The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-11-25
Judge Brannon
Dies Suddenly
THE DISTINGUISHED JuRIsT suc.
( cuMes TO SUDDEN ATTACK
OF HEART FAILURE.

WESTON, w. Va, Nov. 25.-Judge
Henry, Brannon, one of the most wide
y known and prominent jurists OF
the state. died very suddenly at his
home in this city yesterday afternoon.
Death was due to heart failure, and
occurred at 2:10 O'Clock. The distin-
guished jurist had been i'll for several
days, but his condition was not con-
sidered in any way alarming, and on
Monday he was about his duties as
usual and argued case in the Lewis
county circuit court. Yesterday he was
in his accustomed good spirits, but
shortly after noon complained of not
feeling we'll, and shortly after he was
seized with his final Illness. Medical
aid ayailed nothing, and the end came
al the time stated.
The deceased is survived by four
daughters, Mrs. Minnie Whalen, Mrs.
Or. J. R. Warder and Mrs. Hoffman
Edwards. all of Weston; Mrs. Son
merry, OF Baltimore, and one son, Ed
ward Brannon OF Weston. Mrs. Bran.
non preceded him to tie grave about
year ago.
The funeral will be held Friday or
Saturday morning at Weston, but the
arrangements had not been completed
this evening.
Closes Great Career.
The passing of Judge Henry Bran
non brings to close one OF the
greatest judicial careers of the state
He Is the only man tnat ever served
two full terms as Judge of the su.
preme court Of appeals, and eight
years previous he sat on the bench Of
his home circuit, making thirty-two
years of continuous service as a
Judge, and his published opinions in
the state reports are lasting memo
rial to him as judge and of faithful
service to his state.
Fourteenth Amendment to the
Federal Constitution" is a recognized
authority in all the courts of the land.
He possessed a fine classical as we'll
os legal education, having received his
education in Virginia, where he was
born. He was a great literary man,
and was the author OF several poems
OF merit.
AS conversationalist in soclat
gatherings he was without a peer and
vas always true and loyal friend.
Had he lived until Thanksgiving day
he would have been n years of age.
He was recognized. .nestor of the
bench during his judicial career, and
since his retirement, December 23,
1912, he has been active in the prac-
ttce Of law. having argued case in
the Lewis circuit court yesterday.
A Native ViraInian.
He was born at Winchester, Va, in
1897 and spent his boyhood and early
manhood there His education was re-
ceived at the University of Virginia,
graduating in 1858. Soon after ending
his university days he settled at Wes-
ton and studied law, being admitted
to the bar in 1859.
He represented his county in the
Legislature in 1871 and has chairman
oi the committee on education, beside
serving on several other important
committees. He was elected in 1880
as Judge of Ine eleventh judicial dis
trict, succeeding his elder brother,
John Brannon.
In 1888 he was elected to term of
twelve years as member of the state
supreme court, and was reelected in
1900. He was one OF the best known
men In all West Virginia, and for a
number of years was active as Dem
ccrat, later going over TO the Repub-
lican party.