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THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTIC
Form No. A-368, Rev. 8/95
Ifn flDemoriam.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON
Born May 23, I860.
Died March 24, 1899.
PRINTED BY
JOSEPH J. STONE,
INTRODUCTION.
♦fTN obedience to requests from his family, the
II materials for this volume have been collected
and put into permanent form in order that the
many friends and acquaintances of William
Henuy Branson might come into i)ossession of
the leading facts of his busy and godly life, and
the tragic circumstances of his sad and untimely
death.
He was a great force in every phase of life which
he touched, and the lessons of such a history can-
not fail to become an inspiration to the young and
a source of c<msolation to those who have reached
mature years.
The compiler of this volume knew Mk. Branson
for fifteen years, and feels glad to acknowledge
here the influence of such an acquaintance upon his
own hfe. He would record in this fitting place his
obligation to that departed friend for many w^ords
of cheer and encouragement, as well as much
material aid, in the delicate and responsible work
which has been placed in his hands.
Now, let the words of those who knew him best
and loved him greatest tell the simple story of his
active and faithful life. The work of gathering up
these fragments has not been a burden, but a labor
of love.
Dred Peacock.
Greensboro Female College, Aayust £St/i, 1S99.
SYMPATHETIC LINES,
To the Bereaved Relatives and Friends of William
Henry Branson.
There was no cloud across the sky,
To tell the gathering gloom of night,
No shadow dimmed the light of day,
The morning dawned all fair and bright.
No shade nor shadow seemed to lurk,
About the threshold of the door;
No voice was heard to tell of one
Whose passing out would be no more.
When evening came, a Presence grim
Had passed into the house so bright,
And silenced, aye, the joy of home
And stilled forever hearts so light.
'Twas thus it seemed to those who heard.
That one they knew had passed away,
So much of life, and strength, and hope,
Was taken in one fleeting day !
Yet is his life forever done
Because no more we hear his voice?
Will not his influence live on?
() mourning hearts, for this, rejoice !
sorrowing- ones, it hath been said,
"He liveth long-, who liveth well."
The hearts he cheered, the good he did,
Eternity alone can tell.
1 knew him in his sunny youth,
His father's pride, his mother's joy.
And others learned on him to lean,
His life beg-an when but a boy.
His work was wroug-ht, his mission filled.
Then came the messag^e swift and sure;
On earth at morn, at eve in heaven,
The faithful shall fore'er endure.
Look up sad hearts, amid your gloom,
With g-rief and sorrow overborne,
And hear the Saviour's loving voice
Say sweetly, "Blest are they that mourn."
"They shall be comforted," He saith.
His promises are ever sure,
Nor depth nor heig-ht shall separate.
His word forever shall endure.
Mrs. E. M. Anderson.
Durham, N. C, March 27th, 1S99.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
BY REV. JOHN C. KILGO, D. D.
Very few American families can trace their an-
cestry beyond three or four generations. This is
due to the lack of a historical spirit among the early
settlers of a country. They make no records, and
only vague traditions carry their histories down to
other generations. When the Branson family came
to America cannot be accurately determined. It
is, however, certain that early in the eighteenth
century Thomas Branson came from England and
settled in Chatham county, N. C. This makes the
Branson family one of the old families of North
Carohna, and identities them with all the periods of
the State's growth.
William Henry Branson belonged to the fifth gen-
eration from Thomas Branson. William's father
was named Thomas, doubtless for the original
Branson and was born in Randolph county, near
Asheboro, in the year 1800. For four generations
the Branson family remained in this section of the
State, a fact which indicates an indisposition to
rove from point to point in search of eaiser fortunes.
Thomas Branson, the father of William H. Bran-
son, was twice married; the tirst time to Miss
Mary Lewellyn, the second time to Mrs. Prescott,
8 IN MEMORIAM.
who was a Miss Buck. William was the only child
by this second wife. He was born at Cedar Palls,
Randolph county, May 23, 1860. His father was a
blacksmith, a vocation of large importance in the
first half of the nineteenth century. The black-
smith was then a manufacturer, making not only
all the implements of farming, but all the pieces of
iron furniture in the best homes. Longfellow's
"Village Blacksmith" commemorates the true dig-
nity and character of the hero of the anvil. So
Thomas Branson was a central figure in the indus-
try of his community. He is described as a man
with a large and erect frame, strong intellect, and
noble character. He was a man of deep convictions,
and held to them with unshaken fidelity; he was
energetic and honest in all business transactions,
while his genial nature drew about him a host of
friends. One who knew, him said, "Never was
there a more upright man than Thomas Branson.'"
His second wife was a woman of genial nature, and
very full of energy. Their only son, William Henry,
got a good start in his parents, and his record
fully sustained their character in the larger world
of activity to which he belonged.
Thomas Branson died when William was very
young. This, joined with the extremely poor edu-
cational facilities, gave young William no opportu-
nity to attend any other than a local school. Never-
theless, he succeeded in grasping the principles of
arithmetic before he was twelve years old, for he
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 9
never attended scb(M)l alter that age. Nature had
endowed him with large mental powers, and from
the earliest he seemed to have superior control
over his faculties of mind. Young men who cite
such instances to defend their indifference to edu-
cational opportunities, should first be sure that
nature has extended to them such a beneficent
hand as it held out to him. He not only had facul-
ties, but they had empetus, and he was always
learning. Minds run down and grow^th is arrested,
but he had the genius of endless growth.
His half sister. Miss Jennie Prescott, married
Mr. J. A. Odell, a merchant in the town of Greens-
boro, N. C. At the age of twelve he went to live
with them as a member of the family. This was a
new era in William's life. Mr. Odell is not only a
man of stalwart character, but his business genius
puts him among the business leaders of the South
Atlantic States. Young Branson had the life of
this man to touch him from the intimate relation of
the home at his most impressible age. This may
be called good fortune by some men; it was destiny
to William Branson. He went into the Odell home,
and the Odell home went into him. He worked in
the store as a clerk, and developed his powers to
deal with large and varied classes of men. A young
boy behind the counter of a busy store is not in the
poorest school. To succeed as a clerk requires
energetic study and large self-control. William
succeeded.
10 IN MEMORIAM.
He did not receive a salary for the first four
years. He was a member of the Odell home, p.nd
was cared for as a son. His fidehty to the home
relations was so marked that his sister was never
forced to punish him. Mr. and Mrs. Odell always
knew his plans, and as long as he was with them,
he never left the home without their knowledg-e
and approval. To him manliness and honor were
inseparable, and freedom was obedience to duty
and truth. It is no surprise that the confidence
which grew up in those years never diminished in
later years.
William was sixteen years old when the Centen-
nial Exhibition came on in Philadelphia. Mr. Odell.
as an expression of appreciation of him and his
work, took him to Philadelphia. This opportunity
to look out on the world and feel the throb of its
energy and genius, meant much to this lad of six-
teen years. He did not i-eturn home the same boy;
he did not live again in the same world; he came
back a larger boy in a larger world. The country
school in Randolph county, the Odell home and
store, and the trip to Philadelphia, and at the same
time a short visit to New York, were the schools in
which William H. Branson was educated. In the
first, he gained access to books; in the second,
access to business and society; in the third, access
to the impulses of the world. These three attain-
ments in the possession of a highly endowed man
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 11
aggregated no small capital with which to begin
life.
When William returned to Greensboro from
Philadelphia, he had his wardrobe and fifteen cents
in cash. From this time he became an employee
of Mr. Odell, on a salary of fifteen dollars a month.
Thus he entered on his business career. In this
day of restless youth, impatient for a rapid rise to
easy and lucrative positions, the history of William
H. Branson is a sharp reproof. He began at what
men call the "bottom round," not because those
who loved him could not have elevated him at once
to a higher position, but because their wisdom sug-
gested a better plan. Men rule best who have
served most faithfully in every sphere to be ruled.
Young Cornelius Vanderbilt is a common laborer
in the shops of the New York Central Railroad, in
order that he may be a better president of the
system Rapid progress means early bankruptcy,
and against this calamity young Branson was
trained. As the years passed his salary grew, so,
having learned to live on a small salary, he knew^
how to save from a larger one. The best product
of education is the control that it gives a man of all
the powers of his nature. To think accurately is
not enough. Unless a man can master his moral
desires, high thinking will prove to be a disastrous
thinking. William Branson had been trained to
deny useless desires, and he was no longer in the
way of his own success.
12 IN MEMORIAM.
At the orgiiiiization of the Durham Cotton Mill,
in 1884, Mr. J. A. Odell was elected President, and
William H. Branson was chosen Secretary and
Treasurer. Young Branson was practically placed
at the head of this new enterprise, for through him
Mr. Odell directed the business. At this time the
cotton manufacturing interest entered on the
period of expansion in the South Atlantic States.
The growth was rapid, but the fact that untrained
men werq necessarily placed at the head of new
mills, made it a critical period. Not only were new
markets to be opened, and new business affiliations
formed, but unexperienced labor was to be trained,
and new social relations were to be adjusted. It
was into the midst of these problems that Mr.
Branson was suddenly thrown. He met them with
an assuring faith. He was born to lead men. He
knew how to plan a work, and to organize and
inspire his forces. No crisis could throw him into
a spasm of excitement, but he was calmest when
the ordinar^^ man was most excited. During the
business panic of the first years of this decade, he
showed no timidity, but maintained that stability
which alone can secure the integrity of business.
Business genius is rare enough, and great enough
to command the admiration of all true men, and
only a moral quackery discounts it. It is as foolish
to think that every man can build or control large
business enterprises, as it is to expect every man
to write Shakespeare's Hamlet, or Goethe's Faust.
WILLIAM HENKY BKANSO^. 13
This talent belongs to the few, just as the poetic
genius is a rare talent. Too much may be attribu-
ted to opportunity, or so-called "good fortune."
but the real opportunity is the man. The modern
teachers of economy rest their hopes too much in
natural agencies, exj^ecting to produce wealth by
changing circumstances. The problem is to be
solved in the man, not in the conditions, for the
man who lacks the power to ccmtrol circumstances
lacks the very element of success. Mr. Branscm
did not wait for times to change and conditions to
become better, he changed the conditions. The
real leader of men will never lack men to lead. By
the force of moral energy tne pubhc mind moves
about him as an appointed center. He seeks noth-
ing; everything seeks him. The large number of
enterprises that sought the fostering care of Mr.
Branson illustrates the truthfulness of the state-
ment. He was a Trustee of Trinity College, a
Member of the Executive Committee of Trinity
College, Trustee of Greensboro Female College,
Director of the Fidehty Bank, Secretary and Treas-
urer of Durham Cotton Mill and Pearl Cotton Mill,
Director of the Durham and Oxford Railroad,
Director of Odell Manufacturing Company, Treas-
urer of the Joint Board of Finance of the North
Carolina Conference, Steward of Carr Church, a
Trustee of Church property, and associated in
some way with various other institutions. These
were not honorary positions, but enterprises which
14 IN MEMOKIAM.
sought the wise direction of this strong man. So,
they were to him responsibiUties, and got from him
closest study and faithful direction. In the meet-
ings of these Boards he was always active. Mr.
Branson's success as a business man cannot be
attributed to any one element of character. He
was a man whose faculties compassed large and
varied spheres, so that he put into his plans ideas
gathered fi'oni many points of view and protected
on every side.
Men who have large aptitudes for business
rarely develop social tastes. There is an antago-
nism between the two spheres, and only men of
great adaptability can so harmonize them as to
make them serve each other. The business man
regards a social occasion as a waste of time, and
w^hen forced into a social assembly, finds himself
cramped and vexed. Close calculations and stern
facts injure, if they do not destroy, those senti-
ments upon which society rests. The loss of fac-
ulties is a common calamity, especially the more
unselfish faculties that cannot be traded in the
markets. Mr. Branson was an exception to this
rule. He could lay aside the calculations of the
office, dismiss from his mind the conditions of the
market, shut out the roar of machinery, and throw
himself with genial enthusiasm into a lawn party
of his little girl, or a social function of largest i^ro-
portions. He was not dragged into these; he had
a highly developed social nature. Three things
WILLIAM HENRY imANSON. 15
made him sociiil. He was naturally a man of dee])
and refined sympathies, and could not, therefore,
lind his hfe's satisfaction in himself. The second
cause is found in the genial associations of the
Odell home! In it he had his natural social senti-
ments trained and gratified. The third cause was
a happy marriage. December 17, 1885, he was
married to Miss Clara Sergeant, of Greensboro.
N. C. Two lives may make one great life, or they
may destroy each other. The union in married life
is not a legal agreement, to which society sets its
approval. It is a mystical unity, where two
thoughts and two impulses so fuse into each other
as to consume all separate identity in a new and
larger expression. This, and this alone, is mar-
riage. Legal contracts and ecclesiastical ceremo-
nies cannot so unite what nature has forever
divorced. The law of congeniality is as rigid as
the law of gravity, and ruin can only come from an
attempt to reverse it. Forced nature is wrecked
history. William Branson and Clara Serf/catit were
married. She was to him the ideal woman. Genial,
sympathetic, loving, and faithful, she was to him a
poem, the passion of whose movement was a divine
impulse, keeping alive the diviner sides of his
nature.^ With him, she could never degenerate
into a soft social show; with her, he could never
become a hardened man of the market. Society is
at its best, or its worst in the home. In this house
it was at its best. Mr. Branson had his business
16 IN MEMORIAM.
clay, but when that ended he gave himself to his
family. The city of Durham will not forget the
evening rides he took with his family. The sight
was a sermon on "how to love and how to be loved/'
Little William, his only son, was sent to the home
of a neighbor on the morning of the accident that
robbed him of a father, and was not allowed to
return home till night. He was brought into his
mother's room just at the hour of the day when the
family circle was at its best. The little fellow at a
moment felt the distress of his father's absence,
and his tirst uttei^ance was, "Mamma, where is
papa? " His little life had its joys in the hours of a
father's presence in the home. Little Annie's par-
ties, his wife's social occasions, companionship
with his friends, and the annual social functions
of Trinity College, all received his best contribu-
tions of joy and gladness.
His social nature did him great service in his
business relations. It not only gave him ready
access to the sympathies of men with whom he had
transactions, but it saved his business plans and
methods from the monotony of hard and cold
mechanism. Between the manager and the laborer
there must be something more than a contract.
Otherwise, trickery and suspicions arise that hin-
der, if they do not ruin, an enterprise. Legislation
can do very little, if it can do anything, to prevent
friction between capital and labor. Likely, it has
created more friction than it has prevented. The
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 17
friction has its rise in that margin which hes out-
side of legal control, a sphere which modern socio-
logists have ignored. There must be a point of
personal contact between labor and capital, and no
increase in wages will ever act as a substitute for
this personal and moral bond. Labor wants the
inspiration of personal regard ; capital wants the
assurance of personal confidence. The necessity
is a common necessity. Mr. Branson solved the
problem, just as very many other wise men have
solved it. He touched the lives of those who
worked under him w^ith a sincere sympathy and
regard. He did not patronize them, as he did
not patronize any man. He never called them his
"operatives," '"hands" or "laborers," but "our
people." This was not a conventionahsm, for he
held them in the high esteem of kinship, and never
met them on any other basis. The entire commu-
nity organized around him with perfect confidence.
Free himself from the feelings of lordship, they
were free from the sense of serfdom. Friction is
not possible under such conditions, and the sorrow
of "our people" when this man was smitten down,
attested the wisdom and sincerity of his leader-
ship.
When Mr. Branson was seventeen years old he
was converted at a meeting held in West Market
Methodist church, in Greensboro, N. C. At the
same time he joined the Methodist church. His
parents were Methodists, and his associations after
18 IN MEMORIAM.
he left the home of his mother, preserved in him
the faith of the household. He was never a bad
boy, and knew nothing of "sowing wild oats," an
expression used to apologize for the unnecessary
sins of youth. The most intimate companion of
his boyhood tells with joy that he never heard
young Branson use an impure word, or relate an
unclean joke. Upon this foundation of purity and
integrity rested his faith in the power of Christ to
save him. Into his church membership he put all
of his energies. He was a great churchman, study-
ing the doctrines and pohty of his church, and
using his knowledge for its best interests. He
was no bigot, but he was loyal at all times to the
church of his choice. In every matter affecting
the work of his church he supported an aggressive
policy, and took a broad view of every movement.
With the ethics of narrow and selfish men he had
no sympathy. Though young, he was one of the
most potent factors in the North Carolina Confer-
ence. In his own church, his pastor found him an
ideal layman, true to his vows, active in all church
work, and the center of greatest influence. He
was not only active in the business of the Church,
but in revival services gave his energies to the
one work of saving his fellowman. As treasurer
of the Joint Board of Finance, the entire financial
work of the year in the North Carolina Confer-
ence passed under his review. He was always
present at the sessions of the Conference, never
WILLIAM HENKY BRANSON. 19
allowing business to keep him away, or to call
him home before his work was finished. No
man ever heard him comi)lain that the church work
interfered with his business. He did not carry
his factories to the Conference sessions, and did
not frel, to return to them. Such tideht^^ com-
mands confidence, and his church was glad to
honor him. Some men use church honors for sel-
fish ends, and seek them for distant aims. Mr.
Branson sought nothing; everything sought him.
Twice he was a member of the General Conference;
the first time at the session of 1894, in Memphis,
Tennessee, and as an alternate in the last session,
which met in Baltimore, Maryland, May, 1898.
Ill this body he was an important legislator.
Broad-minded, aggressive, and wise, he threw his
influence where he judged best for the life and
progress of the church. His faith could not be
disturbed by those alarmists whose mental horizons
were tortured with imaginary storms. "Their
wild dreams do not disturb me," he would say.
"Our Bishops are wise and godly men and we can
risk them , " was fundamental with him. Some men
are monumental characters whose records impart
assurance and give great stability to cardinal truth.
In the church, William H. Branson was such a
character.
He was a true man. His appearance spoke out
the magnificence of his character. Tall and erect,
weighing nearly two hundred pounds, with a large
20 IN MEMORIAM.
head, broad brow, bright and expressive eye,
strong features, and noble movement, he was the
embodiment of high honor and noble impulses.
He had the model tigure of a hero. God does not
build such temples in which to house bats; the
occupant of such a divine structure has exalted
rights which, if obeyed, makes him God's noble-
man. William H. Branson obeyed them. He was
just reaching up to that period of life when every-
thing is full of glad prophecies. All the years of
his life were years of apparent ^preparation, and
his friends rejoiced that the depth and breadth of
the foundation measured an immense future. In
the glow" of these hopes, death came to him while
he was in the path of duty, the only path in which
he ever made a foot-print. A darker shadow never
fell on any community than the one that came to
the city of Durham when, on the twenty-fourth
day of March, 1899, William H. Branson, by a fear-
ful accident, was taken away. In him seemed to
be unborn history. It will have its birth in higher
realms, for there is no cessation of life. Noble
powers may not have sufficient time in this life,
they will get it in the life beyond.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 21
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral services over the remains of the late
W. H. Branson, who died Friday evening from the
effects of terrible scalding received in the pump
house at the East Durham mill, were conducted
from Trinity Church, Saturday afternoon, March
25th, at 2 o'clock.
Quite a crowd of the friends of the family filled
the church and listened to the words of commen-
dation of the character of the dead man. The
services were conducted by Rev. D. N. Caviness,
pastor of Carr Church, of which deceased was one
of the most prominent members.
Revs. G. A. Oglesby, Cole, Langston, Yates, and
Kilgo took part in the services. Dr. Kilgo, presi-
dent of Trinity College, of which Mr. Branson was
one of the Trustees, made a short talk on the
character of the deceased, and paid a beautiful
tribute to his memory. He said :
"A good man is not an accident, but is the pro-
duct of the divine hand. He is made after the
plans of God, and all the forces that enter into his
life are divine forces. Such men as Enoch, Joseph,
Moses and David did not spring uj) by chance.
God thought them out, and they have their truest
explanation in a fellowship with Him. So the good
men who are in the world today are more than
22 IN MEMORIAM.
foi'tunate men. It is correct to speak of the good
man as 'the man of God. ' He is in a true sense an
incarnation, and the divine element in him raises
him to this high distinction.
"The making of a good man is the most absorb-
ing work of God in the government of the earth.
This is the highest aim to be reached, and into it
have been thrown all the energies of the universe.
'AH power in heaven and earth has been given into
my hands, ' said Christ. The only use he has for
this power is to produce a good and great man.
He put into tnis work all the resources of his
own nature, and laid the foundation in his own
death. All that goes to make history he governs
to the end of making a good man.
"Besides these outside elements that enter into
the character of a good man, he contributes all of
his own energies to the same end. His self-sacri-
fice and consecration cannot be measured. In
his history there is much that is tragedy. The
secret struggles through which he maintains his
integrity are the sublimest scenes of human tri-
umph. The closet of the good man could disclose
the story of bloodiest conflicts.
"In every good man there is some leading
element of character. One idea rules. Only Christ
was able to comj^ass every trait of holiness. Other
men represent in a high degree only a single ruling
trait. Job is renowned for his patience; Nehe-
miah instructs the world in holy patriotism, and
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 23
Paul in heroic faith. In an effort to discover the
supreme element in the character of my friend,
WilHam. H. Branson, I found none so prominent as
his power to love. His life grew out of this.
When it first came to the throne of moral con-
sciousness, I cannot say. It, however, must have
appeared at an early period, as there were no
marks of envy and hate visible on his face. His
brow was smooth; his eye beamed with hope; his
form was erect; his w^ords were pure; and his
spirit full of gladness. Hatred leaves its marks,
but he bore none of them.
"All of the relations of life testify to his power to
love. His home had its foundations in a loyal
heart. He married because he loved the woman
who was to share his life. The children that came
into his house were the offspring of a holy love, and
the partners of all he had. No business, how^ever
urgent and intricate, could make him lose sight
of the simplest joys of his family. With peculiar
emphasis he spoke of them as, 'My wife and chil-
dren. ' The emphasis was on 'my.' I can never
forget a few hours spent with him in the city of
Norfolk, on our return from the last session of our
Annual Conference. After arranging at the hotel,
we went to stroll on the streets. His children
seemed to be with him. He entered a jewelry
store, and, with the enthusiasm of a lover, made
purchases for each member of the home. He said
to me, 'This is the only trading I ever do with
24 IN MEMORIAM.
genuine enthusiasm. What 1 buy for my wife and
children gives my greatest pleasure. ' It is no
ordinary man who can lay aside companions and
the business of a great factory, to buy a ring for a
precious child. He literally threw his heart with
its smoking heat into the lap of his family, and
their highest inspiration was the integrity of his
love.
"As the head of a large business, employing
many men and women, he was true to his nature.
He ruled by the love he had for every employee.
They had access to him. and his cheerful face
assured them in their task. There was no show
of lordship in his relations to them. He never
spoke of them as 'employees,' nor as 'hands,' but
always as 'our people.' He felt a kinship which
he was always glad to acknowledge, and this was
true under all circumstances. They were 'our
people' if they woi'ked, 'our people' when they
voted, 'our people' when they worshipped, and
'our people' when they went on excursions of
pleasure. He solved the labor problem about
which so much is said. He did not appeal to legis-
lation for new laws, nor to quacks for new theo-
ries, but in the 'our people' feeling he made fric-
tion impossible. William H. Branson was himself
the solution of those calamities, because he made
such problems an impossibility. Laborers do not
so much want more money as they want more
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 27)
personal sympathy and interest. All who labored
with him knew him as a 'good man.'
"In his church work, to which he was supremely
loyal, in his general business duties, and in his
social fellowship, he was the same man wit h a great
heart of love. He was never in such a hurry as to
overlook the humblest friend, but always greeted
him with a glad smile and an honest hand grasp.
In the conference room he made change for the
humblest member with as much delight as he re-
ported the total financial work of the year.
"This element of his character gave him great
stability. Nothing is stronger than love, and no
blast of outward storm can move it from its foun-
dations. So he stood. Amid business reverses
and crises, social ru]^tures and antagonisms, polit-
ical heat and warfare, and all forms of calamity, he
stood as immovable as the stone of an old Greek
god. His face was towards the sunrise, and with
an unflinching step he went forward where other
men stood paralyzed in the face of impending
dangers. Such a man is the anchor of his age.
With arms thrown about the eternal rocks, beholds
on amid sweeping storms and crashing billows,
and saves a thousand men from driving, in the
crazed tiaiidity, on rocks and reefs. Who ever saw
William H. Branson surrender his cause? Who
ever saw him moved from his purposes'::' Yet,
who ever heard him quarrel with the timid V His
great stand was his appeal and his reproof. Pull
26 IN MEMORTAM.
of love, full of faith, full of hope, full of noble aims,
full of unborn history, in a moment this 'good man'
has been taken from us, but his memory and in-
fluences must abide.
" 'The good man leaveth an inheritance to his
children's children.' Science has disclosed no
subhmer truth than the conservation of forces.
No energy has been lost by any change of form. It
passes from form to form in its mission in the
material universe, and defies everywhere all forces
to destroy it. Our religion holds the same subhme
truth in a far sublimer realm. No good life is ever
lost. 'By it, he being dead, yet speaketh,' makes
righteous Abel a working force of the centuries
William H. Branson is our heritage.
"To hi-^ children he leaves the inheritance of a
good man. Poor and mean, indeed, is the man who
does not tind joy in a noble ancestry. Mere titles
of the empty honors of society, and patchwork of
spurious political fame are not to be counted. But
the purity of hfe, the magnanimity of spirit, the
integrity of conscience, the record of industry, and
the esteem of honest men is a legacy that might
enthuse an angel, and should always give a sense
of honor to descendants. William H. Branson
lifted the family name. I care not how high it was
when he was born, it is higher since he lived. He
left no suspicion on it, and those who will answer
to it in the future cannot blush because he once
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 27
answered to it. This is the highest heritage he
leaves his children.
"Our city must share in this legacy. He left a
record that has standard value for every business
man in our community, and especially for the
young business men of Durham. He began at
what we call the bottom, and by energy and integ-
rity rose before middle life to a success of the
noblest order. Those who live along the streets he
passed in going to his places of business will not
soon forget the regularity with which his trips
were made. Death overtook him attending to
business. Let me exhort every young business
man in our midst to treasure the memory of my
friend, William H. Bi^anson. His only trick in
trade was the genius of honesty and the fidehty of
energy.
''To his church he leaves the highest legacy. Our
religion has its unanswerable logic in the purity of
its representatives, and to them must the church
always make its appeal. Our North Carohna Meth-
odism will hold the memory of this good man as a
sacred treasure. He loved his church and was
never too absorbed with business to serve it. The
most arduous week's work of the entire year was
the one he devoted to the Annual Conference
session. Day and night he labored on the financial
reports, and these received the accurate attention
given to the business of his factories. No problem
presented itself to the church which did not secure
28 IN MEMORTAM.
his fullest interest. He loved the ministry, and by
every honorable token showed this love. Our min-
istry ought to receive a new impetus from the life
of this good man. The laity through him have
been called to an exalted life.
"We mourn his departure, and pray for the torn
hearts of the home from which he has been taken.
Mysteries on mysteries enter into the movements
of the world, and human thought is often dazed by
insoluble incidents. We all stand in the shadow of
such an incident. We refer the revelation of it to
the day of final disclosures, and w^ait with some
degree of patience for a deeper insight into the
history of men.
"My painful duty at this hour has been per-
formed. I say painful because my own heart bleeds
streams of sorrow, and my emotions have been hard
to control. William H. Branson was my friend. You
wall pardon me, while here by the side of his silent
form, I give expression to personal feelings. In
all the days of my joys and triumphs he was among
the gladdest, and amid all of my struggles and
toils, he was among the foremost to assist. Taken
out of my hfe, and away from my side, I will
return to my tasks with the feelings that they will
be heavier. When a man is so suddenly and sorely
robbed of a member of that inner circle upon
which he leans for strength, courage suffers, and
the sense of disappointed hopes comes over him.
I never planted a shrub or flower at Trinity Park
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 29
that did not interest him ; I never administered
any discipUne that did not call out his sincerest
concern, and I never had a dream of Trinity's
growth that did not enthuse him. You need not
be amazed when I tell you that he had the key to
my inner thoughts, and knew all the plans of my
W'Ork. He loved our College, and we all feel sorely
the loss that has come to us.
"This good man has gone from us. His face
was ever toward the celestial city, into which he
has already entered. We will soon put him aw^ay
in the silent tomb, but with assurance that on the
day of final triumph, when the ascended Lord will
descend to claim the royalty of his death, our
friend will come forth in the glory of the resurrec-
tion, and enter the kingdom of his Lord, and share
in all the infinitudes of its wealth."
After the services at the church were over, the
remains were taken to the Southern depot, wiiere
a special train was in waiting to convey them to
Greensboro. Some fifty or sixty of the friends of
the bereaved family accompanied them to Greens-
boro and witnessed the interment. The following
relatives and friends attended the funeral: J. A.
Odell, George and Will Sergeant, and Mr. Ireland,
Mrs. Branson's father, B. E. Sergeant, of Greens-
boro, and J. G. Brown, of Raleigh. There were a
profusion of flowers contributed by friends of the
family. The pall bearers were: F. M. Sharp,
John F. Wiley, F. L. Fuller, R. G. Jones. Y. E.
30 IN MEMORIAM.
Smith, J. G. Brown and C. H. Ireland. It is said
that Mr. Branson, wishing to see his family left in
comfortable circumstances, had insurance on his
life amounting to some f'^28,000. — Durhaiit Daily Sun.
FLORAL TRIBUTES.
The floral tributes were numerous and hand-
some. Not only did his neighbors and friends in
Durham attest their love and sympathy by strew-
ing his "pathway to the tomb" with beautiful
flowers, many from distant cities also gave
expression in a similar way to the tender regard
they felt for their loved and trusted friend.
Besides innumerable offerings of individuals in
Durham and other places, were noted the following
designs sent by the various institutions with which
he was connected :
Employees of the Fidelity Bank, Wreath.
Employees Southern Railway, Cross.
Durham Conservatory of Music, Harp.
President and Faculty of Trinity College, Cross,
Heart and Anchor, suspended.
Faculty Greensboro Female College, Large
Boquet Bride's Roses.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 31
FROM THE PRESS,
[ Durham Daily Sun. ]
A distressing^ accident occurred this morning
about 10 o'clock, at the East Durhaui Cotton Mills,
whereby two gentlemen were badly scalded, and
are in a very dangerous condition.
Messrs. W. H. Branson and J. C. Mathes were
in a pump-house, that pumps water to the engine.
By some means a large steam pipe, about live
inches in diameter, bursted, enveloping these two
gentlemen in a cloud of scalding steam.
Messrs. Branson and Mathes were both badly
burned. Mr. Branson's injuries are thought to be
the worst. He is badly scalded about the face,
head and body. So badly was he burned about the
face that the skin peeled off. He also had his hands
painfully cut in breaking out some glass in a win-
dow in an endeavor to call for assistance.
Mr. Mathes is pretty badly burned about the
face and eyes. It is thought he may lose his eye-
sight. Mathes, after an unsuccessful effort, finally
succeeded in getting the door of the house open
and made his exit in this way.
So powerful was the force of the explosion that
a hole was blown through the brick wall of the
32 IN MEMORIAM.
house, about five feet in diameter. The pipe that
burst was above the heads of the two gentlemen.
Had it been lower nothing could have prevented
them being killed outright.
As soon as possible, physicians were telephoned
for, and also trained nurses from the Watts Hos-
pital. Drs. Manning, A. G. Oarr, W. N. Hicks, N.
P. Boddie and other physicians reached the scene
as quickly as possible.
Willing hands removed Mr. Branson to the
company's office, and Mr. Mathes to his residence
near by. Physicians and nurses have not left
these gentlemen since the accident took place.
Everything is being done that medical skill and
science can suggest to alleviate their sufferings.
It was a horrible accident, and the dangers these
men underwent while shut up like rats in a trap, is
enough to make one shudder.
Ever since the first news of the accident reached
up town, inquiries have been frequent as to the
condition of the two men who were so badly
injured. The news spread like wild-fire this morn-
ing, and the announcement fell like a pall uijon
many hearts.
At this writing both of the injured men are con-
scious. It is impossible as yet to determine fully
the extent of their injuries.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 33
[Durhayn Daily Sun.]
When the Sun went to press on Friday afternoon,
Messrs. W. H. Branson and J. C. Mathes, who
were so badly injured in the horrible accident that
occurred at the East Durham Cotton Mills, were
conscious. Mr. Branson, who was known to be
the worst injured, lived till about 5:15 o'clock in
the afternoon, when he fell asleep as peacefully as
a child, to wake no more on earth.
Hearts are bowed down with grief and sorrow
on account of the terrific blow that has fallen.
The entire community feels deeply the sad
calamity. Nothing in recent years has occurred
that so shocked the people of Durham and other
towns. The Sim hardly knows how to write of
such a sad, heart-breaking occurrence, and of the
great and irreparable loss sustained by the death
of Mr. Branson.
William H. Branson was about thirty-nine years
of age. He moved to Durham about thirteen or
fourteen years ago. During his boyhood and early
manhood he clerked in a store in Greensboro.
Afterwards he moved to Durham and took charge
of the management of the East Durham Cotton
Mills, which he managed with great fidelity, busi-
ness ability and skill. Under his skilful and wise
guidance, the East Durham Cotton Mills have
grown and prospered w^onderfully. So marked
has been the growth of these mills, that it was
34 IN MEMORIAM.
deemed an imperative necessity to almost double
their capacity. Besides having the management
of these mills, Mr. Branson was concerned in a
number of other enterprises, notably the Pearl
Mills in North Durham, and he was also a stock-
holder in the proposed new cotton mill at Rox-
boro. He was secretary and treasurer of the East
Durham Cotton Mills.
In addition to being concerned in a number of
cotton mill enterprises, he held several i:)Ositions
of trust and honor in other industries.
Mr. Branson several years ago married Miss
Clara Sergeant, daughter of Mr. B. E. Sergeant,
a well known and prominent manufacturer of
Greensboro. Mrs. Branson, with two children, a
son and a daughter, survive him.
Deceased was a member of the Methodist
church, being the leading member at Carr church.
East Durham. He was a member of the Board of
Trustees ol Trinity College, and held several
important positions connected with church work.
He was frequently elected as a delegate to District
and Annual Conferences.
The following were among those who arrived in
the city this morning, having been called here on
account of Mr. Branson's death: J. A. Odell,
George and Will Sergeant and Mr. Ireland, of
Greensboro; J. M. Odell, of Concord, and Joseph
G. Brown, of Raleigh. Mr. B. E. Sergeant, of
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 35
Greensboro, father of Mrs. Branson, arrived in
the city last evening on through freight train.
The funeral services were conducted this after-
noon from Trinity Church. Revs. Dr. J. C. Kilgo,
D. N. Caviness, G. D. Langston and others partici-
pated .
The following gentlemen acted as pall- bearers
and escorted the remains to the Southern depot,
where a special train was in w^aiting to carry the
funeral party to Greensboro: F. M. Sharx)e. P. L.
Fuller, John F. Wily, R. G. Jones, Y. E. Smi^h,
Jos. G. Brown and C. H. Ireland.
The special train left Durham about 2:50 o'clock
on its journey to Greensboro.
May a loving Heavenly Father sustain the grief -
stricken widow and fatherless children in the well
nigh crushing blow that has descended upon them.
The sympathies and the prayers from hundreds
of homes tnroughout North Carolina go up to Him
that doeth all things, that he may give the bereaved
ones strength to bear up under the heavy load of
anguish under which they struggle. They have
the consolation of knowing that although their loved
one was suddenly snatched away, yet he was ready
to go when the Master called him. O, that we could
push ajar the gates of life, stand within, and under-
stand the mysteries of Providence! But we must
be content, and, unmurmuring, pass under the rod
of "Him who doeth all thing-s well" accordino^ to
36 IN MEMORIAM.
His good pleasure. We know not now, and dare
not question, this dispensation.
Farewell, kind friend, citizen and Christian gen-
tleman May all the bereaved loved ones, relatives,
friends and acquaintances, strive to meet him and
clasp hands in the beautiful home above. May
God keep and sustain those left behind until they
shall all meet again around the Master's great
white throne, there to be an inseparable and un-
divided gathering for ever and ever.
[ DurJuuii Daily Sim. ]
Upon the ideal union of a beautiful home in
Durham, a long, dark shadow, even the shadow of
death, has fallen. A devoted husband and father
has been removed — taken away so suddenly —
fairest skies turned to darkness and songs to
silence.
W. H. Branson is dead !
Calamities and death follow each other like the
waves on ocean's beach, and overwhelm us in sor-
row. Earth has no emblem and heaven no sign,
save the sacrificial blood on Calvary's rocks, to
show us one ray of hope and cheer in the deep
gloom now hanging over our fair city.
Yesterday morning two men, in the strength of
vigorous manhood, with no sorrows to fleck their
joys, no shadows flitting across the day that
dawmed so brightly. Today one sleeps the last
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 37
sleep and the other languishes upon a bed of pain,
between life and death.
William Henry Branson is gone. For what pur-
pose he was called away in the midst of his
splendid manhood and usefulness we know not,
and yet cannot fully appreciate the fact that his
presence will be seen among us no more. The
whole community mourns. He will be missed in
the church, of which he was a member, in scatter-
ing seeds of kindness — his last act being a donation
of a bolt of cloth to the orphans. He will be missed
in our business circles where he was an energetic
factor. He will be missed as a neighbor by those
who came under his ministrations. His memory
in the home, in the affections of his wife and the
hearts of his many friends and relations will be
cherished with peculiar sweetness.
After all he but sleeps !
"There is no death! The stars go down
To rise upon some other shore!
And bright in heaven's jeweled crown
They shine forevermore ! "
[ R. G. Jones^ in Durham Daily Sun. ]
The sudden death of William H. Branson is a
severe shock to those who love and honor him. It
is difficult for me, with the tumultuous feelings of
the moment, to attempt a portrayal of this good
man. My relations with him as an employee —
38 IN MEMORIAM.
which were for a period of several years — were as
pleasant as one could wish, and I consider it an
honor to have associated with this man of many
virtues. His walks and works were such, that not
only I, but all men who knew^ his golden worth of
heart and head, respected and admired him. He
earned from me a close friendship and a profound
admiration. One of the chief virtues of Mr. Bran-
son's character was tirmness, and a determination
to do what he believed to be right.
In his domestic relations as husband and father,
it is difficult to speak of him in moderation. There
could not be a man more devoted to his family, and
he was always doing something to make home
happy. He reverenced w^oman, and counted
among his many friends noble women in this and
other towns.
As a business man, Mr. Branson possessed rare
genius. His indefatigable energy, and high sense
of honor, won for him the utmost confidence of his
associates. He was always kind and respectful to
his subordinates, and it seems hard that he should
be taken aw^ay when life was so bright and pros-
perous.
W. H. Branson, honest, dauntless, doing his duty
as he saw it, fell indomitable at his post.
Let us give his memory all honor. From our
rolls a great name has departed and a man has gone
from our midst. Human thought has lost a teacher;
his friends and acquaintances a wise guide.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 39
[P., in Durham Daily Sun.]
Our religious institutions were all well tilled
yesterday. Many w.^re the conversations as to
the sad death of W. H^ Branson. He was a sample.
He used hospitality, kindness, and forbearance to
one another without grudging. He received from
his birth the gift of a gentleman and manifested
the same all through the various multiplications of
his business hfe, which is too well known for me to
comment upon. With the most subordinate under
his jurisdiction he was at all times and under all
circumstances kind and affable. When you met
him socially or on business he w^ore a smile of
character upon his countenance, justly inviting all
to believe in his integrity and justice to his fellow
man. He was one of the few men that I never
heard ought against in any particular.
But a few years ago, I have it from good
authority, he took hold of the business oars of life
in Greensboro, with a steady, energetic pull and
push from that day to the day of his death. He
left behind him a business trace in life which but
few^ men can brag of. At the bottom of the lad-
der he commejiced a poor boy, and at the time of
his death, though young in years, he stood amongst
the wealthy. He w^as held in the highest esteem
by his fellow men. Dr. Kilgo justly said in his
eulogistic words of him that the colleges, the
churches and the business institutions had lost help
in the death of Mr. Branson.
40 IN MEMORIAM.
Every man, woman and child in North Durham,
coming under his touch, either in business or
socially, will miss his ever welcoming smiles.
The writer has had live years knowledge of him
advisedly and in business transactions and he was
ahvays courteous and plain spoken. No one could
come in close business touch with Mr. Branson
without loving and respecting him. We will so
much miss his daily business trips to our town.
"Our people," as he used to call those about the
mills, will this morning, and every morning to
come, miss the elastic step, the broad smile of
encouragement he w^ore each morning through the
mills. May our loss be his gain. His wife and
two children, may the shadowing^wings of angels
ever guide their pathw^ay through life, and when
the final morn shall dawn may they be received
amongst the redeemed, father, mother, sister and
brother, all singing Hosannah's to the most high
God.
[Raleigh News and ObseiTer.]
The news of the death of Mr. Will H. Branson,
by the bursting of a steam pipe in the pump room
in the East Durham Cotton Mills yesterday, carried
sorrow- and grief to all parts of the State. The
sudden ending of the life of any good man makes
genuine regret, but when one so widely known and
highly esteemed is thus removed from a useful and
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 41
busy life, the grief is as poignant as it is wide-
spread.
Less than forty years old, Mr. Will H. Branson
had won for himself high position in North Carolina
in business, in his church and in the regard of his
fellows. He won it by his ability, his industry and
his integrity. He was a man of his word. He was
true to his promises. He was direct, straight-
forward, manly. As secretary and treasurer of
two of the most prosperous cotton mills in the
State, and bank director, his place among the first
business men of Durham was established ; as trus-
tee of Trinity College, in which institution he took
a deep interest, his advice and counsel were sought
by his co-trustees and the faculty; as Sunday
School superintendent, steward of his church and
treasurer of the North Carolina Conference, he was
a leader in Methodist circles. In all the relations
of life he hved up to his professions, and will be
missed by a large circle of business associates and
friends. In an ideal home, which was his king-
dom, the hearts of all who read the sad news will
go out in tender and loving sympathy that from
one of hope, of light and joy, it is suddenly con-
verted into one of darkness and gloom, for its light
and happiness w^ent out when Will H. Branson
passed away yesterday. The devoted wife and
children are the objects of universal sympathy,
and many prayers will go up for them in many
homes in North CaroUna that He that doeth all
42 IN MEMORIAM.
things well will give them His grace and His
strength in the day of their bereavement and
anguish.
The following article, taken from the Neivs and
Observer of November 28th, 1895, tells in ^Dart the
story of his successful life, and shows the estimate
in which he was held while he lived. There is a
mournful pleasure, now that he is dead, in feeling
that he knew while in health that he was appre-
ciated. We quote from the issue of November
28th, 1895 :
"Mr. Branson was born at Cedar Falls, Ran-
dolph county. May the 23rd, 1860. In 1872 he went
to Greensboro with the hardware house of Odell,
Ragan & Co., afterwards Odell and Company, and
remained there until 1885, when he came to
Durham to acce^Dt the position of secretary and
treasurer of the Durham Cotton Manufacturing
Company — he was then only 24 years old— a very
young man to be called to a position of such
responsibility. But he had a wise head, had
shown high qualities as a business man. was a con-
sistent. God-fearing, Christian man, and to these
high qualities he added industry and old fashioned
sense that before- the- war people called horse
sense. He had no desire for those pleasures that
claim so large a share in the hfe of so many young
men He knew life was real and earnest, and it
was the man who planned wisely and worked faith-
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 43
fully who sooner or later got to the top. He was
ambitious as a boy but he had none of the notoriety-
seeking sort of ambition. It was an ambition that
sought the goal by doing well every duty that fell
to him .
"'Who is the most popular man in Durham?'
was asked a company of young Durhamites not a
great while ago. 'Will Branson. ' two or three
answered, and all in the company agreed that he
w^as.
"In 1892 the Dukes and others planned to build a
large cotton factory. They had not the time to
give the business their personal attention, and they
looked about to find a man of business judgment,
experienced in the cotton mill business and having
the peculiar talent necessary to make it pay. They
did not have far to look, and selected Mr. Branson,
who as secretary and treasurer of the Pearl Cotton
Mills, has again demonstrated his practical ability.
"Where else, not alone in North Carolina, but in
the United States, will you find a man just 35 years
old secretary and treasurer of two such great man-
ufacturies, enjoying the confidence of every
capitalist and every poor man in the towm in which
he resides? You will find a few others, but in
almost every case they are older before they are
called to such responsibilities, or thej^ are the sons
of wealthy men and have had pecuhar advantages
at the start. Mr. Branson ow^es his present posi-
tion chiefly to his own capacity and industry, the
44 IN MEMORIAM.
friendship and assistance of wealthy friends being
based upon respect and regard for him as a man,
and contidence in his ability and integrity.
In addition to his dual duties as secretary and
treasurer of two great cotton factories, Mr. Bran-
son is a director in the Durham Cotton Manufac-
turing Company, the Pearl Cotton Mills Co., the
Odell Manufacturing Company, in Concord ; the
Kerr Bag Manufacturing Company, of Concord;
the Greensboro Female College Association; the
State University Railroad; Trustee of Trinity
College, and director of the Fidelity Bank, of
Durham. These positions show the estimate the
business world puts upon Mr. Branson's capacity
and influence, and still stronger than words i)f his
usefulness to Durham and the State.
"But, busy man as he is, Mr. Branson is never
too busy to find time to take interest in church
work. In addition to his work in his home church,
Mr. Branson, as stated above, is a trustee of the
two great colleges of the Methodist Church,
Trinity and Greensboro, and htis been treasurer of
the joint board of finance of the North Carolina
Conference since 1889, and was a delegate to the
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
C!hurch, South, that met in Memphis in 1894. Mr.
Branson was married in Greensboro, December 7,
1885, to Miss Clara Sergeant. And, with all the
business successes and honors that have come to
him, no man is more devoted to his family. An
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 45
all around successful, high-toned, useful citizen is
W. H. Branson. The best wish for W. H. Branson,
Jr., is that.he may grow hke his father. "
[From report of Commencement of Trinity College, in Raleigh
News and Obsorer. ]
Just as the speaking ended. Dr. Kilgo, w^ho
had been two unwell to come out, entered and
received applause as he took his seat between Mr.
W. Duke and Bishop Duncan. He spoke of how
painful it had been to him to be compelled to absent
himself from the speaking.
Meuiorial services were held in honor of the late
W. H. Branson. Dr. Kilgo made the address. He
said Mr. Branson w^as one oi the few monumental
men who are created. His absence is mourned on
every hand. He was a clean man. No deed
needed to be covered. His biography needs no
apology. He always thought himself right. No
unclean word or broad joke escaped him. That
virtue w^as commended to young men.
He had that high type of honesty that makes a
man the lover of the truth. He was a tine example
of a husband — he was united to his wife in that
mystical union out of the plan of divine fellowship.
He taught how to love and make a woman happy.
He was a good father, and left the impress upon
the son who bears his name and countenance. He
46 IN MEMORIAM.
was a man of integrity. He belonged to no party.
He loved his friends intently. I felt honored by
his affection. He illustrated the truth that in the
South young manhood has the best tield for suc-
cess. When he began work as a boy he had 15
cents; he left a comfortable fortune. His means
showed what others could do. He never com-
plained at conditions and never charged Providence
with being unkind.
He was built for a hero. He was the veritable
image of the statue of an old Greek god. His life
cannot end. He has gone to show the angels how
a man can live among the eternities and grace the
courts of God.
[ Rdkiylt Morning 1*(M. ]
W. H. Branson, secretary and treasurer of the
East Durham Cotton Mill, is dead, and J. C.
Mathes. general superintendent of the mill, is so
seriously injured that his recovery is doubtful; in
consequence of the bursting of a steam pipe in the
pump-house of the mill. The accident occurred at
10 o'clock this morning, and Mr. Branson lingered
between life and death until 5:15 this afternoon,
when he died. He was scalded in the most shock-
ing manner, and in the interval between the
accident and his death he suffered untold agony.
The two men were in the pump-house, a small
brick structure detached from the main building.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 47
when a large steam pipe used to carry steam from
the boilers to the pump, burst. This pipe was live
inches in diameter, and the steam almost cooked
the men from head to foot before they could get
out of the room. The little room was really con-
verted into a steam box, and so great was the
pressure that one wall of the house gave way and a
hole about live by six feet was torn through it.
This explosion relieved the pressure of steam and
saved the men from seething to death in the hot
steam.
As soon as the pipe burst, Mr. Branson rushed
to the door and tried to open it, but could not on
account of the pressure. He then ran to a window
and knocked it out with his fist, and in doing so
cut his hand and arm in a very painful manner.
Mr. Mathes then ran lo the door, and the release
of steam through the hole and window made it pos-
sible for him to open the door and he ran out. Mr.
Branson had his head and shoulders in the
hole he had made in the window, calling for help.
The terrible pressure in the room is shown in
the wrecked building. When the pipe burst, the
wall in direct line of the force was the first to give
way. The steam then rebounded across the room,
and the wall on the opposite side from where it
first struck was cracked almost from top to bot-
tom. The building is of brick, and the walls are
15 or 18 inches thick.
As soon as help could reach the men, Mr.
48 IN MEMORIAM.
Branson was taken to the office of the company and
Mr. Mathes was carried to his home next door to
the mill, to await the arrival of physicians. Four
were summoned, and were on the scene as quickly
as possible. Young lady nurses from Watts Hos-
pital were in attendance upon the scalded men
almost as soon as the physicians.
Late this evening Mr. Mathes was still
living, and hopes of his recovery were entertained.
He is barned terribly and is suffering the greatest
agony. While it is possible that he may recover,
it is feared that he will lose his sight. The skin
has sliiDped from his body in many places.
William H. Branson had lived in Durham thirteen
years, being actively identified with the manufac-
turing and business interests of the city. His
connection with the East Durham Mill dated from
his arrival here. Later 'he became secretary and
treasurer of the Pearl Mill. He was thirty-eight
years old.
In early hfe Mr. Branson resided in Greensboro
with Mr. J. A. Odell. a near relative, under whom
he received a most excellent business training,
fitting him for the responsible position which he
occupied.
Mr. Branson was an active worker and leader
in the Methodist church since early life. He was
treasurer of the North Carolina Conference and a
trustee of Trinity College,
Some years ago Mr. Branson was happily
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 49
married to Clara, daughter of Mr. B. E. Sergeant,
a leading manufacturer of Greensboro. Several
children have blessed this marriage.
Arrangements for the funeral of Mr. Branson
have not been made, but will be announced after
the arrival of relatives from Greensboro and
Concord.
[ Concord Standayd. ]
A horrible accident occurred at a cotton mill at
Durham, Friday before noon, when a pipe coming
from a newly erected pump burst, filling the room
in which Mr. W. H. Branson and superintendent
Mathes were in with steam. So full of steam was
the room that the door could not be opened. Mr.
Branson, during his suffering in the room, broke
out a window glass and called for help. At last the
wall on one side of the building broke and let out
the steam, but it was too late to save the life of
Mr. Branson, whose body was bad^.y scalded. He
died that afternoon a few minutes after five o'clock.
The condition of the superintendent was reported
very serious on Friday night.
The sad news in regard to Mr. Branson came
here that day, several dispatches having been
received by Mr. J. M. Odell at different times.
Besides being a shock to his friends and acquaint-
ances, the death rests heavily on the families of
50 IN MEMORIAM.
Messrs. J. M. and W. R. Odell. Mrs. Branson is
a sister to Mrs. W. R. Odell, and the love and care
of almost a father has been bestowed upon the
deceased by Mr. J. M. Odell.
Mr. Branson was one of the most enterprising
mill men of our State and he held a position which
will be a hard one for his successor to fill.
[ Concord Times. ]
On last Friday morning, Mr. W. H. Branson,
secretary and treasurer of the East Durham
Cotton Mill, met his death in a most horrible
manner by the bursting of a steam pipe in the
mill. Superintendent J. C. Mathes, who was with
him was also badly scalded. The following par-
ticulars are taken from a special dated Friday to
the Raleigh Post :
"The accident occurred at 10 o'clock this morn-
ing, and Mr. Branson lingered between life and
death until 5:15 this afternoon, when he died. He
was scalded in the most shocking manner, and in
the interval between the accident and his death he
suffered untold agony.
"The two men were in the pump house, a small
brick structure detached from the main building,
when a large steam 2:)ipe used to carry steam from
the boilers to the pump, burst. This pipe was five
inches in diameter, and the steam almost cooked
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 51
the men from head to foot before they could get
out of the room. The httle room was really con-
verted into a steam box, and so great was the
pressure that one wall of the house gave way and a
hole about five by six feet was torn through it.
This explosion relieved the pressure of steam and
saved the men from seething to death in the hot
steam .
"As soon as the pipe burst, Mr. Branson rushed
to the door and tried to open it, but could not on
account of the pressure. He then ran to a window
and knocked it out with his fist, and in doing so
cut his hand and arm in a very painful manner.
Mr. Mathes then ran to the door, and the release
of steam through the hole and window made it pos-
sible for him to open the door and he ran out. Mr.
Branson had his head and shoulders in the
hole he had made in the window, calling for help.
'^The terrible pressure in the room is shown in
the wrecked building.. When the pipe burst, the
wall in direct line of the force was the first to give
way. The steam then rebounded across the room,
and the wall on the opposite side from where it
first struck was cracked almost from top to bot-
tom. The building is of brick, and the walls are
15 or 18 inches thick. "
Mr. Branson was well known in Concord and all
over the State. He was a brother-in-law of Mr.
W. R. Odell, their wives being sisters. He was 38
years old, and had lived in Durham thirteen years.
52 IN MEMOKIAM.
He was also secretary, and treasurer of the Pearl
Mills at Durham, and held other positions of honor
and trust. He was treasurer of the North Cai-olina
Conference and a trustee of Trinity College. He
was also superintendent of the Sunday School at
Carr's Methodist church in East Durham. He was
a genial and popular man, and few men gave prom-
ise of greater usefulness. He was in Concord just
a week before the sad ending of his life, and was
then the picture of health and vigorous manhood.
Mr. Branson leaves a wife and two children w^ho
have the tenderest sympathy of a large number of
friends all over the State. The funeral services
were conducted at Trinity Church. Durham, on
Saturday, by Dr. Kilgo and others. The remains
were taken to Greensboro by. special train for in-
terment. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Odell and Mr. and
Mrs. W. R. Odell, of Concord, attended the funeral.
Mr. Branson carried life insurance to the amount
of 130,000.
Mr. J. C. Mathes, who was also scalded in the
fearful explosion, is getting on well and will re-
cover. The physicians think that his eyes will be
saved.
[ The Charlotte Ohsen-er. ]
A terrible accident happened .at East Durham
this morning, a few minutes xmst 10 o'clock, and
as a result Mr, W. H. Branson, secretary and
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 53
treasurer of the East Durham Cotton Mill and the
Pearl Cotton Mill, is dead, and Mr. J. C. Mathes,
general superintendent of the East Durham Mill,
may lose his life. Mr. Branson lingered until the
late afternoon. They were in the pump room, a
small brick structure, when a five-inch steam pipe
burst and they were scalded in a fearful manner.
In fact, both of the men were burned all over the
body. The skin was peeled off in many places and
the attending physicians said at the outset that
they were in a serious condition.
Messrs. Branson and Mathes had gone into the
pump room to look after the pump, which was a
new one. When the steam was turned on the large
pipe burst, filling the room with steam and scald-
ing the men as above described. The experience
these men passed through is one of horror. When
the pipe burst the small room was really converted
into a steam chest, and so great was the pressure
that the door to the room could not be opened.
Mr. Branson first tried to get out in that way but
finding that he could not open the door he ran to a
window and knocked it out with his fist. In the
meantime the pressure of the steam was so great
that one of the walls gave way and a hole was torn
through it about five by six feet in size. This
allowed the steam to escape and Mr. Mathes
opened the door and ran out. Mr. Branson had
his head and shoulder through the opening he had
made in the window and was calling for help. The
54 IN MEMORIAM.
walls of the building were of brick and about 15
or 18 inches thick. The wall opposite to where the
explosion occurred was cracked almost from bot-
tom to top.
Mr. Branson was carried to the office of the
company and Mr. Mathes removed to his home not
far away. Physicians were soon on the scene and
together with nurses from the Watts' Hospital and
loving relatives and friends everything possible
was done to relieve the suffering of both men.
Physicians this afternoon, before Mr. Branson's
death, said that both men were burned all over the
body and that their condition was serious. It was
then thought that Mr. Mathes and probably Mr.
Branson would lose their eyesight at all events.
If the wall to the building had not given away it
is thought that both men would have been cooked
alive before they could have been rescued from the
trap in which they were caught.
Later. — Mr. Branson died at 5:15 this after-
noon, after considerable suffering. He was 38 years
old, had resided in Durham thirteen years and
leaves a wife and two children. No arrangements
have been made for the funeral yet.
Mr. Branson was related to the Odells, of Concord
ana Greensboro, and the family is awaiting their
arrival.
At 8:40 o'clock tonight Mr. Mathes is some better
and there are hopes of his recovery, though he is
not out of danger yet.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 55
Mr. E. M. Andrews, who is a brother-in-law of
Mr. Branson, received the following telegram late
yesterday afternoon:
"Mr. Branson was scalded this morning- and died this
afternoon at 5:15 o'clock.
"Durham Cotton Mfg. Co."
[ The Charlotte Observer. ]
The remains of the late and lamented Mr. W. H.
Branson were taken to Greensboro this afternoon
on a special train for interment. The funeral train
left Durham at 3 o'clock and there were about 50 in
the funeral party, including the pall and floral
bearers, ministers, relatives and friends. The
train returned to Durham tonight.
The funeral service was conducted from Trinity
Methodist church this afternoon at 1 o'clock. The
service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. D. N.
Caviness, of East Durham; Dr. Jno. C Kilgo, pres-
ident of Trinity College; Dr. E. A. Yates, Presiding
Elder of this district, and others. Dr. Kilgo made
the funeral remarks and paid a glowing tribute to
the life and work of Mr. Branson. Rev. Mr.
Caviness read the first lesson and Dr. Yates the
second. Several beautiful songs were rendered
by Messrs. J. H. Southgate and Prof. Hamaker;
Mesdames Mattie Jones and C. W. Toms, and Miss
Bessie Whi taker.
56 IN MEMORIAM.
The pall bearers were Messrs. J. H. Southgate,
F. M. Sharpe, R. G. Jones, Y. E. Smith, F. L.
Fuller, and J. F. Wily, of Durham, Mr. C. H.
Ireland, of Greensboro, and Mr. J. G. Brown, of
Raleigh. The floral bearers were Messrs. Otis
Smoot, J. W. Goodson, M. W. Reed, R. L. Wharton,
H. B. CJraven, Ed. Pugh, Macon Alston, Dr. W. P.
Few and Prof. R. L. Flowers.
Durham is in mourning today. Mr. Branson
was loved by all, from the laborer to the million-
aire, and his tragic death has touched every heart.
The grief- stricken wife and little ones have the
sympathy of all our people.
Mr. Branson carried considerable insurance on
his life. Among the loolicies was one in the Penn
Mutual for ^10,000; a policy in the Provident
Savings and Equitable for ff 13,000; and an accident
policy in the Fidelity and Casualty for |^5,000.
Mr. J. C. Mathes, who passed through the
ordeal of steam with Mr. Branson is still living,
and there are hopes for his recovery. He rested
quietly all of today and his physicians have hopes
of saving his life. He was burned in a fearful
manner and has suffered agonies since the terrible
accident. His eyes are still closed, and as yet it is
imx^ossible to say whether he will lose his eyesight
or not. His friends and relatives all hope for the
best, and they have some hope that his eyesight
may be saved, and that he will be restored to
health again.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 57
[The Ch a tint If Obscrirr.]
That was a shocking' occurrence yesterday at
Durham, by which Mr. W. H. Branson, secretary
and treasurer of the Durham Cotton Manufacturing
Comi)any and of the Pearl Cotton Mills, lost his life.
Mr. Branson was one of the best and most useful
nijen in the State and his tragic death is an event to
be deplored, on his family's account, first, but not
on its account alone, but likewise for the sake of the
interests with which he was connected, and of the
State, of which he was so good a citizen.
[ The Gycenshoro Evening Telegram. ]
A telegram to Mr. J. A. Odell about noon today
brought the sad news to his many friends in
this city that Mr. W. H. Branson had been
badly burned. In what manner the accident
occurred is not stated. The news that his con-
diticm is critical brings sorrow enough without
reciting the harrowing details. He is secretary
and treasurer of the Durham Cotton Mills, and
Mr. Matnes. the superintendent, was also burned.
The following is the tirst message received :
"Mr. Branson and Mr. Mathes have been badly bm-ned.
We have a doctor and trained nurse dressing- their wounds.
"Durham Cotton Mills Co."
58 IN MEMORIAM.
A second message in answer to enquiry by Mr.
Odell was as follows :
"Mr. Branson burnt neai'ly all over the surface of his
body. His condition is critical.
"Mrs. Branson."
The Telegram earnestly hopes Mr. Branson's
injuries are not as serious as is now feared. Many
earnest prayers will go up for both the unfor-
tunate victims of the cruel blaze.
[The Greensboro Evening Telegram.]
Verily, in the midst of life we are in death.
Only two or three days ago we met Mr. W. H.
Branson on the streets of Greensboro, in good
health, handsome in the bloom and prime of man-
hood, vigorous and full of Hfe; we can still hear his
voice as he cordially greeted us. Today that fine
form lies cold in death, that voice is hushed, and
that heart, ever big, loyal and true, is still. Our
news columns yesterday told of his fatal burning,
yet we dared to express the hope that he would get
well.
We had enjoyed a personal acquaintance with
him for only a few months; but we knew him to
love him. He was our friend. A man with con-
victions and the manhood to stand by and express
them. Frank, positive, honest to a fault. Bold
and aggressive to a degree that could but be
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 59
adniirecl by those who did not think with him, he
was a true friend to his church and loyal to all her
institutions. This fact will tower with his other
virtues and ever be a bright and shining monu-
ment to his memory.
Good, noble friend, farewell! May the God of
men and nations comfort, console and sup^Dort, in
this sad hour of darkest and deepest earthly
affliction, the bereft widow and dear little children.
[ Greensboro Daily Record. ]
Mr. J. A. Odell received a telegram from the
Durham Cotton Mill Company a little after 12 today
saying that Mr. Branson and Mr. Mathes, who are
the secretary and treasurer and superintendent of
the mill, had been badly burned and that a physi-
cian and a trained nurse were in attendance.
The wire came too late for Mr. Odell to catch the
noon train and he at once wired Mrs. Branson, her
answer being that the whole surface of Mi-. Bran-
son's body was badly burned and he w^as in a
critical condition.
Mr. Odell can only conjecture how the accident
occurred, but thinks it was caused by escaping
steam while moving a small engine. He will go
down tonight.
Mr. Branson lived here a number of years, mar-
rying a daughter of Mr. B. E. Sergeant, and, though
60 IN MEMORIAM.
living in Durham in recent years, he is almost con-
sidered a resident of Greensboro, his relationshi})s
and business calling him here often.
Great anxiety is felt here over the result, for
any kind of a burn is painful and when the entire
body is involved his sufferings must be intense,
though he is in the prime of life, strong and vigo-
rous, and his friends hope for more cheering news.
[ Greensboro Daily Becord. ]
Mr. W. H. Branson, who met with a most painful
accident, as related yesterday, lingered until 5:15
yesterday afternoon, when death relieved his
suffering.
Mr. Mathes, superintendent of the mill, also
injured badly, is still living, but with little hope of
recovery.
The news was received yesterday afternoon too
late to get any particulars of how the accident
occurred, but the story is told today by the Raleigh
Post, from which this extract is made:
"The tw^o men, Mr. Branson and Mr. Mathes,
were in the pump house, a small structure
detached from the main building, when a large
steam pipe used to carry steam from the boilers
to the pumx), burst. This pipe was live inches in
diameter, and the steam almost cooked the men
from head to foot before they could get out of the
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 61
room. The little room was really converted into a
steam box, and so great was the pressure that one
wall of the house gave way and a hole about live by
six feet was torn through it. This explosion re-
lieved the pressure of steam and saved the men
from seething to death in the hot steam.
"As soon as the pij^e burst Mr. Branson rushed
to the door and tried to open it, but could not on
account of the pressure. He then ran to a window
and knocked it out with his fist, and in doing so cut
his hand and arm in a very painful manner. Mr.
Mathes then ran to the door and the release of
steam through the hole and the window made it
possible for him to oi)en the door and he ran out.
Mr. Branson had his head and shoulders in the
hole he had made in the window, calling for help.
"The terrible pressure in the room is shown in
the wrecked building. When the pipe burst the
wall in direct line of the force was the first to give
way. The steam then rebounded across the room
and the wall on the opposite side from where it
iirst struck was cracked almost from top to bot-
tom. The building is of brick, and the walls are
15 or 18 inches thick.
"As soon as help could reach the men, Mr.
Branson was taken to the office of the company,
and Mr. Mathes was carried to his home next door
to the mill, to await the arrival of his physicians.
Pour men were summoned and were on the scene
as quickly as possible. Young lady nurses -from
62 IN MEMORTAM.
Watt's hospital were in attendance upon the
scalded men almost as soon as the physicians.
"Late this evening Mr. Mathes was still living,
and hopes of his recovery were entertained. He is
burned terribly and is suffering the greatest
agony. While it is possible that he may recover, it
is feared that he will lose his sight. The skin has
slipped from his body in many places."
News of the accident was received here with
expressions of deep regret, for, as remarked in
yesterday's Becord Mr. Branson is a Greensboroite,
though living in Durham for the past fifteen years,
and number as his warm friends all w^ho know
him. He was born at Cedar Falls, in Randolph
county, March 23rd, 1860, and came to Greensboro
in 1872, soon taking a position with the wholesale
and retail dry goods firm of Odell, Ragan & Co.,
w^here he remained until 1885, the firm in the
meantime going out of business and the Odell
Hardware Company talking its place, &c. He w^as
a half-brother to Mrs. J. A. Odell, of this place,
making his home with the family until he accepted
the i)osition of secretary and treasurer oi the Dur-
ham Cotton Mill, at Durham. He was happily
married to Miss Clara Sergeant before his depart-
ure from Greensboro and leaves a devoted wnfe
and two children, w^hose grief is past describing.
Mr. Branson was an active worker and leader in
the Methodist church, which he joined in early life.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 63
He was also treasurer of the North CaroUna
Conference and a trustee of Trinity College.
Mr. Odell and Mr. B. E. Sergeant caught a
freight yesterday afternoon after receiving news
of his death and reached Durham last night about
10 o'clock. This morning Messrs. Geo. S. and
W. T. Sergeant, brothers-in-law, and Mr. C. H.
Ireland went down. A number of other relatives
and friends were at the station intending to go,
but learning the interment would be in Greensboro
did not do so. Mr. W. R. Odell, who married a
sister to Mr. Branson, accompanied by Mrs. Odell,
came through from Concord on the 11:15 train last
night.
Funeral services were conducted in Durham
this p. m., and the body arrived here on a special
train this afternoon at five, and w^as taken at once
to Green Hill.
Quite a number of friends accompanied the
remains from Durham.
[ Greensboro Daily Record. \
Through a drizzling rain the body of William H.
Branson was brought to Greensboro, as related,
and buried Saturday afternoon. Over fifty friends
from Durham accompanied the remains, returning
on the special after the ceremonies were over.
Flowers covered everything, these beautiful but
64 IN MEMORIAM.
silent tokens of love, telling far better than words
the esteem and love of his legion of friends.
Mr. Branson was a prudent and safe man, not
only in the business in which he w^as engaged, but
he looked ahead and prepared, not only for his own
salvation in the world to come, but for the earthly
comfort of his wife and children, should he be
called away.
It will never perhaps be known beyond a doubt
what caused the steam pipe to break, catching the
men in a veritable trap of death, but Mr. Geo. S.
Sergeant, brother to -Mrs. Branson, and engaged
for a number of years in the machine business,
says he thinks it was caused by a defective "T"
at a joint. The smallest defect would- have caused
the break, and as a "T" is acknowledged to be
the weakest of all joints. Mr. Sergeant thinks this
is the cause.
The house, or room, in which it occurred, had
just been built for the use of a large pump and the
first thought was that the sudden turning on of
the steam had blown out the cylinder head of the
pump, but this was not the case, for it is still
intact.
Mrs. Branson, while she has not yet of course
made up her mind, will probably make Green sboi-o
her home, for here live her father, mother and
brothers, and it is the home of her childhood. Of
course she has warm friends in Durham, but it is
natural she should prefer Greensboro.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 65
[ Textile Exxielsior. ]
A fearful accident occurred on Friday morning,
March 24th, at 10 o'clock, at the factory of the
Durham Cotton Manufacturing Company, which
is situated in East Durham, N. C, one gentleman
receiving severe scalds which resulted in death a
few hours later. W. H. Branson, secretary and
treasurer of the company, and J. C. Mathes, gen-
eral superintendent, were in the pump house that
supplies water for the engines that run the mills.
A five-inch pipe, in which steam had just been
turned, bursted with terrific force, throwing scald-
ing water and steam all over the room, making
the place a veritable cauldron and seething hell.
Before either of the two gentlemen could get out
they were horribly burned all over the body. Mr.
Branson lingered until 5:15 o'clock that afternoon,
when his soul returned to the God who gave it.
Mr. Mathes, while painfully and almost fatally
burned, is improving. It is thought that he will
recover, but if so will be disfigured for life.
A brief sketch of Mr. Branson, whose horrible
death fell as a pall over the people of Durham and
other towns, may not be amiss just at this time.
William Henry Branson was born at Cedar Palls,
Randolph county, North Carohna, May 23, 1860.
In 1872, at the age of 12 years, he went to Greens-
boro, taking a position with the hardware house of
Odell, Ragan & Company, which firm afterwards
66 IN MEMORIAM.
changed to Odell & Company. He remained there
until 1885, when he came to Durham to accept the
position of secretary and treasurer ot the Durham
Cotton Manufacturing Company. At that time he
was 24 years old, a very young man to be called to
a position of such responsibility. But his was a
wise head; as a business man he posessed the
highest qualities; he was a consistent, God-fearing
Christian man; added to all these qualities was
industry and what is termed "horse sense. " Life
was real, life was earnest with him. He planned
wisely and worked faithfully. His ambition sought
the goal of doing well every duty that fell to him.
[Rakigli Christian Advocnte.^
On last Friday morning, March 24, the news
w^ent over the city of Durham and throughout the
State, that William H. Branson had been seriously
scalded by steam from a pipe which had burst.
The details of the accident were harrowing in the
extreme. Mr. J. C. Mathes, superintendent of
Durham Cotton Mills, of which Brother Branson
w^as secretary and treasurer, suffered also from
the explosion. Shut up as these two men were, in
a little brick room filled with escaping steam
strong enough to prevent the opening of the door,
and finally to blow a large hole in the wall, it is
strange that they lived an hour afterward. Mr.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 67
Mathes still lives, but Mr. Branson, after suffering
hours of agony, died about 5 o'clock Friday
afternoon.
His death is one of the saddest mysteries among
the permissive acts of Providence. So brave, so
tender, true and kind to others, his dying couch
was one of pain. In the full flush of young man-
hood, he met the dread messenger. But we knew
his heart and hfe, and we know all is well. William
H. Branson so lived that he was ready at all times
and under all circumstances to answer "Here!" to
the call of the Master. We know where he is. We
shall know where to find him when we have joined
the "great majority. "
We do not wish to anticipate his biographer, but
we give a short history of his life :
He was born at Cedar Falls, Randolpli county,
May 23, 1860. He was with a hardware company
in Greensboro from 1872 until 1885, when he was
married to Miss Clara Sergeant, of Greensboro,
and went to Durham to be secretary and treasurer
of the Durham Manufacturing Company, in which
capacity he acted up to the day of his death.
In addition to his duties as secretary and treas-
urer of two great cotton manufactories, Mr.
Branson was director , in the Durham Manufac-
turing Company, the Pearl Cotton Mills Company,
the Odell Manufacturing Company, in Concord ; the
Kerr Bag Manufacturing Company, Concord; the
Greensboro Female College; the State University
68 IN MEMORIAM.
railroad ; trustee of Trinity College, and director of
the Fidelity Bank. Durham.
Brother Branson was a business man of unusual
ability. This ability he placed at the disposal of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, of which
he was a devoted member. He served as treasurer
of the Joint Board of Finance of the North Carolina
Conference since 1889. In this capacity he did
arduous work. His brethren delighted to honor
him to the electing him to the District, Annual and
General Conferences. In Durham, as elsewhere,
Brother Branson was universally popular. People
loved him because he was loving. His death has
saddened the whole community. We have few like
him. Yet we thank our Heavenly Father for the
work w^hich he has already wrought and the
memory which will remain fresh and green
during the passing years.
He was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon in the
beautiful Green Hill Cemetery at Greensboro. For
the stricken wife and children we implore the
comfort and protection of the Spirit. They have
the sympathy and prayers of all true hearts.
[D. N. Cavinesfi, in Baleigh Cluistian Advocate.]
William H. Branson was born at Cedar Falls,
Randolph county, North Carohna, May 23, 1860,
and died at his home in Durham, N. C, March 24,
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 69
1899. When he was twelve years old he went to
Greensboro, N. C, to Hve with his brother-in-law,
Mr. J. A. Odell, with whom he hved until 1885.
During these years he had all the advantages of
a refined, Christian home, which was indeed ex-
ceedingly congenial to his young but great heart.
While here he received, in a practical way, a thor-
ough business training, for which work he was
peculiarly adapted. So thoroughly did he prove
himself to be a business man of tine parts that the
Messrs. Odell saw and appreciated his work, and
in 1885 they put him at the head of their manufac-
turing interests in Durham. The same traits of
character that characterized him as a man of
sterling worth and unusual business tact continued
to develop in him as the head of the Durham
Manufacturing Compan3^ When he took charge of
the mill it was comparatively small, but wiien he
laid his work down fourteen years later the mill
w^as capitalized at 1225,000. At the time of his death
he was secretary and treasurer of the Durham
Cotton Manufacturing Company, and also of the
Pearl Cotton Mi^l. He w^as a directoi* in these and
in other cotton mills in North Carolina. He was
also a director in the Fidelity Bank of Durham, a
director of the Southern and Seaboard railroads.
He was trustee of Trinity College and of Greensboro
Female College.
As a business man he, perhaps, had no superior,
and but few peers. Though he was a man of such
70 IN MEMORTAM.
wouderful business powers he delighted in giving
some of his best service to his church. For nine
years he served the North Carohna Conference as
treasurer of the Joint Board of Finance. Speaking
from personal knowledge of him, it was a pleasure
to him to 'do all that he did for the church. He
looked forward to the meeting of our annual Con-
ference with as much interest and hopeful antici-
pation as any clerical member of the Conference
possibly could. No man knew the members of the
Conference better than did Brother Branson. No
man ever gave the preachers a more cordial hand-
grasp or had a warmer place in his heart than did
he. He not only knew and loved the members of
the Conference, but when he addressed one of them
he delighted in using that familiar word to which
all Methodists have a birthright, "brother." His
devotion to his church was beautiful. Though in
the business world he was a giant, yet, he was one
of the most thoroughly consecrated Christian men
I have ever known. He did not get where he was
ashamed to recognize a Methodist preacher as
"brother."
One who played with him in childhood and who
has been intimately associated with him in all
their business life said, "I never heard Will use a
hard word or tell a smutty joke in my life. He
would not say a thing that he coukl not repeat in
the presence of ladies." All honor to such a man.
May the Lord give us many more like him.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 71
It was in 1876 or 1877 that Brother Branson was
converted and joined West Market Church, in
Greensboro, during the pastorate of Rev. S. D.
Adams. Soon after he joined the church he was
elected a steward and served in that capacity until
his death. A more efficient, faithful steward has
never served a church. He has been superinten-
dent of our Sunday School ever since its organiza-
tion. He kept the school in a fine condition all the
time. I have never seen but one weeping, sorrow-
ing Sunday School, that was Carr Church Sunday
School, on Sunday morning, March 25. when we
assembled for the first time after our beloved
superintendent's death. His chair was vacant, his
familiar form did not appear, but love for him was
in every heart, as the tears in all eyes attested. He
also served the church as delegate to District,
Annual, and General Conferences.
One who was intimate with him said: "I have
been with him in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New
York, and in many other places, but have never
seen him in any company, hotel or place, where he
did not, if ax)propriate, speak of his church in the
best of terms."
His life was an expcment of love and fidehty to
his church. A member of our Conference said :
"He was the most useful layman in the Conference."
On December 17, 1885, Brother Branson was
married to Clara Sergeant, of Greensboro, who,
with Annie and William H., Jr., survive him.
72 IN MEMORIAM.
Helen, a bright jewel, preceded her father to the
Spirit World. Will not the prayers of our Confer-
ence ascend for Sister Branson and the two
children? May William H. Branson, Jr., worthily
wear the name of his sainted and noble father.
"Unless God be with us all our toil is m vain, " is
a quotation taken from a little memorandum book
found in Brother Branson's pocket after his death.
The quotation was in his handwriting. This
sentence gives us in a few words the key to his
success and usefulness.
"O happy, happy soul
In ecstasies of praise,
Long as eternal ages roll,
Thou see'st thy Savior's face.
"Soldier of Chri^, well done,
Praise be thy new employ ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Savior's joy. "
[ Q. K. Nhnoclcs, in Raleigh Christian Advocate. ]
The tragic death of poor Branson came as a
terrible shock to his friends in Fayetteville, as it
did everywhere he was known. He w^as in the
truest and highest sense one of "Nature's noble-
men," and his loss will be keenly felt among us.
especially at the sessions of the Annual Confer-
ence, where in time past he met so many of the
WTLLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 73
fiiends who now mourn his untimely end. The
church mihtant has lost a valiant soldier, and
Methodism in particular an earnest and zealous
member in the death of this good man. May the
shining example he has left us of unselfish
devotion to Christian duty prove an inspiration to
his fellow -servants of the Master in the Methodist
laity who remain. May peace evermore be his.
[Nashville {l^enn. ) Cliristian Advocate.]
It gives us deeper sorrow than words can
express to announce the untimely death of Mr.
William H. Branson, secretary and treasurer of
the Durham, N. C, Cotton Mill. The sad event
took place on the 24th inst., and was due to the acci-
dental bursting of a steam pipe. Brother Branson
was one of the foremost young business men of
North Carolina, and seemed to have a great future
before him. He was also an excellent Christian
and a staunch Methodist. Many who met him at
the last General Conference will learn with deep
regret that he has been taken away so soon.
74 IN MEMORIAM.
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT,
Durham Cotton Manufacturing ('ompany.
East Durham, N. C,, April 6, '99.
Whereas, William H. Branson, who for the past four-
teen years has been the efficient secretary and treasurer of
the Durham Cotton Manufacturing Company, has died
since the last meeting- of the Directors of said Company,
and it is not only proper, but in accordance with their
personal wishes, to spread on the records and let it be
known in what high esteem he was held by his associates,
therofore, be it
Besolved, That in every relation of life our departed
friend and associate was an ideal man. As a husband he
was thoughtful and attentive; as a father he was tender
and loving; as a neighbor he was kind and obliging; as a
man of business he had no superior in our midst; as a
Christian he exemplified the teachings of the Master. He
was a fearless, brave, heroic lover of truth. While he
loved popular approval he did not fawn upon it. When
he made up his mind that a thing was right no other ques-
tion seemed to concern him but its performance. He loved
his business and he was a friend of his operatives. What
a crown of glory awaits one of whom it can be truthfully
said that under his administration for fourteen years no
breath of scandal came near the mill people, "our people,"
as he loved to call them, whose welfare was his chief
solicitude. The Durham Cotton Manufacturing Company
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 75
has been tri-eatly blessed in having- him for its secretary
and treasurer, and will ever miss his efficient services.
Remlved, fiuther, That we tender to his wife and family
our deepest sympathy; that a copy of these resolutions be
spread upon the minutes of the Company, a copy be sent
to his wife, and also, that thej- be published in the Durham
Sun, Durham Morning Herald, Raleigh Post and Raleigh
Christian Advocate.
Geo. W. Watts,
H. W. Jackson,
B. N. Duke,
Committee.
Pearl Cotton Mills.
Durham, N. C, April 6, 1899.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Pearl Cotton
Mills, held this day, the following action was taken:
Whereas, William H. Branson, who has been secretary
and treasurer of the Pearl Cotton Mills since its organiza-
tion, has been called from his work on earth since our last
meeting-, we, his co-laborers, desire to certify our estimation
of his character, and do
Resolve, That William H. Branson was one of the best
equipped cotton mill men we ever knew, being thorougly
familiar with machinery and methods necessary to produce
given results. He was also a model organizer and director
of labor, being kind, yet firm; generous, yet mindful of the
interests of those he served, and knowing how everything
in the mills should be done. He was also a merchant,
finding ready sale for our production in the face of strong
competition, his honesty and integrity causing his custom-
ers to implicitly rely upon any statement he made and any
goods he sold them.
76 IN MEMORIAM.
We miss him, not only as a valued assistant in our
work, but as a faithful friend, whose warm t^i-eeting, cheery
voice and genial presence always encouraged us to better
endeavors.
We tender to his wife and family our deepest sympathy.
We order these resolutions spread upon the minutes and
a copy be furnished his wife; also to the town papers,
Raleigh Post and the Raleigh Christian Advocate with request
to publish.
J. M. Odell,
B. N. Duke,
W. A. Erwin,
Committee.
Odell Manufacturing Company.
Concord, N. C, July, 11, '99.
Whereas, Wm. H. Branson was a stockholder of this
corporation, and one of the most active and efficient mem-
bers of its Board of Directo)'s from his earliest connection
with it, and
Whereas, He was a man of the finest social qualities,
always genial and agreeable towards his fellows, and
Whereas, His moral character and religious life w^ere
of the best possible type, and
Whereas, He was suddenly cut off in the midst of his
days and usefulness by a fearful accident, which occurred
at his mill in Durham, N. C, on the 24th of March, 1899,
therefore, be it
Resolved, first, That in this sad event, showing the ways of
the Lord to be past finding out, we mournfully bow to the
will of God, and pray that his taking away may be
employed to the honor of His name.
Second- That we hereby tender our heartfelt sympathy
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 77
and prayer to the bereaved family, trusting- that they may
ever realize the presence and help of that Friend who can-
not be taken from them, and who will never leave nor
forsake them.
Third. That a copy of this paper be sent to Mrs.
Branson and a copy be spread upon our minutes, also a
pag-e of our record book be set apart as sacred to his
memory,
d. b. coltrane,
Thos. W. Smith,
Jno. a. Barnhakdt,
Committee.
Southern Cotton Mills.
Bessemer City, N. C, Sept. 13, 1899.
Whereas, Mr. Wm. H. Branson has died since our last
meeting, and under circumstances that render his death
especially pathetic;
Eesolved, That this Board record this expression of its
bereavement, deeply felt by each of us, his associates: and
that our company has suffered a severe loss in his death.
He was of full experience and fully endowed naturally to
fill efficiently the office that he held.
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to Mrs.
W. H. Branson and a copy be recorded with the minutes
of the meeting.
For the Board.
S. J. Durham,
Secretary.
IN MEMORIAM.
Fidelity Bank.
Durham, N. C. April 1, 1899.
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Fidelity Bank, held today, the following resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, Since the last meeting- of this Board, William
H. Branson, one of its most honored members, has died;
and
Whereas, During- his life time his zeal and energy in
behalf of this bank were so helpful to it;
Besolved. By the Board of Directors of the Fidelity Bank,
in meeting- assembled, that this Bank by his death has lost
a prudent, loyal officer, who was a valuable factor in its
affairs; and that the members of this Board personally
have been deprived of the advice and assistance of a
diligent, active associate and fellow counselloi*, upon
whose judgment it was always safe to rely.
Remlved, further, That we hereby tender to his wife and
children in their sad bereavement our heartfelt sympathy
and condolence.
Besolved, further, That a copy of these resolutions be sent
by the secretary of this meeting to his family, and that
copies hereof be sent to the Baleigh Christian Advocate and
our city papers, with the request that -they publish them,
and further, that they be spread upon the minutes of this
meeting of the Board, upon a page of such minutes to be
set apart for that purpose.
John F. Wily,
Cashier and Secretai-y.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 79
Trustees of Trinity College.
The 24th day of March, 1899, was a sad day for Durham
and Trinity Colleg-e. On this day William H. Branson,
rejoicing- in the sti-ength of mature manhood, was called by
a most sudden death into the possession of that inheritance
which is incorruptible and undefiled; and that fadeth not
away, reserved in Heaven for him.
The Board of Trustees of Trinity Colleg-e, of which Bro.
Branson was a member, hereby declares itself greatly
bereaved in his death. He was a most valued trustee,
energetic, alert, and alive to every interest of TrinHy
Colleg-e, which he loved with an almost passionate devo-
tion. His place in the annual meeting was seldom vacant.
Though burdened with g-reat business interests he always
found time to obey the call of the College. His voice was
a familiar one, bold, decided, and carrying with it the
weight of wisdom.
The Board hereby expresses its appreciation of Brother
Branson not only as an official member, but as a Christian
g-entleman. It rejoices in the fact that the wealth of his
broad, consecrated manhood will long- be enjoyed by the
College of his love, the church in which he was an all day
laborer, and the g-eneration which he so faithfully served.
The Board would also express its deep sympathy for the
widow and children, who mourn the loss of one who was a
model husband. and father. It commends them to the One
whose providences are always loving and wise.
The Board hereby orders that a copy of this memorial
paper be sent respectively, to the family of the deceased,
the Durham papers, the Raleigh Christian Advocate, and the
North Carolina Christian Advocute.
T. N. IVEY,
In behalf of ihe Board of Trustees
of Trinity College, N. C.
80 IN MEMORIAM.
Faculty of Trinity College.
Whereas, William H. Branson, who, for several years,
has been a Trustee of Trinity College, and also a member
of the Executive Committee of the said Board, and of the
Finance Committee of the Colleg-e, died on March 24th,
1899, the Faculty of Trinity Colleg-e desire to give expres-
sion to their love and esteem for the deceased: therefore,
be it
Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Branson the members
of the Faculty feel that the institution has lost one of its
most valued friends and supporters, and each member of the
Faculty a warm personal friend. In all his relations with
the College he has been actuated by an unselfish desire for
its success and welfare. There was no enterprise of the
College in which he was not interested, and to the solution
of all the problems of the College he brought the same
elements which made him so successful in his business, and
so influential in his church. No member of the Board of
Trustees ever performed his duty more faithfully or with
more ability, and the Faculty always felt that in him they
had an official and friend who was anxious to aid in any
enterprise for the success of the institution. By his warm
greeting and genial presence he made men love him as few
can do. Trinity College will miss him and the members of
the Faculty have lost a faithful and honored friend.
We tender to his wife and children our deepest sympathy,
and pray that God may strengthen them in this sorrow.
R. L. Flowers,
Jerome Dowd,
.1. S. Bassett,
CommiUee.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 81
Students of Trinity College.
Whereas, It has pleased God suddenly to remove from
our midst William H. Branson, and
Whereas, He, as a member of the Board of Trustees of
Trinity College, labored constantly and devotedly for the
betterment of the institution to which we belong, be it
therefore
Resolved, 1st, That while we bow in humble submission to
the summons which has called him away, we express our
great sorrow over the sudden and irreparable loss of one
so young and so strong.
Resolved, M, That the students of Trinity College have
lost in him not only a warm personal friend and personal
supporter, but also the inspiring presence of one who, by
his daily walk, has left us a worthy example of manly,
heroic character.
Resolved, 3d, That Trinity College and the Church of
North Carolina have lost one of their most consecrated and
capable workers.
Resolved, Ifth, That the State of North Carolina has
suffered a great loss in the death of one who spent all the
powers of a strong character for her educational and
material advancement.
Resolved, 5th, That we express to the bereaved wife and
children our heartfelt sympathy, and, as participants of
their sorrow, beg for them that consolation which alone is
sufficient.
Resolved, 6th, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to
the bereaved family, and copies to the Raleigh Christian
Advocate and the Trinity Archive for publication.
82 in memoriam.
Greensboro Female College Association.
Whereas, W. H. Branson, a director of the Greensboro
Female College Association, has departed this life, and
Whereas, We desire to make record of the hig-h esteem
in which he was held by the Association, to express our
g-reat appreciation of his labors for the College, and to
chronicle our deep sorrow at this sad dispensation of
Providence: therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Board of Directors of the Greensboro
Female College Association:
1st. That by the death of W. H. Branson this College,
and the cause of Christian education generally, have
suffered an irreparable loss; the church has lost one of its
most devoted and useful members, and the State mourns the
loss of one of its best citizens. His was a positive charac-
ter. He performed "with his might" every duty which
devolved upon him. His capacity for work was simply
wonderful. His labors were incessant, and yet he never
seemed to be rushed, or in a hurry. His devotion to the
cause of education was intense, and his wisdom never failed
in .the council chambers of our Church institutions. He
was active in all Church work, and delighted to engage in
any movement for the elevation of humanity. A stronger,
gentler, better, manlier man it has not been our lot to know.
M. That we are in deep sympathy with the bereaved wife
and children in their grief, and commend them to the care
and comfort of Him who loves them and gave himself for
them.
3d. That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of
the Association, and that a copy be sent to the family of
the deceased. Dred Peacock,
O. W. Carr,
W. R. Odell,
Committee.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 83
Faculty of Greensboro Female College.
Greensboro, N. C, April 4, 1899.
The undersigned committee, on the part of the
Faculty of Greensboro Female College, draughted
the following resolutions of respect:
Whereas, In the providence of God, death has stricken
down in the flower of manhood, our friend and brother, Mr.
W. H. Branson; therefore, be it
Resolved, 1st, That in the death of Mr. Branson Greens-
boro Female College has lost one of her most faithful
trustees and devoted friends.
Besolved, 2d, That the State has lost one of her best
citizens, and the Church one of her wisest counsellors and
most loyal members.
Resolved, 3d, That we extend our deepest sympathy to the
g-rief-stricken wife and relations of our departed brother,
with the prayer that God's sustaining grace may be with
them in this time of greatest need.
Resolved, Itth, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to
the bereaved wife of the deceased, and that copies of the
same be published in the College Message, the Raleigh Clinst-
ian Advocate and the North Carolina Christian Advocate.
T. A. Smoot,
Lillian Long,
Minnie H. Moore.
84 IN MEMORIAM.
SYMPATHETIC TELEGRAMS.
Greensboro, N. C, March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Keep me posted as to Branson's condition; will be down
tomorrow morning-. All the people here deeply deplore the
accident and sympathize with you.
J. A. Odell.
New York, March 24, 1899.
To 3frs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. .C:
Greatly grieved to learn of Mr. Branson's accident.
Hope he is doing- nicely, and will soon be well.
Geo. W. Watts.
New York, March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. .C:
Our deepest sympathy is with you in the loss of your
noble husband, whom I loved as a brother and esteemed as
one of my best friends.
Geo. W. Watts.
Raleigh, N. C, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
We deeply sympathize with you. Your loss is ours, too.
T. N. IVEY.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 85
Raleigh, N. C, March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
I have just received a teleg-ram advising me of your gad
loss. I deeply sympathize with you. Mr. Branson was
one of my very good friends and I shall miss him.
H. W. Miller.
Greensboro, N. C, March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. B. Branson, JDurhayn, K. C:
Mrs. Glenn joins me in tender sympathy for you.
Tyre Glenn.
Raleigh, N. C., March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. B. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Am greatly saddened by distressing news of your good
husband's death. Accept assurances of my sincere sym-
pathy.
R. T. Gray.
St. George, N. Y., March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. B. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Prostrated over dear Will's death. Accept deepest sym-
pathy from all family. I leave for Durham Saturday
afternoon.
Henry G. Woodruff.
Raleigh, N. C, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. B. Branson, Durham, N. C:
My wife joins in tenderest sympathy. The whole State
mourns with you in loss of one of its best sons.
JosEPHus Daniels.
86 IN MEMORIAM.
Baltimore, Md., March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. E. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Bessie joins me in deepest love and sympathy for you.
Sam. F. Patterson.
New York, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
You have my deepest sympathy in your great sorrow.
R. L. Patterson.
PvOXBORO, N. C, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
We deeply sympathize with you in the death of your
devoted husband.
J. A. Long and Wife.
ROXBORO, N. C, March 25, 1899.
To Mr. C A. Jordan, Durham, N. C:
Please tender Mrs. Branson my heartfelt sympathy,
R. E. Long.
New York, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
We cannot express how deeply we sympathize with you.
Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Fuller.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 87
Nashville, Tenn., March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson^ Durham, N. C:
Let one who knows what sorrow is extend his sympathy
and pray God's blessings on you in this sad hour.
J. B. Morgan.
Raleigh, N. C, March 24, 1899.
2o Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Have just heard the sad news. Please accept our deepest
sympathy for yourself and family.
Lee & Latta.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Allow me to trespass in this hour of your saddest
bereavement by tendering- my sincere condolence. Your
dearest one, and my friend, is gone. May we all at last
meet where there is no sorrow, no separation, and wh^re
every tear shall be washed away. God makes no mistakes.
E. J. Parrish.
Portsmouth, Va., March 25, 1899.
To Mr. W. A. Muse, Agent Durham and Northern Bailway,
Durham, N. C:
I beg- you will extend my deepest sympathy to family of
Mr. W. H. Branson, whom I personally knew and for
whom I entertained a very high regard.
E. St. John,
Vice-President.
88 IN MEMORIAM.
Richmond, Va., March 25, 1899.
To Mr. W. A. Muse, Agent Durham and Northern Railway,
Durham, N. C:
Please extend to the family of Mr. W. H. Branson my
sincerest sympathy in the bereavement which has befallen
them, and express to them the loss which we keenly feel at
the removal of one whose judgment and influence and
support we have always so highly prized.
John Skelton Williams,
President.
Henderson, N. C, March 25, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
You have our sincerest sympathies and prayers in your
sad bereavement. May God's goodness and tender mercy
sustain you and the dear little ones in this darkest hour of
sorrow.
Mr. and Mrs. D. Y. Cooper.
Greensboro, N. C., March 24, 1899.
To Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Will you bury Will there or bring to Greensboro? My
tenderest sympathy my dear, dear, sister.
Charles H. Ireland.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 89
LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY.
Raleigh, N. C, March 27, 1899.
My Dear Sister Branson:
I have no words with which to tell you of the profound
grief that has shadowed my soul since the death of your
dear, g-ood husband.
I had for him a strong and abiding love, such as I have
for but few. I regarded him as one of my very best friends.
No man had my unbounded confidence more than he. One
of the brightest and most enjoyable features of my Annual
Conference experience was in meeting with him and work-
ing with him on the Joint Board of Finance — a work which
he loved so dearly and did so perfectly.
What words can I write you to tell you of how I will
miss him!
But I know this blow comes more heavily on you than
on any one else. All that I can do is to commend you to
the grace of Him who alone can understand why your
husband was taken. God has promised not to leave nor
forsake you.
I desired so much to come up on day of funeral, but
found I could not. You have my heart's sympathy; and
not only so, but I feel that I also am bereaved. May God
be very gracious unto you and your precious children,
and keep you unto that blessed reunion in the home where
death never enters.
Sincerely yours,
W. C. Norman.
90 in memoriam.
Southern Christian Advocate.
John O. Willson, Editor.
Columbia, S. C, March 27, 1899.
My Dear Brother:*
My heart has sorrowed with you from the first tidings of
the trag-edy. Branson won my confidence and then my
affection, and T felt his death as a personal loss; but I
knew that he w^as so knit to you that it would be like
Jonathan's fall to David. How strange such a noble man
should be taken when true men are so much needed I But
God will not allow 'His cause or His children to suffer
without recompense.
Express my sympathy to family.
Affectionately yours,
J. O. Willson.
Charleston, S. C, March 27, 1899.
My Dear John:*
Your short note with its sad intelligence came to me this
morning. I reply at once to assure you that you do have
our sympathy and sorrow in your loss.
I well remember Brother Branson; quiet, unassuming,
patient, strong in conviction, a manly man. Such men
make us have faith in humanity. J am glad I knew him,
though only for a little while, yet long enough for me to
see a true man. Such a vision always enriches any life, as
it also obligates to a higher manhood. I pray God to
sustain his friends in their loss and to comfort his bereaved
family.
You will please express to Mrs. Branson my sympathy.
I met her last August. The Lord kindly regard you and
yours. Affectionately, your brother,
J AS. W. KiLGO.
nVritten to Dr. Kilgo and sent to Mrs. Branson.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 91
Guilford College, N. C, April 1, 1899.
Dear Clara:
Dear precious girl; how can I say what I feel? My own
heart aches; my tears flow; I think of you nearly all the
time. I have nothing- to say; I just want to take you in
my arms and pray God to give us faith, or strength, or
whatever we need, to say, ''Thy will be done," and to trust
Him and believe that out of all this ang-uish which I know
is yours His perfect purpose may be wroug-ht out. I do
not pretend to know whether He sends things, or how they
come, but I know that He can overrule everything, and
bring light out of darkness and "g-ive beauty for ashes, the
oil of joy for mourning, the g-arment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness, "— Isa. 61:3; and yet I know it is hard to
place ourselves so in harmony with the Eternal when our
very life is crushed under the burden of the present, and I
do not believe our God requires more than we can do or
regards our natural feelings as wrong. All we can do is
to throw ourselves on His love and mercy. He is our Father.
My love goes out to you in unbounded measure, and I
pray God to hold you in His hands.
Your friend,
Mary Mendenhall Hobbs.
[Wife of President Hobbs of Guilford College.]
Greensboro, N. C, March, 28, 1899.
My Dear Mrs. Branson:
I cannot tell you how inexpressibly shocked I am at the
awfully sudden taking away of your husband and my
friend. Only a few days ago I met him on our streets, full
of health and vigor, and I cannot yet i-ealize I shall meet
him no more.
I know that words of condolence and sympathy are
92 IN MEMORIAM.
empty sounds to you now in your sorrow, but I feel that I
must at least assure you of my g-rief over your loss, and
mine, and indeed that of the whole State, for your husband
commanded the respect, and even the esteem of all who
knew him, even casually, and I have known him for twenty
years.
May the God of the fatherless and widow comfort your
heart, for you do not sorrow as one without hope.
While he cannot return to us we have his life and char-
acter to assure us that we may go to him in his home of
rejoicing.
Yours very sincerely,
W. P. Beall.
Rockingham, N. C, March 30, 1899.
My Dear Clara:
The sad, sad news of your loss came to me in the papers,
and I feel sure that to no friend did they bring more of
real sorrow. Aside from my deep and heartfelt sympathy
for you, your dear babies, and all of the family, Willie's
death is to me a personal loss. For years, now, I have
met him very seldom, but he has always been one of "my
boys," as he used to be, when a member of my Sunday
School class in Greensboro for four years. Each time we
met he would recall the old days affectionately, and often,
when seeing Mr. LeGrand, would send some pleasant mes-
sage, or insist that we should visit your home. Only a
few weeks ago he told Mr. LeGrand in Raleigh that in his
home '-there would ever be a cordial welcome" for me and
mine.
Following his steps as he moved along, a useful, honored
Christian, it has been such a pleasure to watch the bright,
lovable Christian boy grow into a man, loved and honored
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 93
by all, and filling- nobly places of trust in Church and
State.
God, in His wisdom, has seen fit to take your loved one
home and my heart bows in g-rief and deepest sympathy
with you while I recall with thankfulness his noble life.
We know not why the blow has fallen, but it comes from
a loving Father's hand, and that same hand will guide us
if we hold it fast, even while we are in the blackest darkness
without one ray of light. Trust in God and He will bring-
out the light so that you will see His love and mercy some
day. It may not be all made plain till you have been
re-united in Heaven, but it surely will all be clear to us
then. My prayers go up with many others for you in your
sorrow, and I know that God will comfort and sustain you.
Kiss the children and give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Odell
and your own family, as they share your bereavement.
Mr. LeGrand joins me in every expression of sorrow and
sympathy, and even my children, who have heard me speak
so often of "My Sunday school boys," wish me to say how
they sympathize with you all.
Please excuse the writing as I am still nervous from the
severe headache which prevented my writing earlier.
Your affectionate friend,
Rebecca Wilson LeGrand.
Fayetteville, N. C., March 25, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C.:
Dear Madam— I have just read in the papers an account
of the untimely and shocking death of your good husband,
and although I am probably unknown to you, yet it was
my privilege to know Mr. Branson intimately and well,
and I speak the truth when T say that I have never known
a man who impressed me more favorably, and who, to my
94 IN MEMORIAM.
mind, combined to a greater degree all the elements of an
upright, Christian gentleman. He was, in a very positive
sense, a truly righteous man.
Let me assure you of my profound sympathy in this the
saddest hour of mortal life — the loss of a good, true, and
noble husband. I had looked forward to the time when we
should meet and have the pleasure of a week's friendly
and social intercourse during the session of our next
Annual Conference, where we have so often met before, had
he lived, but alas, it is a world of disappointment and
sorrow. He has gone to his reward, and a rich one it
will be.
Bro. W. L. Cunninggim, our beloved pastor, is deeply
touched by the sad event, and he, as well as all our Meth-
odist people here, whose good fortune it was to know Mr.
Branson, deeply sympathize with you in your sad bereave-
ment. May God comfort you with the consolations of
divine grace in the dark and trying hour.
Your husband's friend,
Q. K. NiMOCKS.
- Raleigh, N. C, March 25, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Greensboro, N. C:
My Dear Madam— I simply write a line to express my
profound sorrow over the sad news of your husband's
death. I have scarcely been able to think of anything else
all day today, and from the moment the news first reached
us yesterday.
It is needless for me to speak of my high regard and
admiration for him, for wherever he was known his high
character, both as a Christian gentleman and a man of
affairs, commanded the respect and confidence of all men.
My wife and mother send to you their sincerest sympa-
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 95
thy, in which I beg- to join, and we send by this evening-'s
express some flowers which we wish to be laid 'upon his
gi'a.ve. Most sincerely,
Herbert W. .Iackson.
11 Montague Place, London, April 7, 1899.
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Odell, Greensboro, N. C:
My Dear P'riexNDS— Ella and I have just received a
letter from Prof. Cai-r informing- us of the awful accident
in Durham, resulting- in the death of our beloved friend,
W. H. Branson. We are terribly shocked and greatly
g-rieved at this inexpressibly sad intellig-ence, and write to
assure you of our heartfelt sympathy. How we wish it
were possible to write something that would in some meas-
ure mitigate your grief! While we cannot do this still we
are thankful for the privilege of at least adding our sorrow
to your own, and thus expressing- our sense of bereavement
by his untimely death.
What a loss to our dear College, to the Church— yes, to
the State! His like is not to be seen often, and his place
will be very hard to fill.
We are sure that we feel his death no less because of our
great distance away. Thank God our love for dear ones
is able completely to annihilate distance!
It is needless for us to point to you two theg-oodness and
mercy of God under such circumstances as these, for you
both know too well what this is by reason of your constant
communion with Him. We both pray earnestly that His
grace may be sufficient for you in this sad hour. How we
do feel for his disconsolate wife and orphaned children!
How we would like to be able to lessen their burden of
affliction! God knows all things and makes no errors, and
96 IN MEMORIAM.
in His own g-ood time we will be made to know His inscru-
table ways.
Pray, again, be assured of our deepest sorrow and sym-
pathy, and believe us always with much love,
Your very true friends,
Dred Peacock and Wife.
11 Montague Place, London, April 7, 1899.
Dear I^Irs. Branson:
We have just received news of Mr. Branson's death and
hasten to write, assuring' you of our deep sorrow at this,
to us, very distressing^ news. While we know it is impos-
sible for us to write anything that will make your g'rief
less, still we want to assure you of our true sj-rapathy.
The fact that we are far away in a foreig-n land does not
mitigate the blow^ for us. Love does not recognize distance,
and we feel a great personal loss in his death.
This is a great loss to our College, Church and State. It
will be long before his place can be filled.
Pray, be further assured of our great sorrow, and allow
us to share your sorrow^ in the death of one dear to us all.
Sincerely and cordially,
Dred Peacock and Wife.
Norfolk, Va., March 25, 1899.
My Dear Mrs. Branson:
What can I say to you in expression of the deep sorrow
which has so suddenly and cruelly befallen us all? No
words at my command are adequate to convey to you how
appalling and shocking came the telegraphic news of dear
Will's death. At 12 o'clock last night came a telegram
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 97
from Ca])tain Odell announcino- the awful fact, which
simply astounded '.he entire family, and caused our heai-ts
to go out to you and youi- dear little children in the hour
of your irreparable loss. Personally I have lost a dear
friend whom I always loved as a brother and to whom I
ever felt so near.
Mrs. Woodruff and each of my family join me in tender-
ing- to you and the dear little ones our deepest sympathy, and
assure you that we share the great grief by which you
have been so suddenly overwhelmed.
T intend leaving- for Durham this afternoon to attend the
funeral, which I thought would occur on Sunday, as I
desired to show my last mark of respect to my dear friend
and lay a flower upon his grave in evidence of the love I
have for him.
Kindly give to Mr., and Mrs. J. A. Odell my kindest
reg-ards and beg- them to accept my sincere condolence.
May our Heavenly Father sustain and comfort you and
your little family; and be assured that in me you have
always a friend, ever willing- and ready to render to you
any service or comfort that may contribute to the happiness
of you and yours.
It will be a long time before I can realize that my dear
and good friend whom I loved has gone to his Heavenly
home.
Mrs. Woodruff will write you.
Very sincerely yours, r
H. G. Woodruff.
Odell Manufacturing Co.
Concord, N. C, March 30. 1899.
Dear Clara:
I enclose some letters received this A. M. I trust they
may be of some comfort to you.
98 IN MEMORIAM.
I never saw such an unanimity of sentiment as to tlie
character and life of Will as is expressed by all classes of
people. We are all thinking- of you every moment, and
will pray God to comfort you in this hour of your deep
sorrow.
Anything I can do for you please do not fail to drop me
a line. I trust you are all well. With love.
Yours sincerely,
W. R. Odell.
Morgan & Hamilton Co.
Nashville. Tenn., March 27, 1899.
Dear Will:*
Your telegram startled me. I don't know when I have
been so shocked. What an awful death I That Mr. Bran-
son should have been taken in this way is distressing. I
have, ever since I first met him, looked upon him as a
noble fellow, and while I didn't meet him often, T have
heard so much of him from you and your father and in your
homes, that I, too, had grown unconsciously to respect
and love him, and so when your telegram came about 9:30
at night I felt that I, too, had lost a good and true friend.
My heart goes out to you all, as I wired you Friday night.
May God bless you and sanctify to your good this great
sorrow. Some of these days the mysteries will be made
plain to us. "His arm is not shortened to save! " It was
His plan and we must bow in submission to His will.
Remember me in great tenderness to Mrs. Odell and to
Mrs. Branson when you write to them. I wish I could say
something that would lighten the load and comfort them.
I know what they are passing through. My own ])ooi-
^Written to Mr. W. K. Odell and sent to Mrs. Branson.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 99
heart is torn and bleeding-. Let us all remember that our
strength is from above, and that
" Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race,
But to the true and the faithful
Victory is given through grace."
Write me, dear Will, the particiulars when you tind time,
or send me papers.
Yours sincerely,
Jo. B. Morgan.
Southern Railway Company.
Raleigh, N. C, March 29, 1899.
Mr. W. R. Odell, East Durham, N. C. :*
My Dear Mr. Odell— I was absent in New York when I
received a telegram from my office advising- me of the hor-
rible accident causing the death of Mr. Branson. I can
scarcely realize that we will not be able to see him and get
his wise opinion on questions that aflfect, not only the
State, but the different individual interests in it.
Mr. Branson was one of my very good friends. He was
a man of sterlings worth and integrity and the State is the
sufferer by his death. I deeply sympathize with his family
in their sad bereavement.
The sad results of this accident bring home to us very
vividly that "in the midst of life we are in death."
With very high personal regards, I am.
Yours very truly,
A. B. Andrews.
♦Written to Mr. W. R. Odell and sent to Mrs. Branson.
100 IN MEMORIAM.
The Orton.
Wilmington, N. C, March 26, 1899.
Mr. W. R. Odell, Concord, N. C. :*
Dear Sir — I read yesterday in a Charleston paper an
account of the sad death of Mr. Branson at Durham. I
have felt deeply moved by the death of such a true g-entle-
man, and he was always so courteous to me in my business
relations with him that I would like through you to convey
to his family the expressions of my deepest sympathy. I
did not have the pleasure of knowino- Mr. Branson's
family, but my high regard for him prompts me to write
you this letter, knowing that you were intimately acquainted
with him.
Yours very truly,
S. B. Cary,
[Southern Sales Agent for Castner, Curraii <& Bullett.)
Philadelphia, March 28, 1899.
Mr. William R. Odell, Concord, N. C.:*
Dear Sir — It was with feelings of sincere regret that I
learned of the sad accident to Mr. Branson and of his
untimely death. I have felt all day as if a dark shadow
had been cast across my path.
We meet many men in business, or in social life, but I
have felt since making Mr. Bi-anson's acquaintance that
there were few who left so favorable an impression on erei^y
one who had the pleasure of knowing him.
His frank, cheerful nature made its impress wherever he
went.
*Written to Mr, W. R. Odell and sent to Mrs. Branson.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 101
While we had not been doing- any business with him
recently it was a matter of satisfaction to us that we had
known him and that our relations had always been so
pleasant. His memory will remain with us. I heartily
sympathize with his wife and children so suddenly bereft,
and to you, who were so close to him, I offer my sincere
sympathy.
It is hard for us to understand a Providence of this kind,
but as Christians we are forced to bow our heads and
believe that God knows best.
Yours very trul}^,
« James L. Wilson,
{of Jas. W. Cooke & Co., Philadelphia.)
Joshua L. Baily & Co.
Philadelphia, March 25, 1899.
Durham Cotton Manufacturing Co., Durham, N. C.:*
Gentlemen— We teleg-raphed you this morning as fol-
lows:
"We all join you and all your people in deepest sympa-
thy in the irreparable loss of our dear friend, Mr.
Branson. Telegraph hour of funeral."
Yours truly,
[Die. by F. L. B.] Joshua L. Baily & Co.
Your answer at hand, saying it was necessary for
funeral to be held today, which we reg-ret. We should
have liked very much to have had the pj'ivile^e of attend-
ing the funeral and in offering- this last tribute of our
respect.
♦Sent to Mrs. Branson.
102 IN MEMORTAM.
The Whitin Machine Works.
Whitinsville, Mass., March 28, 1899.
Durham Cotton M'f'g Co., East Durham, N. C.:*
Gentlemen — We are very much shocked to learn,
through our Mr. Mayes, of the sad accident and death of
Mr. Branson. We feel that we, personally, have lost a
friend. The writer has valued Mr Branson's friendship
very much for a number of years, and I recollect many
pleasant interviews with him.
Will you kindly express to Mrs. Branson and family,
my sympathy. Yours truly,
G. M. Whitin.
East Durham, N. C, April 5, 1899.
Mrs. Odell:*
Dear Sister — East Durham is not as it was prior to
March 24. My loss is so great ! I never knew until since
that date how 1 loved Bro. Branson. He was as a brother
to me and I do miss him so much.
I wish I had some appropriate words of condolence for
you. Be was "as a brother to me" but a brother to you.
And such a noble, manlj^ brother he was. I lived close to
him and had the utmost confidence in his religion. I feel
that I have a stronger tie in Heaven by his having- died.
I have never seen more simple, candid, genuine love for
a Church than he exemplified for this Charch. A promi-
nent minister in our Conference said to me: "He was the
most useful layman in the North Carolina Conference."
He is gone, earth is poorer, but I believe that Heaven is
♦Sent to Mrs. Branson.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 103
richer. We submit to His will, but yet it is so hard to
give up one so good and useful.
Will you please tell when he joined the church and who
was pastor':^ I w^ould like to know the name of his parents
also. And has he any bi-others or sisters except you?
Your brother,
D. N. Caviness.
Carthage, Mo., March 27, 1899.
Dear Sister Branson:
Words cannot express our sympathy for you in your
deep sorrow. Though far away we mingle our tears with
yours. How glad I would be to pen some word of comfort
to you, however little.
The telegram came yesterday evening ( Sunday) about
four o'clock. It was the saddest news that ever came to our
home. Taken al] in all I feel that my best friend is gone.
How I loved him! Did he know how I loved, esteemed, and
appreciated him? 1 hope he did. I tried to tell him some
times in my letters how I did love him. His letters were
always a joy to us all. When they came children and all
dropped everything 'till they were read.
He said in his last letter that he hoped to visit us some-
time, and somehow I thought it would be so.
We are pouring out our hearts to the Lord that He will
comfort and help you and the children. Dear little Annie,
that I learned to love better than any child that I ever saw,
except my own.
Bat you do have the sweetest of all comforts— /ze was the
Lord's. A noble man; an exceptional character; a follower
of the Master. Thank God for the hope of seeing him
again. Oh, that you could know how we sorrow and sympa-
ihize with you. But look up, dear sister, for the Lord's
promises will not fail.
104 IN MEMORIAM.
These lines fall far below what my heart long-s to express,
but I send them, praying that the Lord may keep you and
yours.
L. L. Johnson.
Publishing House Methodist Episcopal
Church. South.
Nashville, Tenn., March 27, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
Dear Sister — Dr. Kilg-o has just informed me of the
death of your excellent husband. Nothing could have
shocked me more. I am quite overwhelmed with the an-
nouncement and my heart pours forth its prayerful sympa-
thies for you. None can enter into your environments and
into your consciousness and tell all you feel, but we can
sympathize and assure you of prayerful and cordial
interest for you in this deep sorrow, and then the blessed
Lord looks with pitying eye upon you, and the assurance
of His word is that His grace is sufficient for you. Lean
hard upon him, sister; draw close to the hand that wields
the rod, and under the shadowing wiogs of the Almighty
shelter until He shall say "It is enough, come up higher."
Then you will regain the loved and the lost in the land of
the beautiful and the good. In that bright world the sad
word '"farewell" will not be heard, for we shall never say
good-bye in heaven.
I loved your husband as a younger brother, and I shall
miss him when I go to the North Carolina Conference, for
it was always pleasant in going to anticipate meeting with
him. I know where he is and I know, therefore, where to
find him. Let us be true to our integrity . and walk with
God and we shall re-join him in the sweet by-and-by.
Sympathetically,
.1. D. Barbee,
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 105
Stone Mountain Railway Company,
Winston, N. C, March 27, 1899.
Dear Mrs. Branson:
I know full well how little there is in words of sympathy
at a time like the present, but having known your late
husband since he was a small boy, and having- in all these
years since that time counted him as my friend, and having
rejoiced at his success and usefulness, and predicted for
him a long and honorable life with prosperity and happi-
ness, rich in benevolence and in good works, I was greatly
grieved at his death, and feel that I would like to express
to you and your children my sincere sympathy, and in this
expression my family join me. Had I known of his death
before his burial, I would have attended his funeral.
Sincerely yours,
G. W. HinshaW.
Cloverton, Ardmore, Pa., March 24, 1899.
My Dear Mrs. Branson,
I have just received a message over the telephone that I
could hardly believe, and cannot yet realize, of the terrible
accident at Durham today, and its fatal results this after-
noon. I have never had anything to shock me so before,
as I left Mr. Branson on Tuesday evening in such perfect
health and vigor. I took dinner on Monday evening and
breakfast on Tuesday morning with him, and spent most
of Tuesday with him, returning from New York in the
afternoon, and leaving him at Philadelphia on his train
bound for home, and I can only think of him as J saw him
then, in his splendid manly strength and with the kindly
smile, and the hearty clasp of the hand as he bid me good-
106 IN MEMOKIAM.
bye, and while I feel very reluctant to intrude upon you at
such a sacred time, I cannot forbear to express in a few
poor words my deepest sympathy for you in your immeas-
urable loss. I feel that I have had a great loss in such a
friend, and to one who has lost so much more I can sympa-
thize with all my heart.
Mr. Branson leaves a place in this world that cannot be
filled, a place in the hearts of his many friends that will
always remain, and a memory that will never fade; the
memory of an honorable, upright Christian gentleman
whose good influence was felt by everyone who knew him,
and who leaves this world better that he has lived in it,
and as I reverently believe, to receive the reward promised
to those who lived as he did.
All our family and all our people join me in offering
you our deepest sympathy in this sad hour, and some time,
after awhile, I shall hope to see you when I visit your city
again. Meanwhile believe me, my dear Mrs. Branson,
Very sincerely,
Frederick L. Baily.
Charlotte, N. C, March 30, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
My Dear Madam — I was absent from town when the
news of the harrowing and untimely death of your husband
reached me. Accept, dear madam, in this your hour of
sorrow and anguish, my sincerest sympathy and condo-
lence. I also mourn in his death the loss of a kind and
genial friend, whom no one ever knew but to love and
respect.
While no earthly power can restoi-e to you the kind
husband and loving father, yet nevertheless, it must be a
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 107
satisfaction to you, although a sad one, to know that he
leaves for his posterity a name as bright and unsullied as
the noonday sun.
Very respectfully,
S. WiTTKOWSKY.
Wilmington, N. C, March 25, 1899.
My Dear Sister Branson:
My surprise was exceeded only by my g-rief when, at 7:45
last nio-ht, the messenger handed me a telegram from Bro.
Walker stating that Bro. Branson had suddenly been
removed from us.
In that hour my heart w^ent up in prayer to the Father
that you and your dear children might have strength and
grace to sustain you in the dark hour of grief.
Twelve years ago I first met Will Branson, as all famil-
iarly called him, and there has existed ever since a warm
friendship which I am glad to say is not limited to time,
but extends into the great beyond.
I am well aware of the inadequacy of human words to
console you in your grief, and yet I know the high esteem
in which your husband was held must be a great source of
comfort to you.
While, naturally, your grief is the most poignant, yet
there is a host of his true and loyal friends who mourn
with you today: for their personal loss is keenly felt.
I will turn my face to the Conference with a sad heart,
for he will not be there. For years he has been one of the
first to greet me and among the last to say good-bye. Ever
since our first meeting I have known him intimately and
always set great store by his friendship.
He was a man of sterling worth and integrity, always
frank and open in his dealings with men. Indeed did he
bare "without abuse that grand old name of gentleman."
108 IN MEMORIAM.
The town of Durham, our State, our Conference, are
made poorer by his removal and it will be a long: time, if
ever, before his place can be filled in our Church. While,
according to natural life, he lived out but half his days,
yet his life was complete because it was ordered according-
to the divine plan, and in that there is no imperfection.
There are three of you here and two are yonder, and
some day the home-bringing of those that remain will
re-unite the separated ones "to be forever with the Lord."
I commend you and yours to the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ. May Heaven sustain and give strength in this hour
of sore need.
My wife joins me in love and sympathy to you.
Your friend,
John H. Hall.
GOLDSBORO, N. C, March 24, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C,
Dear Madam — I wish to express my deepest sympathy
in this hour of sudden and sore bereavement, w^hen the
"waves and billows" of soi'row have gone over you. The
news of your husband's death was a great shock to me,
and I mourn his loss to his family, to the Church, and to
myself personally, for in our association I had been drawn
to him in aflfection.
He was such a true, noble, honorable man, and so faith-
ful and devoted to the church, and so useful in every way.
It seems a strange providence that took him, but God is
good. Why, we cannot tell, but some day you will know,
for I believe all the dealings of our Father with us here
will be made plain when we cease to "see through a glass
darkly."
Yours is a great loss, but few women have such a hus-
band as you had.
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. 109
May He who loves you with more than a mother's love,
comfort you in this dark, sad hour. Do not trouble to
acknowledge this unless it shall be your wish. You will
have too many such to answer all.
Yours in sympathy,
F. D. Swindell.
LiNDELL Hotel.
St. Louis, March 27, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
My Dear Madam— I am just in receipt of a letter from
Mr. Morg-an, saying- he has just received a teleg-ram from
Mr. Will Odell, telling- him of the sad and unexpected death
of Mr. Branson. This is a g-reat shock to me and my heart
g-oes out with deepest sympathy to you and your dear little
children in this, your sad affliction. It is not only a great
loss to you and family, but Durham loses one of its best
citizens; Trinity Colleg-e and our Church a valued worker
and friend, and the State of North Carolina one of its
leading manufacturers. God bless and comfort you and
children in this, your great loss. I am.
Very sincerely your friend,
J. N. BOHANNON.
Washington, N. C, March 25, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C:
My Dear Sister— I am aware that no human words can
comfort your sad heart, but permit me to assure you of my
deep sympathy with you in the irreparable loss you have
sustained in the death of your noble husband. T have the
honor of claiming- him as my friend, and when the sad
110 IN MEMORIAM.
news of his trag-ic death reached me it overwhelmed me
with deep sorrow and I now join you in your deep grief.
Your husband was greatly beloved by the North Caro-
lina Conference and the whole Church, and nowhere, out-
side of his own home circle, will he be more sadly missed
than by his brethren of the Conference. Be assured that
the prayers of his brethren will ascend to Heaven for you
in this dark hour. His life was a guarantee that he was
ready for the Master's call. "He is not lost, but gone
before." Be assured of the prayers and sympathy of his
friend and your brother in Christ.
L. L. Nash.
McApoo House.
Greensboro, N. C, March 29, 1899.
My Dear AIadam:
I cannot tell you with what sorrow I learned of your sad
affliction, but want to tell you, you have my deepest
sympathy. He alone, in whom Will trusted, can comfort
and sustain you. May He ever bless and keep you.
Yours sincerely,
H. E. Weisiger,
{of Bichmond, Fa.)
Southern Cotton Mills.
Bessemer City, N. C, September 13, 1899.
Mrs. W. H. Branson, Durham, N. C. :
Dear Mrs. Branson— I enclose you copy of a resolution
adopted at meeting of our Board of Directors yesterday.
Let me add my deep personal endorsement of the resolu-
tion, and of more. Mr. Branson w^as my warm personal
friend, and his place in my business gave me an encour-
WILLIAM HENRY BRANSON. lU
ag-ement that his simple duties as director could not give.
I felt his absence yesterday painfully.
Very respectfully yours,
S. J. Durham.
New Bern, N. C, March 31, 1899.
My Dear Mrs. Branson:
It was with profound regret and emotions that were o'er-
mastering- that I learned of your husband's death.
I knew him well,. I admired him for his strict integrity
and sterling qualities of mind and heart, I loved him for
his g-entle, manly ways, I respected him for his courteous
bearing and the high position he occupied among- his fel-
lowmen.
I feel that I, too, have sustained a loss, I feel that I,
too, can mourn with you ! My heart is saddened as T write
these lines, and unconsciously, almost, I ponder over the
past, I see him in the full vig-or of a glorious manhood, a
brig-ht future before him, a happy home, hosts of admiring-
friends, and everyihing- to make life pleasant and desira"-
ble. I am almost tempted to ask, why is this? But the
answer would come, the Master has called, his w^ork is
done, his mission is over.
With you it is a day of sorrow, with him a day of joy.
You put on the emblems of mourning, you g-rieve for him;
for him it is a coronation day. Only a little while, only a
little way— just across the river— a few years, maybe a few
days— and you will meet him, that meeting- by the river
of life, that meeting- within the pearly walls of the New
Jerusalem, that meeting- at the feet of the Christ, that meet-
ing will be far more joyous, far more glorious; for you
meet to part no more.
112 IN MEMORIAM. , .
My wife joins with me in love and sympathy and prays
that the great God may comfort and bless you.
Sincerely,
L. H. Cutler.
San Luis Potosi, Mex., March 27, 1899.
My Dear John:*
This morning-'s paper tells of the tragical death of Bro.
Branson; I am greatly distressed. We have lost an
exceedingly g-ood and valuable man.
Please express to his wife my sympathy with hei' in such
a trying experience.
He helped me in the work here by a special contribution.
Affectionately,
W. W. Duncan,
{Bishop M. E. Church South.)
Nashville, Tenn., April 20, 1899.
My Dear Madam and Sister:
My heart went out to you in deepest sympathy when I
heard of the great, great sorrow that has come upon you.
It is a sorrow whose bitterness no one can fully under-
stand. It is a sorrow I cannot explain. I can only
sympathize and pray that you may now feel the presence
of the crucified and risen Jesus, who was himself a Man of
Sorrows and acquainted with grief. May you feel the
clasp of his arms that are strong enough and tender
enough to embrace all who mourn.
Mrs. Fitzgerald joins in this prayer, I am.
Your brother in the one hope,
O. P. Fitzgerald,
{Bisho2) M. E. Church, South.)
*Written to Dr. Kilgo and sent to Mrs. Branson.