Biographies:  Edward K. BRAYTON, Rice Lake, Barron Co., WI 

====================================================================
USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information 
on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as 
this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may 
NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other 
persons or organizations.

Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes 
other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file 
contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact 
the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent.   The submitter 
has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently 
for free access.

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:  
Victor Gulickson  <vic@indy.net>  10 February 2000
====================================================================

Edward K. Brayton, first captain of Co. A, 3rd Regiment, W. N. G., was for 
many years actively identified with the business and social life of Rice Lake. 
A descendant of Revolutionary and Colonial stock, and connected with many
families still prominent in the eastern states, he was a man courteous and
refined in manner, genial yet dignified in bearing, and of unusual staunch
character and high ideals. He was above all a family man, and took the 
greatest delight in his home. He was also fond of the out of doors, and often 
declared that he found much of his best inspiration while hunting and fishing 
amid wild surroundings of river and forest. He was born in Dansville, New 
York, Jan. 20, 1850, and was taken by his parents to Hudson, this state, when 
he was but eight years of age. As a youth he followed the Mississippi as a 
pilot, and in this capacity had the opportunity of seeing much of the 
Mississippi Valley from the head of navigation to its mouth. Later he learned 
the harness-making trade at Eau Claire, and with this preparation engaged in 
business at Rusk, Wis. In 1881 he went to Menomonie, Wis., where he engaged 
in a similar business. It was there that he first became interested in the 
National Guard, as a member of Co. H, 3rd Wisconsin. He there became a 
prominent citizen, took a part in public affairs, and served on the city 
council. Late in 1888 he moved his family to Rice Lake, opened a harness shop, 
and here spent the remainder of his life. Here he likewise took an 
active part in public affairs. For a time he was president of the council. At 
the organization of Co. A, July 27, 1898, he became its captain, and so 
served until Dec. 21,1900. He superintended the platting of Orchard Beach 
Cemetery. In many other ways he also showed his spirit as a good citizen. He 
was a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Knights of Pythias. He died 
Jan. 26, 1907. Mr. Brayton was married Dec. 25,1877, to Kate M. Schaaf, 
daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Miller) Schaaf. This union was blessed with 
three children: Elizabeth, Edna and Catherine. Elizabeth was born Dec. 19, 
1881, and is now Mrs. Theo C. Surdson of Rice Lake. Edna was born Aug. 29, 
1884, and is the widow of James Gass. She lives with her mother. Catherine 
was born Nov. 16, 1887, and is the wife of Lynn Prentice of Park Falls, Wis. 
In 1906, Mrs. Brayton opened a boarding house which she is still conducting.

--Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., &
Co., 1922, pg. 232.