Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-09-14
OBITUARY..
Chief Cornelius BransfieId.
Especial to the Bulletin.)

(Specldl TO the buIleL1n.)
Westerly, r. L. Sept. 13.-Cornelirs
Bransfeld, chief of po.scc mere, died
tonight at 1885, after a lingering ILL
ness.
Although he has been in declining
health for the past year, at times
| when he should have rested, he was
on duty until the first week of August
when he became so week when on duty
that he was taken to his home in a
carriage, and was unable toNleave the
house thereafter. Without knowledge
Of his real condition, but realizing that
he was performing police duty when
really unable and in appreciation of
his faithful service, the town council
at the August meeting voted him two
months leave of absence with full
pay.
Chief Bransf1eld was born at Old
Mystic Dec. 13. 1856, the son Of Nor
ris and Catherine Horag gen -Bransfield.
At the age of 13 he came to Westerly
with his parents and has been resi-
dent here for AZ years.
Cornelius Bransfield1 learned tfs
trade of blacksmith and was employed
at the local quarriess before his ap-
pointment to the police force. His
long residence here and the prominence
of his position resulted in his being
known by every resident and he had
the confidence and respect of all good
citizens.
He served for q years with Com
pany B. Third regiment. Connecticut
National guard, and was known as one
of the strictest disciplinarians, a spe-
cialist in guard duty and among the
most expert marksnen in the Connec-
ticut citizen soldiery. He enlisted
April 4, 1873. and was made corporal.
He was promoted to be second lieu
tenant June IS, 1885, and to be cap
tain June A. 1896. He served as cap
tain of the company while in the SER
vice of the United States in the Span
ish- American war. and resigned May
s. 1899. shortly after the conn pany was
mustered out of the federal service.
Not long since General Geor" NJ.
Cole, the adjutant general of Connec-
tfcut, wrote: Il regret very much to
hear of the serious illness of sCapta in
Bransfield, and hope he will recover.
Captain Bransfie1d was a. very efficient
officer and did some excellent work
with the company
Captain Bransi1eld received several
state decorations for his superior work
at the rife range and he held high
position on the reSimental and state
teams. He merited a Is years service
badge and in 1898 he received the gold
badge for 20 years of continuous ser
vice.
The regard in which he was held by
the men of his command was demon
strated. at the state encampment in
Mantle, Conn. Aug. 16, 1897 when he
was presented a gold watch bearing
the inscription Presented to Captain
Cornelius Bransfeld by the members
of Company B. Third regiment. C. n.
G., Aug. 16. 1891" Just before his de-
rarture with his company in the
Spanish war he was presented a hand
some revolver by Narragansett coun-
cil Knights of Columbus.
Captain Bransfield was elected chief
of police of Westerly Aug. I. 1899 and
served in that office up to the time of
when occasion required, often going
time 1t was undoubtedly this per-
to<accon1plish whatever h, un-
dertook. and practically unassistedj i
that undermined his health. He not
only directed the police force but in
sisted in taking active part in all police
work. and the strain proved too great
for him.
CAPTAIN Bransfeld was a member
Of Division No I. Ancient Order Hi
bernians Nara gansett council
KNIGHTS of Columbus WESTERLY lodge
of Elks and Wisquamicut tribe of Red
Men. He leaves a widow, Elizabeth
Dowd Bransfeld, and four dauaalters.
Annie and Mary Bransfeld and Mrs
Joseph T,anehan also brother Morris
Bransfield Of Westerly
Charles p. Walker.
Woodbury., Conn. Sept 13.-CharIes
P Walker well-known resident of
died suddenly here today
from heart disease. He was - years
old