On Saturday evening, after a long illness, death, claimed one of the pioneers of Manning. He had been given every medical care and attention, but gradually sank until death claimed him. For many weeks he was practically bedfast and most the time helpless.
As a man he stood high in this community. He was known as a most excellent neighbor, kind and affectionate husband, and a father who was ambitious to give his children a good training and education. How well he did towards the raising of a family can only be seen by the success they have attained.
The funeral was held Tuesday, Rev. Scoggan, Pastor of the M.E. Church of Manning, conducting the services. The floral tributes were beautiful, and the choir sang some sweet songs. After the services kind hands took the body to the Manning Cemetery where it was laid at rest.
David W. Branson was born, in Ohio, July 22, 1827, died in Manning, Iowa, July 5th, 1914, aged 86 years, 11 months, 13 days. At the age of 10 years he moved with his parents to Fulton County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was married in Illinois to Caroline Young, December 21, 1851. To this union were born ten children, three of whom have preceded the husband and father to the great home beyond. The living children are: W.S. of Irwin, Iowa; T.C. of Kenesaw, Nebraska; Mrs. Dr. R.R. Williams of Manning, Iowa; Otis Lee, of Mitchell, South Dakota; C.C., of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mrs. Estella Hockett, of Sioux City, Iowa, and Mrs. Clara Bennett, of Sioux City, Iowa. Besides his faithful wife and children Mr. Branson leaves to mourn his departure 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and one brother, C.C. Branson, of Illinois.
Mr. Branson was raised in a Quaker home, his father being of that church, and he ever afterwards adhered to that church.
Mr. and Mrs. Branson lived in Fulton County, Illinois, eight years after their marriage and then removed to Whiteside County, Illinois, where they lived about 8 years and from there they removed to Marshall County, Iowa, in 1867. Here they lived until 1874 when they removed to Carroll County, Iowa, and settled at the old home just west of Manning. Mr. and Mrs. Branson removed from the farm to Manning in 1898, and they resided here until the death angel came for the loving husband and father.
The pall bearers were Dr. R.R. Williams, T.C. Branson, W.S. Branson, Fred A. Bennett, Earl Branson and Walter Bennett.
Those out of town who attended the funeral which was a large one were Dr. W.S. Branson and wife, of Irwin, Iowa; Mr. Earl Branson, wife and son, of Harlan, Iowa; T.C Branson, of Kenesaw, Nebraska; O.L. Branson, of Mitchell, South Dakota; Fred A. Bennett, wife and two sons, Walter and Robert, of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. G.H. Fairall, of River Junction, and Mrs. E.C. Fromm, of Iowa Falls.