Manchester directory Weldon is shown is still living with his mother at 618 South Beech and working as a stenographer at Mack Motor Truck.

The 1945 city directory shows Weldon as being in the Military but enumerated at South Beech Street. December 4, 1945, he married Estelle E. Elliott known as Junie. They had two sons, Michael (1947-) and Mark (1950-).

In the 1946 directory Weldon was listed as an office clerk at Mack Motor and married to Estelle.

In the 1951 city directory he is shown as an office manager Mack Motor Truck Company. He was married to Estelle E. and living at South Beech where his mother Edith still lived. His brother Bruce Brannen is listed as a parts manager at Queen City Motors Inc. In 1957 Edith is no longer listed at So Beech, Weldon and Estelle were now listed at 184 Gilford and he was still office manager at Mack.

He died December 9, 2013, in McDonaugh, GA

STORY:

February 9, 2014, I spoke to Junie (Estelle) by Phone. Weldon died about 6 weeks earlier and was cremated and not buried in a cemetery. She provided me with the date of their marriage and the names of their children. They met when her brother who was serving with Weldon in the Navy introduced them, she said she had no knowledge of what happened to George Horton, Weldon's father', or his brother Charles Austin. Ruth married Joe Bohan and had 3 boys; Marion moved to Eliot Maine.

Bruce Brannen 2014

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, Weldon Weldon Marshall Brannen, age 92, of McDonough , Ga. passed away on December 9, 2013. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on March 1, 1921, to George Horton Brannen and Edith Wickens Brannen.

He married Estelle Elliott (Junie) on December 4, 1945. Weldon retired from Mack Trucks and Whitley Concrete Company. He was World war II veteran of the U.S. Navy

Survivors including his wife and two sons Michael Elliott Brannen (Marsha) of McDonough, Ga. and Mark Alan Brannen (Yvonne) of Evans, Georgia. In addition are 4 grandchildren Robert M. Brannen of Augusta, Ga. Glenn A. Brannen (Sharon) of Augusta, Ga, Staci L. Crowe (Robert) of McDonough, Ga. and Ryan M. Brannen of McDonough, Ga. Also 5 great-grandchildren Ashlynn E. Lindsey, Conlin J. Crowe, Harper E.Crowe, Jasper T. Brannen, and Alexander C. Brannen. The body has been donated to the Emory School of Medicine.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at the McDonough First Baptist Church, West Campus, 2176 Jonesboro Road with Dr. Charles Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.  

END

THE CHILD OF MINNIE HERMAN BRANNEN (1880-1981)

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Edward Creamer (1913-1967)

He was the adopted son of Minnie Brannen (1880-1981) and Arthur Creamer (1879-1942). The date he joined the family is unknown.

The US Census of 1930 show him as age 17 living with his parents at State Road 1A in York Harbour Maine.

The 1934 city directory for St. Petersburg FL shows the family living at 1008 14th Av. including Edward.

December 16, 1938, he appears on the passenger list of the SS Yarmouth sailing from Yarmouth to Boston. He appears to be travelling with his aunt Eleanor L. Brannen

He is identified in the 1940 US census as being 27 years old living with his parents at Main Street Route 1A in York Harbour ME and working as an assistant steward in the retail food catering department. It appears he worked with his parents at a hotel.

An Edward L. Creamer was listed at 12616 Condor Dr. Jacksonville FL date unknown.

He served in WWII as a Corporal in the US Army.

He died October 10, 1967. He is buried in the First Parish Cemetery in York Village ME with his parents and Aunt Eleanor.

END

THE CHILDREN OF LALAH BELLE BRANNEN (1865-1940)

2-5-37

Harry O. Chetwynde (1886-1949)

Harry was born October 5, 1886, the child of an unmarried relationship between Harry Alma Chetwynd (1862-1894) and Lilah Belle Brannen (1865-1940). He gave his place of birth as Boston. He was raised by his grandparents Israel and Mary J. Chetwynd in Woods Harbour. He appeared in the 1891 census as age four, living in Woods Harbour with grandparents.

He appears on the passenger list of the SS Boston April 10, 1897. He was listed as age ten travelling with his grandfather a fisher aged 60.

When he married Ina Viola Brannen (1892-1978) in 1909 he gave his employment as motorman at the B. E. Ry. Co. He was age 22 and it was his first marriage. He was living at 27 Dana Street in Somerville.

They had three children, Harry Arthur (1911-1906), Clyde Howard (1912-1992) and Norma Viola (1914-2001).

He added an “e” to his name and became Chetwynde,

He registered for the WW1 US Draft June 5, 1917. He was 29 years old. He gave his birthdate as October 4, 1888. His home address was 4 Wigglesworth Somerville. He claimed to be born in Boston. He was a worker employed by Crowell's Laundry at 51 Lauglan St. Boston. He claimed a wife and 3 children.

According to his granddaughter, Connie Sargent, around 1940 he had a lobster boat and went lobstering and in the summer he used his boat for tours.

He signed his WWII Draft Registration as Harry Sr. living at Chapel St. Duxbury. He was age 55 born in Boston October 5, 1886, and working for National Fireworks Co. in Hanover Mass.

He died in March 1949 in Duxbury MA. and is buried in Duxbury.

STORY:

Harry and Ina met in Novy at a baseball game on Cape Sable Island, he played regularly, even though from Woods Harbor. I don't know which went to Mass. first, but they both ended up in Somerville, but on different streets. Married in 1910 on Dana St...... My Dad was born in Somerville in 1911 (Harry Arthur Chetwynde), then they went back to Novy where my uncle, Clyde, was born, then back to Mass. to have my aunt Norma. Clyde was born in the original farm house (still there)......

Harry and Ina moved to Duxbury and he had a lobster boat and she had a job canning crabmeat. My folks lived next door, and when I was 4 or 5, I used to go over and "help" her; one piece for the can and one piece for me. We always lived in towns near by, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. Ina played the guitar (by ear) and we played games and walked to the library often.

From an e-mail from Connie Sargent, granddaughter August 2014.

END

2-5-38

Lalah Garland (1894-1894)

Lala was born April 1894 in Somervile MA. She was the daughter of Lalah Belle Brannen (1865-1940) and Robert Edward Garland (1859-1927).

Lala died as an infant later in 1894.

END

2-5-39

William Garland (1896-Before 1914)

William was born in 1896 in Somerville MA. He was the son of Lala Belle Brannen (1865-1940) and Robert Edward Garland (1859-1927).

He appeared in the 1900 census with his family.

He died young some time before 1914.

END

2-5-40

Virginia B. Garland (1898-1969)

Virginia was born October 25, 1898, in Somerville MA. She was the daughter of Lala Belle Brannen (1865-1940) and Robert Edward Garland (1859-1927).

She appeared in the 1900 census with her family.

The 1920 US census found her in Somerville MA aged 21 living with her parents and siblings Pearl and Blanch, Her stepbrother George Garland age 30 was also living there.

She married Albert H. Thomas (1898-1969). They had at least one child William Thomas (1918-1990).

Virginia died at March 5 1969 in Hawthorn CA. Her husband Albert also died in Hawthorn CA that year. They are buried in Redondo Beach CA.

END

2-5-41

Pearl Minerva Garland (1900-1960)

Pearl was born July 23, 1900, in Somerville MA. She was the daughter of Lala Belle Brannen (1865-1940) and Robert Edward Garland (1859-1927).

She appears in the 1920 census along with two siblings. She was the only child still living with her parents in 1924.

She married William L. MacInnes (1896-1975). There appears to have been four children.

They were living in Revere MA in 1930

Pearl died in Hawthorn CA November 8, 1960. Her husband William died in Hawthorn CA November 12, 1975. They are buried in Redondo Beach CA.

END

2-5-42

Blanche Thelma Garland (1905-1973)

Blanche was born May 30, 1905, in Somerville MA. She was the daughter of Lala Belle Brannen (1865-1940) and Robert Edward Garland (1859-1927).

She appears in the 1920 census along with two siblings.

She married Walter F. Bent (1912-1971) in Nashua NH June 10, 1936. They at least one child Cynthia F. Bent born about 1939.

She died August 3, 1973, at Long Beach CA. Her husband Walter died December 22, 1971, also at Long Beach CA.

END

THE CHILDREN OF EZRA MATTHEW BRANNEN (1866-1946)

2-5-43

William Thomas Brannen (1895-1959)

Willie was born November 15, 1895, in Lower Woods Harbour NS. He was the oldest son of Ezra Matthew Brannen (1866-1946) and Cynthia Swain (1859-1913).

In the 1901 Census he was listed as age 6, birthdate 15 November 1894. He was living in Centreville with his parents and 4 siblings.

In the 1911 Census he was listed as age 16 living at home in Centreville with 3 other siblings. His date of birth is shown as November 1895.

He worked for his uncle Horatio Brannen on the SS Coastguard. He was first rejected for service on August 5, 1914, one day after war was declared, when he tried to enlist because he was recovering from rheumatic fever. His actual enlistment date was April 10, 1916, when he when he was accepted by the 219th Highlanders. He was shipped overseas aboard the RMS Olympic October 13, 1916.

He was assigned to the 85th Battalion Canadian Infantry. He fought at Courcelette, Vimy Ridge and Hill 70 where he was wounded. He lost a leg. The date of birth on his army papers varies by one year from the family records, birth certificate and tomb stone. The army records show his date of birth as November 15, 1894, perhaps to enlist early.

He returned home after recovering from his wounds in Halifax on June 18, 1918.

He met his wife-to-be, Annie Bungay, (1897-1981) in Halifax while recovering from his wounds. She was an RN. They married January 29, 1919, and had eleven children.

According to Trudy Atkinson’s research he purchased the property immediately south of the McGray's wharf road from his uncle Davis in 1919 and sold it in 1926. He was listed on the deed as a merchant.

In the 1921 census in which he was the census taker he claimed his occupation was Framer. He was married to Annie and had one daughter Alma aged one. They were living in Centreville

William T Brannen was appointed as Postmaster at Lower Woods Harbour 8 April 1938 and held that position until he resigned 23 April 1957. He was succeeded by his son Arthur.

William T. Brannen was a municipal councilor from 1929 to 1932. In 1932 he was again elected councilor and became Deputy Warden in 1933 after the death of Minard Nickerson. In 1935 he became Warden of the Municipality of Barrington until 1938.

During the second World War five of his sons served in the military, Edward and Alfred were in the RCN, Randall, the RCAF and Archie the army.

His birth certificate application was made February 28, 1949. Proof of date was based on the Family Bible and oath by Mary E. Nickerson who was present at the birth. The place of birth was stated as Lower Woods Harbour.

Death Certificate shows date of death March 31, 1959, and burial April 3rd in Lower Woods harbour. Annie died March 10 1981 in Lower Woods Harbour. They are both buried in Greenwood cemetery.

STORY:

The following appeared with photos in the Halifax Herald just days before word was received that Willie had been seriously wounded

NOVA SCOTIA BROTHERS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE FIGHTING.

W. T. BRANNEN PTE. J. R. BRANNEN , two young men are with the brave lads who were in the glorious successful charge at Vimy Ridge that brought undying glory. To this time fortunately they have not yet been included in the casualty lists. They are the sons of E. A. Brannen, of Centerville, Cape Sable Island Shelburne county.

STORY:

WT was a fisherman and lobsterman before going to war. Dad tells me he was a crack shot and he would go out early Christmas morning to bring back a goose for the family dinner, this on one leg, he had a prosthetic leg but he didn't like to use a cane. He was also Reeve of the county for many years.

Alan Brannen, grandson e-mail 2014 July

My Father, John Randall Brannen was born in Centreville, CSI on August 14, 1921. He was named after Willie's brother who was killed at Amiens, August 10, 1918. Willie had been grievously wounded earlier at Lens and lost a leg. I remember as a boy sitting on his lap in Woods Harbour and he would stick my finger into the hole in his arm where shrapnel had worked its way out! Dad has been the only family member to visit John Randall's grave in France, in the British Cemetery at Foquescourt. Both Willie and John Randall were with the 85th Nova Scotia Highlanders, instrumental in taking Vimy Ridge.

Alan Brannen, grandson e-mail 2014 July

My grandmother Annie Bungay was born in Coombs Cove Nfld. and was a nurse during WW1, when my grandfather was sent home after being wounded, he lost a leg, had it amputated twice, was badly wounded with shrapnel throughout his back and arms. Annie was his nurse in Halifax during his recovery.

Alan Brannen, grandson e-mail 2014 July

STORY

Excerpts from His sister Ester’s memories:

The war years 1914-1918 were hard on all of us. My two brothers enlisted….Bill because of a severe attack of rheumatic fever could not pas the physical but later he joined the 219th regiment…..Bill was severely wounded—a body full of shrapnel---loss of a limb---but finally was able to return to Nova Scotia after a long and painful rehabilitation.

2-5-44

John Randall Brannen (1896-1918)

John Randall was born May 8, 1896, in Lower Woods Harbour NS. He was the oldest son of Ezra Matthew Brannen (1866-1946) and Cynthia Swain (1859-1913).

He appeared in the 1901 census with his family in Woods Harbour.

Before enlisting October 30, 1915, he had been a teacher prior to enlisting.

He served overseas in several of the major battles. He was a private with the 85 Battalion Canadian Infantry Nova Scotia Highlanders, instrumental in taking Vimy Ridge.

He died August 10, 1918, at the battle of Amiens from wounds suffered the day earlier and is Buried at Fouquescourt British Cemetery Plot: II. A.I.

STORY:

The following appeared with photos in the Halifax Herald just days before word was received that Randall had been killed in action

.NOVA SCOTIA BROTHERS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE FIGHTING.

W. T. BRANNEN PTE. J. R. BRANNEN , two young men are with the brave lads who were in the glorious successful charge at Vimy Ridge that brought undying glory. To this time fortunately they have not yet been included in the casualty lists. They are the sons of E. A. Brannen, of Centerville, Cape Sable Island Shelburne county.

STORY:

My Father, John Randall Brannen was born in Centreville, CSI on August 14, 1921. He was named after Willie's brother who was killed at Amiens, August 10, 1918. Willie had been grievously wounded earlier at Lens and lost a leg. I remember as a boy sitting on his lap in Woods Harbour and he would stick my finger into the hole in his arm where shrapnel had worked its way out! Dad has been the only family member to visit John Randall's grave in France, in the British Cemetery at Foquescourt. Both Willie and John Randall were with the 85th Nova Scotia Highlanders, instrumental in taking Vimy Ridge.

Alan Brannen July 14 2014 e-mail

STORY:

Excerpts from His sister Ester’s memories:

I remember my brother Randall making 98/100 in chemistry in his final (of  high school) , a record for a country school with so little equipment.

The war years 1914-1918 were hard on all of us. My two brothers enlisted, Randall, in the85th Nova Scotia Highlanders….Randall was killed on August 10 1918, during the third day of the Battle of Amiens,,,,,Randall is buried at Fouquescourt, Somme, France.

.

STORY:

Pte. John Randall Brannen, born September 5, 1896, was the son of Ezra M. and Cynthia Brannen, Centreville. He was a teacher when he enlisted in the 85th Canadian. Infantry. He was killed in action in France on August 10, 1918 and was buried in Fouquescourt-British Cemetery, which is about 35 kilometers east of Amiens, France. His gravestone bears this inscription, "Remembered With Honour".

Excerpt from Archalus Smith Museum publication.

STORY:

END

2-5-45

Esther Everette Brannen (1898-1989)

Esther was born November 29, 1898, in Lower Woods Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Ezra Matthew Brannen (1866-1946) and Cynthia Swain (1859-1913).

She appears in the 1901 Canadian census age three living in Woods Harbour with her parents. She appears in the 1911 Canadian census age 13 living in Centreville with her parents

She was on the passenger list going to Boston in March 1916. She was age 18, a salesclerk. Her last permanent residence was Centreville, her father Ezra. She was on her way to Somerville MA.

September 2, 1918, she married Major James Edward West (1891-1978) in St Paul’s Baptist Church, Montreal QC. He was a native of Ireland. They had four children, Randall, Maureen, Betty, and Patricia

Esther E. and James E. West appear in the 1921 census for Algoma West, Sault Ste. Marie, Wirckas Station. He was 29. His birthplace was Ireland and year of immigration 1912. His employment was not legible. She was 23. They had two children, Harry R.K. and Helene E., aged two years and six weeks. Also living with them was her sister Gertrude E. Brannen, age 18 a student.

According to her memories she dictated in 1983 they lived in Montreal, Sault Ste Marie, Port Arthur, Toronto, Quebec City.

Her husband James died January 18, 1978. She died February 5, 1989, in Montreal QC.

END

STORY:

The following are excerpts from Esther’s memories in 1983.

Our school in Centreville was only a one room school covering grade and high school ,…I was often called on by the teacher to help out by teaching the primary classes…. Our teacher (in 1912) resigned. The trustees received permission for me to teach the remainder of the 1912/13 term. I went to Clark;s Harbour to finish my tenth year of high school. I decided to work finishing my high school education at night school at Dorchester High.

I applied for office work ….at the Woolworth Co. Inside of a year, I was promoted to charge of the office.

It was on (one of my) trips from Nova Scotia to Boston when I met my future husband. My marriage opened up a whole new world on September 1, 1918, I left Boston to be married in Montreal.

END

2-5-46

Ellen Gertrude Brannen (1903-1996)

Gertrude was born January 16, 1917, in Centreville NS to Ezra Matthew Brannen (1866-1946) and Ardith Anne Smith (1881-1948).

After finishing school in Nova Scotia she mover to Boston and lived with an aunt.

She moved to Sault Ste Marie and lived with her sister after her sister’s first child was born, about March 1920.

She appears in the 1921 census living with her sister Esther and family in Sault Ste Marie. She was 18 years old and a student.

She married Richard West Jr. (1902-2011??) November 8th, 1922, in Sault Ste Marie, MI. She was 19 and living in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. She was a stenographer, and he was a butcher. They had four children.

Gertrude E. Brannen appears on a passenger list Aug 25, 1939, travelling on the SS Evangeline to Boston.

She appears in the 1972 voters list for Sault Ste. Marie, ON along with husband Richard a butcher. They were living at 56 Kitchener Road. Also living with them were Richard Brannen West (1924-2017). and Marjory Grace West (1934-2017).

The 1963 Algoma West voters list shows her, her husband Richard a butcher, Richard Jr. a chrome worker, and Marjory.

She died in 1996 and is buried in Greenwood cemetery in Sault Ste Marie. He died 2011 and is buried with Gertrude and along with children Richard Jr (Buddy) and Marjory.

END

2-5-47

Ezra Norman Brannen (1917-2009)

Norman was born January 16, 1917, in Centreville NS to Ezra Matthew Brannen (1866-1946) and Ardith Annen Smith (1881-1948).

He appears to have lived in Centreville and taught school in Clark’s Harbour after completing school.

He married Winnifred Kathleen Maxwell (1921-2006) about 1941. They had three children, two lived to maturity

He served in the RCSG during WWII.

After the war he taught briefly at Clark’s Harbour High School and lived in Centreville. The 1949 voter’s list showed him as an insurance salesman living in Centreville.

 He then attended Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. And in 1950 he joined the staff at the new Yarmouth Vocational High School and spent the rest of his career teaching there.

His daughter said his great joy was driving a new car and he did so as often as possible.

Winnifred died September 21, 2006, in Yarmouth and is buried in Clark’s Harbour NS.

He died March 11, 2009, and is buried in Oakvale cemetery in Clark’s Harbour NS with his wife.

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, Ezra Norman "Norm" It is with great sadness that we announce Norm's sudden passing March 11, 2009, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Centreville, Shelburne Co., January 16, 1917, he was a son of the late Ezra and Adrith (Smith) Brannen. He served in the Royal Canadian Signals Corp. during the Second World War as a Radar Instructor in Kingston; Ont. Norm's was a graduate of Queen's University and taught at Yarmouth Vocational School from its opening in 1950 until his retirement in 1972. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Winnifred Kathleen (Maxwell). Norm is survived by daughters, Sharon (Andrew) Fahey, Calgary, Alta.; Diane (Bill) Wyman, Chebogue; grandchildren, Leanne, Punta Gorda, Fla.; Ian, Kingston, Ont.; great-grandchildren, Sophia and Scarlette, both of Punta Gorda. At Norm's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family graveside service will take place in Oakvale Cemetery, Clark's Harbour, at a later date, Rev. A.D. "Bill" Newell officiating. The family wishes to thank Linda Hilton, the staff of the Emergency Department, and especially Dr. Tom Muise and family physician, Dr. Chester Wyman

END

THE CHILDREN OF MARY ELIZABETH BRANNEN (1868-1944)

2-5-48

Daniel L. O’Connell (1894-1959)

Daniel was born June 7, 1894, in Shag Harbour NS. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brannen 1868-1944 and George O. O’Connell (1872-1963). His date of birth is confirmed by the 1901 census however e gave an other date on enlistment of 1896.

He appears in the 1901 and 1911 census as living at home. He was shown as ages 7 and, 16.

He enlisted Nov 8, 1915, and served overseas in France in WWI including three months at the front where he served at Vimy Ridge. He was discharged May 22, 1919, in Halifax.

He married Helen Landry (1897-??) October 21, 1919, in Yarmouth. They had four children.

In the 1921 census he was shown as age 21 working at the cotton mill.

He moved to New Brunswick in the 1960s where he worked for the Saint John Dry Dock for many years.

He died in Saint John NB June 18, 1959, and is buried in the Cedar Hill Extension cemetery in Moncton.

There was no mention of his wife Helen in his obituary.

OBITUARY:

The death of Daniel L. O’Connell occurred last Thursday at his residence in Saint John N.B. following several months of illness. He was resided in Yarmouth for 45 years before going to Saint John. Born in Shag Harbour Shelburne County, he was the son of George and the late Mrs. O’Connell and had been resident of the city for 16 years. Employed with the Saint Dry Dock for many years he retired about three years ago. He served in both World Wars. From 1915 to 1919 he was overseas with the 13 Battalion Royal Highland Regiment and during the Second World War he was a member of the Veterans Guard of Canada.

Besides his father he is survived by two sons, George H. O’Connell, at home and Daniel J. O’Connell of Saint John: two daughters Mrs. Richard Tanner of Halifax N.S., and Mrs. Frank Tanner of Nova Scotia.; four brothers Earl O’Connell of Aldershot, England: Roy O’Connell of Boston Mass. And Harold and Guy both of Yarmouth N.S.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was held Saturday with interment at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.

STORY:

Private O’Connell enlisted with the 63rd Nova Scotia Draft Battalion at Halifax, NS.  He went overseas, embarking Halifax on January 22, 1916, on the SS Missanabie, arriving in Plymouth, England, on January 30, 1916 and embarked for France on September 27, 1916 for service with the 13th Battalion. While serving in France he became ill and was hospitalised on November 16, 1916 and transferred to England. He was returned to duty in England on February 2, 1917.  He served in England and France and retuned to Canada on May 7, 1919.

Wartime Heritage Association web site

2-5-49

Harold St Clair O’Connell (1898-1967)

Harold was born July 14, 1898, in Yarmouth NS. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brannen 1868-1944 and George O. O’Connell (1872-1963). The 1901 census confirms his date of birth.

He appears in the 1901 and 1911 census as living at home. He was shown as ages four and fourteen in the census reports.

He enlisted in the army November 10, 1914. He gave his DOB as July 12, 1896. He declared he had been in the militia for two years. He served with the 25th Battalion and spent four months at the front. He was wounded in his right leg and ankle.

In the 1921 census he was shown as married to Mildred Mary Guinan (1897-1927) age 24. He was a spinner living in Yarmouth. There was one daughter Margarette Mary O’Connell age four. They had four children however only one lived past infancy.

Mildred died in a fire August 27, 1927. He died April 1, 1967.He is buried in the Our Lady of Calvary catholic cemetery in Yarmouth

END

2-5-50

Roy Edward O’Connell (1898-1966)

Roy was born July 17, 1899, in Shag Harbour NS. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brannen 1868-1944 and George O. O’Connell (1872-1963). The date given in the 1901 census confirms his birth date.

He was shown as age two in the 1901 census. He appears as Loid with his family in the 1911 census as age 12.

He enlisted in the Canadian army June 8, 1915. Before enlisting he had been a cook. He gave his date of birth as 1896; he was about 15 when he enlisted.

He married Anna Helen. Surette (1902-1988) May 11, 1920. She was the daughter of Jean Surette (1872-1968) and Delpdhine Muise (1875-1953). They had seven children.

In the 1921 census he was shown as age 21 married to Helen Annie Surette age 18 with daughter Rose Blanche aged six months.

The 1930 census found in Malden MA working for a laundry. There were three children at home, Blanche aged nine, Henry aged seven and John age two years.

They appear in the 1937 Malden city directory at 59 Bryant Street.

He appears to have dropped the “O” and went by the name Connell.

It appears they separated or divorced sometime after 1940.

He married Evelyn Hogan (1905-1975) they had one child Raymond (1947-2008)

He died July 13, 1966, in Stoneham MA and is buried in St. Patrick’s cemetery in Stoneham.MA.

Evelyn died in 1975.

Helen later married to Fredrick Garrett (1913-1949). She died in 1988.

END

STORY:

 Private Roy O’Connell was the son of George Obediah O'Connell (1892-1963) Mary Elizabeth Brannen O’Connell (1868- 1933). His brother, Daniel O’Connell also served during WWI.  Private O’Connell enlisted with the 40th Battalion at Halifax, NS.  He went overseas, arriving in England on October 25, 1915, and embarked for France on January 19, 1916.  He was taken on strength with the 25th Battalion on January 20, 1916, and served in England and France with the 25th Battalion. He returned to England on April 8, 1919, and retuned to Canada on May 10, 1919          Wartime Heritage Association web site

2-5-51

John Guy O’Connell (1899-1976)

Guy was born October 12, 1899, in Shag Harbour NS. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brannen 1868-1944 and George O. O’Connell (1872-1963).

He appeared in the 1901 and the 1911 census reports as age one and age ten. In the 1921 census shows him as age 18 living at home with his family on Argyle Street Yarmouth NS. He was listed as a labourer/garbage.

February 4, 1918, he had a child with, Geraldine Elizabeth Hubbard (1918-2007). Birth records note “Illegitimate”. The child’s name was changed to Geraldine Elizabeth Connors.

He married Saraphie Mary (Sarah) Doucette (1907-1996) October 25, 1923. They had two surviving children:

James Clifford (Joc) O’Connell (1925-2018)

Pauline Mildred O’Connell (1927-2018)

He may have had a relationship with Marie Lea Saulnier (1901-1926)

He served in the army during WWII and remined in the service after the war. After retirement from the military he worked in the N.S.liquor store.

He died May 26, 1976, in Yarmouth NS and is buried in the Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Yarmouth NS.

END

2-5-52

Earl O’Connell (1903-1975)

Earl was born June 9, 1905, in Rockville NS. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brannen 1868-1944 and George O. O’Connell (1872-1963).

He appeared in the 1911 census at 6 Main Street in Yarmouth NS. In the 1921 census he was age 17 living at home. He was not working.

He married Jeannie Thebault (1911-1943) and they appeared to have had eight children.

He served in the army in WWII and was wounded and was decorated. After the war he remained in England and married Sarah Sweetman (1913-2003) in 1947. She was from Liverpool, England. They had five children.

He returned to Yarmouth in 1971.

He may have had a relationship with Marie Lea Salunier (1901-1926)

He died at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax June 24, 1975.

OBITUARY:

Earl O’Connell 17 Clements Street Yarmouth died at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax on Thursday June 24, 1975, at the age of 72.

Born in Yarmouth Nova Scotia he was the son of George and Elizabeth (Brannen) O’Connell.

Mr. O’Connell was a veteran of the second world war, having served with the Western Nova Scotia’s 39-45. He was wounded in Italy during the service. After the war he made his home in England for 25 years and then returned to Yarmouth in 1971.

Surviving are his wife the former Sarah Sweetman, Yarmouth, daughters May O’Connell. England; Louise, Boston Massachusetts ;Joyce (Mrs. George Walker), Pubnico; Phillis (Mrs. Alfred d’Entremont), Pubnico; Margaret, (Mrs Barry Harwood), Arcadia; and Alice (Mrs. F. Wright) England; John, Oxford, England; Martin, England; Robert, Chebogue, brother Guy, Yarmouth; 40 grandchildren.

Remains rested at Sweeny’s Funeral Home and funeral services were held at the Ritchie Chapel on Saturday June 28 at 11 a.m. with Rev. E. Ingraham officiating.

Interment was a Yarmouth Memorial Cemetery.

END\

THE CHILD OF BLANCHE NORA BRANNEN (1872-??)

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Hildebrand D. Sinclair (1896-C1917)

He appears in the Birth Registry of Somerville Mass as being born May 24, 1896, in Boston to Blanche and Walter Sinclair. Her birthplace is shown as Boston Mass, and Walter’s, Philadelphia PA. His name was spelled Hildebrand. Walter's employment was as a clerk.

The 1910 census listed him as a stepson of George Barnett. He was age 12 and born in Massachusetts. His father's birthplace was shown as Pennsylvania.

In the 1915 New York census he is not listed with his parents.

He is believed to have died in France in WW1 about 1917.

END

THE CHILDREN OF HORATIO HARRIS BRANNEN (1873-1917)

2-5-54

Harris Horatio Brannen (1894-1984)

Harris Horatio Brannen 1894-1984 was born November 20 in Clark's Harbour NS. He was the oldest child of Captain Horatio Brannen 1873-1917 and Susan M. Nickerson 1870-1956. From an early age he helped out as a crewman with his father on SS Coastguard. In 1912 when he was eighteen, he joined the staff of the Canadian Marconi Company station at Cape Sable as a "learner."  On September 29 1914 he married Blanche Mildred Smith (1886-1985). Their first child Cyril was born September 1916. In total they had five children.

It appears he enlisted in the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve on August 26 1915 and was assigned as a wireless operator 3rd class at the Cape Sable station. Although his enlistment number has not been confirmed it is believed to be VR 395. Because to the similar name as his father naval records sometime confuse his father's VR number. He joined his father's ship HMCS Deliverance in minesweeping duties in Halifax Harbour approaches about September 1916 and served as a crewmember until that ship was run down and sunk June 15 1917. After that Captain Superintendent of Niobe directed the officers to report to PV-V converted trawler contracted to the RCN for minesweeping duty. These orders gave report dates a July 5th and also later July 18th.  It appears as radio man he was assigned to the radio equipped PV series ships that were on duty and so he is identified as being crewmen of various PV ships over time.

STORY:

From a letter to his sister Thelma, December 1965:

The morning of the explosion I was at sea on a mine sweeper, sweeping the channel outside Halifax Harbour. We saw the smoke billowing up over the city and thought the oil tanks at Imperoyal were on fire. Listening in I picked up a message that was being sent to Sable Island and learned what had happened. It was about 2 PM when we returned to port and I was able to contact Blanche.

One of the first things that I did was to look up Walter he told me that dad had been killed but Walt was in a pretty bad state of shock and I thought he might be mistaken. From there I went to all the hospitals, morgues, etc. searching but no “trace”.

It wasn’t until Sunday 20th that his body was recovered still on board the “Stella Maris” which tho badly damaged was still afloat and had drifted ashore in a cove below the Dock Yard. I am not positive but believe the funeral was held the next Sunday, Dad’s birthday, December 27th.

STORY:

On April 27 1918 he wrote to his commanding officer and asked to be transferred from wireless operator to mate Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. He pointed out he had a Mate's Certificate of Competency for Passenger Steamer Coasting and he had nine months experience in minesweeping aboard the HMCS Deliverance. Nothing seems to have come from this application perhaps as the war was winding down and the coastal defense ships were being paid off.

After the war he settled his family in Chebucto Head NS and began work at the Chebucto Head direction finding station at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. The 1921 Canadian census confirmed his address and described him as Telegrapher Operator. At that time, they had three children, Cyril born 1916, Gordon born in 1918 and Gerald born 1920. Later he went on to supervise the Yarmouth range finding station. In 1926 he was appointed the Senior Radio Inspector for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in Saint John NB. In total they had five sons. William was born in 1922 and John about 1927. During this time, he had become the first "ham" station owner in Saint John NB.

The 1945 voters list showed them living at 9 Maple Row Saint John listed as being a radio inspector along with his wife and his son William, a driver, Gerald in active service and son Gordon also in active service.

In 1948 he was promoted to assistant superintendent of radio and later as superintendent of radio regulations at Moncton from where he retired November 21. He died in January 6 1984 in Moncton NB.

The 1953 and 1957 voters list has him and Blanch living at 16 Harvard St in Halifax. His employment is as a radio inspector.

He died January 6 1984 in Moncton NB. Blanche died June 25 1985 in Moncton NB.

STORY:

From Radio Alumni.Ca:

1960 - A distinguished career in the service of the radio branch, extending back 45 years, came to a close when Harris H. Brannen, regional superintendent, radio regulations, retired on November 21, 1960.

Mr. Brannen received his first training as a radio operator in 1912 with the Canadian Marconi Company on Sable Island. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and until the end of the First World War served as a warrant officer telegraphist on patrol boats and minesweepers.

In 1918 he took a post as radio operator at the federal government finding station on Sable Island. He subsequently served at Chebucto Head, Yarmouth and, from 1926 to 1948, Saint John.

In 1948 Mr. Brannen was promoted to assistant to the superintendent of radio at Halifax, where he remained until being appointed regional superintendent of radio regulations at Moncton.

Mr. Brannen was honoured by his associates from throughout the Maritime region on November 18, 1960, when he was presented with a suitable gift by J. A. Lenahan, regional director, air services.

STORY:

As far as Horatio Harris Brannen the son: He was married and lived in Portuguese Cove, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1921 but died on Cape Sable Island on 6 Jan 1984. I remember that he used to bring his mother to visit my parents when I was younger and so I assumed that he lived in Halifax.

From an e-mail from Donna Baker, August 2014

2-5-55

Walter Truman Brannen (1896-1960)

Walter Truman Brannen 1896-1960 was the second child of Horatio Brannen 1873-1917 and Susan Nickerson 1870-1956. He was born October 5 1896 in West Head NS and grew up on Cape Sable Island.

A Nova Scotia birth certificate confirms his date of birth. NS

Walter appeared in the 1901 census as age four living in Clark's Harbour with his family.

From an early age he helped out as crewman with his father on SS Coastguard in his father's salvage operations. In sworn testimony in early 1918 he said he had been going to sea since March 5 1915 when he signed on with SS Deliverance and served until it was run down and sunk in June 15 1917. On October 6 1915, he enlisted in the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve as class 2A, VR# 399. After the HMCS Deliverance was sunk in June 1917 he transferred along with his father to SS Stella Maris as first mate at $15.00 per week. They joined Stella Maris which like Deliverance was owned by the Brookfield companies instead of going to the PV-V as directed by the navy. It appears that they took up their new positions prior to the navy’s directive.

While on the Deliverance he had acquired a Mate's Coastwise Certificate. On the morning of December 6 1917, he was the first mate on Stella Maris and at the wheel while towing two scows in Halifax Harbour. He testified that the captain was directing the movement of the ship. After the collision of the two ships, he, following the Captain's orders, anchored the scows and prepared to fight the fire with the ship's hoses. When they got within 50 yards that plan appeared impractical. They backed off and he was directed to bring the towing hawser from the hold. After being sent back to get the heavier 10-inch hawser, he was on the ladder while the second mate William S. Nickerson was in the hold working on that order when the explosion occurred. Walter was blown into the hold and remarkably survived with only bruises, a cut on his face, and a punctured eardrum. He was briefly knocked unconscious and showed symptoms of shock. The explosion stripped him of his clothes and blackened his skin.

Blanche Smith Brannen, Walter’s sister-in-law in a letter December 12 1965:

Some kind of conveyance brought Walter and Will Nickerson, Josie’s husband to our house and we were called in from the field. Walter’s face had been fixed by a doctor or nurse but they had very little clothes on and were black and dirty, one was wrapped in a red tapestry old fashion table cloth and the other in an old bedspread. Josie and I washed and dressed them……Freddy Sievert helped me take Walter home…..

The Workman’s Compensation gave Walter a settlement of $58.17 and the Halifax Recovery Commission provided a settlement of $63.00 against his claim for lost clothing and personal effects.

Shortly after the disaster he became master of a small tugboat, SS Dalbert D., employed by the Admiralty in Halifax Harbour.

January 21st 1918, he testified at the inquiry into the explosion and his recollections of the events are described in the transcript of his examination.

On March 15 1918 he was 3rd officer on SS Lord Kelvin a cable laying/repair ship built in 1916. On that date they departed for the Irish Coast. In May of 1918 he was drafted or applied to join the Nova Scotia Regiment. It is unlikely that he was called to duty as he was already enlisted in the RNCVR.

After the war, he moved with his family to Malden MA. He indicted on his application for US citizenship that he entered the country January 1 1921. In 1923 he married Evelyn Moraine (1906-1942) of Bear River NS. In 1924 the city directory showed him as a laundryman living in Malden MA and working for his uncle Arthur Winbourne Brannen.

His application for US citizenship shows his arrival in the US as January 1 1921.

 In 1924 his son Raymond Irving was born. In 1925 they were living, and he was working in New York City. He gave his employment in his 1939 citizenship application as an insurance Investigator and Adjuster.

In 1924 the City Directory of Malden Mass listed him as living at 50 Bainbridge with his wife Evelyn, his mother Susan, widow of Horatio. His brother Ernest Brannen was also living with them. Walter was shown as a laundryman.

November 11 1942 while living Richmond VA his wife Evelyn suddenly passed away. At that time Walter was shown as having a General Motors position. He later married Winnifred Scott (1904-1996). They had no children.

 In the 1940s he was listed in Boston city directories as a salesman. His obituary indicated he had been a field representative for General Motors.

Boston City Directories for 1944,1945,1948 and 1951 show Walter and Winnifred F. living at 60 Percival in Dorchester. He is listed as a salesman and her a clerk.

He became a naturalized United States citizen January 29 1945. He died November 28 1960 in Onset MA at age 64 and is buried in Centre Cemetery in Wareham MA.

He died November 28 1960 in Wareham MA and is buried in the Centre cemetery in Wareham MA. After his death, his wife Winifred Scott attempted to make application for compensation as a veteran of the first war but her inquiry was rebuffed. Winifred died April 14 1996 in Bourne MA and is buried with Walter.

His son Rev, Raymond Brannen served in WWII in the US Army. He was wounded twice and awarded the Silver Star.

OBITUARY:

Walter T. Brannen, 64, died suddenly of a heart attack Monday at his home at 66 East Boulevard, Onset. He was the husband of Mrs. Winifred (Scott) Brannen.

Mr. Brannen was born in Clark's Harbor, Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia. He was the son Horatio and Susan (Nickerson) Brannen who were natives of Cape Cod before moving to Canada.

A retired field representive for General Motors Corporation, he was a member of the Cape Cod Kennel Club. Mr. and Mrs. Brannen bought their home on East Boulevard in 1944 and moved there permanently in 1953.

Besides his widow, he leaves a son Rev. Raymond Brannen of Chester, Pa. pastor of the Garden City Chapel in Chester, Pa.; two grandchildren; two brothers, Harris of Moncton, New Brunswick, and Ernest M. of Dorchester; and three sisters, Mrs. Viola Wilder of upper Montclair, N.J., Mrs. Thelma Dasburg of Bloomfield, N.J., and Mrs. Mabel Merchant of Dorchester.

Rev. Raymond Shaffer of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Wareham, officiated at the funeral service today. Burial was at Center Cemetery, Wareham.

2-5-56

Viola Belle Brannen (1899-1968)

Viola was the daughter of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). She was born in Clark’s Harbour NS September 1 1899.

She was living on Duncan Street in Halifax with her family December 6th 1917 at the time of the great Halifax disaster. She was unhurt but her father was killed and their home damaged. They had to close the house and return to their Cape Sable Island home.

There is a invoice for $63.85 from the Halifax Ladies College and conservatory of music dated February 2 1918 for Miss Viola Brannen. This covered a period of Nov 17 to December 4 1917 plus lessons and music books. She returned to the college for the winter semester but had to withdraw due to the family’s financial distress.

She moved with her mother and several siblings to the us in in about 1919. This provided her with employment opportunities no found in Nova Scotia

She married Philip V Wilder (1895-1974) in Manhattan June 6 1922. Certificate number 16177. They had two children Marjorie Wilder (1923-2001) and Phylis Ann Wilder (1931-??).

The 1925 New York census found her at 612 W 135th in NYC. He was shown as age 30 and her 25. Daughter Marjorie was age two. He was a Chauffeur. They were living with or in the next apartment to her brother Walter, his wife Evelyn and son Raymond age one.

In the 1930 US Census she was living in Adams Mass age 30. She married when she was 22. She immigrated in 1919 and was not a naturalized citizen at that time.

She appears the 1940 US Census married to Phillip V. Wilder. He was a Special Agent for an Insurance Company making $3,000 a year. They lived on Park Av.in East Orange NJ. They had two daughters Marjorie 17 and Phillis age 9.

They appeared city directories for Montclair NJ in 1947 and 1955 as living at 9 Windsor Place.

She died June 17 1968 in Montclair NJ, her husband Philip died April 1974 in Chatham MA.

STORY:

The sun was shining on that fateful day morning of December 1917 as a girl friend and I walked together to school. The fire bells were ring and I can remember how pretty they sounded in the clear cool air.

We had stopped in at a small store where books and school supplies were sold. My friend and I had made a few purchases. We had been out of the store only a few minutes when I saw a big flash and then all the windows in the store had been shattered. If we had stayed there a few minutes longer, I think that we would have been seriously injured or maybe killed. My first thought was that the Germans had bombed the city.

My friend ran through a narrow alley to reach her home but there were high buildings on either side of it and I was afraid that another bomb would fall any minute and that the buildings would topple over on me and I would be crushed. I could see my mother and other members of the family on our porch from across a fenced field, but I could not seem to get to them.

The there was fear of another explosion in the city, so people were ordered to go to a large park. I found myself among many strangers and in great fear. After some time, a sailor came with a large megaphone and told us “Everything is alright. You may go home now. That’s official.”. So, I found my way home to find that great damage had been done there, Windows shattered.

I had a pastel aqua coloured wool dress that I was very fond of. It was now hanging near a corner of a clothes closet. The corner walls must have opened and closed again as part of my dress was caught between them.

At night a blizzard swept the city. Snow wind and cold. I remember our windows were boarded and covered with some heavy material. It was a night of terror to me as I could hear and feel the wind blowing through the broken windows.

Can also remember in the early evening my older brother being led home by my sister-in-law and some other person. I did not recognize him. His face was blackened by smoke.

A day or two later I was told that my father had been killed. I can recall a kind neighbor who lived next door, who knew of the tragedy of my father before I did, being sorry for me and giving me chocolate candy bars.

It was all a shocking experience for a young girl twelve years of age. I shall never forget it.

Mable Brannen, written about 1989 for a book proposed by her sister Thelma.

END

2-5-57

Ernest Milburn Brannen (1901-1973)

Ernest was the son of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). She was born in Clark’s Harbour NS February 9 1901.

He was living on Duncan Street in Halifax with his family December 6th 1917 at the time of the great Halifax disaster. He was unhurt but his father was killed and their home damaged. The family had to close the house and return to their Cape Sable Island home.

He was working in a men’s wear store in the city and returned to work after returning from his father’s Clark’s Harbour funeral.

He, along with his mother and most of his siblings moved to the Boston area in 1919.

He married Ethel May Nelson (105-1991) July 27 1929 in The Bronx NY

1924 City Directory for Malden Mass shows him living with his brother Walter and his wife Evelyn and his mother Susan at 50 Bainbridge. He was a clerk.

The 1936 City Directory has them at 103 Templeton Dorchester. He was working as a painter.

September 15 1942 he is listed on the USAT Algonquin from Trinidad to New Orleans. His home address is given as 103 Templeton St. Dorchester. He was listed as a naturalized citizen September 12 1938 and what appears to be a regimental number is shown as USC p/p 681875.

The 1944 Boston city directory show Ernest M. and Ethel M. Brannen at 103 Templeton in Dorchester. He was listed as a foreman.

The 1951 Boston city directory has him as a painter living at 26 Kay in Dorchester with Ethel.

He died in August 1973 in Dorchester MA. Ethel died December 28 1991.

END

2-5-58

Adria E. Brannen (1903-1903)

Adria was the daughter of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). She was born in Clark’s Harbour NS April 8 1903.

She died as an infant of whooping cough.

Her date of death was September 7 1903

END

2-5-9

Mable Hannah Brannen (1905-1981)

Mable was the daughter of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). She was born in Clark’s Harbour NS January 28, 1905.

She was living on Duncan Street in Halifax with her family December 6th 1917 at the time of the great Halifax disaster. She was unhurt but her father was killed and their home damaged. They had to close the house and return to their Cape Sable Island home.

March 1927, she married Michael Leo Merchant (1902-1990). They had three children,

The 1930 US census shows her and Leo living at Spring Street, Medford. His father Peter is living with them. Leo is a truck driver for a laundry.

In the 1940 US census Mable was living at 26 King Street in Dorchester. She was 35 years old, and Leo was 37. His father Peter and their two children Marilyn age eight and Clare age four were living with them

In the 1953, 1960 and 1966 Boston city directories she is shown living at 26 King Street Dorchester.

She died August 26, 1981, in Yarmouth NS and is buried in Clark’s Harbour NS. Her husband Leo died December 4, 1990, in Shelburne NS and is buried with Mable.

STORY:

The sun was shining on that fateful day morning of December 1917 as a girl friend and I walked together to school. The fire bells were ring and I can remember how pretty they sounded in the clear cool air.

We had stopped in at a small store where books and school supplies were sold. My friend and I had made a few purchases. We had been out of the store only a few minutes when I saw a big flash and then all the windows in the store had been shattered. If we had stayed there a few minutes longer, I think that we would have been seriously injured or maybe killed. My first thought was that the Germans had bombed the city.

My fried ran through a narrow alley to reach her home but there were high buildings on either side of it and I was afraid that another bomb would fall any minute and that the buildings would topple over on me and I would be crushed. I could see my mother and other members of the family on our porch from across a fenced field, but I could not seem to get to them.

The there was fear of another explosion in the city, so people were ordered to go to a large park. I found myself among many strangers and in great fear. After some time, a sailor came with a large megaphone and told us “Everything is alright. You may go home now. That’s official.”. So I found my way home to find that great damage had been done there, Windows shattered.

I had a pastel aqua coloured wool dress that I was very fond of. It was now hanging near a corner of a clothes closet. The corner walls must have opened and closed again as part of my dress was caught between them.

At night a blizzard swept the city. Snow wind and cold. I remember our windows were boarded and covered with some heavy material. It was a night of terror to me as I could hear and feel the wind blowing through the broken windows.

Can also remember in the early evening my older brother being led home by my sister-in-law and some other person. I did not recognize him. His face was blackened by smoke.

A day or two later I was told that my father had been killed. I can recall a kind neighbor who lived next door, who knew of the tragedy of my father before I did , being sorry for me and giving me chocolate candy bars.

It was all a shocking experience for a young girl twelve years of age. I shall never forget it.

Mable Brannen, written about 1989 for a book proposed by her sister Thelma.

END

2-5-60

Thelma M. Brannen (1908-2006)

Thelma was the daughter of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). She was born in Clark’s Harbour NS January 22, 2006.

She was living on Duncan Street in Halifax with her family December 6th 1917 at the time of the great Halifax disaster. She was unhurt but her father was killed and their home damaged. They had to close the house and return to their Cape Sable Island home.

She married Albert Dasburg

She appears in the 1940 US census age 32 living on Allwood Rd Clifton, NJ. She was married to Albert who worked for a brokerage company. There were two children at home, Albert age five and Donald age two.

In the 1947 Bloomfield directory they are shown living at 51 North Street. He was an auditor in New York.

In the 1957 Bloomfield NJ city directory she appeared living at 51 North Av. with Albert a comptroller in New York. Their son Albert I. Jr. and his wife Winnifred appeared to be living with them.

She died in 2006 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery Briele, NJ

STORY:

Born 1908 Thelma was the seventh child. While leaving home for school on that sunny morning, called for my friend Margarie Newcome so we could walk to school together. As Marjorie came down the stairs passing the stained-glass window the explosion shattered the window slicing her cheek as you would slice an apple almost to the core.

Her cheek hung by a narrow piece of skin. I remember her mother picking up the long apron she was wearing and holding the cheek back in place.

 Marjorie's father, being home at the time, ushered us to the basement convinced the Germans were bombarding the city, and there would be another attack at any moment.

Frightened, my thoughts were I want to go home; but Mr. Newcome felt it would not be safe to venture out on the street.

After what seemed like a very long time, he finally took me home; but I was not to stay there for long as the Canadian soldiers were going through the streets ordering everyone to leave their homes and move to an open park like area.

We were instructed to sit on the ground and wait until they were convinced all danger had passed.

Later in the afternoon, we were informed we could return to our    homes.

Lacking communication by phone, Mother was very concerned about Father, Walter, and Harris.

Later in the afternoon, sister-in-law Blanche came to our house and suggested that she take me to her home to spend the night. It was getting dark and entering her house with the windows boarded up or draped with blankets was another unpleasant experience. Once again my thoughts were “I wish I could be home with Mother”.

I do remember seeing Cyril, my one-year-old nephew, sitting on the floor with his toys.

This day that had dawned like spring, by late afternoon, it was as though the explosion had shattered the heavens and the city of Halifax lay under a blanket of snow.

A severe winter blizzard added to the tragedy.

Saturday, two days later, brother Harris took me home.

I wonder if Mother didn't wait until it was dark to tell me Father had been killed to hide the hurt and tears on her face.

We stopped in a bake shop and when the owner saw I was crying she asked why. It was then Mother told her I had just learned that Father had been killed. She gave me a cup cake, and told me she was sad also.

After the funeral, Harris, Walter, Viola and Earnest returned to Halifax and work, and Viola returned to finish her semester at Halifax Ladies College. Mother, Mabel, Claremont, and I remained home.

As Father's salary ceased and Mother's income was reduced to sixty dollars a month, to maintain the house and raise her three younger children became difficult. The sixty dollars a month was granted by the Halifax Relief Commission, which Mother accepted with gratitude. Lacking funds for further education, Viola dropped out of college. Margorie Newcomes injury, considered minor, was not attended to for three days. She bore the scar for the rest of her life. Later, Walter and Viola sought employment in Boston so Mother took us to Malden, Mass., to make a home for her children to be together.

Thelma Brannen written about 1989

END

2-5-61

Claremont Vernon Brannen (1909-1929)

Clairmont was the youngest child of Horatio Brannen (1873-1917) and Susan Nickerson (1870-1956). He was born in Clark’s Harbour NS October 31, 1909.

He was living on Duncan Street in Halifax with his family December 6th, 1917, at the time of the great Halifax disaster. He went directly to school and was in the school yard, so he escaped injury. The Chebacco Road School was turned into a morgue. He was unhurt but his father was killed and their home damaged. The remaining family had to close the house and return to their Cape Sable Island home.

He moved with his mother and several siblings to Boston about 1919. After school he moved to New York City where his sister ……and her brother Walter were living. He went to work for a bank there. He was living with his sister when he died in Manhattan NY November 9 1929 at age 20. His death certificate number was 26807.

STORY:

As far as Claremont Vernon Brannen '96 he did die in Manhattan on 9 Nov 1929 and what I have is that he was employed with a bank in the New York area, took sick with pneumonia and died in a few days...

from an e-mail from Donna Baker August 2014

OBITUARY:

William C. Nickerson was informed Saturday by, telegram of the sudden death in New York, of his nephew, Claremont Brannan, youngest son of Susie N. Brannen and the late Capt. Horatio H. Brannen, who was killed in the Halifax Explosion. Mr. Brannen was 20 years of age and held a responsible position in New York City. He was "Clare" to all who knew him, a young Man of good qualities and endeared himself to all those who had a good fortune to cultivate hi friendship: His mother was summoned by wire to New York and left immediately on receipt of same on Friday last but failed to reach him before he expired on Saturday morning. He leaves beside the sorrowing mother, three brothers, Walter and Ernest in New York, H. H. Brannen now of Saint John, N. B., and three sisters, Mrs. Phillip Wilder, Mrs. Leo Merchant and Miss Thelma, Medford Mass. The body will arrive by boat from Boston an "be conveyed to Clark's Harbor for burial beside his late father in the family lot in Oakvale cemetery. Funeral will be on Sunday. Service at the home and Stone Church.

OBITUARY:

CLARK'S • HARBOR, Nov. 18—Deepest sympathy Is expressed for Mrs. Susan N. Brannen, widow of Captain H. H. Brannen, who lost his life in the Halifax explosion, in the passing at New York on Saturday, Nov. 9, of her youngest son Claremont, at the early age of twenty years. The deceased, who was -employed in a bank in the above city, was ill only a few day3 of pneumonia.

Besides the widowed mother there are left to mourn his brothers, Harris, of Saint John. Walter and Ernest of New York; sisters, Viola (Mrs. Phillip Wyle) North Adams, Mass., Mabel (Mrs. Marchant) Medford, Mass., and Thelma. also, of Medford. The body, accompanied by members of the family, arrived on Friday, the funeral taking place on Sunday afternoon with interment In the family plot at Oakvale cemetery.

END

THE CHILDREN OF DAVIS EMMONS BRANNEN (1877-1922)

2-5-62

Lalah Mabel Brannen (1903-1990)

Lalah was born August 30, 1903, in Shag Harbour NS. She was the daughter of Davis Emmons Brannen (1877-1922) and his first wife Emma Mary Sears-Marden (1862-1937).

She appears in the 1911 census living in Centreville with her parents.

Her parents appear to have separated prior to 1916.

She married George Irving Hopkins (1897-1985) in 1925. He was a US Army veteran of WWI. They had two children Herbert I. Hopkins (1926-1998) and Donald Hopkins (1934-2008).

She became a US citizen in February 1929.

1930 US census for Malden showed her as age 26 living on Lynn Street. There was one child Herbert age four years and two months. Living with them was her mother Emma Brannen, age 67 a widow.

Her mother died in 1937, perhaps in Oak Park NS.

The 1940 US census shows Herbert age 15 and Donald age five with them.

Her husband George died October 1985 in Seabrook NH. Lalah died February 1990 likely in Seabrook NH.

END

2-5-63

David Emmons Brannen (1916-1985)

David was born March 1, 1916, in Chester NS. He was the son of Davis Emmons Brannen (1877-1922) and Jennie Elizabeth Wilson (1911-1959)

In the 1921 census he was 5 years old living in Prince Rupert with parents and two siblings.

His mother and father died within a few months of each other in 1922. David and his 2 sisters moved to Massachusetts and were raised by aunts. David was raised by his aunt Esther Brannen (1875-??).

According to the 1930 US census he was no longer living with Esther.

In October 1935 he married Jennie Elizabeth Wilson in Wayland. They were both age 24 and living in Wayland. He was working in a laundry and gave Spokane WA as his birthplace. His parents were shown as Lila and David Clark. She was a salesgirl from New Hampshire.

The 1936 Boston city directory shows David E. and Elizabeth W. living at 883 Huntington Av in Roxbury. He was a laundryman.

He enlisted in the US army April 17 1944

There is a US Naturalization card for him dated August 31 1945 and issued in the Canal Zone. He was shown as age 29 with a home address of 219 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA

In the 1946 Cambridge city directory there was a David E.  Brannen and wife Elizabeth living at 15 Everett Cambridge, also there is Timothy F. Brannen living with them

In 1952 he joined the Masons in Massachusetts.

Sometime after 1952 he married Sybil in Texas.

His first wife Jennie died July 13, 1959, in Dallas TX and is buried in Hanover NH.

In 1957 he appears in the Huston city directory living with Sybil L. at 5914 Southdown Av. He was an office manager for Phoenix Furniture Stores.

He appears in the 1959 and 1960 Beaumont TX city directories. He was shown living with Sybil. There was also a Royce E. Brannen in Beaumont. Davis was an office manager at Lane's Inc. Sybil was a counselor at Delta Employment Services.

Syble died in 1974 in Savannah GA.

There was a third wife or relationship with a lady named Helena.

He died at age 69 at 13 Red Wood Circle, Savanna GA July 1, 1985.

STORY

Jennie Elizabeth is the first wife, mother of Richard. Richard told me that he thinks his father and mother went to Texas because of a job transfer for his dad. He did not go with them but stayed with relatives so he could continue in the same school. He believes his parents went in 1952 and probably separated shortly thereafter. I have records of David and the next lady (wife) Sybil living in a couple of different towns in Texas from 1956-57-59 and 1960. Sybil died in 1974 so they must have moved to Georgia before that because she also died in Savannah. I have not found a marriage record for David and the third wife Helena.

An August 31, 2015, email from Carol Pajak

END

2-5-64

Virginia Brannen (1919-1950)

She was born in Prince Rupert BC to Davis Brannen (1877-1922) and Lila Mae Clark (1891-1922).

Her parents both died within months of each other when she was 3. She was adopted by her aunt Nellie Rae Brannen (1882-??)  and George Cadrain.(1887-1970) She chose to retain Brannen as her second name and became Virginia Brannen Cadrain.

She was shown as the adopted daughter of the Cadrains in the 1930 census.

In the 1940 census she is shown as age 20, living with her brother David, age 28, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Richard D. Brannen age four, at Glenville Av. in Boston. David was a laundry worker and Virginia was a mother's helper in a private home.

She married Louis Edmund St. Laurent (1921-1979) December 20, 1941, in Kingston NH. He was the son of Amie A. St. Laurent and Clema Gately.

They had one child Doris M. (1921-1999)

The East Kingston city directory for 1947 shows Nellie and Husband George living at Depot Rd. He was working in Boston as a machinic it also refers to Miss Virginia B. "rem to Raymond"

Virginia died July 21, 1950, when only 30 years of age. She is buried in Hillside cemetery in East Kingston NH along with her husband and daughter.

Louis died February 18, 1979, in Tularosa NM.

STORY:

At this time (his death) Davis and Emma would have been separated, and Davis was married to my grandmother, Lila Mae Clarke with 3 young children, David Arthur, Virginia (St Laurent), and Jean (my mother).

From an e-mail from Bev Cavanaugh December 30 2014

END

2-5-65

Jean Margaret Brannen (1921-1977) aka Margery Thelma Abbott

She was born June 7th, 1921, in Prince Rupert BC to Davis Brannen (1877-1922) and Lila Mae Clark (1891-1922).

Her parents both died within months of each other when she was an infant. She was adopted by her aunt Alice Mable Brannen-Abbott (1881-1963) and Benjamin S. Abbott (1881-??). At the time of the adoption, she asked the judge presiding over the court if she could also change her given name from Margaret Jean to Margery Thelma. Thelma used to hyphenate her name as Brannen-Abbott at various times throughout her life.

She married George Edward Kezerie Sr. (1919-1972) he was the son of Joseph Kezerie and Pauline Penko. He was a WWII wounded veteran. They had six children.

George died October 9, 1972, in Chicago IL and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery in Joliet IL. Thelma died March 13, 1977, in Joliet IL she is buried with George.

STORY:

Mother was born June 7th 1921 in BC to Lila Mae Clarke and Davis Emmons Brannen. She was their third child together. Lila Mae dies (by newspaper accounts) July 1922 (cause and residence not known to me). October 2, 1922 Davis was shot in the head and killed during a hunting exposition on Porcher Island. Davis's younger sister adopted my mother. Adoption details also unknown to me. At the time of the adoption my mother asked the judge presiding over the court if she could also change her given name from Margaret Jean to Margery Thelma. My mother told me she loved her cousin Thelma (Horatio Harris Brannen's teenage daughter) so much that she wanted to have her name, Thelma. Although my mother was adopted by the Abbott family, she remained their only child and my mother used to hyphenate her name as Brannen-Abbott at various times throughout her life.

Taken from an e-mail to Bruce Brannen from Bev Cavanaugh December 30 2014

OBITUARY:

George Edward Kezerle, Sr. age 53, late of 601 Howard Street, Rockdale, Illinois. Passed away at Hines Veteran's Hospital, Chicago, Monday, October 9, 1972. Born in Rockdale and a lifelong resident. Employed as a carpenter prior to his illness. A U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. Member of the Disabled American Veterans Harold Heap Chapter.

He is survived by his wife, Margery (nee Abbott); daughter Beverly Ann, five sons, George Edward Jr., Bruce Abbott, William Thomas, Stephen Paul and Mark Anthony; three grandchildren, George Edward III, Brian Thomas and Margery Abbott Kezerle.

Brother of Genevieve (late Carl) LaMonte of Joliet, Mary (Oliver) Swanson and Kathryn (Albert) Lorenc of Rockdale. Also, John (Rosemary) and Joseph (Elsie) of Joliet and Thomas Kezerle of Rockdale. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph (1935) and Pauline (Penko) Kezerle (1968), two brothers, William (Teresa) Kezerle (09-11-72); one sister, Bernadette Kezerle in infancy (1929).

Services were held at Haley Funeral Home, 17 South Center Street. Thursday, October 12, 1972 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. James Lusher officiated.

END

THE CHILDREN OF LAWLESS FARROW BRANNEN (1878-1933)

2-5-66

Alden Brannen (1902-1995)

Alden was born March 1, 1902, in Woods Harbour NS to Lawless Farlow Brannen (1878-1933) and Olive Lavinia Garron (1881-1968).

The 1911 census showed him in West Head NS with his family. He was nine years old.

The 1921 census showed him age 19 a student living at 465 main Street Yarmouth with his parents and sibling Helen.

Jan 1924 he was a passenger on the boat to Boston. He was age 21, listed as a bookkeeper His last permanent residence was Yarmouth NS. His nearest relative was his mother, Olive. His final destination was Dorchester MA.

He married Essie Jemima Blades (1914-2008) on December 17 1931. They had no children.

The 1949 voters list shows him as a fisherman living at Blades P.O. with Mrs. Alden.

He appears on the 1968 voters list living Upper Woods Harbour; a laborer, living with Mrs. Alden

He appears on the 1980 voters list living RR #1 Woods Harbour; a laborer, living with Mrs. Alden

He died December 4 1995 in Dayton NS and is buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery. Essie died May 27 2008 and is buried with Alden.

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, Alden - 93, Villa St. Joseph du Lac, Dayton, Yarmouth Co., formerly of Woods Harbour, died December 4, 1995, in the villa. Born at Woods Harbour, he was a son of the late Lawless and Olive (Garron) Brannen. Surviving are his wife, the former Essie Blades; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Helen. Visitation 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today and Wednesday, funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, in H. Huskilson's Funeral Home and chapel, Barrington, Rev. Harold Bubar officiating. Burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Woods Harbour

END

2-5-67

Helen Alta Brannen (1905-1979)

Helen was born July 9, 1905, at Clarks Harbour NS to Lawless Farlow Brannen (1878-1933) and Olive Lavinia Garron (1881-1968).

She appeared in the 1911 census at age 5 birth date 1905 July.

In the 1921 census she was 15 living at 465 Main Street in Yarmouth

She married James Albert Matheson (1905-1993)

One child Jean Matheson (C1922-C1993)

Helen died November 26, 1979, in Woods Harbour. He died April 23, 1993, in Shelburne NS. They are buried in the Mount Pleasant cemetery in Woods Harbour NS.

OBITUARY:

Matheson, James Albert - 88, Roseway Manor, Sandy Point, Shelburne County, formerly of Woods Harbour, died April 23, 1993, in the manor. Born in Woods Harbour, he was a son of the late Albert and Mary (Trask) Matheson. He was a retired school bus driver for the Municipality of Barrington. He is survived by three sisters, Evelyn (Mrs Elwin Gray), Alberta (Mrs Laurel Vizena), both of North Bay, Ont; Tressie (Mrs Ralph Crowell), Argyle Head. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Helen Brannen; daughter, Jean; brother, William; two sisters, Marion, Roberta. Funeral will be 2 pm Friday in Wesleyan Church, Woods Harbour, Rev.Harold Bubar officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Woods Harbour. Donations may be made to any charity. Arrangements under the direction of H M Huskilson's Funeral Home, Barrington.

END

THE CHILDREN OF SAMUEL DERRICK BRANNEN (1886-1957)

2-5-68

Charles Hildebrandt Brannen (1918-2004)

Charles was born May 18, 1918, in Dorchester MA. He was the son of Samuel D. Brannen Sr. (1886-1957) and Minnie Lois Spencer (1890-1976).

In 1920 he was shown in the census as 19 months old. son of Samuel and Minnie Brannen living on Argyle Street Boston. In the 1930 census he was show as 11 living in Quincy.

He married Barbara Almena Crowell (1916-1996) November 27 1934 in Wayland. He was living in Dorchester and she in Bourne. He was a farm hand. He was age 16 she was 18 years old. They had four children.

In the 1940 US Census he is shown as a pipe layer for a concrete company. He was living at Sycamore Rd. There were 3 daughters at home Barbara (1937-1995), Beverley and Carol (1938-2001) aged four, three and two. Charles was 23 years old and Barbara 24.

Barbara died December 10, 1996, Lawndale, Los Angeles CA.

Charles married Glena Maurine Smith (1916-1996). They had two children, Raymond (1958-) and Monica (1955-),

 He died May 30, 2004, in Shafter CA. She died on October 29, 1996, in Bakersfield CA

END

2-5-69

Arthur Spencer Brannen (1919-2010)

Arthur was born December 3, 1919, in Dorchester MA. He was the son of Samuel D. Brannen (1886-1957) and Minnie Lois Spencer (C1890-1976).

He appeared in the 1920 census living on Argyle Street in Boston.

Arthur appears in the 1930 US census as a ten-year-old living with his parents and siblings in Quincy MA.

His 1941 draft card showed he was age 21.

He served in the US Navy in WWII.

The 1946 and 1948 LA County Voter Registration showed Arthur S. Brannen living at 1441 1/2 W 51st Street LA County.

He married Re-vae Jacqueline Olsen October 20, 1947, in Pierce WA.

The 1952 and 1954 LA County Voter Registration showed Arthur S. Brannen was living at 5452 W 123rd Street LA County.

He married Margaret Downey on November 28, 1962, in Carson City NV.

He died May 8, 2010, in Marion OR.

END

2-5-70

Ruth Brannen (1925-1999)

Ruth was born on August 17, 1924.in Quincy MA. She was the daughter of Samuel D. Brannen (1886-1957) and Minnie Lois Spencer 1890-1976).

She appeared in the 1930 census with her family as age five.

She married Arthur Petitpas (1915-1996) son of Gilbert Petitpas and Maude Poirer.

They had one child Denis Arthur Peitpas (1955-).

Arthur died December 15, 1996, in Martinez CA.

She died November 28, 1999, in Martinez CA.

END

2-5-71

Samuel Derrick. Brannen Jr (1929-1978)

Sam was born in March 13 1929 in Quincy MA. He was the son of Samuel D. Brannen Sr. (1886-1957) and Minnie Lois Spencer (1890-1976).

He appeared in the 1930 census as age one.

He was a good high school athlete.

There is a California marriage record for Samuel Brannen born about 1930 at age 20. He married Lillian Lorraine Bolduc (1929-2010) in Los Angeles CA on March 18 1950.

He married Paula Adele Rioux (1927-2018) in 1959 in Alameda CA on March 18, 1950. They appear to have had one child. They divorced in December 1974.

Samuel died March 18, 1978, in Alameda CA.

Lillian died in Ontario CA May 2010.

 END

THE CHILDREN OF ARTHUR WINBOURNE BRANNEN (1887-1971)

2-5-72

Herbert Allan Brannen (1911-1982)

Herbert was born August 26, 1911, in Newellton NS to Arthur Winbourne Brannen (1887-1971) and Elizabeth Edna Atkinson (1886-1973).

In 1918 he was residing with his parents in Wayland MA.

He appears in the 1921 Census at age nine.

He married Ada Saunders March 16, 1935. They had three children.

Herbert and Ada appear on the manifest of the "Boston" September 9, 1935.

The 1936 US census shows him as a chauffeur married to Ada L. and living at 352 Riverway Boston MA.

Herbert, Ada and Thelma appear on a ship's manifest September 29, 1938, going to Boston.

They settled in Newellton and he pursued a career in fishing. Ada was a schoolteacher.

After retirement they moved to Yaba City CA near their two sons.

He died in Yuba City November 27, 1982, and is buried in Sutter CA. Ada died January 23 1989 in Marysville CA.

OBITUARY

Yuba City, California, Herbert E. Brannen, 71, died Saturday, November 27, 1982, in Marysville, California. Born in Nova Scotia, he had been a resident of the city since 1975.

He was a commercial fisherman for the past 50 years. Mr. Brannen was a member of Concord Masonic Lodge of N.S. and Seaward Chapter Order of Eastern Star. He is survived by Ada Brannen, Yuba City, Calif.; sons Herbert Brannen MDM, and Warren Brannen, both Yuba City; daughters Thelma Salmas, Florida, brother Ralph Brannen, Nova Scotia; and grandsons Robert and John Brennan.

 The service was held on Sunday, December 5, 1982, at Grace Methodist, Yuba City, California with Rev. Craig Patterson and Rev. Richard Markle officiating. Services were under the direction of Hutchison and Carnes Colonel Chapel.

END

2-5-73

Ralph Samuel Brannen (1912-1995)

Ralph was born September 26, 1912, in Newellton NS to Arthur Winbourne Brannen (1887-1971) and Elizabeth Edna Atkinson (1886-1973).

Ralph was wheelchair bound for most of his life as a result of childhood polio.

In 1918 he was residing with his parents in Wayland MA.

He appears in the 1921 Census at age eight.

He appears on the voters list in 1949 as a "gentleman"

In the 1962 and 1966 voters lists show him as an “invalid"

He never married.

He lived with his mother until 1976 when he became the first resident of the Roseway Manor in Shelburne. He spent the rest of his life there.

He died in Shelburne March 26, 1995.

STORY:

by CAROLE GOULDEN

My good friend Ralph Brannen, who had been in a wheelchair practically all of his 82 years, passed away recently. A victim of polio at a very young age, many people in his condition might have been bitter - not Ralph! His sunny, cheerful disposition made him a good friend to many and an inspiration to other disabled people. Ralph lived happily, accepting his condition; his attitude was long a source of amazement. It was his unselfish giving of himself that made Ralph an inspiration to all of us. I admired him greatly.

I first met Ralph as he came through the door in October of 1976 as our very first resident the day the Manor opened. From day one Ralph made the Manor his home. He enjoyed living and life at the Manor…….. Ralph loved to socialize and for many years attended seniors council in the community, was an honorary member of the Boy Scouts of Canada, . and president of our Manor Residents Council. He was the official ' spokesperson to all visiting schools, groups and organizations to the Manor………….. He took lessons in assorted crafts and oil painting.

 Carole Gouklen is a long-time, former activities director at Roseway Manor.

Abridged

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, Ralph Samuel - 82, Roseway Manor, Sandy Point, Shelburne Co., formerly of Newellton, died March 24, 1995, in Roseway Hospital, Sandy Point. Born at Newellton, he was a son of the late Arthur W. and Elizabeth (Atkinson) Brannen. He was a member of Newellton United Baptist Church. He was predeceased by brothers, Herbert, Warren. Funeral 2 p.m. today in Newellton United Baptist Church, Pastor Robert Daw officiating. Burial in Newellton Cemetery.

2-5-74

Warren Ellsworth Brannen (1914-1938)

Warren was born December 20, 1914, in Newellton NS to Arthur Winbourne Brannen (1887-1971) and Elizabeth Edna Atkinson (1886-1973).

In 1918 he was residing with his parents in Wayland MA.

He appears in the 1921 census living with his parents in West Head at age six.

He appears as a passenger along with Archibald S. Brannen on the SS Yarmouth sailing to Boston June 14, 1936.

There is a record of Warren Brannen age 22 arriving in Gloucester Mass as part of the crew on the yacht Intrepid July 13, 1937, from Newfoundland originating in London England. He is listed as Q.M., nationality U.S.

He never married.

He was killed in a motorcycle crash in West Head NS while visiting his mother. His date of death on his stone is 1938.

He is buried in Newellton with his mother

END

2-5-75

Anna Virginia Brannen (1939-1995)

Anna was both in Brookline MA July 18, 1939, to Arthur Winbourne Brannen (1887-1971) and Frances Hastings (1905-2004). She was their only child.

She married James J. Lillis August 1, 1958, in ME. They had two children Bart Lillis and Roseann Lillis (1964-1981).

She was seriously injured in an auto accident.

She died October 9, 1995, in Eliot ME. She was 56 years old.

END

THE SIXTH GENERATION

THE CHILDREN OF INA VIOLA BRANNEN (1892-1978)

2-6-1

Harry Arthur Chetwynde Sr. (1911-1996)

Harry was born in Somerville MA March 15, 1911. He was the son of Ina Viola Brannen (1892-1978) and Harry Chetwynde (1866-1949). He appeared in the 1930 US census as 19 years old living with his parents in Duxbury MA. He was employed as a mason.

Harry married Mildred Hawkes Whiting (1915-1986) September 15, 1934, in Hanover MA.

The 1940 US census indicated he was married to Mildred They were sharing a house with his parents. There was one child, Constance, age three. He was employed as a mason. He served as a private in the US Army in WWII.

He was initiated as a Mason in the Satuit Lodge April 18, 1946, and membership suspended 31 August 31, 1960. He gave his employment as a plumber.

They had five children, Harry Arthur Jr (1935-1935), Constance Ruth born 1936, Douglas Steven (1940-2013), Kathleen (1952-1952) and Steven Barry born 1955.

Mildred passed away March 20, 1986, in Weymouth MA and is buried in Duxbury. Harry died December 23 1996 and is buried with Mildred in the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury.

STORY:

My Dad (Harry)was born in Somerville in 1911, then they went back to Novy where my uncle, Clyde, was born, then back to Mass. to have my aunt Norma. Clyde was born in the original farmhouse

From an e-mail from Connie Sargent August 2014

END

2-6-2

Clyde Howard Chetwynde (1912-1992)

Clyde was born in Centreville in the Brannen-McGray house September 7, 1912. He was the son of Ina Viola Brannen (1892-1978) and Harry Chetwynde (1866-1949)

He appeared in the 1930 US census living with his parents on Rail Road Av. in Duxbury Mass. He was not employed.

In the 1940 census he was living with his parents. He was 27. He listed his education as grade five. He was working as a labourer at odd jobs.

He married Ruth Joan Josselyn (1923-2003) in about 1948 They had four children.

His 1947 Mason card showed him as a carpenter.

He died December 11, 1992, in Orange FL and buried in Fox Hill cemetery Billerica MA. Ruth died July 13, 2003, in Orlando FL and is buried with Clyde.

STORY:

My Dad (Harry)was born in Somerville in 1911, then they went back to Novy where my uncle, Clyde, was born, then back to Mass. to have my aunt Norma. Clyde was born in the original farmhouse

From an e-mail from Connie Sargent August 2014.

END

2-6-3

Norma Viola Chetwynde (1914-2002)

Norma was born July 16 1914 in Somerville MA. She was the daughter of Ina Viola Brannen (1892-1978) and Harry Chetwynde (1866-1949)

She married William Hiram Salsman (1907-1987) about 1934 in Duxbury MA.

She appears in the 1940 US census as age 25 married to William Salsman, living Duxbury with one son William Jr. (1936-2011), age five.

In 1953 they were living in Richmond CA.

She appears to have divorced William and married Carl Cabisius (1916-1999).

Her husband William was remarried to Edna May Arnold and died February 14, 1987, in Sarasota FL.

Carl died August 26, 1999. She passed away February 18, 2002 in Farmington ME. and is buried with Carl in the Norton Centre cemetery.

END

THE CHILDREN OF JOHN BEVERLEY BRANNON (1895-1975)

Bev changed the family name to Brannon.

2-6-4

Russell Howard Brannon (1917-1999)

He was born January 22, 1917, in Liverpool NS. His legal name at birth was Brannen. The family changed the spelling to Brannon when he was a child. He did not realize the correct spelling until he applied for a radio license. He was the oldest son of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

He appeared in the New York State 1925 census as living in Schenectady. He was shown as age eight.

June 18, 1935, he was listed as age 19. He was Second engineer on C/S Plauntia arriving at Gloucester MA from White Haven NS he was listed as 5'10" and 185 pounds.  December 28, 1935, he sailed to Glouchester MA from Halifax NS on the Playmayd using his father, John’s, name. He declared he was 38 years old. He was actually 18 years old at the time. Russell Brannon was listed as Assistant Engineer on the Playmayd sailing from Canso NS to Boston MA September 5th, 1936. He indicated his length of service at sea was 2 years.

He married Pauline Eleanor Lutley (1920-2000) August 23 1941 at Dartmouth NS. They had five children.

He served in Canadian Army duringWW2

The 1945 voters list shows him and Mrs. Russell Brannon at Albro Lake Road. He is listed as a soldier. They were living with his parents.

The 1953 voters list has him and his wife living at 93 Windmill Rd and working as a painter. In the 1957 voters list he and Pauline were living at 66 Russell Street. He was employed as a painter. The 1962 list has him and Mrs. Russell at 66 Russell, and he was employed as a technician. In 1968 Russell, and his wife and Russell F. appear on the voters list living on Russell St. He is listed as a mechanic and Russell F. a musician. The 1972 voter’s lists him and Mrs. Brannon living at 16 Lawson Av. He was listed as a parts manager.

He died June 24, 1999, in Dartmouth and is buried there. Pauline died six months later January 13 2000 and is buried with Russell.

STORY:

From an e-mail from Russ Brannon, Russell’s son August 2018

USA as a boy.(As told to me both by Russell H and his dad John B.) - During the family’s USA years his dad John Beverley (John B) was injured on the job in a locomotive factory, which demanded that Russell, still in school, take a job selling newspapers in the city. This meant that his day started between 2-3am. He would take public transportation to “his” corner where the papers were dropped by truck. Selling until it was time to go back on the bus or train to school. After school it was home to dinner, and in bed by 6PM. Dad told me he often had to fight to keep his newspaper corner. Other boys challenged him for it, fighting became all too common, and he became a pretty tough character as a result. John Beverley told me this story; One evening around 7, a person knocked at the door. John B answered.  This guy said dad had beat up his younger brother at the corner that morning (trying to take dads corner, of course). John B woke dad up and said; there is someone at the door to talk to you. Dad went outside with him, a fight broke out, beat the guy up, and went back to bed. John B. was a hard man, and this tough upbringing in tough times was not without negative impact on Russell H during his life. Weightlifting and wrestling. Starting in his early 20’s, Russell became an avid bodybuilder and weightlifter. I believe he belonged to a club and competed in events including weightlifting. Some of his winning lifts were not bettered for many years. I assume it was a Maritime provinces thing. (I have photos showing him posing, as well as lifting of a pair of train wheels and axel over his head.)

He toured around the Maritimes with a troupe of wrestlers to make extra money. He told me the matches weren’t always “rigged” and in the serious matches he/they received plenty of injuries. He had a bad knee from this, I think prevented oversea service during the war.

END

2-6-5

Catherine Mae Brannon (1918-1991)

Mae was born in Liverpool NS November 5 1918. Her legal name at the time of birth was Brannen later the family took the spelling as Brannon.  She was the daughter of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

She married John William Gray (1909-1994) March 15 1940. He was from Sambro NS. He was a fisherman from age nine until his retirement at age 75.

They had seven children:

Anne Elizabeth (1941-)

Dorothy Irene (1943-1975)

Robert Earle (1944-1995)

Donald William (1948-1972)

Terry Dean (1955-)

Bruce Miles (1957-)

 William John Jr. (1961)

She passed away June 22 1991 at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax.

STORY:

Excerpted from a letter from Russell Brannon dated March 1 1995

.......It was while we were living Saugus that my father started getting bills addressed to him from people he didn't know. When he didn't reply to them, he began getting threatening letters from lawyers and collection agencies. It got so bad that he decided to do something about it. In the Boston telephone directory there were more than 50 J.B.Brannen's listed . Obviously this mail was being sent to the wrong J.B.Brannen. My father, at that time changed the spelling to Brannon. So that is how the name change came about. It was not done legally.

STORY:

The following is an e-mail from Bruce Gray August 2018:

Catherine Mae Brannon, born 5 Nov 1918 in Liverpool, NS.

She passed away 22 June 1991 in the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS.

She was cremated and her ashes were spread over the harbour in Sambro, NS.

She married John William Gray in Stairs Memorial United Church at 44 Hester Street, Dartmouth, NS.

(Wedding book) Whether they did not see the book to sign or were not there, I do not know. The only sibling to sign the book was her brother James (Jim). Also, my grandparents.

I would say that over 90 percent of the people who signed the book were from Sambro and had made the trek to Dartmouth. A lot of my dad’s cousins, siblings, and aunts and uncles.

Of the others, that were probably my moms friends, ……

END

\

2-6-6

James Beverley Brannon (1920-1991)

James was born September 18 1920 in Milton NS. His legal name at the time of birth was Brannen later the family took the spelling as Brannon. He was the son of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

He married Junice Florence (1923-?) July 30 1942 Saint John NB. They had six children.

There is a James B. Brannon and Mrs. James B. on the 1949 voters list for Graham’s Corner NS. He was a woodworker. The 1962 voters list shows James Brannon and Junice living at 35 Main Street in Dartmouth. He was listed as a carpenter. In the 1974 voters list James Brannon is listed as a motel manager in Chester NS.

He divorced Junice sometime before 1972.

He married Jean Cooke on October 31 1976. He called her Cookie. She had been married before and divorced.

He died at age 70, July 1991 in the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. He was cremated. He was living at 1 Farthington Place in Dartmouth.

STORY:

James Beverly married Jean Cooke, October 30 or 31, 1976 (I will verify). I'm sure it cut my trick-or-treating short, but I got to have cake so that sort of made up for it. He was very much in love with her, called her Cookie. She may still be alive, she never really warmed up to being a step-mother, or grandmother, so I've had no contact with her since before he passed. My Grampy didn't have a funeral when he died, he didn't want one. When I was getting married, the reverend told me that Jean held a funeral for him several months afterwards, none of his children or grandchildren were told. The reverend was surprised that he had such a large family; perhaps Jean implied it. She wouldn't allow us to call her Nanny, or Jean, or Nanny Jean, or Mrs. Brannon so we simply avoided using her name at all when speaking to her. I think my Grampy had a 'type' when it came to women. He was really a terrific grandfather, a strict father for certain, but a very warm and loving grandfather. I'm not sure when he divorced June, but I think it was before I was born.

James and June had '6' kids. But I know June was married (I have a copy of the license) and divorced before she married my Grampy, and I'm positive she had my Aunt Carolynn before they were married (no proof)  Carolynne's father would be a man with the last name Herriman in New Brunswick. Lots of drama with June Brannon.

From an e-mail to Bruce Brannen from Stacy Tancock White Granddaughter April 12 2016.

END

2-6-7

Reginald Heber Brannon (1922-2015)

Reg was born in Milton on October 2 1922. He was the son of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

He married Mitilda (Tilly) Pooley (1922-1997) in Southwark, London England March 12 1944. She was a war bride. They had one child Dianne Christine born in 1946.

The 1949 voters list has him living with Mrs. Reg at Albro Lake and working as a labourer also at Albro Lake were brothers Russell and James.

They had divorced by the late 1950’s.

The 1972 voters list shows Reginald H. Brannon as a foreman living at 204 Caledonia Rd in Dartmouth with his parents. Reg H. Brannon appears in 1996,7,8,9 2000 and 2002 telephone directories living at 17 Colin Court Amherst NS

In 1972 he moved to Ontario and married Junice Florence Sohlberg-Brannon (1923-2013). She was his brother James’ divorced wife.

He died July 31, 2015, in Halifax

STORY:

Reginald Brannon and Tilly Pooley married May 12, 1944, London, UK; one child, Dianne Christine Brannon (Crabtree), May 20, 1946, also London. He was the camera buff (there seems to be a lot of them in the Brannen/Brannon clan). He used to take all of our portraits when we were young children before we started school. I only have a clip of the on-line obituary for him; as far as I know it was the only one released for him. I always assumed his first wife passed away, but I honestly don't know. Dianne was married and living in Hamilton, ON, in 1979. I believe she was divorced, or almost divorced, no children. I know that she and Reg had a falling out and they weren't on speaking terms and hadn't been for quite some time when he passed. He was missing parts of three or four fingers, saw mill accident, I think. He used to crochet and paint as well; my mom has/had a painting of his. After the divorce of Jim and June, Reg moved to Hamilton, ON, with her and they married - I think it was November of 1977, …

From an e-mail to Bruce Brannen from Stacy Tancock White April 12 2016

STORY

That same winter (about 1930) Reg and I were allowed to cross the Main Street to go sledding down a big hill the scheme was for me to jump on his back after he started. He ran out between two parked cars did a belly flop and we were on the sled. Immediately we were run over by a Model T Ford with no doors or windows. When the car stopped it had already passed the front wheel over Reg’s stomach. A second man in the front seat leaned out grabbed Reg by his jacket and pulled him onto his lap. He yelled at me go tell my mother we are going to the hospital. I do not remember anymore.

From unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

END

2-5-8

Earle Fredrick Brannon (1925-2017)

Earle was born November 18, 1925, in Roxbury MA. He was the son of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

He appears in the 1930 US census in Everett MA living with his family.

He always spelled his name Brannon.

Earle was in the Canadian Air Force as a paratrooper during WWII.

He married Elvina Lucy Schnare (1930-2009) October 22, 1953. They had four children. Janet Lee, Kelvin, Karen and Phillip.

The 1957 and 1962 and 1965 and 1968 voter’s lists had he and his wife living on Munro Ave. Pictou NS and working as a clerk

He died in Halifax NS August 17, 2017.

STORY:

Earle left a hand-written scribbler of stories of his youth titled The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon. The following are edited extracts from a transcription:

Due to a hurried departure to Canada, my mother hastily filled out a declaration naming all eight of her children. In her haste she reversed my first and second names.

We lived in a number of towns around Boston, Woburn, Somerville Everett, and finally Seagus.about this time I realized why we moved so much in the Boston area; the depression was in full swing and I suspect that we were evicted because we could not pay rent so the final move to Saugus brought us closer to Nova Scotia.

During each summer my dad would shave all of the boy’s heads. Lice were a big problem. When school started out came the fine-tooth comb.

The Aucoin grocery store was two blocks up and one block left. Reg had part time work there in summers and weekends. I got in on it by helping him pack potatoes. It was an undercover job. Lift the trap door, down the ladder to the cellar, open jute bags, pick out good potatoes, pack into half peck and peck paper bags, pass up through trap door to store. By the way, rotten potatoes stink and so did the basement of store on Ballard Street.

Around 1931 the four boys slept in the attic. It had only one small window. Russell had it made. He was working and had bought himself a cot. He slept on one side of the attic the rest of us Jim, Reg and me the other. The group of three slept on two homemade saw horses 6 feet long covered by a layer of planks covered by a four-inch mattress 3 flower bag stuffed with rags for pillows. Normally we were satisfied, but the mid summer heat of the day made the attic unbearable.

A constant reminder of the depression was the delivery of milk and graham crackers to every child in the school system. Lots of them were skinnier than me. At 10 a.m. every morning classes stopped for a break and a half pint of milk and two graham crackers were given to all students in the school. 10:15 it was back to school work.

School was out. Dad arrives home with a new used car. A Chrysler coupe with rumble seat. All the boys were excited dad shows features and explains how things work. Electric start no crank, back seat and a rumble seat for three or more. Roll down windows and fold down front seats and four new tires no spare and two running boards and one expanding luggage rack for driver’s side. Once in place drivers had to use passenger door. Seating plan was dad on left mom on right, Earl and 5 gal can between them I could barely see the road or the passengers. May Gladys Eleanor Barbara in the backseat. Russell, James and Reginald in the rumble seat with no roof. Baby Dorothy held by the girls except at feeding time in front seat. Johnny missed that trip and joined the motley crew about 5 years later at 8 p.m. Elmwood Avenue Dartmouth

Departure US to Canada: Pre boarding; All belongings except daily necessities were packed in barrels to be shipped to Dartmouth when money became available. Other than the clothes you wore there were two suitcases of spare clothes held on the left running board by an expanding gate. 6 p.m. Friday dad arrives home from work has a sandwich with the car all gassed up ready to go and off we went. Into the wild blue yonder. As a storm bore down and blue turned to black followed by wind and rain thunder and lightning.

Only half an hour on the road lightning struck the chimney of a house on our right. The storms stayed with us and the rain kept coming visibility was poor windows steamed up, dad ended up on the wrong road. What fun. Dad saw a side road and pulled in to check maps. We were well off base. He yelled to the boys in the back to watch, he was going to back up and turn. “Stop! Stop!” came from the rumble seat. Stop we did and none too soon. Dad got out in the rain. The boys turned on their flashlights which showed the black tires about 4 feet from the edge of a deep gravel pit. Dad got back in and drove to the right highway.

By 10 p.m., more or less the storm left; leaving 10 people in a hot stuffy car with windows open to catch some air. By 12 p.m. The stars were out dad saw a telephone pole in a clearing and backed in off the road. Everybody out; mom with face cloth and towels. Dad and Russell set up the tent. Jim and Reg were told to put rocks behind the wheels so the car would not move. Drinks and a cookie for all then into the tent with two blankets no pillows nobody cared. At 2 a.m. The front seats in the car were folded down so Mom and Dad could get some rest as well. The attack of the mosquitoes. Less than an hour later everyone was back in the car. Tent down boys in the rumble seas. Dad put the car in gear but it would not move. He yelled back to the boys, did you take the rocks away from the wheels? All Hands yelled back “Yes!” . Dad went back to see what could be wrong. Guess what? Dad found the car bumper held to the lamp post with the cars tire chains. Why? Reg said, you told us you didn't want the car to roll away. Dad could not deny that and off we went to the new dawn.

Well dad drove through the mountains of Maine and into New Brunswick while the rest of us slept. We did not wake until we reached Nova Scotia. We proceeded to on to Aunt’s Eva house on Fairbanks Street in Dartmouth. About half a mile from the McDonald Bridge present location the whole trip took 24 hours.

When we first saw aunt Eva’s house a crowd of kids had gathered to see the arrival of the Yankees

Aunt Eva had three daughters Ruth, Jean and Marjorie, and two sons named Cecil and Chester. Her husband, Arthur, was away at sea. The women and girls shared beds. The four boys slept on the floor on hooked rugs fully clothed with a blanket or sheet for cover. No trouble sleeping. Dad left Sunday, 6 a.m. To go back to Boston to make money for rent. A small 20 x 20, one story house became available to Aunt Eva’s relief.

The ground floor of the new house really was level with the ground. There was no furniture; Russell and Jim got some scrap lumber for a table we sat on egg crates with tops knocked out. Park School was less than a half a mile away. The Dartmouth Arrows ball team played next to the school. Ruth and Jean went to the games and the team followed them home to Eva's. Aunt Eva supplied sandwiches and drinks. After hearing about this woman with 8 kids they showed up on Saturday and built a table, chairs and bed frames out of the boxes and crates and scrap lumber.

By the time school started some barrels arrived by train from Boston. Dishes knives. Forks, spoons, clothes and blankets. Life got a little easier.

At Greenville high the math teacher in her wisdom spent the first month reviewing last year's work. A real devoted teacher, she told me I was a month behind but if I would stay after class till 5 p.m. She would bring me up to snuff. I did and she did, and finally she told me to teach the others with the same problems. All under her supervision. I was not actually teaching but that allowed her to oversee four or five students at the same time. At the end of grade 11 she said I should go to normal college in Truro. It would cost $200 per year. Of course, I had no money and my parents had no money. In fact, they never had a bank account. Money in, money out.

There would be no money for college or grade 12. Work with pay for me started at 16. That winter was long and snowy. My first wage was shoveling snow for CNR Halifax yards. 50 cents an hour or $4 a day and all the blisters you could stand. At the end of the second day my cotton gloves were worn out. The forman handed me my pay and said “You have blisters don't come back for 2 days and get better gloves. “I worked at that, but not for long.

I the got. a junior position as ‘go-fer’ at the naval armament depot, HMC Dockyard, jetty 4. I did messenger delivery and pickups. Being war time, I advanced rapidly and at 17 years of age I became responsible for all shipments of all armament of 26-inch cannons. First, I had to appear before the naval commander of the armament depot. His office was as big as the house I now live in. He said, “Christ how old are you?” With warnings of dire punishment, I was off and the serious part began. I was paid $50 per week plus $25 for night shift of 5 hours. Almost double what my father was earning as painter for Bella Buses in Dartmouth.

A few months later I turned 18 so I joined the RCAF hoping I could get pilot training. 6 months later the war in Europe had taken a turn for the better. Pilot training was cut off. I trained for wireless and then passed over to the army in Newmarket Ontario from there I escaped to Shilo Manitoba and paratrooper training I finally got to fly but one way only.

Edited from the unpublished The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

OBITUARY:

Jun 2, 2009 The Chronicle Herald

BRANNON (Schnare), Elvina Lucy "Ellie"— Munroe Avenue Ext., New Glasgow, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2009, in Valley View Villa in Riverton. Born in Black Point, she was the daughter of the late Maxwell and Winnifred Schnare and the wife of Earle F. Brannon, her loving husband of 56 years. Ellie served in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Radar Installation Base in Barrie, Ont. for the two years prior to her marriage to Earle. She also gave 15 years of dedicated employment service at Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, caring for the infirm and the elderly. Ellie was a member of St. George's Anglican Church, New Glasgow; the St. George's Anglican Church Women; and the Westville Heritage Group. As well, she was an active member of her community, serving the St. John's Ambulance for 25 years. She participated in Big Sisters, was a volunteer at the 1987 Canada Games in Cape Breton, and she delivered Meals on Wheels for 15 years. Ellie had also received awards from the Canadian Red Cross for her many blood donations. Ellie enjoyed a busy social life. She and Earle made many friends during the years they square danced with Square Eights, the Trenton Twirlers and round danced with the Min-u-Ettes. Ellie liked ice skating, cross-country skiing, swimming, canoeing, walking and she was an avid bowler. Ellie is survived by her husband, Earle; her children, Janet Lee Brannon (Joel Fichaud), Halifax; Kelvin (Peggy) Brannon, Churchville; Karen (Allen) King, Kamloops, B.C.; Philip (Cathy) Brannon, Lower Sackville; her grandchildren, Hannah Lawrie, Melanie, Scott and Evan Brannon, Shannon and Sean King, Kellsie and Jenna Brannon; and her great-grandchildren, Ava Grace and Rylin Faith Brannon; her sisters, June Schnare and Heather Garbett, both of Seaforth; her brothers, Lloyd Schnare of Sarnia, Ont.; Arthur Schnare of Porter's Lake. She was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Giddens (Jackson, Miss), and her brother Lorne Schnare ( Seaforth). Ellie's family extends a very special thank you to the staff of Valley View Villa who took such good care of her during the last few years of her life. Cremation has taken place. At the request of the deceased

END

2-6-9

Eleanor Joycelyn Brannon (1927-2022)

Eleanor was born in Roxbury MA, May 19, 1927. She was the daughter of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

She married MacKenzie Emery Greenough (1920-1954). They had two children Roger William born1946 and Ronald Arthurborn born 1948. Her husband died August 21, 1954, when he drowned in Albro lake in Dartmouth while fishing. He couldn't swim.

She married Michael Wakaluk (1922-1985, a native of Ukraine on August 1 1959 He was an assembler at General Motors in Oshawa. They had three children. Michael Jr born 1959, Mary Bonita born 1962, and John born 1965.

They appear on Oshawa voter rolls in 1962,1963,1965 and 1972.

He died December 2, 1985, in Oshawa ON and is buried in St Woloymr cemetery.

She passed on July 29, 2022, after suffering for several years with dementia.

OBITUARY:

Born May 19, 1927, sixth of 10 children of which she was the last. She passed on July 29, 2022, after suffering for several years with dementia. She was predeceased by her husbands Mackenzie Greenough and Mike Wakaluk, her daughter Mary Bonita Wakaluk, son Michael Wakaluk and great-great-granddaughter Leah Rose Guida. She is survived by her sons Roger Greenough (Crystal, Deedee, Cindy), Ron Greenough (Vicki, Lynda) and John Wakaluk (Debbie) as well as eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

STORY:

…. We moved again, this time to Everett, Massachusetts, which was a fair-sized city. Of course, we took some of the local inhabitants along - the bedbugs and cockroaches.  It was there that my sister, Eleanor, had a serious accident. She was playing on the second-floor balcony with some other children and was either pushed or fell to the pavement below, splitting her skull from over the left eye back to the nape of her neck.

The doctors didn't hold out much hope. After weeks in the hospital, she came home. She did not seem to know anyone. We would talk to her, but she didn't seem to recognize us. She never said a single word, so we accepted the thought that she would be a mute because of the damage to her head. About a month after that, she suddenly began to talk and knew everyone. It was a very happy day for the whole   family.….

Russell Brannon, Eleanor’s brother in a letter to Bruce Brannen

STORY:

….That winter 1930-31 we lived in a two story house with a wooden fire escape in back. We children were playing on the steps eating icicles Eleanor pulled on a large one and when its snapped off she fell about 8 to 10 feet hitting her head on a sawhorse knocking her out. We told mom she called for an ambulance that took her to the hospital. The only damage was slurred speech and slow speaking….

Edited from unpublished material The Life & Times of Earle Frederick Brannon

STORY:

Eleanor’s first husband was called "Max". He drowned in Albro lake in Dartmouth while fishing - couldn't swim

An e-mail from Russ Brannon a nephew of Eleanor.

END

2-6-10

Gladys Evelyn Brannon (1929-2004)

Gladys was born in Everett MA March 12, 1929. She was the daughter of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

She married Theodore Tancock (1926-1977) in Dartmouth July 18, 1947. They had four children, George T. born in 1948, Allen Barry born in 1952, Michael D. (1956-2016) and Stephen born in 1963.

Ted had a career in the Canadian Navy.

The 1957 voter’s list showed them sharing accommodation with her sister Dorthy and her husband Ambrose Keeping

Theodore died June 27, 1977, in Dartmouth. She died in Halifax March 2, 2004.

END

2-6-11

Barbara Jean Brannon (1930-1992)

Barbara was born in Everett MA October 4, 1930. She was the daughter of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985).

She married Douglas Patrick Chapman (1926-1998) August 9 1950. He was the son of James L. Chapman and Temyson A. Kenny.

They had six children:

Catherine Jean (1951-)

John Douglas (1952-)

Wendy Mae (1955-)

Gail Marie (1956-)

Deborah Anne (1958-)

Constance Lynn (1965-)

Both died in Sudbury, Barbara Jean December 2, 1992, and Douglas six years later December 31 1998.

END

2-6-12

Dorothy Irene Brannon 1933-1997

Dorothy was born in Saugus MA April 8, 1933. She was the daughter of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985). It is likely she was registered as Brannon at birth.

Dorothy married Ambrose Howard Keeping (1930-2003) July 7, 1956, in Dartmouth. He was the son of John Keeping and Edna Durnford, they had three children: Joyce, Cheryl and John.

The 1957 Halifax voters’ list showed them sharing accommodation with her sister Gladys and her husband Theodore Tancock.

Dorothy and Amos divorced before the children were grown and she raised them as a single mother. She never remarried.

She was able to government supported job training ang find a stable career in government until retirement.

She died November 19, 1997, in Dartmouth.

Amos died January 7, 2003, at the Victoria General and is buried in the Dartmouth Memorial Gardens.

STORY:

A e-mail from Bev McKee niece 2020.

I have the old family history that was actually done by Dorothy. She listed her spouse as Ambrose Howard Keeping, born August 7, 1930, place of birth Parsons Harbour, Nfld., married July 8, 1956. The names of children in the obit match up with Dorothy’s record on her own page in this booklet she composed. The remaining spouse must be a remarriage, and I know Dorothy was only in her late 30’s/early 40”s when they split up which might explain that is why she wasn’t mentioned, so long ago. She went on to receive training from the EI program and was able to get a Federal Gov’t. job from which she retired with pension.

END

STORY:

Excerpted from a letter from Russell Brannon dated March 1 1995:

.......It was while we were living Saugus that my father started getting bills addressed to him from people he didn't know. When he didn't reply to them, he began getting threatening letters from lawyers and collection agencies. It got so bad that he decided to do something about it. In the Boston telephone directory there were more than 50 J.B.Brannens listed . Obviously this mail was being sent to the wrong J.B.Brannen. My father, at that time changed the spelling to Brannon. So that is how the name change came about. It was not done legally.

OBITUARY:

Ambrose Howard 'Amos" - 72, Dartmouth. passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2003 in the VG Site. 0E11. Born August 7. 1930 in Harbour Breton, Newfoundland, he was a son of the late John and Edna (Durnfold) Keeping Antos enjoyed retired We for the last 15 years with his late wife Joan at their home in Port Phillip, Cumberland County. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially enjoying fishing and hunting. Amos is survived by daughters. Joyce Keeping, Halifax: Cheryl (Calvin) Smith, Dartmouth: son. John (Janice) Keeping. Dartmouth: brother, Jack (Mildred) Keeping. Dartmouth: grandchildren. Steven, Paul, Courtney. David. Karla. Mack.

END

2-6-13

John Harris Brannon (1936-2016)

Johnny was born in Dartmouth NS July 24, 1936, on Elmwood Av. He was the youngest child of John Beverley (Bev) Brannen (1895-1975) and Mildred McLeod (1897-1985). His birth was registered as Brannon. He was born after the family returned to Canada and settled in Dartmouth.

He married Joan Marie Marks (1938-) October 10, 1958, in Dartmouth NS. He built a home next door to his parents on Caledonia Rd. Dartmouth. They had one child Timothy Robert in 1961.

The 1972 voters list shows him and Mrs. John a housewife living at 20 Caledonia Rd Dartmouth next door to his parents. He was a pipefitter.

In the years 1995-6-7-8-9 and 2002 he was listed in the phone directory at 902-434-1041 at 200 Caledonia Rd

He passed away April 17, 2016, in Dartmouth and is buried in the Dartmouth Memorial Gardens.

OBITUARY:

Brannon, John Harris '96 age 79 of Dartmouth passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Dartmouth on July 24, 1936 to the late John and Mildred (McLeod) Brannon. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan (Marks); son, Timothy (Carol), Sudbury, Ont.; grandchildren, Nicole and Lisa; brother, Earle, Halifax ; sister, Eleanor Wakaluk, Oshawa. He is predeceased by brothers, Russell, James, Reginald; sisters, Catherine, Gladys, Barbara and Dorothy. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9pm Thursday, April 21 with a funeral service 10am Friday April 22 both in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main Street Dartmouth. Burial in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home.

END

THE CHILDRED OF CASSIE EDNA BRANNEN (1898-1989)

Edna and Kenneth had ten children all except their daughter Carolyn lived to maturity. Carolyn Mae (1935-1946) died of diphtheria at age eleven.

2-6-14

Evelyn Pauline Smith (1919-1998)

Evelyn was the first-born child of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). She married Paul Thomas Perry (1919-1980) of Clark’s Harbour on December 19, 1942. He was a WWII soldier. They had one child: Ralph, born 1946.

Paul died January 27, 1980, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital and is buried in the Centreville Cemetery. Evelyn died January 29 1998 at the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne NS

OBITUARY:

PERRY, Evelyn Pauline - 78, Barrington Passage, Shelburne Co., died January 29, 1998, in Roseway Hospital, Sandy Point. Born in Newellton, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Edna (Brannen) Smith. She was a member of the United Baptist Church, Newellton. Surviving are son, Ralph, Miami, Fla.; brothers, Noble, Newellton; Frank, New Brunswick; Keith, Prince Edward Island; sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Smith, Clarks Harbour; Mrs. Mildred Blades, Greta (Mrs. Norman Stoddart), Lower Clarks Harbour; three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul; brothers, Eldridge, Frederick; sister, Caroline. Visitation 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today, funeral 2 p.m. Sunday, both in H. Huskilson's Funeral Home and chapel, Barrington, Rev. Don Scheel officiating. Burial in Centreville Cemetery. Donations to any charity.

END

2-6-15

Myrtle Isobel Smith (1921-2023)

Myrtle was the second child of born child of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). She was born July 6, 1921. She was named for her aunt and ended up with the nick name “Little Myrt”. She married Arthur Albert Smith (1915-1989) in Yarmouth NS November 20 1943. .He was the son of Elias Austin Smith (1890-1928) and Lula Pearl Huskins (1895-1960). He injured his foot as a child and was unable to walk normally, as a result he did not qualify for war time service. At the time of her marriage she was working at the Grand Hotel in Yarmouth.

She was living and working in Nictaux NS when their first child Marina was born in 1944. Arthur was working in Saint John NB. She later moved to Saint John but around 1946 they returned to Cape Sable Island and lived for a time with her parents.

Arthur did many jobs, fishing, working in fish processing plants, house painting and carpentry. At an early age he went to work for Albert (Shorty) Swim. As a result of his injury he always walked with a limp.

Myrtle did housework for a number of people.

They lived near the Swim’s Point Road in Lower Clark’s Harbour for many years.

In 1960 they had a second child, a son, Grant.

Arthur passed away April 26 1989 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Lower Clark’s Harbour.

OBITUARY:

SMITH, Myrtle Isabel – In her 102nd year, our Mom, Myrtle Isabel Smith, entered her heavenly home on January 23, 2023. Born on July 6, 1921 to the late Kenneth and Edna (Brannen) Smith of Newellton, she spent most of her life in Clark’s Harbour. For the past 10 years Mom was cared for briefly at Surf Lodge in Lockeport, and then at Bay Side Home in Barrington. From her early teen years, Mom was a conscientious, hard-working live-in housekeeper, in homes from Clark’s Harbour to Newellton, in Lockeport, and in the Annapolis Valley. Faithful to her Lord and Saviour, and among her services to Him, she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. At family gatherings her cloverleaf rolls and special 3-layer cakes were always in demand. To her grandchildren she was affectionately known as ‘Granny Apple’ (from Granny Smith apples). Predeceased by her husband, Arthur Smith; she is survived by her daughter, Marina (Ozzie) Mugford; son Grant Smith; grandchildren Wanda (John) Tedford, Randy (Nathalie) Mugford, Cheyenne Smith, and Shane Smith; 6 great-grandchildren in the Tedford family (Caleb, Rachel, Timothy, Matthew, Sarah, Phoebe); and 2 great-great-grandchildren (Khaleesia and Jack). Mom is also survived by sisters-in-law, Hazel Smith, Olive Smith, Mary Smith, Ruth Smith, and Patsy Smith. The last surviving member in her family, Mryt was predeceased by brothers, Keith, Frank, Noble, Eldridge, Frederick; sisters Evelyn (Perry), Mildred (Blades), Greta (Stoddart), and Carolyn. She is also predeceased by, and joined in Heaven with, her first great-great-granddaughter Raelyne. At Mom’s request, there will be a Graveside Service, at Evergreen Cemetery, Lr. Clark’s Harbour, on January 27 at 2 pm.

END

2-6-16

Keith Preston Smith (1923-2014)

Keith was born on Cape Sable Island April 30 1923. He was the son of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956).

He was a fisherman. In 1953 he moved to North Rustico PEI because of the fishing opportunities. His brother Eldridge joined him there in 1955 and they worked together for two or three years.

He married Hazel Dorion (1937-) June 30 1956. She was from PEI. They had a home built there and raised four children: Nadine, Wendy, Brenton and Laura.  

When he got older, he moved into Charlottetown PEI.

He died in 2014. He is buried in Floral Hills cemetery.

STORY:

In 1953 Keith Smith moved to PEI Came looking for a place to fish 1955 Married Hazel Doiron from North Rustico (housewife)I believe she was 12 or 14 years younger than Keith? Keith's children Nadine the oldest , Wendy (Laura the youngest) & Brent Keith had a house Built in North Rustico Lived there for many years Then moved into an added addition to Laura's home near Charlottetown in the last few years Keith lived Hazel still lives there All Keith's children live on PEI Keith is buried in Floral Hills cemetery Keith Died as a result of a fall

An excerpt from an e-mail from Mary Pineau Smith, sister-in-law 2019

END

2-6-17

Mildred Ruth Smith (1925-1989)

Mildred was born September 19 1925 in Newellton NS. She was the fourth child of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). She married Clifford Blades (1925-1994). They had two boys, Kent and Wylie.

She was very active in the community and loved to write poetry.

Mildred died January 29 1989 at the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne.

Clifford died March 1 1994 and is buried with Mildred in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lower Clark’s Harbour.

STORY:

The Then & The NOW

By Mildred Ruth Blades, Lower Clark’s Harbour

Written by request July, 1999

For the 50th Anniversary, 1999 Causeway Celebrations

Our transportation in yester years

Was a far cry from the now.

If we wanted to leave our island

We paid 10 cents on the "Joseph Howe.

But 10 cents each for a large family

Was a lot of money in that day,

And if we couldn't afford it

We learned to find another way.

As children we were curious

To see the other side,

When we went to visit relatives

Our cruise was a fishing boat ride.

My first ferry voyage in February '39

Was not what I'd hoped it would be,

But an emergency trip to Yarmouth

Where I left my appendix, you see.

we started in Dr. Corbett's Oldsmobile

Just as the sun was setting.

The road had thawed and frozen again

And there was cause for fretting.

We hit a rut in North East Point

Which added to our plight.

There we were with a broken spring

And no sign of help in sight.

They put me on the ferry

When they searched for another car.

I counted the blasts of the whistle

Till four times we had crossed the bar.

I laid on the narrow passenger bench

With an ice pack on my side

The old ferry creaked and shook

And bumped the pier because of strong tide.

The crew of the Joseph Howe

Were as kind as they could be.

When I saw George Murphy in his taxi

A ray of hope sprang up in me.

The narrow, icy, unpaved highway

Was very dark, no lights in sight,

And it seemed that only a miracle

Would bring us to Yarmouth that night.

My father talked continuously

To keep me from despair.

He said, “when you see the iron horse,

You'll know we're almost there.”

We arrived at three in the morning,

Dr. Corbett operated without delay.

Had he not been a good doctor

I surely would not be here today.

I've never forgotten the dedication

Of those who so unselfishly cared for me,

But what if on our island that night

There had been another emergency?

No matter what the circumstance,

Whatever ill betide,

If not there before the last whistle blew

We sent the night on the opposite side.

Ten years later in '49

Our journey brought much joy.

We came bumping across the rocky causeway

With a bouncing baby boy.

There were many years of anxious waiting

Some feared the tide would wash it away.

Yet it still stands firm through all the storms,

And we hope it's there to stay.

I have not told this story,

 To draw attention to me.

But to help us reflect and be grateful

That it's not like it used to be.

OBITUARY:

BLADES, Mildred Ruth, of Lower Clark's Harbour, Shelburne Co., passed away at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne on Thursday, October 13th, 2016. This wonderful woman will be greatly missed by her loving and devoted family. She is the daughter of Cassie Edna (Brannen 1898-1989) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956) and grew up in Newellton by the creek. She is survived by her two sons: Kent & Cathy of Lower Clark's Harbour and Wylie & Lynne of Barrington?; her three grandsons Josh & Clarissa of Toronto, Matt & Kiline of Toronto and Andrew & Christina of Centreville; brother Noble (Olive) Smith of Newellton; sister Myrtle (Arthur) Smith of Bay Side Home; brother-in-law Norman (Greta) Stoddard of Lower Clark's Harbour, sisters-in-law Mary (Eldridge) Smith of PEI; Hazel (Keith) Smith of PEI; Ruth (Freddie) Smith of Newellton; her very special friend George Wickens of Centreville; and many extended family members. She is predeceased by her husband Clifford Blades; sisters Evelyn (Paul) Perry, Greta (Norman) Stoddard, Carolyn Smith, brothers, Keith (Hazel), Frank (Lorraine), Eldridge (Mary), and Freddie (Ruth). She has been a lifelong supporter of the Women's Missionary Society and attended the Stoney Island Baptist Church and the South Side Baptist Church until recently when her health wouldn't allow her to attend. She has taught Sunday School for many years, cooked at Camp Jordan, worked in Junior Church, Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, and knit hundreds of teddy bears for the Christmas Shoe Boxes that go overseas to children in need. In addition to her church work, she has always supported The Legion and the brave veterans who willingly put their life on the line for our freedom. This has always been dear to her heart as Clifford was also a Veteran. She has been a volunteer knitter for the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, knitting teddy bears and hundreds of little finger puppets for the lab to give to children. She has written many poems and was a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets. She was skilled in writing poems of deep thought and inspiration, as well as capturing and reflecting humorous and poignant family and community events. We all enjoyed her weekly poetry column, "Precious Promises" in The Guardian newspaper. She has been a member and supported the Evergreen Cemetery Club of Lower Clark's Harbour for decades, serving as Secretary and then President for many years. She was a hard worker, starting her fulltime employment as housekeeper at the tender age of 14. She later worked at Sable Fish Packers, and after years of working on fish, she turned her entrepreneurial skills into creating and running the Canteen where she retired in 1987. Mildred was an avid Blue Jays fan and spent many an evening routing for them and then reviewing play by play with George during their hours of conversation on the phone every evening. She so enjoyed all those wonderful times. She even got to enjoy a couple of Blue Jays games in person when visiting her grandsons in Toronto. She considered herself a lucky woman! There will be a visitation held Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at the H.M. Huskilson's Funeral Home, Barrington, where the funeral service will talk place on Sunday, October 16, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Shaun Hatfield officiating. Interment to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Lower Clark's Harbour. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stoney Island Baptist Church or the South Side United Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the nurses and care providers that offered such great care and compassion during her recent illness: Home Care (Coleen Lewis & the Home Support Workers), both Yarmouth & Roseway Hospital doctors & nurses, with a special recognition for George MacDonald, NP, and the Roseway Hospital nurses. Your kindness and expertise is unsurpassed.

OBITUARY:

Blades, Clifford Arthur — 69, Lower Clarks Harbour, Shelburne County, died March 1, 1994, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born at Lower Clarks Harbour, he was a son of the late Leaman and Marjorie (Cunningham) Blades. He was a veteran of the Second World War; member of Royal Canadian Legion, Cape Sable Branch 148; New Horizons Senior Citizens Club, Clarks Harbour; Lei-sure Hour Club, Port Saxon; Masonic Order and the Nova Trailor Club. He worked for the delivery of Meals on Wheels, Clarks Harbour. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed commercial fishing, wood-working and was very. devoted to his family and community. He is survived by his wife, the former Mildred Smith; two sons, Kent, Lower Clarks Harbour; Wylie, North East Point; brother, Basil, Centreville; three grandsons. He was predeceased by three sisters, Florence, Juanita, Marilyn. Visitation will be 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today in H. Huskilson's Funeral Home, Barrington. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday in United Baptist Church, Stoney Island, Rev. Derek HoIlett officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Lower Clarks Harbour. Donations may be made to Stoney Island United Baptist Church, island and Barrington Area Volunteer Ambulance Service or any charity.

END

2-6-18

Frank Eugene Smith (1929-2004)

Frank was born in Newellton April 30 1927 in son of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). He married Lorraine Emma Cox (1934-2008) on December 14 1952 on Cape Sable Island. She was born in South Side. They had one son Richard

In the early 1960’s he moved to Saint John. He worked for many years in sales.

Lorraine passed away May 22 2008. Frank died shortly after Lorraine in October 14 2008. Both died in Saint John NB and are buried in Ocean View Memorial Gardens in Saint John.

OBITUARY:

SMITH, FRANK EUGENE - (1927 - 2008) The passing of Frank Smith of Saint John occurred unexpectedly on October 14, 2008 while he was doing one of the things he loved to do, fish the Miramachi River. Frank was born in Newellton, Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia on April 30, 1927, the son of the late Kenneth and Edna (Brennan) Smith. Frank has been a resident of Saint John since the early 1960’s and worked for many years in sales at Apex Industries. In recent years Frank and his wife Lorraine have been resident caretakers and "camp parents" at Windcrest Bible Camp on the Damascus Road. Frank began his working life as a fisherman out of Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia, but he has had many skills. Besides successfully working in the sales field, his woodworking was a feature of local craft fairs for a number of years. There were very few things mechanical that he couldn't fix, he liked to garden, and he loved to fish salmon. Frank’s greatest calling, however, was in serving his Lord and Saviour. He was a diligent and devoted student of the Bible and has been used greatly of the Lord in various teaching and preaching ministries. He has been a valued member of Fundamental Baptist Church for over forty-five years and has served faithfully as both a deacon and a trustee. His wisdom and spiritual insight will be greatly missed by the congregation. Frank is survived by one son Richard and his wife Nancy of Saint John, NB, by two brothers, Keith (Hazel) of Prince Edward Island and Nobel (Olive) of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and by two sisters - Mildred Blades, and Myrtle Smith, both of Cape Sable Island.

 As well as his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Lorraine, by brothers Eldridge and Freddy, and by sisters Caroline, Evelyn, and Greta. Frank is also survived by six grandsons - Timothy (Becky), Jonathan (Ann), Richard, Daniel (Melinda), Keith, and Samuel, all of Saint John. His memory is also honoured in four great-grandchildren - Josiah, Joanna, Jenna, and Taylor. Visitation with the family will be held at the Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) on Thursday evening October 16th from 7-9p.m. and on Friday, October 17th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be at the Fundamental Baptist Church, 885 Danells Drive, Saint John West on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. Interment will be in Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Fundamental Baptist Church for the Windcrest Camp Fund or to the charity of choice.

END

2-6-19

Greta Madelyn Smith (1929-2004)

Greta was born on Cape Sable Island May 3 1929. She was the daughter of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956).

She married Norman Stoddard (1927-??) on June 23 1955. They lived Lower Clark’s Harbour. They had one son Kenneth who was a member of the RCMP before being overtaken with MS.. Norman worked mainly for fish businesses as a trucker. For a short while worked for a fish business in Connecticut.

She passed away March 24 2004 at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital and is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lower Clark’s Harbour.

OBITUARY:

Greta Madelyn - 74, Lower Clarks Harbour, died Tuesday, March 24, 2004, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Newellton, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Edna (Brannen) Smith. Greta was a member of New Testament Baptist Church, The Hawk, a member of the New Horizons Senior Club, Clarks Harbour and a member of the Evergreen Cemetery Club, Lower Clarks Harbour. Greta enjoyed needlepoint, quilting and cooking. Greta will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Norman; son, Kenny (Wanda), Red Deer, Alta.; brothers, Keith (Hazel), North Rustico, P.E.I.; Frank (Lorraine), Hampton, N.B.; Noble (Olive), Newellton; sisters, Myrtle Smith, Clarks Harbour; Mildred Blades, Lower Clarks Harbour; grandchildren, Kristen and Brett. She was predeceased by brothers, Eldridge and Frederick; sisters, Evelyn and Carolyn. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Friday in Huskilson's Funeral Home, Barrington. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday in New Testament Baptist Church, The Hawk, Rev. Gerald Cossaboom officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Lower Clarks Harbour.

END

2-6-20

Noble Smith (1931-2020)

Noble was the seventh child of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). He was born April 4, 1931, in Newellton. He took up fishing as a young man and married Olive Ross (1933-) on August 17, 1951. They had three children Audrey (1951-), Loran (1953-2014), and Curtis (1959-). Noble and Olive built a home not far from his parents on the Newellton Creek.

He worked his way up to owner of the Scotian Maid a long liner that fished off George’s Banks with a crew of seven. His boat was involved in several life saving rescues including that of the Janet and Marjorie in 1981.

He retired young when he found the stress of mastering a long liner more than he wanted.

Both sons Curtis and Loran followed their father into longline fishing.

STORY:

The Janet and Marjorie was a sixty-two-foot longliner built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1956. She was bought from Ronald Chetwynd by Capt. George Hopkins of Woods Harbour. In the spring of 1981, Captain Hopkins and his crew, all from his native village, went fishing for cusk. On this particular trip his crewmen, who were all in their twenties, were his brother Earl Hopkins, Stanley Devine and his brother William Devine, and Leslie "Junior" Nickerson. All went as usual until the evening of May 2nd'. When Earl went down in the hold to put away some fish and discovered that there was about a foot of water there. Immediately he alerted the other men. They checked the engine room and saw that there was quite a lot of water there. With about 42,000 pounds aboard, it was somewhat difficult to determine the exact location of the leak. Immediately the captain and his crew began pumping furiously, and they succeeded in getting the water lowered. They steamed north along the edge of Georges Bank and headed for home. Conditions were not favorable. It was pouring rain, and the wind breezed up to about thirty knots. The men sweated with buckets and kept pumping steadily, but the water kept gaining on them. They knew they were in serious trouble. By chance Capt. Noble Smith, aboard the Scotian Maid, happened to be about two miles away when he heard their’ Mayday’ and hastened to their assistance. The crew on the Scotian Maid were Joseph "Johnny" Waybrat, Robert "Bobby" Nickerson, Larry Terry, Charles "Scotty" Stewart, Victor Smith, and Noble's son Curtis. Captain Smith's other son, Capt. Loran Smith, and Capt. Laselles Ross were also fishing in the same location, and so they stood by in readiness to help. Stanley Devine said, "When the Scotian Maid got closer, we put a spotlight on her to attract the attention of the man on watch. By then it was blowing about sixty knots. The seas were high. We put our life raft over the side but one of the pontoons failed to open and so it was too dangerous for us to get into it. By now we were in a bad way. Then Noble put his life raft over and eventually was able to get a rope to us. We were able to talk with Noble by our radio, but we weren't within speaking distance." He went on, "Around midnight Noble maneuvered his boat closer to us. It was very rough and so he had to sail by the stem of the Janet and Marjorie. In the darkness, this was extremely difficult. After a couple of tries, he was able to get in close enough to the stem to throw a rope to us. Then we were able to haul his life raft aboard our sinking boat and we all got into it." Stanley continued, "We were in the raft about an hour before the crew on Noble's boat was able to get another rope to us to pull us alongside. At one point Noble lost sight of us under the bow. It was a tricky situation but, fortunately, Noble was an experienced seaman. Had we not been lucky enough to have the good fortune to meet up with him, it would have been a different story. Then, one by one, we were hoisted aboard the Scotian Maid. We were sopping wet and cold."

The Scotian Maid stood by about four hours waiting until the Janet and Marjorie sank. If left unattended, she could have become a menace to some other boat. By this time, the wind was blowing sixty to sixty-five knots. Captain Smith started steaming towards the West Head wharf. Under normal conditions, this would have taken about eight hours but, with the high winds and boisterous waves, it took twenty-four hours. The captain relayed a message to his wife, Olive, to let her know that he was delayed but everyone was safe. Olive said, "Noble never called me on his radio unless he wanted a repair part or something like that. I heard somebody report on the set that a longliner had sunk. When the phone rang, my feet glued to the floor, I could hardly make my way to the phone to answer it. I was so scared, with Noble and our two sons out there, along with all those men." Johnny Waybrat said, "It was a hair-raising dramatic experience. The Scotian Maid had to be put in dry dock at Shelburne because, when the captain lost sight of the raft under the bow, he quickly threw the engine in reverse and the shock loosened the bolts in the wheelhouse. There is no doubt about it, his expert seamanship saved the lives of the crew on the Janet and Marjorie " This is a moving tale of ordinary fishermen in extraordinary circumstances. It has a happy ending because the capable Capt. Noble Smith had a well-trained crew He had experienced rough times at sea on previous occasions and he knew how to handle his boat. Much credit goes to the captain and crew of the Scotian Maid who saved the lives of five men. For everyone involved, it was a traumatic ordeal that they will never forget. 

OBITUARY:

SMITH, Noble Atwood –89, Newellton, passed away peacefully on Monday October 26, 2020, in Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. Noble was born on April 4, 1931, in Newellton and was a son of the late Kenneth and Edna (Brannen) Smith. Noble enjoyed playing games, putting puzzles together and doing word seek books. He also enjoyed his goose, caribou, moose, and duck hunting trips. He had many adventures traveling with his wife, Olive, and friends. He also enjoyed his and Olive’s camping trips to different places making friends along the way. After he retired from many years of fishing, Noble continued as the Executive Director of the Southwest NS Fisherman’s Longliner Association for many years, where he was awarded the Confederation medal. Noble is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Olive Melba (Ross) Smith; as well as by his children, Christine Atwood, Curtis (Wendy) Smith; seven grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; along with a sister, Myrtle. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son, Loran Noble Smith; brothers, Keith, Frank, Eldridge, Frederick; and sisters, Evelyn, Mildred, Greta, Carolyn

END

2-6-21

Eldridge James Smith (1933-1990)

Eldridge was born in Newellton May 10 1933. He was the son of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956).

He was a fisherman. He moved to North Rustico PEI in 1955. For two or three years he fished with his older brother Keith who was already established there.

He married Mary Pineau from PEI, and they had one son James.

He took his own life by drowning May 15, 1990. He is buried in the North Rustico cemetery.

STORY:

Eldridge James Smith born May 10, 1933, came to North Rustico to fish with his brother Kieth. In 1955 Married Mary Amelia Pineau born May 10 1938. She was from North Rustico, an artist and musician.  Son James Alfred Smith was born 1956 Sept 10 in Charlottetown Hospital. Eldridge lived in North Rustico for all the years from the time he came until he died 1990 Eldridge took his life by drowning. He is buried in North Rustico Cemetery

Both brothers were excellent husbands, excellent fisherman They fished out of North Rustico Harbour both were very hard workers Eldridge fished with Keith for 2 or 3 years then purchased a boat of his own as well as fishing they also had a Deep Sea Business in N Rustico Harbour during the summer months July & Aug. for a number of years When Eldridge moved to PEI folks called him Al instead of Eldridge.

An excerpt from an e-mail from Mary Pineau Smith, wife 2019

END

6-22

Carolyn Mae Smith (1935- 1946)

Carolyn was born in Newellton October 7 1935. She was the daughter of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956).

She died of Diphtheria at age 11 years on April 8 1946. She is buried in the Newellton cemetery.

END

2-6-23

Fredrick Lynwood Smith (1938-1992)

Freddy was born in Newellton NS March 29, 1938. He was the youngest child of Edna Brannen (1898-1998) and Kenneth Smith (1894-1956). He left school early in order to go fishing with his father. He married Ruth Atwood (1942-) in Newellton October 25, 1958.  She was the daughter of Kenneth Lloyd McKay Atwood (1916-) and Kathleen Agnes Symonds (1918-).

They built a home next to his parents on Newellton Creek and had four children: Cleon, Willamae and fraternal twins Farrell and, Lynwood.

He died of a heart attack October 25, 1958, at age 54 and is buried in the Newellton Cemetery.

STORY:

Freddie met Ruth in 1956 when he was a 20-year-old young man with a pick up truck and Ruth was 16 years old hanging out with her fried in Clark’s Harbour. Freddie gave them a ride home to the Hawk and two years later, in 1958, they were married.

He was devoted to his fishing and always trying to figure out a better way. He kept up to date on all the new equipment for the boat and all latest in fishing gear. There was no end to what he tried, or thought might work.

In the 70’s he and a few established fishermen formed a fisherman’s co-op that ran for a number of years before it was sold and later became Canus.

Freddie always gave his best and worked hard; a very generous man who was always willing to help his fisherman friends.

As told by Ruth Atwood-Smith 2020

OBITUARY:

Frederick Lynwood Smith NEWELLTON: Frederick L. Smith, 54, died Thursday, October 29, 1992, at home. Born in Newellton, he was a son of the late Kenneth and Cassie (Brannen) Smith. He is survived by his wife, the former Ruth Atwood two sons, Cleon and Lynwood, both of Newellton; daughter, Willimae (Mrs. Laselles Ross), Centreville; three brothers, Frank, Hampton, N.B., Keith, North Rustico, P.E.I., and Noble, Newellton; four sisters, Mrs. Evelyn Perry, Barrington, Mrs. Myrtle Smith, Mildred (Mrs. Clifford Blades), and Greta (Mrs. Norman Stoddard), all of Clark's Harbour; four grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Farrell; brother, Eldridge; sister, Carolyn. The funeral service was held on, Sunday, November 1, 1992 in I Newellton United Baptist Church, with Pastor Don Scheel officiating. Burial was in Newellton Cemetery

END

THE FAMILY OF WILLIAN IRA BRANNEN (1901-1982)

George Douglas Brannen (1922-2004)

George was born December 14, 1922, in Centreville NS. He was the first child of Ira Brannen (1901-1982) and Lottie Penney (1902-1992). He was born in a rented house that stood across the road from where the McGray’s wharf intersects with the main road.

He achieved his grade ten certificate and then worked for Evan Swim a Clark’s Harbour businessman along with his father. In 1941 he attended Nova Scotia Technical College in New Glasgow where he studied tool and die making. In November 1942 he enlisted for the duration of the war and served in Britain in the Ordinance Corps.

After discharge he returned home and after briefly working for LePage became McGray’s postmaster and opened a general store in his parent’s house and then built a store in Centreville at the junction of Stoney Island Road and Hwy 303.

In 1954 he married Maude Townsend (1934-2018). Maude was the daughter of Leslie Townsend (1904- 1985) and Alice Nickerson (1907-1977) from North East Point.

They had four children:

Brenda Jean born, June 24, 1955

Isabel Louise born November 21, 1956

Stephen Douglas July 8, 1959

Michael Douglas October 1, 1965

After closing his store and giving up his appointment as postmaster and getting married, he moved to Toronto and went to work for Dominion Stores. He was department manage usually in produce in several Dominion stores in Toronto over the next 13 years.

On holiday in 1966 he found an old house that had not been occupied for some years in Port Clyde. It was on a large parcel of land with shore frontage. They purchased the home and the family moved to Port Clyde in 1967. He went to work for Wilson’s in Barrington Passage until his retirement.

He died of heart failure in August 17 2004 and is buried in Port Clyde. Maude died August 16, 2018.

STORY:

George's Life

By Bruce Brannen 2014

George Douglas Brannen was born December 14, 1922, the first born of Ira and Lottie Brannen. He was born in an old house his parents were renting that was located across from the lane to McGray's Wharf in Centreville.

In the spring his father went to Boston to find work and George and his mother followed. They stayed for about a year in East Boston.

They returned to the old rental house where his brother Jack was born August 1924. When his grandfather Brannen died in 1926 his father took over his blacksmith business and moved into the homestead which he later purchased.

In 1930 the family moved to a farm in Centreville near the school where his father ran the farm for a couple of years before moving back to the homestead.

George attended Centreville School completing his grade 10. After finishing in 1940 he went to work with his father for Evan Swim at Clark's Harbour.

In 1941 he attended Nova Scotia Technical College in New Glasgow where he studied tool and die making.

In November 1942 he enlisted in the army (R.C.O.C) in Halifax. His Regimental number was F51526. After training in Kingston, he was shipped overseas to Britain where he was assigned to tank maintenance with the Ordinance Corps.

After discharge he returned home where he worked briefly for the LePage glue factory on Stoney Island Road. He obtained appointment to Postmaster in Centreville in June 1947 and he also opened a small store in his parents’ home. He would continue to live at home until he married.

He used his Service Credits to build a store on land his parents gave him at the end of Stoney Island Road. From this store he provided door to door grocery service for North East Point, Centreville and Newellton. He continued this business until October 1953 when he lost the appointment as Post Master and soon closed the store. This more or less coincided with his marriage to Maude Townsend in January 1954..

After marrying, George and Maude moved to Ontario. His brother Jack's book suggests they stayed with them in Peterbourgh at the time Jack's son David was born, that suggests they were there at the middle of March 1954. George went on the Toronto and went to work for Dominion Stores. His first appointment was the Willowdale store on Young Street. They rented an apartment in a home in Willowdale. George worked as a Produce Manager at several Toronto stores. They eventually moved to Sandcliffe Road off Jane Street and lived there for the rest of the time they were in Toronto. All four children were born while they lived in Toronto.

There was always a commitment to return “home’. Their target was at age forty-five before his pension contributions were locked in. They were viewed as a pool of savings and not a retirement plan. The commitment to return had an effect on his career in Ontario. Despite his experience and the strong demand for new store managers he chose to remain at a produce department level in the suburban stores.

In about 1963 he sold his former store and lot to Bernice and LeRoy Quinlan. The lot was described as 100' x 100' x 100' x 100'. No price was NOT disclosed.

On a holiday to Nova Scotia in about 1966 he found and purchased an old house on a large lot in Port Clyde. The house had not been occupied for many years. Before turning age 45 he resigned from Dominion in 1967 left and used his accumulated pension contributions to move back to Nova Scotia with the four children.

He found employment with Wilson's in Barrington Passage running their plumbing supply department where he worked until retirement.

After initially making the house livable for the family their house became their hobby. There were several renovations and an addition.as well as out buildings.. He also built a significant wharf at the shore.

After retirement he busied himself making and painting crafts that he and his son-in-law Milford took to craft shows on the weekends.

The lot was very large and extended from the shore some distance into the woods. This was his source of firewood which he used to haul out with his 3 wheeler.

As he neared age 80 his energy began to decline and in August 2004 he had a serious heart attack. He died shortly after in Halifax.

He was survived by Maud and his 4 children who had all remained in Nova Scotia.

STORY:

. ........... we rented an old house and started to make it fit to live in and moved in. George was born Dec 14th 1922. It was the coldest winter. Ice froze all across to Bear Point. Was the first time in 40 years. ............

In 1940 he (Ira) went to Clam Harbour to work for Evan Swim in a lobster factory for $40.00 a month. In the summer he took Geo. to help and Jack got the hay and did the work here.  Next spring both boys went to Clam Harbour and worked all summer at Swims Point, worked until 12 o'clock as well as all day. I sure hated it for them to work so hard, hurt me so. The next spring George went to New Glasgow to Tec. College. We moved to Clarks Harbour as gas rationing was on . That was 42. George went in the service.................

Lottie (Penney) Brannen 1984

STORY:

The following is an excerpt from The Life and Times of J.L.B and describes a bit of the childhood of both George and Jack. Although they were two years apart in age some said they were like twins as they grew up.

My brother and I , through paper routes and collecting bills for our father were able to each buy bikes with $3.00 down and $3.00 per month. We also saved enough to buy lumber for a small shed on the back of the garage to keep our bikes in. As dad had a lot of accounts receivable, it was our job to collect the money. I would take out a $100.00 of bills. At 10% that would have been a $10 payday for me if I had been able to collect the full $100. I would usually be lucky to collect $20.00 of which I would get $2.00 for riding perhaps 10 miles over rough gravel roads and using up the best part of the day. One time Dad made a wheelbarrow for a man who was new to the Island. He was not sure of the man's name. He gave the bill for $7.00 to George and I to collect. When we gave the man the bill it had the wrong name and he ordered us off his property for trying to collect money under false pretenses. Dad got the correct name on a bill and we went back the next week. He paid us and we split the 70 cents but I blew a $2.00 tire on my way home. So much for getting rich collecting bills. My paper route, selling and collecting for the newspaper took me over a 4-mile route and took most of Saturday afternoon. After this, it was home to do my chores like feeding and milking the cattle.........................

My brother and I would ride our bikes to town to see the movie on Saturday night. On stormy nights dad would let us use the car.  As George did not have a driver's license, he was told not to take the car into the downtown. George, of course, would drive right into town.  The policeman would come over and warn us not to drive in town.  This went on for sometime. It was no good to fine us, as we had no money..............

Dad got an old Model T Ford truck from Rob Nickerson.  He put large 'tires' he built on the back and added another transmission to give it extra power.  He removed the cab that he had built for the original owner.  With the box off you could plow with it and putting the box back on you could haul hay or anything you wished. George and I decided to build a road across the swamp leading to the wood lots. We could get the fill from an old pit across the road near the shore. As dad would only supply the gas for the truck for things around the farm we would ride our bikes two miles to the fisherman's wharf and buy our own gas at fifteen cents a gallon.  We hauled a lot of rock first to build a good foundation. We then we covered that with a low grade of mud.  Finally we topped it off with good gravel.  There was a brook running about half way across the swamp so we had to build a bridge.  A short distance past the bridge the job stopped.  I don't know if it was money problems or something else that ended our road project. ........................

I was in Laval over Christmas 1943 and was able to get furlough. George met me in Montreal and we took the train home. It turned out to be one of the rare times when all five brothers and our parents would be one roof at the same time......

In February 1946 George had returned from Overseas and was on a course with the RCMP in Halifax. We both got weekend passes and headed for home. There happened to be a dance Saturday night so we borrowed Dad's car and went to Yarmouth to buy a bottle of liquor. With time to kill, we bought too much and drank too much and had too good a time that afternoon. Of the three of us in the car I determined I was in the best shape to drive home and we set off on our 55-mile trip over twisty NS roads. I had been stationed in Newfoundland where you drive on the left side of the road and in my slightly tipsy state confused where I was until George straightened me out.  After that I was doing quite well, perhaps due to the sparse traffic; until I got to Argyle. When I tried to pass a car towing a trailer we ended up in the ditch against a stone wall. We tossed the remainder of our bottle across the road but the other driver saw us. When the RCMP arrived they quickly retrieved the evidence. After some discussion with the RCMP they agreed we couldn't do anymore damage without a car and let us go but we were to report to the Barrington detachment. We took a taxi to Barrington and in the morning checked in with the police. I claimed the liquor and George took the rap for driving without a license. From there we went home and got the money for the fines and quickly headed back to Halifax before Dad got home. After his discharge, George went home and helped fix the old Chev. I stayed away for awhile and when I did go home the car wasn't mentioned.......

Sometime after Bob got settled into Norwood, George and his new bride, Maude, arrived and stayed with us for about 3 months. George had run a general store and Post Office after the war until closing it and leaving Centreville. Their visit was timely as Bernice was in the hospital for 3 weeks for the delivery of our fourth child David. They came in very handy as babysitters.  I worked the mid-night shift and slept during the day. David was born March 16,1954. George went to Toronto and found work with Dominion Stores. Maude stayed with us while he was job hunting and finding a place to live. After he got settled in we visited back and forth often.........................

STORY:

George Brannen's Store 1947-1953

Centreville CSI

By Bruce Brannen 2012

After his discharge from the army in 1947 George returned to the Island and lived at home with his parents. He went to work for the LePage glue factory located on Stoney Island Road where Amos’s Creek crosses the road. I am not sure how long he was there, but I do remember him developing sciatica and being laid up at home for a while. When I asked him what was wrong he told me he had a bone in his leg. Being four and knowing he worked in fish reduction I immediately visualized that he had a fish bone stuck in his leg and that image lasted for many years until I learned what sciatica is.

June 27, 1947, he was appointed as Acting Postmaster McGray Post Office, August 9 1947 he was appointed Post Master. There were no lock boxes, mail was sorted into boxes including the newspaper and you had to go to the Post Office and pick it up. It was natural to have a small variety store along with the post office because it provided guaranteed traffic and the pay for the postmaster in a small village would not provide a living wage. To accommodate the PO and store he made some changes to what we used to call our back porch and was quickly in business.

My most vivid memory of setting up the store was the Coke cooler. I can still, see it, hear it and smell it. This was a time before home refrigerators on CSI, plus there was cold pop right in my own house.

There wasn't a lot of shelf space with a PO and a big Coke cooler so I assume it was things like candy, cigarettes, and perhaps some sugar, flour and spices/ flavorings and crackers and bread. I am pretty sure there was no ice cream or I would have remembered. “Flavorings” like vanilla extract and tutty fruity were very popular for their perceived high alcohol content and substituted for alcoholic beverages that were not available in Barrington Municipality.

At the same as opening the store he acquired a 1940 or 41 Ford station wagon, a “woodie”. This vehicle was later modified by removing the body and having a North East Point carpenter build a plywood body more suitable for his delivery business.

My brother Bob and I think that the new store, that we always called 'the shop', was built in the spring of 1949. Our parents sold him a lot from what we used to call the “pasture”, 100 feet by 100 for $25. on May 11 1950. This lot was just a few feet north of the Stoney Island Road on the west side of highway 30. This was only about 300 feet from our house. There was quite a bit of family labour that went into building the shop. Ralph had finished school and was living at home, Bob was there briefly in that period, and he worked on it, and our father pitched in. I assume this would have been done in the evening because they all except perhaps Ralph would have been in 6 day a week jobs and Sunday work was unlikely in that era (and in our Mother's house).

The shop was likely about 875 square feet (24x36) built on concrete piers. It had a mansard roof and was sided with grey insul-brick. There were only 2 windows located on either side of the entrance door. A partition down the centre divided the building in half. The left side with windows was finished with a ¼ inch wallboard. Shelving covered both long walls. On the right side of the store were two long counters, purchased used, from around Argyle. There was a Coke cooler and ice-cream freezer. The Post Office counter was at the back. The only heat was from a coal stove in the store which I guess would be able to hold the temperature above freezing overnight in cold weather (there was no insulation). At north the side of the building there was a loading dock built on old wharf cribbing salvaged from the shore. There was parking in front of the building that was paved with left over asphalt from the paving plant that operated behind the store when the road was being paved. There is only one known photo of the building.

Ralph worked for George in the store while George developed a grocery delivery business in Newellton and North East Point. Those in Centreville had to come to the store to get their mail and didn't need much in the way of delivery. Delivery was important at that time as cars were not very common until quite sometime after the war. Meat and clothes were also sold door to door by other mobile vendors.  He went door to door and took the orders and delivered them a few days later. After Ralph left to go Halifax to work at Simpson's in the spring of 1951, George hired a girl from Newellton to tend the store during the day.

Around 1950 he traded in the old Ford and got what was likely a 3/4 ton truck with a wooden box for his deliveries. In this he had the shelves and room to carry some often-requested items.

In my opinion there were likely 3 weaknesses in his business model;

1. Cars became more available; the standard of living grew and with the causeway in place people were able to travel to bigger stores with a wider variety of goods like Wilson's in Barrington Passage.

2. The remaining demand for delivery was from the older and poorer segments. The costs of running the business would stay the same but the larger customers left and the small ticket ones remained.

3. He was providing store credit and the losses that go with that while his larger competitors were operating on a cash only basis.

October 15, 1953, the Postmaster appointment was withdrawn, and he began to wind up the remaining grocery business. Prior to this he had been dating Maude Townsend of North Est Point.

George and Maude were married at the Centreville Baptist Parsonage in the evening of January 30 1954. The reception followed at the Centreville Hall. I was 10 years old. The reception party was a big event in my life at that time. They spent their first married night at George's parents’ home in Centreville.

Soat age 32 he was in love and getting married to Maude Townsend. It was evident the business could not support a family and the trend was all down. I assume when he liquidated the business, he likely had just enough money to get married and move to Ontario. The only asset he had that I know of was the building and no one was offering to buy it. The building sat empty for several years. I had car club meetings in it briefly around 1960 and in 1961 our brother Jack moved back from Ontario and lived in it and ran a `quick lunch`` for a few months. Neither of these produced incomes. After that Leroy Quinlan bought it and perhaps at the same time bought the surrounding land from our parents. He used it to stable some cattle. Subsequently it burned one night with prized stock inside.

OBITUARY:posted 17 Aug 2011 by tomsmith140

BRANNEN, George Douglas - Port Clyde, Shelb. Co., born December 14, 1922, died August 17, 2004, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in McGary's, C.S.I., he was a son of the late Ira and Lottie (Penney) Brannen. George was a mechanical craftsman in the R.C.E.M.E. during the Second World War, serving from 1942-1946. After the war, he owned and operated his own grocery store and post office on C.S.I. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 148, Clark's Harbour, and a member and chief of Port Clyde Volunteer Fire Department. He managed South Shore TV Ltd., a division of Wilson's Shopping Centre from 1963, until his retirement in 1985. During his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, boating and his "Folk Art" he sold at many craft shows. He is survived by his wife, the former Maude Townsend; daughters, Brenda (Brian), New Glasgow; Isabel, Villagedale; sons, Stephen, Villagedale; Michael (Marina), Port Clyde; broth ers, John, Welchtown; Robert, Kingston, Ont.; Bruce, Ottawa, Ont.; He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by brother, Ralph. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 3:30 p.m. Friday in H. Huskilson's Memorial Chapel, Barrington, Rev. Shaun Hatfield officiating. No visitation or flowers by request. Memorial donations may be made to Yarmouth Regional Hospital or the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII.

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, HELEN MAUDE - Age 84, of Port Clyde, passed away August 6, 2018 at Surf Lodge Nursing Home in Lockeport. Born on Cape Sable Island, she was the daughter of the late Leslie and Alice Townsend, and predeceased by her husband George. She is survived by sons Stephen and Michael (Marina); daughters Brenda (Brian) Murphy, Isabel (Wayne ) Malone, and Joyce Greenwood; grandchildren Aaron, Jan, Jason, Nicole, Ashley, Courtney, Kirt, Royden and Allison ,and great grandsons Colby and Ira.  Cremation has taken place under the direction of H.M. Huskilson's Funeral Homes and Crematorium Ltd. A graveside service for immediate family will take place at Port Clyde Cemetery, Saturday, August 11 at 2 pm.

END

2-6-25

John Leonard Brannen (1924-2017)

Jack was born August 25 1924 in Centreville NS. He was the second child of Ira Brannen (1901-1982) and Lottie Penney (1902-1992). He was born in a rented house that stood across the road from where the McGray’s wharf lane intersects with the main road.

He went to Centreville school and obtained his grade ten certificate. For awhile after he finished school in 1940, he worked for a Clark’s Harbour businessman, Evan Swim, and then went to Ontario in March 1943 where he worked briefly in St. Catherines for McKinnon Industries. When he turned 18 he joined the RCAF for the duration of the war. He was a military policeman with several postings including his overseas posting in Newfoundland then a British colony.

After the war he returned home and sold Watkins Products door to door and December 12 1946 he married Bernice Gloria Atkinson (1923-1994) in Shelburne. Bernice was originally from Stoney Island and had recently been widowed when her husband was killed overseas.

They had four children:

Sharon Lee, January 25, 1947

Heather Blanche, June 21, 1948

John Leonard Jr., January 9, 1950- March 20, 2016

David Micheal, March 16, 1954-May 14, 1967

In 1947 the family moved to Peterbourgh ON, and he went to work for General Electric. He worked there until 1961 when the family packed up and returned to Nova Scotia for several years. They returned to Ontario in 1966, this time to Brampton. They stayed there until 1986 when he retired and again moved back to Nova Scotia.

David was drowned at only thirteen in May of 1967. Bernice passed away March 22, 1994, and Johnny died March 2016.

He married a second time to Lottie Atkinson (1927-) November 19, 1994.

He died June 7, 2017, and is buried in the Old Kirk cemetery in North East Point with Bernice.

STORY:

The following is extracted from Jack's book The Life and Times of J.L.B. printed May 2009. It has been altered and abbreviated in some places.

I was born August 25, 1924, in Centreville. The house I was born in was across the road from the old McGray Wharf. The house has long been torn down and replaced.

When my grandfather Brannen died on December 7, 1926, he gave his blacksmith business to my father, who had worked with him. My parents bought his house from my grandmother. We moved there December 13th, 1926. The house was the best one in Centreville. It had been built for A. T.  McGray a merchant around1851. The property was very large with a lot of buildings.

In June 1930 Dad was offered a job by Rob Nickerson to run a farm a mile down the road so we moved to the farm to live. Living on the farm was great for me, as I was only six years old and starting school. The schoolhouse was only a few minutes’ walk, and we were able to come home for lunch.

The Centreville School had been built in 1929, so it was new. It seated thirty-seven pupils from primary to grade 11 and was heated by a pot-bellied coal stove in the middle of the room. I spent all my school years at that school and graduated from grade ten. The last two years I was also the janitor. This required making the fire in the morning and sweeping and dusting at the end of classes.

 After we moved back to the old homestead in 1933, I had about a mile and a quarter to walk to school. During the nice weather it was not bad but the winter weather was brutal. The types of clothes worn in those days were not wind-proof and the rubber boots, cold and unlined. We carried our lunches in old lard pails, usually peanut butter sandwiches with no drinks. We waited for the other kids to come by and then joined up with them to walk to school. It made it better to travel in a large group in the winter, and besides, a large group was more fun.

Out behind the school were two toilets, one for the girls and one for the boys. These were "two holers". Only one boy or girl could use them at a time during school hours. Permission was obtained by raising your hand.

The schoolyard was very small, but we played cricket, baseball and a few other games.  It was a problem at lunchtime for the boys to find a place to eat, as the coat lobbies were very small. A few of us built brush tents to eat in during the winter months. At school we had a creamer for drinking water. It was taken to a neighbor's house each morning by two of the pupils to be filled. A page was torn out of our notebook and folded to make a drinking cup. Under the creamer was a basin to put the used cups in and catch the excess water.

 My Dad loved baseball. If there was a game in Clark's Harbour he would drop what he was doing and go to the game and take us with him. He also liked swimming in the summer months. He made sure we all learned to swim. With our property bordering on water there were plenty of opportunities to swim and not far to go.

I had four grandmothers and one grandfather when I was a small boy. Our dad always took us around to the different places to visit our relatives. It was one of the benefits of having a car.

Mom had us read the bible daily and drilled us in Christian principles. We attended Church or Sunday school every Sunday.

My brother George and I, through paper routes and collecting bills for our father were able to each buy bikes with $3.00 down and $3.00 per month. We also saved enough to buy lumber for a small shed on the back of the garage to keep our bikes in. As dad had a lot of accounts receivable, it was our job to collect the money. I would get $2.00 for riding perhaps 10 miles over rough gravel roads and using up the best part of the day.

 One of my greatest joys as a child was going to Bear Point to visit our grandparents, Penney. As ferry service didn't operate on Sunday, we often went Saturday night, other times we went by boat on Sunday. When we went Saturday night it gave us a chance to sleep in a feather bed which we did not have at home. The Penney's, my mother's parents were poor but she always found something for meals. The drinking water had to be drawn from the well with a windlass turned by hand. The water was then dumped into another pail with a dipper for drinking. We always were happy to be asked to draw some water. While we were young, we were always afraid of Grandfather Penney because of his very loud and rough voice. As we grew older, we realized it was an act.

Like all island boys I guess we wanted a small boat or skiff to play around with. We were all good swimmers and liked the water. Our grandfather knew we wanted one and gave us an old skiff. We had a lot of fun with it but my older brother George always controlled the use of it. As our joint use was not working for me, I bought one for myself from Will Swim, a man down the road for $5. It was in very bad shape. I put it in dry-dock and cut the rotten stern off making it a square stern skiff. The skiff didn't come with oars, so I had to cut a tree and make a pair of oars in order to row it. I decided I wanted to be able to sail it, so back to the woods to find a tree for a suitable spar. The sail was going to be a problem as the cost of canvass for a sail was way out of my reach. It would have to be 100-pound flour bags sewn together. My mother who wasted nothing could see no good reason for wasting good flour bags on a sail. One use was to bleach them and use them as pillowcases. Eventually she relented and I got my sail material.

We all liked baseball, so the boys made up a team in the neighborhood and we played other teams around the area.  We would make our balls from old twine, cut a tree in the woods to make a bat and make our gloves from canvas with lots of padding.

When I finished school I was only 15 years old and wanted to get a job off the Island. Dad had other plans. He and George were working away from home. He wanted me to stay home and take the hay off. Our farm had been downsized but we still had a cow and a heifer to feed. It was going to be my job to cut a couple of acres of hay

My first job was in 1940 working for Evan Swim, a fish broker at Swim's Point. My Dad and brother George already worked there.

An army lieutenant recruiting for the militia came to Clark's Harbour looking for recruits too young for the regular army. I was one of the about 15 young men who joined up. We were issued army uniforms and trained 2 nights a week. After a while we were sent to Camp Aldershot a big army base at Debert for 2 weeks of training. After that was finished one of my buddies, John Lowe, suggested that we go to Ontario to work. He knew some people up there. That sounded good to me so I quit Evan Swim and packed my bag and left for St.Catharines, Ontario. 

We arrived in St.Catharines late Saturday night.  We spent the night with the friend we had contacted. The next day he found a boarding house and showed us the McKinnon Industries factory. On Monday morning we had a job in the front axle department starting at six p.m. that night.

I was getting near the age to join the military. When I was downtown I saw a poster looking for men to join the R.C.A.F.  So, the next morning, after my night shift I went and enlisted. I was a wash out for aircrew for medical reasons, my eardrums. I ended up in the Service Police and served for a time overseas, in Newfoundland.

I was in Laval over Christmas 1943 and was able to get furlough. George met me in Montreal and we took the train home. It turned out to be one of the rare times when all five brothers and our parents would be one roof at the same time.

 When I arrived home after discharge I had no plans. I thought I might go back to Ontario, but I wasn't sure. I thought with all the men returning home that jobs might not be plentiful.

I saw an ad in the newspaper for a Watkins Product salesman for the Shelburne area. This was a door-to-door sales job based on commission. After a few days of working on my territory, I was telling my girlfriend Bernice of the inconvenience of driving back and forth each day and waiting for the ferry to the mainland. She had relatives living in Shelburne that she stayed with quite often. They had cabins to rent. We moved to Shelburne and rented one of the cabins. Bernice and I got married in the big house out in front of the cabins on December 12, 1946.

A short time later I took the train to Peterbourgh, a two-day trip that got in early in the morning. My first order of business was to find a boarding house and get settled in, and then I went off to General Electric and applied for a job. I was hired and started the next day in the wire department.

After I got a job at GE in Peterbourgh I sent for Bernice to come and join me. We lived in the Peterbourgh area until 1961. By 1961 my job at General Electric was coming to an end. I had to figure out what I was going to do next. There were no jobs in Peterbourgh as the people from the earlier layoffs had taken up what had become available. I sold our house and rented again so that it would be easier to move later when my job ended. When the time came, Bernice and the family left first and returned to Nova Scotia and I stayed behind to crate things up and arrange shipping by train. Through my dad, I was promised a job in Nova Scotia.

 Before I left Ontario in 1961, I made a deal with George to rent or buy his building in Centreville that had been his store. I put up some partitions and made an apartment in the back. The front part was made into a canteen that also served meals.  I found some booths in Clark's Harbour for sale.  As it turned out they were from Murphy's ice cream parlor.  I had sat in these booths many times when I was younger.

My younger brother Bruce, who was still in high school, had a contract to paint the balloons on the radar towers at Baccaro Radar station. He needed men and a ride to the work site, so I hired on to work with him.

 I found a nice 12-acre lot with $59.00 tax arrears. Apparently, I could have purchased it for a dollar but I paid the $59.00. The property was located in Charlesville. Using local suppliers, I got the materials I needed to build the house.

In 1966, we decided to return to Ontario. Bernice left first to be with our daughter Sharon, who was having a baby, Shelley, in Ontario.  Johnny stayed with Heather, and David went with me. I locked the house and drove away.  We got back together when I got an apartment and settled into a job back in Ontario. I found a good job with a new American company MACtac which was just starting up in Canada.

 Tragedy struck one Saturday when we went to visit Bernice's sister Lahia who lived a few miles away, in Woodbridge. When it came time to leave, David wanted to stay over with his cousin in a tree house across the street. Around midnight they all decided to go canoeing on a near-by pond. They had no canoe experience and soon flipped over. The other boys all swam to shore and ran home but David could not swim. Unfortunately, no one reported him missing until hours later. By the time we were notified the firemen had recovered his body.

In 1986 we moved back to NS again. Friday was the last of my working days in a factory.  It was our last day in Brampton.   It had been our home for over twenty years.  There were some good times and some sad times.,

 I had bought the homestead from my mother, and this made the fourth time I moved into this house Some people never leave the house they were born in. I have lived in between thirty or forty different houses, apartments and air force barracks.

My son, daughter, and myself started a business to build wire traps for the fishermen. We got a lawyer and formed a company and called it Bran-Perr Wire Traps. We cleaned out the old barn to the bare walls and poured a concrete floor. 

On March 22, 1994, Bernice passed away suddenly. We had been married 47 years through good times and bad. That year Johnny moved away and Brann-Perr business closed. It was a sad lonely summer.

I had become friendly with Lottie Atkinson, who was also active in the Lion's Club.  I had met her at the Lion's hall. She had a daughter living near my brother in Ottawa, so we went to Ontario together to visit our relatives.

Lottie and I got married on November 19, 1994, and we moved to a place she owned in Welshtown. I put the house up for sale. The house had belonged to the same family since it was built 150 years ago. 

In January 1995, a few months after we got married and moved to Welshtown we took a three-week honeymoon to the Canary Islands.

As we got older, we had been looking for an apartment.  The place had become too much to look after.  The old high school in Barrington Passage was being made into apartments and we were able to get one. On June 1st, 2008, we moved into our new apartment.

STORY:

BRANNEN, John L. WWII

John was born in Centreville in 1924. He joined the R.C.A.F. in Ontario in

1943. He was discharged in 1946. He received the C.V.S.M. and clasp. John

has been a member of R.C.L. Branch #148 for nineteen years.

Submitted by Cape Sable Branch #148, The Royal Canadian Legion.

STORY:

Jack was born Aug 25, 1924 the day he was born a man hung himself in the school house at Clarks Harbour and we couldn't get a Dr., had a midwife instead, the next day was a hurricane and tore things apart, buildings down.

Lottie( Penney) Brannen 1984, his mother

STORY:

McGray - Brannen House Centreville

This wood frame, 11/2 storey house is located on land that once belonged to, and contained the home of, Rev. Asa McGray, who was the first Free Will Baptist preacher in N.S. and the initiator of the Baptist movement on Cape Sable Island around 1821. An old cellar, possibly that of the Rev. McGray home, is located on this property. This home is an example of a New England Colonial style dwelling and has several details worthy of mention: two bay windows- one square and the other round segmental; four knee or kneeling windows which form a frieze at the front of the home; return eaves with slight eave overhang; and an ell at the southern side. There is also a small ell at the northwest side of the home which was originally the office of Nehimiah McGray, the son of Asa Turner McGray, and the grandson of Rev. Asa. Nehemiah lived here after his father's death and served as an American Consul as well as being the representative for Shelburne County in the House of Assembly in Halifax from 1878 until 1882. This small ell addition to the home was built for Nehemiah at approximately this time; it later became an apartment for his widow, Mary Jane, after his death.

The home was built by James C. Smith in 1851-2 and its original owner was Asa Turner McGray, merchant, who also had a store in the field near the house. The home was owned and occupied by the McGray family until 1927, when it was sold to John Brannen, a blacksmith. John's son, Ira and his wife, Lottie, later owned it  as well as their son, John L. Brannen.

After the death of their father, Asa T., Martin and Nehemiah McGray took over the store and also started the McGray Brothers Fish Company, a fish business that proved successful for many years.

 The rather elaborate style of this home for the year in which it was built would seem to emphasize its' original owner's wealth and importance in the community.

It is to be considered a landmark building due to its historical importance in the area.

Sources of Information: Book entitled Our Island Heritage Registry of Deeds and Probate Office, Barrington

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, John Leonard  Barrington, It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Leonard Brannen on June 7, 2017, at Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. John was born August 25, 1924, the second son to the late Ira and Lottie (Penney) Brannen. John grew up in Centreville, Cape Sable Island. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and served in Newfoundland. John lived in Ontario for many years, but returned back home after retirement. He was a member of the Clark's Harbour Legion Branch No. 148. He was an avid Blue Jays fan. He led an active life, he enjoyed camping and his bluegrass festivals. Later in life as "he put the brakes on" and slowed down and with his still sharp mind, he wrote a biography The Life and Times of John Brannen. He mastered the computer and loved to tell stories of years ago. John is survived by his wife, Lottie (Atkinson); daughters, Sharon, Heather; brother, Bruce; step-children, Shirley (Russell), Bobby Dale (Adele), Kathy (Dave); grandchildren, Sandy, Shelley (Darren), Tracey (Mark), John, Chris, Tim (Shannon), Aaron (Shelly), Matthew, Mindy (Earl), David; step-grandchildren, Skipper, Vaughn (Kathy), Marty (Nicole), Meagan (Peter), Adele Lynn (Bobby), Dale (Mandy), Brandy (Gordie), Callan; great-grandchildren, Tara, Micheala, Lindsey, Justin, Brittany, Garrett, Dalton, Rylan, Morgan, Damian, Sam, Abby, Jeremy, Josh, Isaiah; step-great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Shannon, Shane, Shaelyn, Jaycee (Nick), Jaden, Taylor, Calli, Mallory; great-great grandchildren, Adam, Aeriel, Myla, Jase, and Dixon. He was called "Grandfather" by them all. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Bernice (Atkinson); sons, John Jr., David; brothers, George, Robert, and Ralph. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of H. M. Huskilson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Barrington. In accordance with John's wishes there will be no visitation and a family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund. END

2-6-26

Robert Arthur Brannen (1926-2014)

Robert, B, Bob was the third son of Ira Brannen (1901-19820 any Lottie Penney (1902-1992). He was born December 30, 1926, in the family homestead in Centreville.

He known as “B” while in Nova Scotia.

He finished high school at age 16 and left home and went to work in Liverpool. As he neared age 18, he joined the army as an underage recruit in October after he had turned 18 and his basic training was nearing completion the war in Europe was winding down and he was discharged September 1945.

He used his service credits to study auto mechanics at the Nova Scotia Technical College. In 1947 he rejoined the army for a short time.

In the 1949 census he was shown as a truck driver living in Centreville.

He married Mary Louise Crowell (1931-2020) in Barrington NS. She was the daughter of Basil Crowell 1912-??) and Ellen Bower (1912-1997).

They had six surviving children:

Susan Gayle born 1950

            James Ralph 1951

            William Basil 1953

            Karen Louise 1956

            Mary Ellen 1959

            Debra Lynn (1961-1961)

            Barbara June 1963

The 1957 voters list showed him living in Doctor's Cove NS. He was described as a machinist. They owned a home and lived in Doctor’s Cove NS in the 1950’s.

In 1963, 1965 and 1968 he appeared on the Hastings voter list as a mechanic living in Norwood ON. In the 1960’s they settled in Norwood where he worked, first as a mechanic, and then a shop foreman for various car dealers in the Peterbourgh area.

In 1972 he appeared on the Voter's List for Kingston ON as a civil servant and also on the Hastings list as a manager. In the early 1970s he joined the civil service of the Ontario Government where he held several senior positions in the Ministry of Transportation including Executive Assistant to the Minister of Transportation.

He retired in 1990 and built a beautiful home on Beaver Lake where they lived until about 2012 when they moved to Kingston ON.

He died of pancreatic cancer April 14 2014 in Kingston. Mary died December 28 2020 in Kingston.

STORY:

Bob's Story as told to Bruce  2013

I was born in Centreville 30 December 1926 in the McGray Brannen house.  Dad took a job operating a farm for Rob Nickerson in 1930 and we moved there in June. That house later was occupied by Sydney Nickerson. In 1933 we moved back to our own house and lived there until about 1942 when gasoline rationing forced the family to move to Clark's Harbour and rent a house.

In June 1944 I left high school at age 16. I was finished school and went to Brooklyn NS to work as an electrician's helper at the Mersey Paper mill. I boarded with a family and had all my meals in their restaurant by the mill gates. Later I moved into Liverpool and worked at the Roosenly Shipyards as an electrician's helper installing lights, signals and lead covering for the electrical wiring in various parts of corvettes and mine sweepers at the Mersey Paper mill docks. After approximately six months I was doing wiring etc. with two helpers. Advancement was fast in those days as anyone 18 years of age or older was in the military unless they were unfit for service.

While in Liverpool I took up boxing with a friend, Sandy MacIntosh from Lockport and joined a gym run by Bruce McDonald. He had been Maritime Lightweight Champion and he was our trainer.

My friend Sandy and I went to Halifax and joined the Canadian Army 18th October 1944 at 17 1/2. Canadian Technical Training Corps for under aged teens like us. In the morning I did army training and in the afternoon classes at High School I was sent to Fredericton for basic training and then to Saint John advanced training.

From there I was sent to Hamilton ON for further training in mechanics while rest to the platoon was sent to Shilo, Manitoba. I was not happy to be separated from my buddies but the war in Europe was winding down and I was shipped back to Halifax for discharge. I was out of the Army when I was 18, 20th September 1945.

I used my veterans retraining credits to go to Nova Scotia Technical College on Spring Garden Road in Halifax. After finishing college in April 1946, I went to work as a mechanic at Citadel Motors, Halifax, a General Motors dealer. I then moved back to the Island and worked for Smith and Watt.

In April 26 1947 I rejoined the army, the Royal Canadian Dragons and spent time at Camp Borden, Petawawa and Kingston. I was discharged 26 June 1948 in Kingston.

I worked in Peterbourgh at Reid and McDannel garage. Jack was living in Norwood at the time. I left early in the fall of 1948 and returned to Centreville to help George in his store that he had opened in our house. I planned to go to Australia in the spring.

Sydney Nickerson offered me a job with a surveyor mapping out the new highway from North East Point to Clarks Harbour (later Hwy 330). Later Dad talked me into driving a truck for Kenny and Ross (really for Dad), he said " You can wear a suit and drive this truck, all new and clean wooden boxes.". The wooden boxes weighted 118 pounds of hard dried fish. I had to load the truck stacked 5 boxes high and drive to Halifax.

The job developed into picking up fish waste all around the Island, Baccaro, Shelburne and Lockport, plus moving steam boilers and the like. Jack had warned me about working for Dad, no clock, work hard, a day’s pay for a day’s work, sometimes 24 hours days, $25.00 per week, no overtime, 6 days a week. 

While I was home on a visit from Ontario after discharge from the Army, Mary Louise Crowell was visiting her friend Janet Smith, we were introduced in George's store (when it was in the house), we later double dated with Janet and George in George's old Ford station wagon. Mary attended Teachers College in Truro when she was 16 years old, she met Janet Smith there and they became friends. When she graduated she taught at Clyde River. We dated while she was there. The following year she taught at a school near Yarmouth That was the year we married, and she quit teaching at Christmas break.

Mary and I were married Dec 3, 1949. The wedding was at United Church Parsonage in Barrington attended by Mom and Dad, Basil and Ellen, younger brother Bruce and Best Man, brother George. The Maid of Honour was Janet Smith. It was a full blizzard. Mom and Dad had to take a truck that was available after the motor in their car destructed while being warmed up for the trip. The roads were not passable from the Island but Dad's old friend Sydney Nickerson was the snowplow driver and he got them to the parsonage on time.Our first night married was spent at a guest house only about a half mile from the parsonage.

 We rented a small house in Barrington Passage and I went to work for Smith & Watt a Dodge dealer. Susan was born while we lived there. We later moved to a house next to Smith & Watt's garage. Jim was born while we lived there.

In the spring of 1952, I went to Goose Bay Labrador to work on the construction of the air base there, Mary lived with the two sets of parents while I was away.  When I returned, we rented a house on Shrose Island.

With the money saved from Goose Bay employment we bought a house at Doctor's Cove. We needed a $500 mortgage which we got from Arthur Brannen at 5% interest and an agreement we pay something off the principal twice yearly. Bill was born January 1953 while we lived in Doctor's Cove house.

We moved to Norwood ON in August or September 1953 and then moved back to the Cove in 1955. Karen was born in 1956. When I returned I went to work for Tommy Swain. Sometime later I left Swain's and went into a partnership with Clyde Adams in Adams and Brannen Auto Repair and took over the Irving station at the end of the causeway. We sold the business and moved back to Norwood in September 1958 and I returned to Stewart Motors. Later I moved to Duffus Motors in Peterborough. While in Norwood we purchased a lot and built a house. We lived there until 1970.

In 1969 I applied to an ad in the newspaper for a new Province of Ontario program. This resulted in the family minus Susan who had gone to Toronto to work moving to Kingston where I became District Vehicle Inspector, Eastern Ontario and later as District Manager, Kingston District.

In 1981 I was invited to become Executive Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Transportation in Queens Park. Later I was appointed Manager of Operations Office, and so we packed and moved again first to Etobicoke and then Mississauga. This time only Barbara moved with us as the other children had left home.

In 1986 we again moved back to Kingston when I was appointed Regional manager, Eastern Ontario. We lived there until I retired and built a new home on Beaver Lake. In 2010 we again packed and moved leaving Beaver Lake/Tamworth and heading back to Kingston.

OBITUARY:

BRANNEN, Robert (Bob) - (1926-2014) Suddenly after a brief illness we have lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Bob passed away on April 14, 2014 with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years- Mary, his children Susan Hie (Kevin), Jim Brannen (Mary Lou), Bill Brannen (Pam), Karen Voin (John), Mary Ellen Sullivan (Barry), and Barb Verville (Dave). He will also be missed by his grandchildren Jennifer, Kerri-Ann, Matthew, Theresa, Robbie, Elizabeth, Scott, Chris, Jessica, Carly, Brandon, Kelsey, Alex, and Megan, and 12 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to Palliative Care or St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital, Kingston (U.H.K.F.) would be appreciated by the family. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Monday, April 21 from 12:30-2:30 pm in the Reception Centre at JAMES REID FUNERAL HOME, 1900 John Counter Boulevard

OBITUARY:

Unexpectedly at home, Mary passed away on December 28. We have lost a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Robert (Bob) Brannen and will be greatly missed by her children, Susan Hie (Kevin), Jim Brannen (Mary Lou), Bill Brannen (Pam), Karen Voin (John), Mary Ellen Sullivan (Barry), and Barb Verville (Dave). She will also be missed by her grandchildren Jennifer, Kerri-Ann, Matthew, Theresa, Robbie, Elizabeth, Scott, Chris, Jessica, Carly, Brandon, Kelsey, Alex, and Megan, and 19 great-grandchildren. Cremation will be followed by a private family gathering at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens.

END

2-6-27

Ralph St Clair Brannen (1930-1951)

Ralph was born August 19 1930 to Ira Brannen (1901-1982) and Lottie Penney (1902-1992) He was their fourth child. He was born in 1930 on a farm in Centerville that his parents were running. For his first 13 years he was the baby of the family four years younger than Robert. Based on the family oral history he was certainly the "good son" as there were never stories of his exploits.

He attended school in Centerville and Clark's Harbour. After finishing grade 10 likely in 1946 he remained at home working briefly on a farm (the one where he was born) for Sydney Nickerson. When his brother George established his grocery business Ralph worked for him until 1951. He moved to Halifax in June of that year and got a job at Simpson's. That same summer he contracted polio and died while in an iron lung. August 31, 1951, at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax.

STORY:

His death is recorded in the records of the Halifax Funeral Home August 30 1951:

Nova Scotia Death Certificate 02---5284 30 02 292 054

Died: Polio Clinic V. G. Hospital, Halifax

Length of stay: 2 weeks

Age: 21 years 12 days

Date of death: August 31 1951

Cause of death: Acute (illigible) Poliomyelitis (illegible)

Doctor's name: illegible

STORY:

In 1951 Ralph went to Halifax to work at Simpson's. After three weeks he got polio. Was in a iron lung. Had his 21st birthday in the lung, died August 30th.

Lottie Penney Brannen 1984, his mother

STORY:

From the Life and Times of J.L.B. published 2009:

The week- end we were home, my younger brother Ralph, who had recently left home and just started working at Simpson's in Halifax, came up to the Island to see us.  Sunday when he was leaving, I drove him to the bus depot.  When he got out of the car he said, "I'll see you later."  Little did we know it was good- bye.  When I got back home. I got word he had polio and was in an iron lung.  That was what was used to help the patient breath as polio brought paralysis.   A few weeks later he passed away at the young age of twenty -one. August 30, 1951 was very sad day.  I was glad I made the trip had chance to see him one last time.

STORY:

MY BROTHER RALPH

by Robert Brannen

Ralph was quiet! He was the laid-back brother not aggressive like the rest of us. He was pleasant, intelligent and well liked.

I was almost 4 years older, I remember when we were at the old Centreville school he came to me and complained that another boy was throwing sand at him. I told him to go back and hit him and that would make him stop. Ralph slowly walked back to the sand pit where the boy was sitting in the sand, stooped down and hit him in the face and then sat down a continued to play in the sand, not a word was spoken.

I don't remember him talking about what he would like to do when he grew up or where he would like to go. He never played many sports but then again, we really only had baseball as there was no ice for hockey in the winter. Our activities were swimming, fishing off McGray's wharf and there were always boats for sail or rowing.

After he finished high school, he worked for brother George in his grocery store and post office for awhile and continued to live at home.

In the spring of 1951, he went to Halifax and got a job at Simpson's. Shortly after that he developed polio and was placed in a iron lung. He passed away at the end of August.

END

2-6-28

Bruce Evan Brannen (1943-)

I was born August 22 1943 in Clark’s Harbour NS. My parents Ira Brannen (1901-1982) and Lottie Penney (1902-1992 were living in a rental house because war time rationing did not provide enough gas for my father to commute to his work by car. Shortly after I was born the family returned to the homestead in Centreville.

When I was born Cape Sale Island had no land link and was served by a small ferry until a causeway was built and opened in 1949.

My three brothers who were serving in military during WWII returned home in 1946 and for a brief time all 5 brothers were under the same roof. My brother George operated a grocery store, first from our house, and then from a new store he built across the road. I tended to follow him around a lot until I started school at age six.

The Centreville school, one room when I started, was a little over a mile walk. I hated school and missed as much time as I could. I attended this school from “primmer” thru grade six.

For pets I had the usual dog and cats but also Micky the male sheep. Sports were limited to baseball, which I played, but near-sighted ball players do not excel.

In grade seven, 1956-57, I went to Clark's Harbour High School. I was 13 years old and discovering girls were not only different than boys but also much nicer to watch movies with. Entertainment consisted of a theatre in Clark's Harbour and one in Barrington Passage.

In the summer of 1957, I worked in a garage for my brother “B” for ten cents an hour; yes, I had to work an hour to buy a bottle of Coke. That summer I learned where gas caps were located on various cars, how to change oil and grease a car and how to sand cars in preparation for painting. I also learned that working for your brother is a hell of a poor way to earn money.

In 1957 Barrington Municipal High School opened and suddenly we were exposed to kids from a 25 miles radius. I liked the social aspect of high school but found school boring and avoided it as much as possible. This eventually caught up to me and I failed grade ten.

I finished grade 11 in June 1962 and took the bus to Yarmouth where a started work for the Royal Bank. It wasn't a good match, but I loved the social life of a banker in Yarmouth. In early 1963 I was transferred to Digby a truly horrible place both inside and outside of the bank. I quit the bank and headed to Halifax in the summer of 1963 to find something better to do and I was sure anything would be better. When no good jobs appeared, I bought an old Hillman convertible and sold Fuller Brush products from door to door and shared a cottage on the lake in Waverley NS. with a friend.

I did not think my life's calling was to be a door to door salesman so I went to work in the spring of 1964 as a clerk with Canadian Industries (CIL). I had a full-time year around job but only work to do in the spring. I had figured out by then the best job for me was in sales finance. The company car, expense account and lack of a time clock were serious attractions.

In 1965 I went to work for Clifton Credit and was posted in Yarmouth. My job was to collect from delinquent clients. I spent my days in a company car chasing down people who had not paid and convincing them to pay or repossessing whatever they had financed; cars, furniture, chainsaws, etc. I was so good they shipped me to the main branch in Halifax and on the day of my arrival fired everyone in the branch more senior than I. It was an exciting and accelerated learning experience.

In early 1966 I quit Clifton Credit and after a month at home went west in my 1958 Hillman convertible. In BC I sold the car and took the train back to Toronto where I got a job with Canadian Acceptance as an Adjuster (I repossessed cars). I was with them from the spring of 1966 to 1970. I managed to work and live in Weston, Brantford, St. Catherines, Toronto, Kitchener, Hamilton, Brampton and Sarnia. St Catharines was about only place I stayed more than six months. I consider this four-year period “my wasted youth”.

In March 1970 Canada Trust was entering the personal loan business and hired me to open the department in Sarnia. It created an opportunity for me to move into mortgage lending and I took it, soon dropping the personal loans responsibility. The move to Canada Trust was a terrific one it that not only did it open a lucrative career change but I found the girl I would marry.

Mary McKeown (1948-) and I married March 1972 and produced two beautiful daughters while we lived there. Also, while I lived in Sarnia I bought a tennis racquet.

In 1979 I was approached by Mutual Life to replace their retiring Mortgage Manager. It seemed to offer an opportunity to make more money without having to leave Sarnia. It also offered a wider territory as it would take in Windsor and Chatham. I had acquired a CRA real estate appraisal designation and was working toward my AACI later called P.App which involved university courses. I decided that a successful future would need a university degree and that I actually enjoyed university. My job at Mutual required me to be in Windsor at least a couple of days a week and this schedule could be bent to accommodate classes at the University of Windsor's campus. With the aid of a beeper and a very smart secretary I was able to get a BA in two years while working full time. I graduated in June 1980 from the University of Windsor with a BA in urban studies.

My goal had become a B. Comm. degree and I had begun to accumulate credits but there was a rude interruption when Mutual Life insisted that I move to Ottawa in May 1982. This was not a happy move as it wrecked my education plan and really didn't offer a big enough market to justify uprooting the family. I decided reluctantly to go, with a plan to seek an MBA at Ottawa U. In hindsight it was a very good move for the whole family, and my career but it did soon end my university plans.

In 1985 I got a job in Royal Trust's Head Office in Toronto as Director, Mortgages and we moved to Mississauga. I have never liked the words, woulda, shoulda and coulda, so I felt I had to spend some time in Head Office with national responsibilities. Head Office is not a pleasant experience but a necessary step to avoid those 3 words. I planned a 5-year stay. I over saw the quality of probably the 3rd largest mortgage portfolio in Canada at that time. The early years were challenging and exciting as the company was in transition from a staid old trust company to a modern financial services company. At the end of 5 years an opportunity at regional level opened and we were able to move back to Ottawa in 1990. Royal Trust suffered from aggressive management and a horrible recession and was bought out by the Royal Bank and with that, I was a Royal banker again and where I finished my career in 2003.

My retirement allowed me to play tennis several times a week, spend winters in Florida and take long travels to Europe every other year. The rest of my time has been spent maintaining our 45 year old house and renovating a Florida condo but most importantly being grandpa.

Bruce Brannen, Ottawa 2018

STORY:

I appear in the Canada Voter's List living at 18 Heatherington Street in St. Catherines in 1968 I was listed as an assistant manage (1903-1998)

THE CHILDREN OF SHIRLEY JEREMIAH BRANNEN (1903-1996)

2-6-29

Shirley Anna Belle Brannen (1928-1996)

Shirley was born in Melrose MA September 5, 1928. She was the daughter of Shirley Jeremiah Brannen (1903-1998) and Estelle Marie Boissonneault (1912-2010). Her mother was only about 16 when Shirley was born.

She appears in the 1930 US census as age one.

When her parents separated and divorced, she and her brother were made wards of the state and appears to have lived in institutions until her teens. She went to live with her mother and Estelle and Smith Bateman when she was a teen. She became a Roman Catholic as her mother was a Roman Catholic.

In about 1947 she went with her cousin Jeanette Bateman to Barrington Township on a holiday where she met Douglas Stoddard (1928-1980). The following year she returned to Nova Scotia and married him. He was born September 4, 1928, in Doctors Cove, N.S., and died 29 December 1980 in Yarmouth, N.S.  They had four children together; Diane born 1949, Joanne born 1950, Christine born 1951and Marilyn born in 1953. Thet separated in the mid-1950s.

She did not remarry but did have another daughter, Estelle. She did not work outside the home and depended upon welfare to a great degree while raising the girls.

There was a Shirley A. Brannen in the 1981 Boston City Directory living at 392 Centre St listed as a Democrat.

In later years she and her mother Estella lived in a senior’s home.

Ronald re married first Claudia Brannen, daughter of Clayton Brannen and then Evelyn Fox. He had many children and relationships before an early death in 1980.

OBITUARY:

RONALD DOUGLAS STODDARD Died 29 December, 1980

WOODS HARBOUR - Ronald Douglas Stoddard, 52, of Woods Harbour died Monday in Yarmouth regional Hospital. Born in Doctor's Cove, he was a son of the late Frank and Nema (Hopkins) Stoddard. He was a member of Doctor's Cove United Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, the former Claudia Brannen; three sons, Kevin and Ronald, both of Woods Harbour; Francis, Barrrington; a stepson Edmund Guey, in Massachusetts; six daughters, Mrs. Dioane Clotzz, Joanne (Mrs. Jerry Towers, Marilyn (Mrs. Eric Fredericks), Mrs. Stella Stoddard and Christine, all in Massachusetts, and Karen (Mrs. Timothy Blanchard), Argyle Sound; two step daughters, Paulette Guey and Michelle Guey, both of Woods Harbour; six brothers, Albert, Blanchard, Victor and Martin, all of Barrington; Malcolm, Woods Harbour, and Gerald, Ingomar, Shelburne County; three sisters, Freda (Mrs. Stirling Nickerson), Barrington; Nellie (Mrs. Tom Gore), Woods Harbour, and Edna (Mrs. Dudley Stewart), Shelburne; 11 grandchildren. The body is in Kennedy's Funeral Home, Barrington. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Calvary Baptist Church, Woods Harbour, Rev. Michael Stone officiating, with burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Upper Woods Harbour.

END

2-6-30

John Robert Brannen (1930-1994)

John was born February 27, 1930, in Melrose MA. He was the second child of Shirley Jeremiah Brannen (1903-1998) and Estelle Marie Boissonneault (1912-2010). The 1930 US census listed him as being one month old. He was living with his parents Shirley J. age 27, Stella L. age 18 and his sister Shirley eighteen months old. Also living at that address was his aunt Laura Brannen-Bateman age 19. They were living at 135 Falcon Street in Boston.

July 20, 1936, he travelled with his family on the SS Evangeline from Yarmouth to Boston

He and his sister became wards of the state when their parents separated around 1939. As well as time spent in state orphanages, he lived for a time with his Boissonneault aunts and uncles as well as briefly with his mother and her second husband Smith Bateman.

He served as Corporal in the US Air Force. His SSN was 029-22-7503. He may have been discharged early and received a pension due to health issues.

He seems to have mostly done house painting with his father.

In the 1964 Boston city directory he was shown as married to Evelyn A. He was listed as a painter living at 4436 Washington, Ros. Evelyn was perhaps 15 years older than him with three children. Their marriage ended in divorce after about ten or fifteen years, and he never married again.

There is a record of John R. Brannen living at 15 Lucille Dr. Tewksbury MA.

He developed cancer of the intestines and went to live with his niece Dianne Stoddard-Klotz, his sister’s oldest daughter, she was a nurse. He remained there until his death September 16, 1994, in Tewksbury MA. He is buried in North Billerica MA.

END

THE CHILDREN OF MYRTLE BRANNEN (1905-1982)

2-4-31

Gloria Clissie Newell (1926-1989)

Gloria was born in Centreville September 4, 1926. She was the oldest child of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977). Gloria married Lloyd Hipson (1924-2000) June 5, 1948. They had twelve children all except one lived to maturity.

They lived in Shelburne and Lloyd operated an automotive store franchise.

Gloria passed away July 20, 1989, in Shelburne and is buried in the Pine Grove Cemetery. Lloyd died May 1, 2000, in Shelburne.

STORY:

Gloria Clissie was the first child born to Clarence and Myrtle Newell September 4th, 1926 in Centreville, CSI.  After Gloria finished school (approx, 1943), she moved to Shelburne where she boarded with Mrs. Leslie Hipson (Eiva) and worked at the Shelburne Bakery with Bessie Harris. While boarding with Mrs. Hipson, she met her son Lloyd when he returned home on vacations from Mount Alison University, Lloyd joined the army during the war and Gloria went to White Point and taught school for a year. After the war, Gloria and Lloyd were married on the 5th of June, 1948 and lived with Mrs. Hipson (where the Coast Guard. office now stands),

When Mrs. Hipson died in May 1953, Gloria and Lloyd had 4 children, Lloyd ran a `Western Tire’ store and Gloria helped with the business. In 1960 or 61, the big Hipson home and lot was sold Irving Oil and the family moved to the house on the corner of John and Mowatt Streets where Lloyd drove an oil delivery truck then ran a taxi business and owned a rental building on main street During this time the family increased-to 11 children, the last being born in 1970.

Because Gloria had so much responsibility, she did not have an easy life. She was a very hard-working person and enjoyed painting the apartments when they became empty, which was not easy work. She loved reading and was a frequent visitor to the library across the street. Because she read so much, she was very knowledgeable about many subjects, She was a very good cook and made delicious breads,

Gloria developed pancreatic cancer in 1987. The cancer eventually metastasized to her liver and bones and she passed away on 20th July 1989.

From the scrapbook of Julie Dedrick daughter.

STORY:

After Grampy (Clarence) died in 1977 Peggy and I (Gloria) tried to visit Mom (Myrtle) every Tuesday. Mom looked forward to our visits and always had the table set and a full course meal ready. We would go down to the causeway shopping later and at Bill’s Store, Mom would always buy tea towels if she couldn’t find anything else to buy-she couldn’t insult Mr. Brown by not buying anything. We would sit in our rocking chairs and have our chats-you could talk to Mom about anything.

From the scrapbook of Julie Dedrick daughter

OBITUARY:

HIPSON, Lloyd George - 76, Shelburne, died May 1, 2000, in Roseway Manor, Sandy Point. Born in Shelburne, he was a son of the late Leslie and Elva (Hyson) Hipson. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and a former member of Albert Lodge 30 also a member of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department, joining the company on June 2, 1947. He retired in June of 1963, with 16 years of service and spent many years as the driver of the LaFrance. He served in the Royal Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War for four years. He was attending Mount Allison University when he enlisted in the Army. He was an avid basketball player and while at Mount Allison he also turned out for the Varsity Football Team. He was the light weight and middle weight champ at Mount Allison for two years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and he operated a taxi service from the war years to 1976. He was also the person who brought the Western Tire Store to Shelburne in the 1960's. He operated that business for five years. Surviving are sons, Gordon and wife Jane, Halifax; Lloyd Jr. and wife Claudia, Surrey, B.C.; John, Shelburne; daughters, Nonie (Mrs. Ed Williams), Birchtown; Julie (Mrs. Burnley Dedrick), Hartz Point; Peggy (Mrs. Ed Spurr), Birchtown; Debbie (Mrs. Conrad Gilbert), Windsor; Lucy (Mrs. Richard Stuart), Sandy Point; Theresa (Mrs. Darrell Bower), Jordan Bay; Andrea Hipson, East Green Harbour; Kimberly (Mrs. Troy Williams), Bridgewater; sister, Aleda Hipson, Halifax; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria (Newell); son, Stuart Roger; brothers, Creighton, Gordon and Perley; grandson, Travis Williams. Visitation 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today in H.M. Huskilson's Funeral Home, Shelburne. Funeral 2 p.m Thursday, in Christ Church, Shelburne, Rev. Jim Greene officiating. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Shelburne Fire Department LaFrance Restoration Fund or charity of your choice.

END

2-4-32

Clarence Bernard Newell (1928-1967)

Buddy was born April 22, 1928, in Boston. He was the oldest son of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977).

He served in the US military and joined the Masons in 1962.

He worked with chemicals and at one time moved back to Nova Scotia and operated his own company. After his return to the US he developed Leukemia which was attributed to his long exposure carcinogens in the chemicals he worked with.

He died from Leukemia December 9, 1967, in Lynn MA and is buried with his parents in Forest Hill Cemetery in Barrington Passage NS.

END

2-6-33

Carol Irene Newell (1931-2012)

Carol was born March 14, 1931, in Centreville NS. She was the daughter of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977).

She married Francis McCurdy Nickerson (1915-1992) April 2, 1954. Francis had served in the US Army October 11, 1941, to October 25 1945. They had two children, Howard Newell Nickerson born 1956 and June Ellen Nickerson born 1959. 

Francis died December 8, 1992. Carol died February 26, 2012, in Yarmouth NS. Both are buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Barrington Passage NS.

OBITUARY:

NICKERSON, Carol Irene - 80, Barrington Passage, passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Centerville, Cape Sable Island, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Myrtle (Brannen) Newell. Carol loved bowling, playing 45’s, reading, baking and discussing American politics. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She is survived by her son, Howard Nickerson, Sebim Beach; daughter, June Hopkins, Villagedale; grandchildren, Erica and Alex Nickerson, Halifax; Tyler and Laura Hopkins, Villagedale; brothers, Roger (Marie) Newell, Fall River; Larry (Carol) Newell, Berwick; sister Cleo (Al) Olsen, Derry, New Hampshire. Predeceased by her husband, Francis Nickerson; brother, Buddy Newell; sister. Gloria Hipson. Cremation has taken place. Family graveside service will be held in the spring. There will be no funeral by request. Memorial donations may be made to VON or a to charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to H. Huskilson’s Funeral Service, Barrington.

END

2-6-34

Cleo Winnifred Newell (1932-2017)

Cleo was born in Centreville July 7, 1932. She was the child of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977). She married Stanley Newton Atwood (1926-2011) in Lynn MA. They had had four children; Thomas 1951, Gary 1952, Marsha 1955, and Barbara 1960.

After her children were older she worked outside the home on a factory assembly line and in her later years she worked a silk screening and embroidery.

She divorced Stanley in the mid 1960’s. He died September 17, 2011, and is buried in Charles Lawn Memorial Park, Reading MA

She married Donald Earle Hollingsworth (1930-1998). They had one child Heidi Jean born in 1967.

Donald died September 30, 1998. He is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in East Derry NH.

She married for the third time to Alan Olsen. He predeceased Cleo.

Cleo died April 5, 2017, of cancer in Merrimack NH and is buried in Derry NH with her second husband Donald Hollingsworth.

STORY;

Here is a brief history. She (Cleo) was married to my Dad Stanley Atwood. They divorced in the late 1960's. She then married Don Hollingsworth who turned out to be the love of her life. He passed away from cancer in 1998 at 69. Mom was depressed and lonely for a long time and met a man 10 years her senior. His name was Alan Olsen. He was persistent in his pursuit to marry her. He pressured her till he succeeded. Against our wishes they married. We didn't care for him because he was controlling. They were married a few years then he passed away. He was buried with his wife. Mom passed away last year. We wanted mom buried with Don in Derry without the name Olsen.                      

An e-mail October 6, 2018, from Marsha Atwood-Greenwood Cleo’s daughter.

END

2-6-35

Lawrence Jethro Newell (1937-2021)

Larry was born in Centreville July 22, 1937. He was the son of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977).

After high school he worked in Shelburne at the Nova Scotia School for Boys as a counsellor. He then moved to New Minus NS, where he started as a packer and then moved up to plant supervisor with Larson’s Meats.

He married Carol Nickerson about 1959.She was from “the valley” but her father Dexter Nickerson was originally from Forbes Point NS. They had five children: Raymond, Richard, Robert, Lawrence Roger and Donna.

He moved to Cambridge NS after his retirement and passed away August 29, 2019, in Kentville NS.

STORY:

Larry was named in honour of Lawrence `Laddy` Newell who played a large part in the rescue of Clarence, Larry`s father. Clarence`s boat capsized in rough seas near Devil`s Ledge 2 miles west of Seal Island December 3, 1936. His hired hand also named Lawrence was drown but because Clarence was a strong swimmer he was able to stay afloat until he was rescued. Larry`s mother was pregnant at the time. (Lost Mariners V2)

OBITUARY:

Lawrence Jethro "Larry" Newell - age 82, of New Minas, formerly of Cambridge, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2019, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Cape Sable Island, he was a son of the late Clarence and Myrtle (Brannen) Newell. Lawrence worked as a plant superintendent at Larsen Packers in Berwick and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Nickerson); daughter, Donna; sons, Roger, Robert, Raymond and Richard; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; brother, Roger; nieces, nephews and extended family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Carol, Cleo and Gloria and brother, Clarence "Buddy". Cremation has taken place.

END

2-6-36

Roger Stuart Newell (1941-)

Roger was born April 8, 1941, in Centreville. He was the son of Myrtle Brannen (1905-1982) and Clarence Newell (1900-1977).

After attending high school in both Barrington Passage and Shelburne Roger joined the RCMP. He later worked for Co-Operators Insurance. In retirement he did home renovation jobs.

He married Norma Ann Buchanan (1940-1999) October 24 1964. They had three children: Troy Dwayne 1966, Tammy Rae 1968, and Renee Mandy 1973.

Norma passed away December 10, 1999.

Roger remarried in about 2013.

END

THE CHILDREN OF CLEO LEASTON BRANNEN (1907-2000)

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John Peter Ferreira (1927-1946)

John was born July 23, 1927, in East Boston MA to Cleo Brannen (1907-2000) and Joao (John) Ferreira (1900-1955).

He was enlisted in the USN in WW II as a Y3C. He was killed on Mindoro Island, Philippines July 28, 1946. September 1949 he is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis MO.

OBITUARY:

JOHN P. FERREIRA: Born in East Boston on July 23. 1927, he attended Barnes School and the Boston Technical High School, graduating from the latter in the class of 1945. He enlisted in the United States Navy on December 28, 1944, and

received his boot training at Sampson, New York. He received further instruction in Oklahoma from which school he graduated and was made Aviation Ordnance Man. He was then sent overseas to the Philippines with rating of Yeoman 3/c, where he spent the last ten months. John volunteered on many occasions to go on search flights for his buddies and it was while on one of these flights that his plane

was reported missing, later found crashed into the side of mountain on Mindoro Island when he and all the other members of the crew were lost.

He was an active member of the East Boston Corps asa bandsman, Corps Cadet, faithful in attending Sunday School and acting Assistant Young Peoples Legion Secretary.

John was also active as a player in American Legion Band of the Lieut. Lawrence J. Flaherty Post.

END

2-6-38

Laura Maria Ferreira (1928-2014)

Laura was born July 23, 1927, in East Boston MA to Cleo Brannen (1907-2000) and Joao (John) Ferreira (1900-1955).

She married Clyde McEwen. They had tree children, Daniel, Susan, and Jan.

Laura graduated from high school in East Boston and went to Salvation Army, Officer Candidate School in Bronx, N.Y. She served, with her husband Clyde, for The Salvation Army in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for over 40 years.

He died in Mechanicsburg, PA, in 1986. She died Nov. 11, 2014 in Saco, York County, ME.

OBITUARY:

Laura Maria McEwen, 86, passed away on Nov. 11, 2014, at the Monarch Center in Saco. Laura was born on Sept. 23, 1928, in East Boston, Mass., the daughter of John and Cleo Brennan Ferreira.

Laura graduated from high school in East Boston and went to Officer Candidate School in Bronx, N.Y., Laura served, with her husband Clyde, for The Salvation Army in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over 40 years. She retired to the Old Orchard beach area.

She is survived by a son, Daniel McEwen of Philadelphia, Pa., two daughters, Susan McEwen of Farmingdale, and Jan McEwen of Waterville; and two sisters- in-law, Barbara Ferreira of Old Orchard Beach, and Lillian Ferreira of Tewksbury, Mass.

END

2-6-39

Arthur Felix Ferreira (1930-2008)

Arthur was born February 10, 1930, in Boston MA to Cleo Brannen (1907-2000) and Joao (John) Ferreira (1906-1967)

He appears in the 1930 US census at age one year, born in MA. The family was living on Border Street, Boston. In the 1940 census he was age ten years living on Falcon Street Boston.

On March 17, 1952, he married Faith Lorraine MacArthur (1928-1956). She was a native of Berlin, NH, the daughter of William MacArthur and Vera Brace. They do not appear to have had children. Faith died August 21 1956 in Barre, VT.

He married Barbara Kuhl (1931-2016). She was born October 27 1931 in Long Branch, NJ. They appear to have had five children including George Stephen Ferreira (1960-2008).

1972 city directory showed him as a Corps Officer with Salvation Army, Boston Central Corps and living at 16 Howitt Rd. W.R.

He died November 19 2008 in Old Orchard Beach, ME and iis buried in the Laurel Hill cemetery in Saco ME. Barbara died May 5th 2016 in York County ME.

OBITUARY:

Barbara K. Ferreira, 84, of Old Orchard Beach, was Promoted to Glory on May 5, 2016 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. She was born in Long Branch, N.J. on Oct. 27, 1931, daughter of Frank and Lynette Kuhl. She attended Monmouth Jr. College as a History Major; attended the Salvation Army Officer's Training College in the Bronx and was commissioned/ordained an officer/minister in 1952. Her early days as an officer in The Salvation Army included ministry in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In 1957, she married Arthur F. Ferreira, continued her work as an officer in The Salvation Army in partnership with her husband in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Ohio. During this time, they raised a family of 4 boys and a girl. They retired as Majors in The Salvation Army to Old Orchard Beach in 1995. Following her husband's passing 2008; she was trained and volunteered at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. She also volunteered her time at The Salvation Army in Old Orchard Beach.In the Fall of 2015, she moved from her home in Old Orchard to the Atria in Kennebunk. Barbara loved her family and was a musician. She played the accordion and over the years played baritone in various Salvation Army Bands. She loved to sing and served as the chaplain for The Salvation Army Old Orchard Beach Songsters (choir) for several years. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur; her son Stephen; two sisters and a brother. She is survived by sons John Ferreira, Philip Ferreira, Andrew Ferreira and daughter Beverly Anderson. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; as well as 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. END

2-6-40

Edward E. Ferreira (1931-2012)

Ed was born August 27, 1931, in Stoneham MA to Cleo Brannen (1907-2000) and Joao (John) Ferreira (1900-1955).

Ed was raised in East Boston, attended East Boston schools and graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1950. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas during the Korean War.

He married Lillian E, Myllykangas August 21, 1954. She was born about 1932. They had four children, Laura, Virginia, Edward Jr., and Ruth.

He was employed for over 40 years as a pipefitter by Local # 537 of Boston and worked for Harris Environmental Systems until his retirement.

He died in Tewksbury, MA January 13, 2012, and is buried in the Tewksbury cemetery.

OBITUARY:

 Edward E. Ferreira, age 80, a resident of Tewksbury for 56 years and a member of the Lowell First Church of the Nazarene, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2011 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Lillian E. (Myllykangas) Ferreira, with whom he celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2011.  Born in Stoneham on August 27, 1931, he was the son of the late John Ferreira and the late Cleo L. (Brannen) Ferreira.

Ed was raised in East Boston, attended East Boston schools and graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1950.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. Mr. Ferreira was awarded several decorations for his military service including the National Defense Service Medal, the Japan Occupation Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was employed for over 40 years as a Pipe-Fitter by Local # 537 of Boston and worked for Harris Environmental Systems until his retirement.

Ed enjoyed woodworking and furniture construction and traveling with his wife to Portugal, the U.S. National Parks, Germany and a cruise through the Panama Canal.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ed is survived by four children, Laura A. Constantine and her husband Ken of Hartford City, IN, Virginia A. Marshall of Tewksbury, Edward A. Ferreira and his wife Kathleen (O'Brien) of Dracut and Ruth A. Oliver and her husband Dennis of Tewksbury; one sister, Laura McEwen of Maine; eight grandchildren, David, Catherine, Stephen, Tim, Lindsay, Hannah, Greg and Brad; also many nieces and nephews. Mr. Ferreira was the brother of the late John and Arthur Ferreira.

END

THE CHILDREN OF LAURA MATILDA BRANNEN (1911-1961)

Laura married twice and had children with both spouses.

2-6-41

Jeanette Adaline Bateman (1930-)

Janette was born June 12, 1930, in Stamford CT Connecticut. She was the oldest child of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and Smith Bateman (1908-1996).

Her parents purchased a house in Centreville NS in 1931 and family moved there until 1935. There is a record of her travelling to Boston with her mother and sister on the SS Evangeline September 7 and December 21, 1935

They moved to East Boston from Nova Scotia. Public records show her at 163 Condor St Boston from 1938-1942.

Her parents separated in about 1938 before her youngest sister’s birth. Jeanette missed school as it was necessary for her to take care of the baby, Sandra.

She married twice; her first husband was Thomas Tapscott from California. They had four children:

 James Tapscott born August 12, 1953

Jennell Tapscott born November 25, 1954

Thomas Tapscott born September 9, 1956

Shelly Tapscott born February 13, 1970

He was a career military man posted to various posts around the US. When he retired, they settled in CA. Three years after his retirement they divorced.

About ten years after her divorce she married her second husband, Wilmur Pittack from Nebraska.

She lived in Lapine, OR at one time before returning to California for several years and then she settled in Dayton, Nevada near her daughter Jennell.

END

2-6-42

Mary Julia Bateman (1932-1998)

Mary was born July 2, 1932, in Centreville NS. She was the daughter of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and Smith Bateman (1908-1996).

Her parents had purchased a house in Centreville NS in 1931 and family lived there until 1935. There is a record of her travelling to Boston with her mother and sister on the SS Evangeline September 7 and December 21 1935 They moved to East Boston. Public records show her at 163 Condor St Boston from 1938-1942.

Her parents separated in about 1938 at about the time of her youngest sister’s birth.

She married Jerry Max Stevens (1930-1990) in Indiana August 7 1951. He was the son of John Fred Stevens (1905-1975) and Leona Jane Cox (1908-1979). He was born in Wabash Indiana. They had at six children, Karen, Sharon Lynn (1954-2017), Lawrence, Jeri Lynn, and twins Robin Lynn and Judith Ann.

He died May 12, 1990, Terre Haute IN. She died in August 19 1998 in Clinton IN Hodgkin Lymphoma and is buried in Hixon cemetery, Mecca, IN with him. END

2-6-43

Lydia Prue Bateman (1934-2013)

Lydia was born February 7, 1934, in Centreville NS. She was the daughter of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and Smith Bateman (1908-1996).

Her family lived in Centreville until about 1935.

Public records show the family lived at 163 Condor St Boston from 1938-1942

She never married or had children and was not able to have a job. She relied heavily on her sister Ingrid for support.

She spent her later years in the same elderly living complex as her mother.

She died December 24, 2013.

END

2-6-44

Sandra Dale Bateman (1939-)

Sandra was born April 30, 1939, in East Boston MA. She was the daughter of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and Smith Bateman (1908-1996). Her parents had separated prior to the date of her birth.

Public records show the family lived at 163 Condor St Boston from 1938-1942.

Sandra had a son, Steven Andrew Bateman born September 28, 1955.

She married twice, first to Paul Odnogick, which lasted only briefly. She then married Richard Tibbetts of Massachusetts. They had four children, Carol, Paul, Joanne, and William. Steven was adopted by Richard and took the last name Tibbetts. He became a judge, criminal magistrate in North Carolina before his early death.

END

2-6-45

Ingrid Murberg (1947-)

Ingrid was the daughter of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and her second husband Peder Murberg (1916-1996). Ingrid was born January 26 1947 in MA.

She married Thomas Roome (1948-) December 24 1965/6. He was an electrician. They had four children:

1 Sheila Renea Roome (1968-)

2 Lynne Allison Roome (1969-)

3.Gary Thomas Roome (1974/5-)

4. Daniella Nichole Roome (1979-)

She worked for a time for an insurance company and did house cleaning. At age 50 she returned to school for a sixteen-month massage program which led to her setting up a successful business.

She retired and relocated to Brandon FL.

STORY:

.Bruce asked: How did Laura survive with four children between marriages, and how did she meet your dad, did she have a hobby, did she work?

Ingrid replied: She struggled financially with 4 girls to raise, Smithie always made sure they had clothes and visits to him and Stella.

I am not exactly sure how she met my dad, he was a merchant marine, and probably in port in Boston. He was the love of her life and she his. He had a ruff childhood and ran away at 11 or 12 and joined the merchant marines. My sister Jeanette loved him and said he was good to them. There were times when she worked. She loved studying the Bible and trying to sew or quilt.

Ronald Murberg (1951-)

Ronald was the son of Laura Brannen (1911-1961) and her second husband Peder Murberg (1916-1996). He was born January 16, 1951, in Charlestown MA. In some places his date of birth is shown as June 15, 1951.

He married twice and had three children, Eric, Jennifer, and Heidi.

He was a taxi driver both before and after spending about ten years in the US Navy.

He settled in Norfolk Virginia.

END

THE SEVENTH GENERATION

THE CHILD OF WALTER TRUMAN BRANNEN

2-7-1

Raymond Irving Brannen (1924-2020)

Ray was born April 19, 1924. He was the only child of Walter Truman Brannen (1896-1960) and Evelyn Ruth Moraine (1906-1942)

There are two crossings on the SS Boston from Yarmouth to Boston, September 1, 1933, and August 31 1934 showing Raymond Brannen as passenger.

His mother died suddenly November 11, 1942, of a heart attack.

He enlisted in the US Army on 25 June 1943 in Richmond VA he was listed as single with three years of high school education. He served with the 75th Infantry Division in Europe and was wounded twice and awarded a Bronze Star for bravery.

He married the daughter of a Baptist Minister, Helen Eaton who traced her ancestors to the Mayflower. Her father convinced Ray to become a minister.

Ray and Helen had two children.

He served for fifty years as the Pastor of the Garden City Chapel, Garden City PA. and resided at 23 Cedar Road, Wallingford PA.

Helen died April 2020. He died in 2020 at age 96 and is buried in Edgewood Memorial Park with Helen.

STORY:

-Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943as amended, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to:

Private First Class Raymond I. Brannen, 33 641 922, Company E, 289th, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 15 January 1945 in Heck, Belgium. As lead scout in the platoon assigned the mission of taking one of the flanks of the town, Private Brannen lead his unit up a snow-covered hill and cleared the first group of houses on the outskirts and then started to dash across a snow-covered field in full view of the enemy. His rifle was hit in the first burst of enemy machine gun fire line the deflected bullet creased his chin. The Second scout called out that he was hit and unable to move because of a chest wound. Private Brannen dashed across the field and dragged the wounded man through deep snow and brought him to safety despite the man being wounded a second time. He then secured the wounded man's rifle and returned to the attack and cleared out a group of houses unassisted. This deed reflects great credit upon Private Brannen and the United States Infantry. Entered military service from New York, New York.

General Orders 282, 14 September 1945.

STORY:

April 20th  (45)

Dear Folks:

Don't ask how I've managed this but write as soon as you receive it so I'll know.

As you know, I left U.S. in late Oct. We arrived at Liverpool some 14 days later. Then to Lallanelly, _ South Wales for about a month and a half. To Southhampton and LeHavre, France. To Frieville near Rouen, France, then to Leige, Belgium where we first hit combat on the 22nd of December. We fought the bulge through to St. Vith as you know 'till the late days of January. Then we moved to Southern France to the Colmar pocket. I was hit on Feb. 1st in a town called Audalshen just southeast of Colmar. I wound up in a hospital in Epinal, France, east of Colmar, about 45 mils, until the middle of March. Rejoined the outfit while they were on the Rhine just south of Wesel, Germany. Fought in the Phur pocket and was hit on April 3rd at Horenburg near Dortmond, Germany. Flew out to Rheims, France, took a train to Epinal, France again, where I am.

I hope to be back into it again soon, but I_ truthfully expect to see the C.S.I. before I see Savin Hill again. But I don't give up hopes.

Love to all,

Ray

STORY:

New Pastor Takes Charge At Hilltown Baptist Church

Tomorrow (Friday) evening at the Hilltown Baptist church, the Rev. Raymond Brannen will be ordained into the ministry and in-stalled as pastor of the congregation. The service will join one of the oldest congregations in the county with a brand-new pastor. The congregation, just about a year ago observed its 200th anniversary. Rev. Brannen completed his' studies at the Philadelphia School of the Bible early this year. The Rev. Brannen, with Mrs. Brannen and two-year old son, Douglass Richard, arrived here, several weeks ago and are domiciled in the church parsonage on the Hilltown-Line Lexington high-way, several miles west of the church. Here in a typical Bucks dwelling situated on a spacious lot, with old oak shade, and a rather heavily wooded back-ground the new family is busily engaged in arranging their household; getting acquaint-ed with parishioners and neighbors and generally Observing the entire ' community which is comparatively new and strange. The pastor is a native of Massachusetts, has lived and studied in Virginia and New York, and finally enrolled at the Philadelphia Institution where he recently graduated. Mrs. Brannen comes from Pennsylvania stock, but was born and reared in New Jersey. She too, studied at the Philadelphia School of the Bible. Youthful and energetic, she is just as enthusiastic as is her husband about their new venture in beginning the work for which both spent years in preparation. Rev. Brannen succeeds the Rev. Wayne Soliday, who resigned as pastor more than a year ago and who is now a Chaplain with the U. S. Army in Korea. Rev. Brannen was elected from among several pastors who had been considered by the congregation. The congregation shares with the pastor and his family the Confident hope of a pastorate that will he mutually agreeable and satisfactory. Milltown Baptist church his more than 300 members. The of-locial Board has as its senior member, Ira Grasse who has served more than fifty years as a deacon.

STORY:

 Meet the Rev. Raymond Brannen and family, who recently took up residence in the parsonage of the Hilltown Baptist Church on the Hilltown-Line Lexington highway. Rev. Brannen, a recent graduate, will be ordained and installed as pastor of the Hilltown congregation on Friday evening of this week. Rev. and Mrs. Brannen are enthusiastically looking forward to their new work in the community. "Getting acquainted" with parishioners and neighbors ranks high on their agenda. Incidentally, "getting acquainted" with the Brennans its virtually automatic after the first contact. Both are interesting conversationalists and agreeably pleasant, while son Douglas Richard, with his brand-new puppy, just can't escape the attention of visitors.

OBITUARY:

Pastor Raymond I. Brannen, age 96, of Wallingford, PA, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Hickory House Nursing Home. Raymond was bord April 19, 1924 in Medford, MA.

He was a Veteran of the US Army serving in WWII, where he was in various wars in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for Valor and the Combat Infantry Badge. After the military, Ray graduated from Eastern University and Philadelphia College of the Bible. Pastor Raymond was the minister at the Garden City Chapel for 50 years. Ray was devoted to his faith, family and his home.

Son of the late Walter T. and Evelyn R (Morine) Brannen, Husband of the late Helen (eaton) Brannen, who went home to be with the Lord April 11 2020.

Survivors:

Son: Doug (the late Cheryl) Brannen

Daughter; Deb (the late William) Daley

Also survived by 5 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren

A Graveside Service will be held privately at Edgewood Memorial Park.

END

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