The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-10-31
DEATH OF John S. BRAYTOn
Fall River Loses One Of Its Nest Prominent
and Influential Men Of Affairs

Hon. John summerheld Brayton. one
or Fall Rivers most prominent citizens,
died at his residence on Highland ave-
nue., that city. yesterday morning. y
Few men enjoyed TO so great an ex-
tent the general confidence and apprecia-
ton OF the commercial circle OF Fall
River and Mr.. Brayton had long been
regarded as one OF the most substantial
and progressive citizens OF the Spindle
city"
Mr. Brayton was born In Somerset.
Mass. in 1926 His early education was
accomplished In the common schools OF
his native town. after which he entered
Brown university. lie received during his
later life the degree of doctor OF laws
from his Alma Mater. He was ever a
constant and jealous worker in the cause
OF his university and few men had her
welfare so at heart at all times as did
Mr.. Brayton.
On graduating from Brown, Mr.. Bray
ton studied for the bar, 10 which he
shortly was admitted. He was at one
time associate in the law business with
James NJ. Morton, who Is now a MEM
setts. but the vast business interests
which he controlled and represented pre-
vented him from a very active or extend
ed practice OF his profession. He served
for time as clerk OF the supreme court
OF Bristol county, resigning TO enter the
banking business. which he followed TO
the time of his death.
Politically. Mr.. Brayton was FIRST, last
and always Republican and was an ac-
tive worker at all times OF his life In the
interests OF his party.
IL was, however, as a business man.
banker and heavy stockhoder in many
OF the strongest corporations of the city
that Mr.. Brayton was best known. and
II Is in these circles where his presence
will be keenly felt. Through his connec-
tion with the B. NJ. c. Durfee estate he
was In active control OF immense inter-
ests, and he gave them close and con-
slant attention. He was without a doubt
Fall Rivers most substantial citizen. and
a record of the positions of trust which
he had filed during his life easily de-
monstrates that fact. At the time of
death. he was President OF the Ameri-
can Linen mills. the Border city, Dur
fee. Granite Metacomet and Troy Cot
ton mills, and of the Fall River Manu-
factory. and director in the Mechan-
les and Sycamore mills, and the Old
Colony Steamboat company, now con-
trolled by the New York. New Haven
and Hartford Railroad company. Presi-
dent OF the First National bank and tho
B. NJ. G.. Durfee Trust company. He
was also a trustee OF the Union Hospital
and had done much In the way OF as
sisting the latter institution, and an
active and influential member OF the Old
Colony Historial society
Mr. Brsyton leaves a widow. one son,
John S. Brayton.Jr., and two daughters,
Mrs. Nichols. wife OF DR. Nichols of
Worcester. and Miss Harriet Brayton,
He had two sisters. the late Mrs Mary
B. Young. who was the donor TO the city
Of the B. NJ. c. Durfee high school In
memory of her son. B. NJ. G. Durfee
and Miss Sarah Brayton OF this city.
and one brother. Hezekiah A. Brayton,
the Treasurer OF the Sycamore mills.
lie was also a brother OF the late David
A. Brayton. the founder OF the Durfee
mills OF this city.