Hancock-McDonough County IL Archives Biographies.....Brandon, Elias M. March 7, 1851 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Morrey sandymorrey@yahoo.com December 22, 2009, 4:06 am Source: McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois Author: Unknown ELIAS M. BRANDON, who since August, 1886, has occupied the position of telegraph operator and station agent at Blandinsville, claims Illinois as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Fountain Green Town- ship, Hancock County, March 7, 1851. His fa- ther, Richard Brandon, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1809, and was a farmer by occupation. Dur- ing his early childhood he accompanied his par- ents to Ohio, and was reared to manhood on a farm in the Buckeye State. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Favorite, who was born in Mc- Connelsburg, Ohio, June 3, 1814. The wedding was celebrated January 6, 1836, and their union was blessed with eleven children, seven sons and four daughters: Teresine C., deceased, wife of David Cratsenberg; James F., a canvasser resid- ing in Fountain Green; Galbraith L., a retired farmer residing in Bloomington. Ind.; George M., an agriculturist of Fountain Green Township, Hancock County; Elizabeth M., wife of Robert Geddes, also a farmer of Hancock County; Elias M., of this sketch; Julia A., wife of John Miller, who carries on farming in Fountain Green Town- ship; Edward B., who is proprietor of the Phoe- nix Hotel, of Hampton, Iowa; Edward A., who died in infancy; Richard B., who was a soldier in the late war and died in the service of his country, from exposure; and Mary, who died in infancy in Iowa City, Iowa. Richard B. Brandon emigrated westward in 1838 and located near Macomb, McDonough County, where for ten years he engaged in farm- ing. In 1848, he removed to a farm in Fountain Green Township, Hancock County, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land on section 13. In an unpretentious frame house on this farm our subject was born. His father died of cholera in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1854, and thus at the age of three years our subject was left dependent upon his mother for support. He was reared on the old homestead, and in the winter season conned his lessons in the district schools of the neighborhood, while in the summer months he followed the plow and aided in the other labors of the farm. His early educational privileges were supplemented by one year's attendance at Monmouth College, which he entered in the au- tumn of 1871. In 1870, he taught one term of school in his home township, and in 1872 he was employed as teacher of the Eagle School, and again in 1873. Until 1880 his time was alternately passed in teaching and farming, but in October of that year he entered the store of J. M. Springer, of La Crosse, where he was employed as a clerk for two years, leaving that position in January, 1882. During this time he also studied telegra- phy, and in 1882 was made agent on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad at La Crosse. There he continued until August, 1886, when he came to Blandinsville. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Brandon was in her maidenhood Susan C. Hay, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (King) Hay, of La Crosse. The marriage of our subject and his wife was celebrated October 5, 1876, and their union has been blessed with seven children, but Gertie, William, Charles and Freddie died in in- fancy. Bessie, Bertha and Nellie are still at home. Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant in 1872 Mr. Brandon has been a warm ex- ponent of the principles of the Republican party, and in 1881 he was appointed Postmaster of La Crosse, which position he afterwards resigned. He is now serving as School Director, and is an efficient and capable member of the Town Council. Socially, he is a member of Blandinsville Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M; and of Camp No. 396, M. W. A. One of the leading and prominent members of the Christian Church, he is now serv- ing as one of its Elders, and for five years he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is an untiring worker in the interests of the same, and does all in his power for the promotion and advancement of the cause. His life has been well and worthily passed, and his honorable, upright career has gained him universal confi- dence and esteem. He is a popular, genial gen- tleman, and in the community where he lives he has made many friends. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/hancock/bios/brandon2862nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 4.9 Kb