The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-25
JOHN W.BRANSFORD
DIES IN LYHCHBURG
The Hill City Loses Another OF
its Old and Honored
Citizens.
Especial Dispatch to Tho Tines.)

Especial Dispatch to Tho Tiunes)
LYSCHBURG. VA. September 2i.-afr.
John w. Bransford. a. well known and
prominent resident of this city. died at
his home on Floyd Street this evening.
after a long illness. When first confined
to his room by a growing indispositto4
it was not thought that his malady wa
of o. serious character. but as the dayf
progressed it was recognized that tho
symptoms of his trouble were becoming
very grave. For a week prior to the end
it was known that he would not recover.
and at times the announcement Of his
death was expected at almost any min
ute.
Mr.. Rransford was born in Lynchburg
on November 81. iS26. so that he lacked
but a few days OF being seventy-tive years
OF age. Here It was that he received his
boyhood training and gained the foupda-
ton for that culture and refinement for
which he ever noted, AT the age OF
nineteen he went TO the city OF Richmond
and became Interested in the hardware
business. and subsequently, established an
enterprise of his own as the senior men,
Der of the firm of Erausford and john
son. In 1861. at the call to GEMS. be Of
fered himself To the Coufcderacv. and
during the ionG, years OF struggle that
followed he gave 20 the South a faithful
and valuable service, and gained recog-
rtion for his bravery and gallautry. Ace
the opening OF the war he was first lieu-
tenant in Marmaduke Jolnson's Battery.
At the close of hostiIities MIR. RransforCl
went 10 the county of ClIlpeper, where
he engaged in farming. and where. as in
the other places in which he resided he
won ths respect and esteem of all who
learned to know him In the year 1877.
after an absence OF twepty-seven years,
he returned to his native city of Lynch
burg. and here. without single iuterrup-
ton. he remained to the end of his life.
During his long residence in this city. in
both business and social relations. he iu,-
pressed himself upon the community a.
&. man Of sterling worth; as one who ever
sought to discharge with absolute dde-
ity his duty to his fellow men and his
duty to his God Being the possessor oc
a kindly. gentle disposition and a noble.
upright character. Mr.. Bransford won the.
good WILL the highest regard and the
confidence of every one with whom he
came in contact. and in the closing hnura
of his life the anxious inquiries of hun
d.eds of IIynchburgers showed most un-
uistalSably the lofty position which he
occupied in their estimation. When his
death was announced 1t was received with
universal expressions of sorrow and re-
Gret. and no one failed to pause and re-
member the courtly grace of manner. the
tender sympathy and the splendid princi-
pies of him whom they had known so
well and honored 50 highly.
In returning To Lyncnnurg IN the year
1SI2. Mr. Bransford entered into the to-
oaCco business as n member of the firm
or Thomas L. Johnson and Company. and
afterwards engaged IN the handling oc
leat. IN norh OF which departments ot
the trade he became widely and most
tavorahiy known. lie continued IN this;
une OF occupation until the y,cr lSsi.
wnen he was chosen by his fellow eiti-
zens TO MI the responsible and import
ant office of city treasurer. In this capac-
Ivy ne served the people we'll and non
orabiy and gave to them a service that
was surpa ssed by no other treasurer IN
virginia. or as for that matter. IN the
entire country. 10 his ability as n pub
lie official the highest tributes were paid
ooth by those IN authority and by citi-
zens generality. and It was everywhere
recognized that the brilliant record which
he made while In ONCE offered TO the
world bright example of purity and in
teCritv and established for him an ever
lasting monument Nt,er his retirement
from the office of treasurer Mr.. Brans-
ford engaged in the tewerry business
with II NJ S1tvarrou and Company. and
was connected with that establishments
at the time or MS death.
in the year 1872 a the age or twenty
three Mr. tsransrord married MISS katn.
crime beers ana their golden wedding
was celebrated In lS.g when all the MEM
pers ct the Family assembled together TO
pay them honor and wish them many
more years or peace and happiness. Mr..
bransrord was the FIRST member OF fns
ram1ly to pass away. He Is survived by
his wife and the following daughters;
Mrs. II u sifvertnorn. or LyncnourG:
mrs Thomas j, sgee. OF Nelson: MRS.
John w hughes. OF Lynchbure'. and Mrs.
Albert n. tt1li. or Richmond.