Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1886-12-23
A TRIBUTE
To the Late Alexander Branum.

ALEXANDER BRANUM is dead, How hardly do we
realize the facti How sudden the transition from
the busy pursuits of an active life to the STILL
ness of death, and the quietude of the tomb-from
the mortal to the Immortality beyond the river
where is peace and rest We miss his familiar FORM
his kindly voice, his counsel in the busy whirl of
business at the social circle and in all the relations
of husband, father and friend.
To his many friends it may be interesting to know
of the last hours of his life He had been busly en-
gagged in taking stock" in his store but week be-
fore his death; had contracted slight cold and
some rheumatism, and By: the advice of his physi-
cian went home to recover. days rest made him
better, and he promised speedy recovery. On
Friday morning, at 8 o'clock. he complained of
pains in shoulder. His good wife proposed calling
physician He objected, saying he was sweating
and would be better" She placed her hand on his
forehead; it was cold. She stepped to adjoining
door to speak to her children, and he was asleep
he was dead! without motion or a word more
asleep in Jesus"
Mr.. Branum was born in Toronto, Canada, March
lst 1877; came to Bridgeport in 1sS7-crossing the
river with friend the ice with twenty-five cents
of borrowed money in his pocket. His occupation
was carpenter, at which he worked in various
localities in the county; was married January 1s4o
to Lydia Lash; lived for time on the farm now
owned by Beni- Humphrey. St. Clairsville; re-
moved to Bridgeport in engaged in the grocery
trade as Harden & Brsnum, which was succeeded by
the firm of Junkns, Branum & Co.. in 1857 This
was, in turn, followed by the firm of A. Branum &
Sons, in 1911 which still remained at his death. in
prosperous condition. Just here, to his numerous
friends, scattered through number Of counties.
hav fha daol txvffh
it is needless to say in all his business relations he
was frank, courteous. fair dealer. and an honest
man, for such was his well earned reputation.
In 1910 he Joined the Methodist church in St.
Clsirsville but in 1851 in obedience to his honest
convictions and on careful reflection and study hs
embraced the doctrines of the New Church. pro-
mulgated by Emanuel Swedenborg, in which faith
he died firm believer.
Mr.. Branum extensive and careful reader,
and gave to every subject occupying his attention
his best consideration. and the approval f he ac-
corded it, his soundest Judgment His conscience
endorsing the truth, God gave him to see it, he
was immovably its champion, and his convictions
inhexible. Differing, as he did, with many in re-
gard to the affairs of this world he was singularly
free from denunciation and intolerance OF others
views. He always had charity for all and malice
toward none"
During the war the Union soldier and his flag had
no more answering friend or fearless advocate.
His patriotism was limited only by the boundaries
of his country and the necessary to perpetu-
ate it in all its glory and honor.
In about 1S4S he became Mason at st. Clairs-
WILL in which order he remained till his DEATH
He had been constant friend and subscriber Of
TIE CHRONICLE for IS years. and regarded it as one
Of his lifelong friends, in the perusal of which be
took always special pleasure
He leaves wife, always devoted to him-a min
isterng spirit to him ever-even to the last syllable
of his life together they were alone The Branum
family consisted of eight children. One son. Lieut.
Marshall Branum, killed at Bentonville, N. c.,
at the close of the war in 1855. Another son. A. P.
Branum died in 1872. The other children survive
As friend, a counsellor good man, we shall
ever remember with gratitude the unchangins
fidelity, the unremitting kindness, the enduring
warm-hearted sympathy of which we personally
was the recipient at the hand and heart of
grand old benefactor, Alexander Branum. Ever
green be the turf above thee!
All lovely things by the beloved,
Shall whisper to our hearts of thee
These green hills where thy young manhood
roved-
Yon river winding to the sea-
The sunset light of autumn ewes
Rejecting on the deep, still foods,
Cloud, crimson sky, and trembling leaves
Of rainbow-dnted woods
These in our view shall henceforth take
tenderer meaning for thy sake;
And all thou lovedst of earth and sky
Seem sacred to thy memory.
BRIDeEPoRT, O., Dec. 81, 1885. FRIEND.