Lines Written in Memory of M.L. Branson.

From the state of North Dakota
At the breaking of the day,
Fairmont sends a sad death message
To his parents far away.

And our city wrapped in mourning.
Sent this message as it read
[To his kind and aged parents]
That their noble son was dead.

Grief seems hard to his dear mother,
But her son is now at rest.
May she know that in her sorrow,
"God doeth all things best."

And, his poor and aged father
Sadly wipes a tear dimmed eye,
But he knows they'll meet in heaven,
Where they'll never say goodbye.

Now the ties of love are broken,
Death has claimed that they must part,
And his wife breaks down in sorrow,
Teardrops only soothe her heart.

And his children now are mourning
For their father passed away,
And the prayers he has taught them,
Now will guide them day by day.

Yes, his friends will ever miss him,
Sorrow touches every heart,
But 'tis sweet to have this comfort,
That in heaven we ne'er will part.

As a husband he was noble,
As Father he was dear,
And a son that is a Christian,
Makes a friend to all sincere.

In your hour of sad bereavement
'Tho your sorrow's hard to bear,
May these words bring to you comfort,
For your sympathy we share.

Grieve no more dear wife and children,
With his prayers soothe your poor heart,
Let him rest in peace, dear parents,
For in heaven you ne'er will part.
A FRIEND.

Card of Thanks.
To all friends whose sympathy and services were so kindly rendered in our time of bereavement, we wish to express heartfelt thanks; also those sending flowers and assisting in the music. May the Lord bless you all and spare you such sorrow is our sincere wish.
MR. AND MRS. D.W. BRANSON AND CHILDREN.

Milton L. Branson was one of nature's noblemen. A man of learning and always ready to promote public improvements. In township and school affairs his labors were for the best that could be obtained. Always prudent in the levying of taxes and careful in the expenditure of the same. If unbiased opinion was needed in township affairs, Mr. Branson was counseled. In church as well as oche matters he let his light shine right out.

It was a pleasure to sit with Mr. Branson and transact public business. While others were talking discouragingly of any pet project you may have submitted, Mr. Branson would draw out the fact, patch up the weak spots and move its adoption.

It was along in the early eighties that he bought his fine farm in western Lincoln and became a first-class citizen of Lincoln Township. In 1902, he disposed of his landed interest in Audubon County and after a short trip, relocated in or near Fairmont, North Dakota, where he resided until his death which occurred recently in the hospital at Rochester, Minnesota.

His fine farm that he left here is one of the monuments built by his own hands and will ever remain a rose in a field of thorns for the country was in its roughest when he purchased it and he made a model farm of it before he left for the north.

He was of the Frank R. McLaughlin, James A. Campbell, Orrin S. Welch and Sam F. Garmire class of men that are builders and in whose hands the nation would be safe. Our condolence is extended to the bereaved family.
Audubon County Journal, November 19, 1908

Death Of Milton L. Branson
Milton L. Branson was born in Fulton County, Illinois, October 23, 1952, son of David and Caroline (Young) Branson. He lived near Manning and in Lincoln Township for twenty-five years. In 1892, he moved to Fairmount, North Dakota, where he lived until his death at Rochester, Minnesota, Hospital, November 7, 1908. He was buried at Manning, Iowa, on Tuesday, November 10, 1908.

He married Miss Emma Shearer at Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1878, who died in 1896, leaving four children.

In 1898, he married Miss Alice Cole, of Audubon, Iowa, who with their son, Thaddeus, and the former children are left to mourn the loss of one who in all places and conditions of life proved himself, a good man.

Mr. Branson lived so that when the "Summons came to join that innumerable caravan that moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death, he went not as a quarry slave, scourged to his dungeon, but he approached his grave sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."

Milton Branson is buried in the Manning City Cemetery.
Section C Row #33 south - north.