Eaton Co., Michigan - USGenWeb Archives - Biographies
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Submitted by Cindy Bryant

William D Brainerd. 



 This prominent businessman of Eaton Rapids, is engaged in the
sale of drugs and is prosecuting a successful career as a
dealer, and honorably discharging his duties as a citizen.  He
has filled the Mayor's chair and in public life did what he
could to improve the condition of the place, while in his
private capacity he has always been found ready to give his
influence and material assistance to that which was best for the
people.  He is a well-educated man upon whom good advantages
were bestowed in his boyhood and youth, and in worldly affairs
he is pushing, yet prudent.



	The birthplace of Mr. Brainerd was Green County, NY, and his
parents, Abner H. and Cornelia M. Brainerd.  At the breaking out
of the Rebellion he was roused to enthusiasm in behalf of the
old flag and August 30, 1861, he volunteered, enlisting in the
6th Michigan Infantry.  The regiment was sent to Baltimore, MD,
where it remained during the winter and in the spring took part
in Butler's expedition to Ship Island.  The boys were present at
the capture of New Orleans and thence went to Vicksburg,
returning from that point to Baton Rouge, where they remained
until after the battle - August 5, 1862.  For meritorious
service, Mr. Brainerd was commissioned as Second Lieutenant.



	The regiment returned to New Orleans, where the winter was
spent.  In the spring of 1864 they went to Berwick Bay, where
they destroyed a gunboat and whence they returned to the
Southern metropolis, later taking part in the battle of Port
Hudson.  Here again, meritorious conduct won a promotion, and as
First Lieutenant Mr. Brainerd continued his service.  The next
heavy engagement in which the regiment took part was at Fts.
Gaines and Morgan, the bombardment of which will never be
forgotten by our subject.  The air was full of flying shells and
the scene was one of awful magnificence.  After that engagement
the regiment did garrison duty until the close of the war and
was mustered out at Jackson, Mich.



	After his return to Eaton Rapids, Lieut. Brainerd embarked in
the grocery business, which he carried on with gratifying
success for a number of years.  In 1885 he went to Wichita
County, Kan., and in October located what was known as Coronado.
 A town company was organized with an ample capital, the
officers being: John W. Knabb, President; W.D. Brainerd,
Secretary; George W. Robinson, Treasurer; and William D. Weiler,
Assistant Secretary and General Manager.  The first building
done by the company was the construction of the Hotel Vendome, a
commodious Hotelstry, by erecting which they demonstrated their
faith in the future of their young city.





	In 1866 Mr. Brainerd was commissioned by Gov. J. A. Martin,
Census taker of Wichita County, and he was also one of the first
County Commissioners and was Cashier of the Wichita County Bank.
 In Eaton Rapids he has held various local offices, among them
the honorable position of mayor.  Politically, he is a stanch
Democrat.  He is identified with the Grand Army Post and is a
Knight Templar.  His pleasant home is presided over by the lady
who became his wife in January 1865, prior to which time she was
known as Miss Susan A. Hamlin.  The union has been blessed  with
four children, named respectively: Elida, Frank J., Effie, and
Fred D.  The elder daughter is now the wife of William E. Hale.



Taken from "Portrait Biographical Album of Barry & Eaton
Counties, Mich" Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1891.