Brant

Contributed by: William Brackett
brackettwilliam@yahoo.com

The Brant, Brandt, Brand family names are believed to be a derivation of the German word "brand" meaning sword. The Middle/High German word "brant" means a burned out area. The name Brant was given to those who came from such an area.

There were Brandt families in Pennsylvania about 1738, one Hans Wilhelm Brant (Brandt). I believe these were German immigrants. The name seems to be spelled with the "d" when it is German or in the Pennsylvania area.

The earliest Brant in America I have found was William Brant. He is listed in the Patents and Deeds and Other Early Records of New Jersey 1664-1703 (1698). William Brant bought 60 acres of land on Watseson Plain from Samuel Rose and 5 acres of meadow on south Morris Creek.

There is record of a William Brant who came to Maryland on the ship "Fortune" in August of 1775 as an indentured servant. William was a painter from London, England.

In the War of 1812 a William Brant served as a Private in Captain Well's Artillery Co. 22nd Regiment. This was during the British invasion of Maryland.

The New Jersey Tax Lists 1772-1822 include several Brant families: Azubah Brant, Bonnel Brant, David Brant, Horm Brant, Isaac Brant, Jacob Brant, John Brant, Jonathan Brant, Mathew Brant, Matthias Brant, N. Bonnel Brant, Paul Brant, Samuel Brant, Sarah Brant, Simion Brant (1781), Stephen Brant and William Brant. These are living in Morris and Essex Counties around 1800.

Notices From New Jersey Newspapers 1781-1790 record Jacob Brant as owning a plantation (1782) between the Moravian Settlement and the Delaware in Sussex County. There is a listing for David Brant's home (1783) three miles from Chatham. There is reference to a stage stop/inn owned by Jacob Brant (1782). Samuel Brant is mentioned as having mail left at the post office in Elizabeth Town (1786). William Brant rescued a stray mare near Elizabeth Town, which "again strayed" (1790).

In Morris County, New Jersey (1746-1769) David Brant made applications for a Tavern License. Jacobus Brant made application for a Tavern License in 1775 and Phoebe Brant made these same applications for a Tavern License (1770-1775). The state of New Jersey's Index of Wills, Inventories, Etc. prior to 1901 includes several by the name of Brant, David Brant, Edwin Brant, Hannah Brant, Lewis Brant, Mathias Brant, Moses Brant, Phabe Brant, Samuel Brant, Sarah Brant, Solomon Brant, Stephen Brant and William Brant during the 1800s.

The Abstracts of Partitions and Divisions Of Morris County Estates Filed At Morristown New Jersey 1785-1907 includes, Jotham Brant (1815) as a minor child in Joshua Conklin's will. His mother's name was Abigail (Conklin) Brant and she was deceased. Samuel Brant's will (1824) included children Mary Brant Taylor, Sarah Brant Cooper, Samuel Brant, Richard Brant, John Brant, Judah Brant Coleman and Charles Brant; "all of full age" and minor children as David Brant, Lewis Brant, Sylvester Brant, Albert Brant, Susan Brant, Jane Brant, Phebe Brant and Edwin Brant.

In the Ballston Center Presbyterian Church in Ballston Center, Saratoga County, New York, which was founded in 1775, Simeon Brant married Prudence Phelps on October 12th 1786. This Simeon Brant was a Revolutionary War Soldier for Rhode Island and some of his wife's supporting documents in the pension file say they had ten children although none of them are named in the documents. This is one in the same as Simeon Brand, Son of Robert and Prudence (Cottrell) Brand of West Greenwich, Rhode Island

Simeon Brant of Berrien County, Michigan, was reportedly born "near Rhode Island" or possibly Massachusetts, about 1776. The 1850 census of Berrien County, Michigan indicates Massachusetts. His mother's name was Phoebe Loetz who was a native of England. Her name may also have been Lotts, Litz or Lutz? His father's name has yet to be determined. I have seen his father's name printed as Phineas Brant. There are also those who say his father was the Simeon Brant/Brand who served in the Revolutionary War.

There is a theory accepted by some Brant descendants that Phineas Brant married Phoebe Loetz and was the father of the Simeon Brant who married Prudence Phelps and was the Revolutionary War soldier. In this theory Simeon Brant the Revolutionary War soldier is thought to be the father of Simeon Brant of Berrien County, Michigan. Another theory is that this Simeon Brant married Phoebe Loetz and then Prudence Phelps and was the father of Simeon Brant of Berrien County, Michigan by his first wife. Another theory is that Simeon Brant married Phoebe Loetz but not Prudence Phelps and fathered Simeon. Some Brant/Brand researchers believe different ones of these theories.

There is also a theory accepted by some of the Brant and Brand family researchers that Simeon is a descendant of the Rhode Island Brand family. Thomas Brand arrived in Salem Massachusetts in 1629 on the "Lyons Whelp" and was a cooper by trade. There was a Thomas Brand presumed to be his descendant at Stonington, Connecticut in 1672. His son Thomas Brand Jr. had a son named Robert Brand who fathered a Simeon Brand in 1758. According to this theory:

A Robert Brand married Prudence (Cottrell) Lamphere on 14 Nov 1751 in Rhode Island. Prudence was the widow of Nathaniel Lamphere. Prudence also had a son Nathaniel Lamphere. Robert and Prudence Brand had children:

Simeon Brand b. 25 Mar 1758

Prudence Brand married Benjamin Capwell 23 Dec 1784

Thankful Brand who married Abraham Sweet

Penelope Brand who married Simeon Scott

Phineas Brand who married Amy King.

Robert Brand Jr.

These researchers say that this Simeon Brand is the same person as Simeon Brant the Revolutionary War soldier who was in New York in 1810. They also feel he married 1st Pheobe Loetz and 2nd Prudence Phelps in 1786. His Revolutionary War Pension file supports this concept and clearly gives his wife as Prudence Phelps and their marriage date. Simeon Brand/Brant’s sister Prudence married a Benjamin Capwell and she did give a statement in his Revolutionary War pension file. This clinches the fact that they were one in the same. They report that the name was spelled with a "d" and sometimes with a "t" and I have also seen it spelled Brandt. The problem with this theory is that there is a land record signed by Simeon and Phebe Brand dated 1788. If he married Prudence in 1786 how could he and his wife Phebe be selling land in 1788? In the Revolutionary War pension file Prudence (Phelps) Brant says they married in 1786 and had ten children together, but none of them are named. These two documents seem to indicate there may have been two men by the name Simeon Brand or Brant.

I feel there were two men by the name of Simeon Brant in New York. One who married Phebe Loetz and another who was the Revolutionary War soldier who married Prudence Phelps. We may never know for sure if these were two contemporaries, possibly cousins, or father and son. I believe a Simeon Brant married Phebe Loetz and was the father of Simeon Brant who came to Michigan in 1836. Other researchers believe that Simeon's father was Phineas Brant or Brand possibly the brother of Simeon Brand or Brant mentioned above. Perhaps this Phineas Brand married Amy King and then Phoebe Loetz, but he was too young to have been Simeon’s father. Berrien County histories do not name the father of the Simeon Brant who married Sarah Herrington, but do say his mother was Phoebe Loetz.

I believe that Simeon Brand born 25 Mar 1758 and who served in the revolutionary War is not the father of Simeon Brant born about 1776. He was too young according to his Pension file and Brand family records.

Two men named Simeon Brand:

West Greenwich, Rhode Island Westerly, Rhode Island

Father: Robert Brand Father: Thomas Brand

Simeon and Phebe Brand Robert and Prudence (Cottrell) Brand

married by 1778 and still in 1788 Robert was born in 1729, children:

possible children:

1. Robert born1757

1. Simeon born about 1776 2. Simeon 25 Mar 1758 born @ Westerly*

2. Joshua born about 1778 3. Prudence born 1759 married1784

4. Elias born about 1784 Benjamin Capwell in West Greenwich

3. Mason born about 1786 4. Thankful born 1760 married

Abraham Sweet in West Greenwich

5. Penelope born 1761 married Simeon Scott

6. Phineas b. 1762 married Amy King

*Rev. War Soldier married Prudence Phelps

in 1786. Enlisted when 17 years of age in 1776.

There is a Simeon and Robert Brand of the 1782 census of West Greenwich, Rhode Island who were both 50 years or older in 1782 making them both born before 1732. They appear to be brothers as the both had two children under the age of 16 years in their households. Simeon’s wife was younger than him and this may have been a second marriage or he married later in life. Land records of West Greenwich indicate Simeon Brand’s father was a Robert Brand.

In 1788 and 1789 in West Greenwich people were paid to keep Mason Brand and Robert Brand was paid to keep Simeon’s children. This is about the time that Simeon and Phebe Brand went to Genesee County, New York. A history in Berrien County, Michigan says that Simeon Brant (born about 1776) came to Genesee County New York with “his parents” as a young boy and there married Sarah Herrington. These records strongly indicate that the Brant families of Western New York were one in the same as the Brand children of West Greenwich.

Simeon Brand b. 1758 was in New York in 1786 when he married Prudence Phelps and their children if any would have been very young in 1788. There is no record he every returned to Rhode Island. He served during the Revolutionary War on and off from 1776-1781 from West Greenwich, Rhode Island. By his own statement he went to Lanesboro, Massachusetts about 1781/82, then to the North River at Stillwater (New York) and in 1783/84 he went to Sharon Connecticut and a year later to Ballston, New York. This is where he married Prudence Phelps on 12 Oct 1786. He then lived in various places in New York and in 1833 lived in Cuba, New York. His children were probably all born in New York.

In 1778 Simeon and Phebe Brand sold land to his “father” Robert Brand. The Simeon who was born in 1758/59 would have been only 19-20 years old at this time, probably was not married, probably did not own property at that age and was still serving in the War. In 1789 Simeon and Phebe Brand sold other lands probably in preparation for their move to western New York.

The birth years of the siblings, Joshua, Elias, Simeon and Mason Brant/Brandt make them too old to have been the children of the Simeon Brand born in 1758. We know Simeon (b. 1776) had a mother was named Phebe. It is likely that he was the son of the Simeon and Phebe Brand of West Greenwich, Rhode Island since Mason Brand was being kept by “people” and Robert had “Simeon’s children.”

The 1782 census says Simeon had two males under 16 years of age in his household and they could have been Simeon and Joshua. In this census Robert has one male and one female under the age of 16 years and they could have been Penelope and Phineas. In the 1790 census Simeon does not appear in West Greenwich but Robert has had an increase of three males and one female in his household. These are likely some of Simeon’s children.

If Simeon and Robert Brand of the 1782 census were brothers then Robert’s father would also have been a Robert Brand, not Thomas Brand as some records indicate. Possibly this land record should have read brother not “father” as it clearly does.

The microfilmed probate, death and marriage records for West Greenwich, Rhode Island were examined and no new information was found. The microfilmed Town Council records were also examined and the following entries were found:

There was an entry for 1781 of Captain Samuel Hopkins Company of militia and amongst others in the fourth company were Robert Brand Jr. and Simeon Brand. These are likely the sons of Robert Brand.

Under the date of 25 Jun 1787 “Voted that Robert Brand have an order on the town treasury for seven pound four shillings for his maintaining Elias brand to the next Council day order is granted”

Note: In this record Elias’s last name is written using the lower case “b”.

Under the date of 17 Mar 1788 “Voted that Robert Brand have an order on the town treasury of one pound sixteen shillings for his maintaining Simeon Brand’s children order granted”

Under the date of 27 Oct 1788 “Be it remembered that poor of the poor were bid of at the last … bidders are as follows to wit” amongst others “Mason Brand to Daniel Howard for _______ at g/week”

Under date of 30 Mar 1789 “Voted that David Howard have an order on the town treasury for one pound eleven shillings & nine pence for his keeping Mason Brand from third day of October last past until the 22nd of November after order is granted”

With these mentions of Simeon Brand’s children, Elias Brand and Mason Brand it is fairly obvious that these are Elias and Mason Brand/Brant the brothers of Simeon Brant who moved to Berrien County, Michigan from Wayne County, New York about 1836. This is enough of a proof to convince me that that are one in the same and that Simeon Brant is part of the larger Brand family of Westerly, Rhode Island.

A biography of Allan Brant is contained in a book titled City of San Diego And San Diego County The Birthplace Of California, which was written by Clarence Alan McGrew. This book was published by The American Historical Society in 1922 in Chicago. On pages 164 and 165 of this book you can read: “Mr. Brant was born near Benton Harbor in Berrien County, Michigan, February 22, 1872, son of Alonzo and Mary Ann (Wright) Brant. His people were early settlers in Western Michigan, and the record of the family is one of pioneer enterprise in several localities. His great-great-grandfather, Phineas Brant, was a resident of Connecticut as early as 1730. The great-grandfather, Simeon Brant, also lived in that state. The grandfather, Elias Brant, was born in Connecticut in 1790, youngest child of his parents. The oldest brother of Elias was born in Connecticut in 1776. Simeon Brant died in 1791, and a few years later his oldest son, Simeon, the widowed mother and Elias and other children moved to Western New York, settling about twenty-five miles from Rochester, in what was then practically a wilderness. Elias grew up and married in Western New York, where his son Alonzo was born. When the latter was a small child the family made their next move to the West, about 1830, going to Michigan Territory and first locating in Wayne County, near Detroit, and a few years later going into the western part of the state, to what was then the Indian trading station at Grand Rapids.”

The majority of the Brant and Brand researchers I have contacted tend to agree that Simeon Brant or Brand married Phebe Loetz and had at that they had at least four sons: Simeon Brant (Jr.), Mason Brant, Elias Brant and Joshua Brant. These four sons are seen in Western New York as early as 1810, Elias, Simeon and Mason are found in Ontario County in the area that later became Wayne County. Joshua Brant can be found in Schoharie County, New York. Elias Brant and his son Horace Brant are seen in Oakland County, Michigan by 1830. Simeon and his family came to Berrien County, Michigan in 1836.

The History of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan was published in 1880 in Philadelphia by D. W. Ensign & Co. Under the section for Bainbridge Township of Berrien County you can read on page 217:

“The Penn Yan Settlement. The southwestern portion of Bainbridge is popularly known as Penn Yan, a name given to it by Isaac Youngs after the Brants located there. The first settlement in this part was made by the Brant family, of Wayne Co., N.Y. Simeon Brant with his wife and four children-Nathaniel, John, Daniel, and Augustus-came to Michigan in 1836, and made settlement upon section 31 in Bainbridge township, where the elder Brant had, previous to his coming hither, bought 80 acres of land of Darius Clark. At this time the southern tier of sections in Bainbridge was an unbroken wilderness, into which Brant was the first to venture as a settler. With the aid of his boys, he chopped out a road to his place, put up a cabin, and made a clearing.”

On page 224 there is a biographical sketch of Nathaniel Brant. There you can read:

“The subject of this sketch was born March 12, 1815 in Wayne Co., N.Y.; is the eighth in a family of eleven children, of whom only four are now living. His father Simeon Brant, was a native of Massachusetts, and a farmer by occupation, though sometimes working at the carpenter trade. His mother was of Dutch descent, but was born in America, her maiden name being Herrington.” And also “He came to Michigan with his father when he was twenty-one years of age, and helped to make the first clearing on section 31 of Bainbridge township,”.

On page 244 under the section about Hagar Township you can read:

“Lacy Brant and Daniel Brant, his brother, settled originally in Pipestone, whence they moved to Hagar, leaving there after a short stay, for Pipestone. Oliver Sorrell was also an early settler in Hagar, but moved to Pipestone, where he now lives.”

On page 245 under the section about Hagar Township you can read:

“The first couple married were Oliver Sorrell and Malvina Brant. The wedding ceremony took place at the house of Mathias Farnum, and was performed by Dr. Lillibridge, of St. Joseph. Mr. Farnum, who relates the incident, does not remember that the wedding was attended by any demonstrative celebration such as sometimes marks a first marriage in a new settlement. He recollects, however, that there were at that time so few settlers in Hagar that there was not much of a chance for a hilarious time.”

A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County Michigan, was authored by Judge Orville W. Coolidge and was published in 1906 by The Lewis Publishing Company of Chicago and New York, contains on pages 671-673 a biography of Nathaniel M. Brant. This biography says he was born on 12 Mar 1815 in “Macedon, Genesee county, New York”. Macedon is actually in Wayne county, New York. It also says his parents were “Simeon and Sarah (Herndon) Brant and “His father was born near Rhode Island, and was married in Genesee county, New York, wither he had gone as a boy with his parents. His mother bore the name of Phoebe Loetz, was a native of England, and his father was probably born in that country. Simeon Brant served for one year as a soldier of the war of 1812, and after his discharge re-enlisted for further service. Later in life he received two land warrants in recognition of the aid which he had rendered to the government during the dark period of hostility with England.”

Simeon Brant was born about 1776 and married Sarah Herrington or Herndon in “Genesee County”, New York about the year 1800. The different spellings of Sarah’s last name could be a matter of semantics. This reference may also mean Genesee country as this area around the Genesee River was once known. There were reportedly eleven children born to this union. Simeon Brant served a year in the military during the War of 1812. In 1836 this Brant family came to Michigan. Three sons and a daughter of Simeon and Sarah Brant joined them on their journey to Michigan. Nathaniel Brant, John Daniel Brant, Augustus Brant and Malvina Brant accompanied their parents on this journey. Three other sons, Artaxerxes Brant and Van Rensselaer Brant and Lacey Brant came later.

Simeon and Sarah (Herrington/Herndon) Brant had at least ten children:

Artaxerxes Brant b. abt. 1800

Van Rensselar Brant

Porter Brant b. 24 Dec 1803 d. 28 May 1874

Bert Brant

Lacey Brant born 1810 Wayne County, New York

Malvina Brant

Nathaniel Brant b. 1815 Macedon, New York

John Brant b. 1817

Daniel Brant b. 1820

Augustus Brant b. 1827

Notes: In Wayne County, New York there was a family named Herendeen and this name often becomes confused with Herrington in that area. “Herndon” may have been an interpretation of Herendeen? There was a “Simeon Bryant” who served during the War of 1812 in the 39 Regiment of Howell’s New York militia and may have been this Simeon Brant.

The History of Wayne County New York, by W.H. McIntosh, published in 1877 contains one reference to Simeon Brant. On page 95 under the section about Arcadia you can read” “beginning with this tract, he secured the team of Foster with Simon Brant on one day, and Soverhill and Team with Culver on another, and in two days they had rolled the logs off three acres, and had piled thirty log heaps, numbering ten to fifteen logs in a pile.” This entry was in reference to one John Welcher clearing of his farm. It is interesting in reading this history and especially that of Macedon how many references were made to families who “removed to Michigan”. This entry is not dated but was after 1798 and probably before 1820. There was also a Simeon Bryant in this same area. He is believed to have served in the War of 1812 and may be confused with Simeon Brant.

This history also contains references to other Brant family members: There was a soldier who served in the Civil War from Macedon named John Brant, on page 120. Under the heading for the Christian Church at Marion you see a reference to a Sally Brant in 1820, on page 125. There were soldiers from Ontario Township serving in the Civil War by the names of John W. Brant and Mason J. Brant, on page 131-132. Under the Township of Sodus there is a reference on page 170 under the heading for the Presbyterian Church of Sodus Center to a John Brant and a Peter Brant in 1863. There is a Sodus Township near where the Brant family lived in Berrien County, Michigan. I wonder if this is where the name came from? This book also contains several references to a Peter Brant who served as Commissioner of Highways in 1834, 1835 and 1840, as well as Overseer of The Poor in 1830, 1833, 1837, 1843, 1846, 1847 and 1848. There was also a Constable in 1843 by the name of Egbert Brant. This shows that some of the Brant family stayed in Wayne County, New York. There are also several Harrington/Herrington families mentioned in this same history.

Ontario County New York land records contains the following Brant, Herrington and Herendeen records. These records were compiled by Dr. Hans-J. Finke and are posted on his website at the Ontario County Records and Archives Center at http://raims.com/deedmenu.html

Grantee Deed Index for Ontario County, NY, 1789-1845

YEAR LAST NAME FIRST NAME GRANTOR LAST GRANTOR FIRST LIB PAGE

1810 Brandt Elias Gorham Nathaniel 14 656

1810 Brandt Mason Gorham Nathaniel 15 1

1814 Brandt Mason Phelps Joseph 22 139

1823 Brandt Mason Shuler John Jr. 40 437

1836 Brandt Mason Cassort David 59 376

1822 Brant Elias McComber Caleb 40 366

1807 Brant Mason Flemmen Thomas 11 569

1809 Brant Mason Wells Peter 13 630

1815 Brant Mason Gorham Nathaniel 23 243

1841 Brant Mason Herrendeen Lyman 71 148

1813 Brant Simeon Nichols Adam 19 83

1815 Brant Simeon Nichols Adam 22 247

1838 Harrington Alfred Dickinson William 63 528

1836 Harrington Bradley Phelps Oliver 59 165

1837 Harrington Bradley Nottingham John 61 238

1824 Harrington Calvin Herendeen Welcome 42 374

1817 Harrington George Harrington Caleb 27 177

1802 Harrington Jacob Robert Cornelius 7 594

1844 Harrington John Malone Patrick 75 393

1839 Harrington Jonathan Smith Stephen 67 12

1843 Harrington Jonathan Laing Thomas 73 477

1816 Harrington Joshua Fish Francis 26 40

1805 Harrington Nathaniel Phelps Oliver 10 430

1819 Harrington Pardon Ambler William 34 20

1834 Harrington Peter Briggs William 56 85

1835 Harrington Peter Dillingham Jeremiah 57 419

1845 Harrington Ransley Fellows Joseph 78 251

1828 Harrington Spencer Phelps Leicester 47 484

1831 Herendeen Caleb Herendeen Joshua 51 329

1832 Herendeen Durfee Herendeen Welcome 53 16

1833 Herendeen Edward Herendeen Welcome 54 594

1833 Herendeen Edward Herendeen Welcome 54 595

1833 Herendeen Edward Herendeen Welcome 54 596

1835 Herendeen Edward Titus James H. 58 482

1821 Herendeen Gideon Willits Jonathan 39 62

1826 Herendeen Gideon Willits Jonathan 44 298

1832 Herendeen Gideon Herendeen Welcome 53 127

1833 Herendeen Gideon Smith Wilmarth 55 86

1833 Herendeen Gideon Haynes Alanson 55 86

1834 Herendeen Gideon Willits Elizabeth 56 60

1836 Herendeen Gideon Wagner Sarah 59 122

1839 Herendeen Gideon Morrison Anson 65 188

1839 Herendeen Gideon Hathaway Isaac 65 189

1839 Herendeen Gideon Snell Richard 65 190

1839 Herendeen Gideon Robinson Daniel A. 65 191

1839 Herendeen Gideon Smith Dosha 66 487

1839 Herendeen Gideon Richardson Ammi 66 488

1839 Herendeen Gideon Richardson Ammi 66 489

1810 Herendeen Hezekiah Warren Elijah 14 530

1822 Herendeen James Fisk John 39 555

1824 Herendeen James Herendeen Welcome 42 144

1836 Herendeen James Herendeen Joshua 60 459

1836 Herendeen James Wells Ananias 60 460

1836 Herendeen James Herendeen Welcome 60 461

1836 Herendeen James Pound Nathan K. 60 462

1844 Herendeen Jane Salsbury Moses 75 439

1830 Herendeen Lyman Smith Levi 50 96

1830 Herendeen Lyman Herendeen Joshua 50 97

1836 Herendeen Lyman Herendeen James 60 479

1845 Herendeen Lyman Converse Joseph E. 79 359

1804 Herendeen Matthias Salsbury Nathan 10 205

1794 Herendeen Nathan Comstock Nathan 2 197

1794 Herendeen Nathan Herendeen Welcome 2 199

1800 Herendeen Nathan Porter Augustus 6 370

1808 Herendeen Nathan Straight Isaac 13 555

1808 Herendeen Nathan Edes Samuel 13 556

1810 Herendeen Nathan Aldrich Stephen 14 308

1811 Herendeen Nathan Herendeen Welcome 15 318

1824 Herendeen Nathan Tibbits John 42 241

1830 Herendeen Nathan Hoag Joseph 50 95

1844 Herendeen Nathan G. Salsbury Moses 75 439

1844 Herendeen Nathan G. Herendeen Edward 76 309

1801 Herendeen Ruth Craray Stephen 7 302

1809 Herendeen Thomas Herendeen Welcome 13 669

1811 Herendeen Thomas Herendeen Joshua 15 394

1809 Herendeen Wecome Herendeen Thomas 13 668

1808 Herendeen Welcome Straight Isaac 13 555

1808 Herendeen Welcome Herendeen Nathan 13 589

1809 Herendeen Welcome Herendeen Thomas 13 669

1809 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Jared 14 37

1810 Herendeen Welcome Stewart James 14 252

1810 Herendeen Welcome Aldrich Stephen 14 308

1811 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Nathan 16 142

1811 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Jared 16 143

1822 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Jared 39 185

1822 Herendeen Welcome Aldrich Ahaz 39 186

1822 Herendeen Welcome Aldrich Wanton 39 187

1822 Herendeen Welcome Pound John 39 188

1822 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Jared 39 189

1822 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Darius 39 190

1824 Herendeen Welcome Reid Jonathan 42 371

1824 Herendeen Welcome Macumber Daniel 42 372

1825 Herendeen Welcome Comstock Joseph 44 3

1825 Herendeen Welcome Comstock John 44 4

1826 Herendeen Welcome Thorn Webster 44 299

1827 Herendeen Welcome Aldrich Frederick 45 298

1832 Herendeen Welcome Brown Hosea 53 13

1832 Herendeen Welcome Smith Levi 53 14

1832 Herendeen Welcome Brown Myron H. 53 14

1832 Herendeen Welcome Westcott Amaziah 53 15

1834 Herendeen Welcome Furman Robert 55 173

1834 Herendeen Welcome Gibson Henry B. 56 220

1836 Herendeen Welcome Clark Lyman 54 37

1836 Herendeen Welcome Furman William 60 437

1844 Herendeen Welcome Hovey Isaac 75 434

1834 Herendeen Welcome W. Herendeen Welcome 55 173

1829 Herington Bradley Wain Oliver 48 125

1812 Herrington Arnold Howell Nathaniel W. 18 50

1827 Herrington Bradley Short Theophilus 45 301

1835 Herrington Bradley Smith Silas 58 423

1837 Herrington Bradley Nottingham John D. 61 238

1840 Herrington Bradley Melton Joseph 68 189

1841 Herrington Bradley Cressy Alonzo 69 57

1841 Herrington Bradley Cressy Sophia M. 69 58

1842 Herrington Bradley Cressey Hezekiah 72 481

1814 Herrington Caleb Penfield Daniel 21 29

1816 Herrington Caleb Collver Jabez 25 193

1843 Herrington Elijah Baker Increase 74 443

1817 Herrington Isaac Augustus Ernest 27 345

1839 Herrington Jonathan Smith Stephen 67 12

1836 Herrington Lyman Smith William 60 270

1814 Herrington Nathaniel Ely William 21 194

1815 Herrington Nathaniel Granger Gideon 25 87

1816 Herrington Nathaniel Canfield Henry 26 334

1834 Herrington Peter Briggs William 56 85

1822 Herrinton Daniel Green Henry 39 380

Note: In Wayne County, New York the names Herrington/Harrington and Herendeen sometimes get interchanged in the records.

More Census records:

The New York census of Montgomery County in 1790 includes a Simeon Brant with his wife and two male children under the age of ten years of age, on page 100. This same census includes a Jonas Herrington, on page 106. This appears to be the Simeon Brand, Revolutionary War Soldier, who was born in 1758 in Westerly, Rhode Island and who married Prudence Phelps in 1786.

The 1800 census of New York contains a Simeon Brant in Otsego County in a place called Butternuts. This is about the year the Simeon Brant who came to Berrien County, Michigan married. This record indicates he and his wife were between 16-26 years of age and their only child was under 10 years of age. They also have an older woman over 45 years of age in the household. This might have been his or her mother? His father may have died by this time. There was also a Simeon Brandt living in Cayuga County. Cayuga County was closer to what was to become Wayne County. The Simeon Brandt of Cayuga County is thought to have been the Revolutionary War soldier. This census also contains an Ezekiel, Isaac, Jona, Pardon, Solomon and Stephen Harrington as well as a Benjamin, Charles, Eber, Edmund, Elijah, Ephriam, (2) Francis, Isaac, James, (2) Job, Lot, Nathaniel, Obadah, Pearly, Rufus, Sheffield, Solomon, Stephen and Thomas Herrington. Simeon and Sarah (Herrington) Brant of Berrien County named a son Nathaniel. This Jona could have been the same Jonas Herrington that was living near Simeon Brant in 1790. There is also a possibility this Simeon Brant of Butternuts is not the same Simeon Brant who lived in Wayne County about 1810-30 and came to Berrien County in 1836, but the age fits. Simeon Brant, of Berrien County, Michigan, married Sarah Herrington in “Genesee” country, New York about 1799-1800. Simeon Brant was born about 1776 and would have been 24 years of age in 1800.

The 1810 census of New York does include a Simeon Brant and it also includes, Elias Brant and Mason Bryant (Brant). In Ontario County you can find in 1810 Simeon Brant who was between 26-44 years of age living in Canandaigua. In his household there were five other males, four who were less than 10 years of age and one who was 10-15 years of age, one female 26-44 years of age and one female less than ten years of age. Elias Brant is living in this same location and was probably Simeon’s younger brother. Elias was 16-25 years of age and in his household there was one other male who was under 10 years of age and one female 26-44 years of age. Mason Bryant is another brother and in his household there was one male under 10 years of age, one male 26-45 years of age, one female under 10 years of age and one female 16-25 years of age. Wayne County separated off from Ontario County. This is thought to be the Simeon Brant who came to Berrien County, Michigan and his two brothers. Simeon Brant was born about 1776 and would have been 34 years of age in 1810.

Note: The census index for 1810 New York shows Simeon Brant as “Lincoln Brant”, but looking at the original it is Simeon not Lincoln.

The 1820 census includes a Simeon Brant in Ontario County living in Palmyra. Palmyra is the name of a township and town in present day Wayne County. Nathaniel Brant said he was born in Macedon, New York in 1815. Macedon Township was included in Palmyra Township until it separated off. Ontario County was part of Montgomery County until 1789 when it separated and at one point included most of western New York before it was divided and Wayne County separated from it. In the household of Simeon Brant there were, two males under 10 years of age, one male 10-16 years of age, one male 26-45 years of age, 2 females under 10 years of age, 2 females 10-16 years of age and one female 26-45 years of age. This is thought to be the Simeon Brant who came to Berrien County, Michigan. Living next to Simeon was an Elias Harrington who was older then 45 years of age, who may have been Sarah (Herrington) Brant’s father? There was also a Mason Brant living in Canandaigua in Ontario County in 1820, who appears to have been Simeon’s brother. Elias Brant was not found in this census. Simeon Brant was born about 1776 and would have been 44 years of age in 1820.

In order to understand these different counties you need to look at the development of the counties of New York. Simeon Brant married Sarah Herrington about 1800 in “Genesee County”. In 1790 Ontario County included most of western New York. Ontario County included what became Genesee and parts of the present Wayne County. Wayne County was established in 1823. As these counties separated from Ontario it became smaller and smaller. Montgomery County, New York for example generated 35 present day counties from its division. “Genesee country” was defined by a “pre-emption line”. This north south line began in Sodus in Wayne County and ran through Seneca Lake and on to the Pennsylvania border. Everything west of this line was called “Genesee country” in the late 1700’s. Perhaps Simeon Brant and Sarah Herrington married in Genesee country not county. It looks like Simeon and Sarah (Herrington) Brant settled in Palmyra/Macedon Township after 1800 and before 1810. They may have also been married here. They remained there until about 1836 when they moved to Michigan. Some records of Brant grandchildren indicate they were born in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, all along the way to Michigan.

The 1830 census of New York State includes Simeon Brant. In Ontario County there was still a Mason Brant in Canandaigua and Simeon was then living in Macedon. Macedon Township separated from Palmyra. In Simeon’s household there were: one male under 5 years of age, one male 5-10 years of age, one male 10-15 years of age, one male 15-20 years of age, one male of 20-30 years of age, one male 50-60 years of age, one female 15-20 years of age and one female 50-60 years of age. Simeon Brant, his wife, one daughter and three of his sons moved to Berrien County, Michigan in 1836. Simeon Brant was born about 1776 and would have been 54 years of age in 1830.

The 1830 census of Cuba, Allegany County, New York includes Simeon Brant, The Revolutionary War Soldier. He filed some of his Revolutionary War Pension depositions from Cuba. According to his widow, Prudence, he died in Angelica, Allegany County, New York on 04 Dec 1842.

The 1830 census of Pennsylvania includes Artaxerxes Brant. He was living in Harbor Creek in Erie County. His name is spelled in the census index as Arthaxaraxe Bryant. Lacey Brant, Artaxerxes’s brother, married Angeline Brown in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania in November of 1830. Harbor Creek and North East are towns seven and a half miles apart. They are also both townships. Artaxerxes was a son of Simeon Brant of Wayne County, New York.

The 1830 census of the Michigan Territory includes in Oakland County an Elias Brant and a Horace Brant. This Horace’s son, Phineas Brant, died in Berrien County and was born about 1829. This Elias Brant was a brother of Simeon Brant of Wayne County, New York. Horace was Elias’s son.

The 1840 census of Farmington, Ontario County, New York includes Mason Brandt. This is believed to be Simeon Brant’s brother Mason Brant. Mason Brant and his wife Phebe are buried in the Sand Hill Cemetery in Canandaigua, New York. Mason died on 07 Dec 1845 at 59 years of age. He would have been born about 1786. Phebe Brandt died on 22 Sep 1870 at the age of 85 years and would have been born about 1785. Two of their children are also buried her and they are, Harriet Brant who died at 2 years of age and Elizabeth Brant who died on 15 Jan 1857 at 33 years of age. There is also a Samuel Brandt buried here who may have been a son of Mason and Phebe. He was born in 1810 and died on 11 Jun 1894.

In 1840 Simeon Brant and sons appear in Berrien County, Michigan. The histories here indicate they came here in 1836 and were from Wayne County, New York. The 1840 census of Michigan includes in Bainbridge Township of Berrien County:

Simeon Brandt who was between 60-70 years of age and in his household were, one male 10-15 years of age, one male 15-20 years of age, one female 60-70 years of age, one female 20-30 years of age and two females 30-40 years of age.

Lacey Brandt who was between 40-50 years of age, one male under 5 years of age, one male 5-10 years of age, one male 20-30 years of age, one female 20-30 years of age and one female under 5 years of age.

Artaxerxes Brandt who was between 40-50 year of age, one male under 5 years of age, one male 5-10 years of age, one male 10-15 years of age, one female 40-50 years of age, one female 5-10 years of age and one female 10-15 years of age.

The 1840 census of New York includes in Ontario, Wayne County a Joshua Brant. This is believed to be Simeon’s other brother. His son Hamilton Brant lived in Ontario. Joshua’s wife was named Susannah.

The 1850 census of Michigan includes in Ionia County a John Brant who was 34 years of age, born in New York and was a Physician, a Mason Brant who was 30 years of age, born in New York and was a farmer and a Phineas Brant who was 18 years of age, born in New York and was a laborer. Mason Brant married Almira Tobias. Their only son Edward Brant resided in Berrien County. His mother remarried after Mason died, in California about 1849, and moved with her family into Berrien County. These are thought to be descendants of Mason Brant of Wayne County, New York.

The 1850 census of Berrien County, Michigan includes:

Daniel Brant a farmer who was 30 years of age born in Ohio, his wife Marietta 26 years of age born in New York, Lafeyette Brant 9 years of age, Porter Brant 7 years of age, Francis Brant 5 years of age and Marion Brant 3 years of age. All the children were born in Michigan. Daniel Brant and Marietta Hazzard were married in 1840 in Pipestone Township. Daniel and Nathaniel Brant married sisters. They were one of the first couples married in this Township of Berrien County, Michigan after it became a state. Daniel married second Nancy Kennedy Brant.

Nathaniel Brant a farmer 36 years of age born in New York, Martha Brant 25 years of age born in New York, Westley Brant 9 years of age, Warren Brant 7 years of age, Laura a. Brant 4 years of age and Adeline Brant 1 year old. All the children were born in Michigan. Nathaniel Brant married Martha Hazzard. All the children were born in Berrien County, Michigan.

Lacey Brant a farmer who was 39 years of age born in New York, Angeline Brant 37 years of age born in Vermont, Phillip Brant 19 years of age born in Pennsylvania, Amanda Brant 15 years of age born in Indiana, George M. Brant 10 years of age born in Michigan, Vincent Brant 9 year of age, William L. Brant 7 years of age, Olive Brant 5 years of age and Sarah J. Brant 1 year old. All the children after George M. were born in Michigan except Sarah who was born in Illinois. Norman Brant, Artaxerxes’s son, married Amanda Brant Lacey's daughter in 1851 in Berrien County, Michigan. Philip Brant married Jerusha Wright in 1858 in Berrien County, Michigan.

Simon Brant a farmer who was 74 years of age born in Massachusetts, Sarah Brant 72 years of age born in Massachusetts and Augustus Brant 23 years of age born in New York. Simeon and Sarah Brant. This would make his birth year about 1776. Augustus Brant who was living with them is listed as being “insane”.

Artaxerxes Brant a farmer 50 years of age born in New York, Acenith Brant 52 year of age born in Vermont, Norman Brant 23 years of age born in New York, Simeon Brant 20 years of age born in Pennsylvania and Jerome Brant 14 years of age born in New York.

There was also an Alonzo Brant and Elias J. Brant in Berrien County in 1850. They were descendants of Elias Brant of Oakland County, Michigan. Elias was the younger brother of Simeon Brant seen in the 1810 census of Ontario County, New York. Alonzo and his wife Mary Brant were both born in New York. They were married in 1851 in Berrien County, Michigan. Their child was listed as Frederick Brant. Elias and Aurella Brant were both born in New York. Aurella's maiden name was possibly Wright. They were married in Berrien County, Michigan in 1849. Their child was listed as Stephen Brant.

The census records prove these Michigan Brant families were the same Brant families of Wayne/Ontario County, New York. It also appears that all the Brant families who lived in Berrien County, Michigan were all related to those of Wayne/Ontario County, New York.

A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan Orville W. Coolidge, by Orville William Coolidge, 1839-1918,was published in Chicago by the Lewis Publishing Co. in 1906. On page 671-673 of this work you can find a biography of Nathaniel Brant. In this biography you can read:

“His parents were Simeon and Sarah (Herndon) Brant. The father was born near Rhode Island, and was married in Genesee county, New York, whither he had gone as a boy with his parents. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Loetz, was a native of England, and his father was probably born in that country. Simeon Brant served for one year as a soldier in the war of 1812, and after his discharge re-enlisted for further military service. Later in life he received two land warrants in recognition of the aid he had rendered to the government during the dark period of hostility with England.

The year 1836 witnessed the arrival of the Brant family in Michigan. The westward trip was made across the country with two yoke of oxen, and the father was accompanied by three sons and a daughter, namely: Nathaniel, John Daniel, Augustus and Malvina. Two other sons, Artaxerses and Van Rensselaer, came later, and the Brant family has figured for many years in the public life of this part of Michigan, especially in subjugating the wilderness and extending the frontier. The father, Simeon Brant, settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 31, Bainbridge township,”.

In this same biography you can also read:

“Simeon Brant had come to the west expecting to enter land near Benton Harbor but on reaching Kalamazoo, Michigan, he became ill and while there purchased the eighty acres on which he settled, without having seen the property.” And also: “In the midst of the forest Simeon Brant hewed out a farm, clearing and cultivating his lands, and transforming the place into rich fields.”

geaves

Gravesites of Simeon and Sarae (Harrington) Brant in the Brant Cemetery, Bainbridge Township, Berrien County, Michigan

At this point I will narrow this Brant family down to my line.

The 1860 census of Berrien County includes:

Lacey and Angeline Brant. It says he was born in New York and she in Illinois. Their children are listed as, George M. Brant, Vincent Brant, William Brant, Olive Brant, Sarah J. Brant, Howard B. Brant and Zaphia Brant; Phillip Brant and Amanda Brant having already left home. The children George through Zaphia are listed as having been born in Michigan except Sarah who is listed as being born in Illinois.

Lacey Brant served in the Civil War with the 3rd Michigan Calvary Co. L from October 12, 1861 through November 28, 1863. He was discharged for disability. Two of Lacey's sons, George Brant and Vincent Brant also served during the Civil War and are listed as deserters. They later reenlisted under an amnesty and deserted again.

Lacey Brant’s pension file from his service in the civil War indicates he was born in Wayne County, New York. It also states he married Angeline Brown on 29 Nov. 1830 in North East, Pa. Lacey and Angeline were married by “Elder Olford” or Alford. The file indicates he was 53 years of age when he enlisted. If you look at his actual birth date he was closer to 51 years of age. These documents spell his name both Lacy and Lacey and spell her name both Angeline and Angelina. There is a town named North East in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The Civil War Pension files for Lacey Brant and his widow Angeline Brant are file # WC-318 889 and are held by the National Archives. They read:

________________________________________________________________________

Certificate of Disability for Discharge

In the case of

Lacey Brant a Private Co. “L” Third Reg’t of Mich Cavalry

Approved H. G. Campbell Mich Div Head Quarters H Artllry Corps Memphis Tennessee 19th September 1863 To be discharged By order of Maj. Gen. Hairlbut Neicy Beuimore A.A.G. Adjutant Genral’s Office D. 2 1863 Duplicate for the Pension Office

Samuel Neck Asst. Adjt. Genl. Received (A.G. Office) Sep 30, 1863 Rec.d H 2 N “AC 19th Sept. 1863

Army of The United State

Certificate of Disability For Discharge

Lacey Brant (private) of Capt. D. M. Caldwell Company, “L” of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment of United States Mich. Vol’s, was enlisted by Thos. H. Botham, Capt, of the Third Regiment of Mich. Cav. Vols. At Bainbridge Berrien Co Mich. on the twentieth day of September 1861, to serve three years; he was born in Wayne Co. in the State of New York is Fifty-three years of age, five feet eight inches high, Dark complexion, Blue eyes, black hair, and by occupation when enlisted a Farmer During the last two months the soldier has been unfit for duty 60 days. When enlisted he was too old to be of much service as a soldier and has never done but little duty in the Company or elsewhere and has been absent most of the time since his enlistment in Michigan on sick leave. Station: Camp near Corinth Miss. D. M. Caldwell

Date: Sep12, 1863 Capt. 3 Mich Cav

I certify, that I have carefully examined the said Lacey Brant a private of Captain Caldwells (“L”) Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Hernia and general Disability accompanying Old Age-He is Fifty three (53) years old-He is not now, never was since his enlistment and never will be able to perform the duties of a Soldier and should be discharged without pension or Bounty Not fit for Invalid Corps

S. C. Woodman

Asst. Surgeon

3 Mich Cavalry

Discharged, this 25th day of September 1863, at Corinth, Miss.

G. Moyers

Lt. Col. Commanding the Regt.

On the left had side of this document is written: Approved on Examination Jno N Niglas Lang in Chief Cav. Div. H Army Corps.

________________________________________________________________________

(3-060) CEM.

Middle

Invalid Division No.5

Department of the Interior

Pension Office,

April 4th, 1882

Respectfully requested of the Adjutant General U.S.A. a report of service and disability in the case No. 36.707 of Lacy Brant late private Co. “L” 3rd Mich. Cav.

Disabled by Rupture of left side at Corinth, Miss, in July 1863. Also chronic diarrhea at same place in August, 1863, Please give complete military history.

Wm W. Dudley, Commissioner

________________________________________________________________________

  1. War Department

Adjutant General’s Office

Washington, May 8, 1882

Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.

Lacey Brant, a Private of Company “L” 3rd Regiment Mich. Calvary Volunteers, was enrolled on the 20th day of Sept. 1861 at Pipestone for 3 years and is reported: to Oct 31 1861 present. Dec. 31/61 transferred to horse artillery. Dec. 1/61. Name dropped from sub. rolls to May & June 63 which report him present with remark transferred to Dees Batty. per S.O. Nov. 24-Dec 22/61–Returned to Co. May 1/62. (Return for June 63 report him Returned from duration at Boliver Tenn. May 25.63.) Roll August 31/63 present. Oct. 31/63 Pvt. Discharged for disability. Sept. 25/63 Capt. Dees.’ Batty (sub. Co. C. 17th Mich. Lt. Arty.) was raised in connection with the 3rd Mich. Cavy. But this mans name is not borne on rolls of that Batty. Certif of Disa. Shows him discharged at Corinth, Miss. Sept 25th 1863, as of 3rd Mich Cavy.

The records of the office furnish no evidence of alleged injury, or disability.

A.H. Nickerhue

Assistant Adjutant General

________________________________________________________________________

737146

Widow Claim

Act of June 7, 1890.

Claimant Angeline Brant

Soldier Lacey Brant

Service Priv Co. “L” 3

Mich Cavy Vol

Address Royalton Mich

Date of Execution Sept 24-91

Filed by

Milo B. Stevens & Co.,

Hon. Green B. Raum March 1st 1890

Commissioner of Pensions

Washington D. C.

Sir: I have the honor of submitting this my report with return of papers in the original Invalid Pension Claim No 36.707 Lacy Brant, late Priv. Co “L”, 3rd Mich. Cavalry whose P.O. address is Royalton, Berrien Co., Mich Basis of claim “chronic Diarrhea and rupture of left side”. Referred to S. E. D. “to determine its merits as to hernia & chronic diarrhea” and to me for testimony of Nelson Patterson, “as to origins”. Notice previously waived by claimant. For a review of all the evidence before me. The claim for Hernia appears to be not established and probably cannot be. I am of the opinion that the claim for chronic diarrhea is fairly established. And there fore recommend admission for that part of the claim

Very respectfully

I. S. Little

Special Examiner

________________________________________________________________________

Chicago Ill Feb 15th 1889

The Hon. Coms of Pensions

Washington D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to return with my report this claim # 36 707 of Lacy Brant which was referred to me for further examination in this city for testimony of Lieut O.C., Leonardson which I have secured. Notice is waived. This deponent Leonardson is wholly unreliable and the same rating should be given the witness Perry W. Rooms sec pages 44 to 48. of Greenawalls report. I investigated an important case in Mich. 3 or 4 years ago in which it was necessary for me to ascertain definitely the reputation of Perry W. Rooms & I know it is bad. I think this case might properly be admitted for diarrhea but the claim for hernia I believe is without merit. I think however it would be well to secure the deposition of Nelson Patterson of Grand Rapids Mich. Before rejecting any part of the claim and I recommend such action.

I am very respectfully

Your obt Servt.

J. H. Stubbs

________________________________________________________________________

No 36.707

Lacy Brant\P.O. Royalton Berrien Co. Mich

Priv Co “L” 3rd Mich Cav Vols

Kalamazoo, Mich. May 27, 1889

Sir: I herewith return the papers in the claim for pension above indicated and respectfully submit the following report.

The case was referred to the Special Examination Division to determine general merits.

The claimant was duly notified and fully advised as to all his rights and privileges and he availed himself of them by attending in person during the greater portion of the examination conducted by me.

He is an old man, much broken, quite deaf, memory poor, and it was with great difficulty (and with much patience) that I obtained a statement of his case from him. His repute at this time may be said to be fairly good but it has not always been so. He has evidently led an intemperate life.

No medical evidence at all was attainable and the lay testimony is in fact biased by relationship, friendship, and interest in his behalf.

The case is beset with doubts as to its … that are hard to explain as … by the meager facts that can be learned at this time.

The certificate of disability upon which Soldier was discharged in 1863 is strongly adverse. The claim for hernia I think of very doubtful merit. In declaration filed less than two months after discharge soldier alleges that the hernia was received at Grand Rapids, Mich. In Dec. 1861.

As a matter of fact the Regiment left Grand Rapids Nov 28, 1861. for St. Louis, Mo.

In a subsequent declaration filed in 1880 soldier alleges that the rupture was received at Corinth, Miss. In July 1863, and in his present statement that it happened somewheres in Tenn. However I do not think any weight should attach to disenefancios(?) in present statement owing to increased age and failing memory.

In support of claim for hernia, he has filed the affidavit of Lieut O.C. Leonardson now of Chicago, Ills. And wholly unreliable, Perry W. Romie, a … affiant, originally only testified to ch. Diarrhea but in reply to office letter he includes hernia evidently having seen the claimant in the meantime. Romie is not altogether reliable either.

The testimony as to prior …uduen is fairly reliable notwithstanding since conflict of cause as to examination made at enlistment.

It seems impossible to determine where the claimant was from Dec 61 to May 1863, I think perhaps he was with the Co. until the summer or fall of a862 when he deserted or was absent to May 1863, but where he was in the meantime is mere conjecture. I certainly think he must have been away longer than he admits.

That he suffered from ch. diarrhea in service and at discharge I think may be accepted as legally shown … and extent can only be answered in a present way from the testimony and the medical examinations. No medical evidence was found in this point; and his neighbors are vague and indefinate. I think he should have a small rating for chronic diarrhea. Of the … for list-where depositions were not obtained. Albert Nichols knew nothing material. John Safler (?) has returned to Kansas. I could not learned his address. Patrick Daily referred to is dead. Affiants Nathan Gilbert and Oliver Small are dead.

Buchrod W. Sutherland had removed to a distant part of the county and I did not follow … as to prior … and cent… Origin of hernia officially in service and line of duty remaining to be established. I recommend further examination as follows: all as to origin. Grand Rapids, Kent Co. Mich Nelson Patterson (Insurance Agent) Hainburg Livingston Co. Mich Lieut H. J. Pinckney Norfolk Madison Co. Neb. George Brant (son of claimant) comrade in service and who should be carefully questioned as to origin of hernia and the claimants whereabouts during his military service. Chicago, Ills. Lieut O. C. Leonardson. Dr. Oscar Harrisslin (?) who treated clb for short time about 1864 resides at Elkhart, Indiana. Seneca Taylor-Atty. referred to is not known at Niles, Mich.

Very respectfully

J.G. Greenawall

Special Examiner

Hon James Fauner (?)

Commissioner of Pension

________________________________________________________________________

Solicitors of Claims,

Detroit, Mich

Declaration For Widow’s Pension.

Act of June 27, 1890.

This may be executed before a Notary Public, Justice of Peace, or any other officer authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes.

State of Michigan, County of Berrien, ss.

On this 24th day of Sept. A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety one personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County of Wayne and State aforesaid, Angeline Brant age 75 years, a resident of the town of Royalton County of Berrien, State of Mich, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Lacey Brant who enlisted under the name of Lacey Brant at Benton Harbor Mich on the … day of Sept A.D. 1861, in Co. “L” 3rd Regt Mich Cavy and served at least ninety days in the late war of the Rebellion, who was Honorably Discharged 1863, and died Sept 11th 1891.

That she was married under the name of Angeline Brown, to said Lacey Brant, on the 29th day of November 1830, by Elder Olford, at North East Pa. there being no legal barrier to such marriage-nether she nor the soldier had been previously married. That she has not remarried since the death of the said Lacy Brant. That she is without means of support than her daily labor. That names and dates of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier (or sailor) are as follows: None That a prior application for pension has been filed Soldier was a pensioner by Cert # 473.631. That she makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890. She hereby appoints, with power of substitution, Milo B. Stevens & Co. of Detroit Mich, their successors or legal representatives, her true and lawful attorneys to prosecute he claim, and agrees to allow them a fee of Ten Dollars. That her postoffice address is Royalton, County of Berrien, State of Michigan

her

Thos H Botham Angeline X Brant

F. A. Sprague mark

Two witnesses who can write, sign here

Also personally appeared Thomas H. Botham, residing at St Joseph Mich and Francis A. Sprague, residing at Royalton Mich persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, say they were present and saw Angeline Brant claimant, sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and an acquaintance with her of thirty years and two years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

Thos. H. Botham

F. A. Sprague

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of September A. D. 1891, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c, were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before wearing, including the words _ _ _ erased, and the words _ _ _ added; and that I have no, interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

John A. Bommhardt

Notary Public

The act of June 27, 1890, requires, in widow’s case:

1. That the soldier served at least Ninety Days in the war of the Rebellion and was Honorably Discharged.

2. Proof of soldier’s death (death cause need not have been due to Army service.)

3. That widow is “without other means of support than her daily labor.”

4. That the widow was married to soldier prior to June 27, 1890, date of the Act.

5. That all pensions under this Act commence from date of receipt of application (executed after the passage of Act) in Pension Bureau.

________________________________________________________________________

No. 529215

Case of

Angeline widow of

Lacey Brant

Late Priv Co “L”

3rd Mich Cavy

for

Widow Pension

Affidavit of Sally M. Burke

Filed by Milo B. Stevens & Co,

Pension Attorneys

Detroit, Mich.

General Affidavit

State of Michigan

County of Berrien

In the matter of the claim for Angeline widow of Lacey Brant Co “L” 3rd Mich Cavy

Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Sally M Burke, Sodus, Berrien County, Michigan a person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid claim, as follows: I am well acquainted with the above named claimant. I went to live with the deceased Soldier Lacey Brant and his wife Angeline Brant in the year 1840 and have resided with them and near them ever since. They were married and living together as man and wife when I first made their acquaintance and they continued to live together until his death. I know of my own personal knowledge that she owns no property that yields her any income and is entirely dependant on those not legally bound to support her. She has not been remarried since the Soldier’s death, but still remains his widow. There are no children by this or any former marriage who were under sixteen years at date of Soldier’s death and neither the Soldier nor the above named claimant were ever married prior to their marriage with each other. The above facts are known by me as I have been well acquainted with her affairs for a great many years and can vouch for the truth of my statements. I further declare that I have no interest in said claim, and am not concerned in it’s prosecution.

her

1. Mabel E. Hogue Sally M. X Burke

2. Mary Hogue mark

Witnesses to X mark

Sworn and Subscribed before me, this 31st day of October 1891 at Sodus, in the County of Berrien State of Michigan and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiant before swearing thereto, including the words _ _ _ erased and the words _ _ _ added; that the affiant is to me well known and is apparently respectable and worthy of full credit, and I fully certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

Robert M. Hogue

Justice of the Peace

________________________________________________________________________

Act of June 17, 1890

No. 529215

Case of

Angeline widow of

Lacey Brant

Late Priv Co. L

3rd Mich Cavy

for

Widow Pension

Affidavit of

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Filed by Milo B. Stevens & Co.

Pension Attorneys

Detroit, Mich

General Affidavit

State of Michigan

County of Berrien

In the matter of the claim for Angeline widow of Lacey Brant Co “L” 3rd Mich Cavy Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, Nathaniel M. Brant Spinks Corners Berrien Co Mich person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid claim as follows: We are well & intimately acquainted with the above named claimant & we know of our own personal knowledge that she owns no property that yields her an income & is entirely dependant on those not legally bound to support her. That she has not remarried since the Soldier’s death but still remains his widow. There are no children by this or any other former marriage who are under sixteen years at date of Soldiers death & neither the Soldier no the above named claimant were ever married prior to their marriage with each other. The above facts are known by us as we have been well acquainted with her affairs for a great many years & can vouch for the truth of our statements. He further states that the said Lacey Brant has not been able to perform any manual labor for the last Ten years. We further declare that we have no interest in said claim, and are not concerned in its prosecution.

C. C. Kent Jr. Nathaniel Brant

E. G. Spink

________________________________________________________________________

No. 529215

General Affidavit

Claim of

Angeline widow

Of Lacey Brant

Late Priv Co L

3rd Reg’t Mich Vols Cavy

Affidavit of _ _ _

Files by Milo B. Stevens & Co.

Claim Attorneys

Detroit, Mich.

General Affidavit

State of Michigan, County of Berrien, ss.

In the matter of _ _ _ On this 21st day of November A. D. 1891 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid county, duly authorized to administer oaths, James M. Watson age 76 and Charles D. Nichols age 69 years, residents of Berrien Springs in the county of Berrien and state of Michigan well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That I became acquainted with Lacey Brant and his wife Angeline Brant when they first came to the county some time in the thirties-and have known them ever since-and knew they raised a family of children-I knew that they always lived together as husband and wife and were so respected and recognized in the community and this fact of their marriage was never questioned to my knowledge. And me and the said Charles D. Nichols claims in relation to aforesaid case that he has been acquainted with the claimant and her husband Lacey Brant since 1846-and knew that they always lived together as husband and wife and were so recognized and were so recognized and respected-and never heard the fact of their marriage questioned.

His Post Office address is Berrien Springs Berrien County Michigan they further declares they no interest in said case and are not concerned with its prosecution.

James M Watson

Chas D. Nichols

State of Michigan County of Berrien ss:

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day by the above-named affiant, and I herby certify that I read affidavit to said affiant including the words _ _ _ erase, and the words _ _ _ added, and acquainted them with its contents before them executed the same, I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant are personally known to me, and that they are credible person.

George Murdock

Justice of the Peace

duplicate on file

________________________________________________________________________

No 529215

Case of

Angeline widow of

Lacey Brant

Priv “Co L” 3rd Mich Cavy

For

Widow Pension

Affidavit of

Filed by Milo B. Stevens & Co.

Pension Attorneys

Detroit, Mich.

General Affidavit

State of Michigan

County of Berrien

In the matter of the claim for Angeline widow of Lacey Brant Priv Co “L” 3rd Mich Cavy. Personally came before me. A Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, Joseph Stell & Frederick Schmidt of Royalton Berrien Co-Mich person of lawful age, who being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid claim as follows: We are well & intimately acquainted with the above named claimant & with the Late Soldier during his lifetime. We know of our own personal knowledge that he died on Sept 11/91 & was buried Sept 13th/91 as we saw him dead & attended the funeral.

Joseph Stell

Frederich Schmidt

We further declare that we have no interest in said claim, and are not concerned in its prosecution.

Joseph Stell

Frederich Schmidt

Sworn and Subscribed before me, this 20 day of November 1891 at Royalton, in the County of Berrien State of Michigan and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiants before swearing thereto, including the words _ _ _ erased and the words _ _ _ added; that the affiants are to me well known and are apparently respectable and worthy of full credit, and I fully certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

John M. Hawkins

Notary Public

________________________________________________________________________

No. 529215

Case of

Angeline Brant widow of

Lacey Brant for Pension

Affidavit of _ _ _

Filed by Milo B. Stevens & Co

Pension Attorneys

Detroit, Mich.

General Affidavit

State of Michigan

County of Berrien

In the matter of claim for Pension of Angeline Brant widow of Lacey Brant, Private Co. “L” 3rd Mich. Cav. Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Angeline Brant Royalton, Michigan person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid claim, as follows: I am the claimant in the above discharged claim. I make this affidavit to state that I was married to Lacey Brant the soldier on November 29, 1830 at North East, Pa. by Elder Olford. It is impossible to obtain a public record of my marriage ceremony as none were kept at that time. Elder Olford who performed the marriage ceremony and the witnesses who were present are all dead. It is therefore impossible for me to obtain that class of evidence. I therefore respectfully request that my own affidavit ant the evidence of persons who know that the soldier and myself co-habited and were always recognized as husband and wife be accepted in lieu of record evidence or evidence of persons present to prove my marriage the said marriage having occurred sixty one years ago it is impossible for reasons above stated to obtain other evidence on this point.

her

George H. Murdock Angeline X Brant

E. H. Brant mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 21st day of November 1891 at Berrien Springs, in the County of Berrien State of Michigan and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiant before swearing thereunto, including the words _ _ _ erased and the words _ _ _ added; that the affiant is well known to me and is apparently respectable and worthy of full credit, and I fully certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim

George H. Murdock

Justice of the Peace

duplicate on file

________________________________________________________________________

Lansing, Mich. Nov. 9, 1889

Hon. Green B. Raum

Commissioner of Pensions

Washington D.C.

Sir: I have then honor to return herewith all the papers in pension claim No 36.707 of Lacey Brant late of Co. “L” 3rd Mich. Cav. Together with my report. Basis of claim, hernia of left side and chronic diarrhea. Notice waived. The claim was referred to the S.E.D. for special examination as to general merits and to me for the testimony of Lt. H. J. Pinckney. The testimony of Lt. Pinckney adds nothing to the claim. I am of the opinion that the claim is of merit especially as to the diarrhea. Further examination as follows is recommended. Nelson Patterson, Grand Rapids, Kent Co. Mich. George Brant, Norfolk, Madison Co. Neb. O.C. Leonardson, Chicago, Ill. as to origin.

Very respectfully,

E.H. Maxwell

Special Examiner

I believe Lacey Brant is buried in the Spring Run Cemetery in Scottsdale in Royalton Township, Michigan, although there is no marker. In 2006 there was a GAR marker and a Civil War Tombstone at a grave, in a plot purchased by George Brant. This stone has the name Wm L. Brant on it and indicates service in the 3rd Michigan Calvary, Company L during the Civil War. This is the company Lacy served with. The other three graves in this plot have no markers. I find no record of Lacey’s son William L. Brant serving during the Civil War. Lacy Brant died in Royalton Township on 11 Sep 1891 and was 81 years, 9 months and 4 days old according to the death record. He was buried on 13 Sep 1891. He would have been born 07 Dec 1810 in Wayne County, New York, according to this record. Lacy Brant's wife was Angeline Brown and they married in 1830 in North East, in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Her death record has not been found. Angeline Brown has been reported as being born in Illinois but more often as being born in Vermont.

Brant

Lacey and Angeline (Brown) Brant circa 1890

Lacey and Angeline (Brown) Brant had children:

Phillip Brant b. 1830

Amanda Brant b. 1835

George M. Brant b. 1840

Vincent G. Brant b. 1841

William L. Brant b. 1843

Olive Brant b. 1845

Sarah J. Brant born in Livingston, IL on 21 Jun 1850

Howard B. Brant b. 1853

Exzava Brant b. 1855 often seen a Zaphia Brant

Both George M. Brant and Vincent G. Brant also served in the 3rd Michigan Cavalry Company L during the Civil War. Lacey Brant’s death notice was carried in the The Daily Palladium (newspaper) printed in Benton Harbor, Michigan on 18 Sep 1891, under a segment about news from Hollywood. Hollywood was a small village in Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan. This death notice reads: “Lacey Brant was born in Maradon, Genesee county, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1810. Moved from there to Pennsylvania and was married to Angeline Brown Nov. 29, 1830. Moved from Pennsylvania to Michigan in 1839, where he lived until his death, which occurred Sept. 11, 1891. He was 81 years 9 months and 8 days old. The funeral services were preached at 12 o’clock Sunday, Rev A. W. Willis officiating. The deceased was a soldier in the war of ’61 and the G. A. R. of St. Joseph was largely represented.” Maradon should read Macedon.

Lacey Brant's daughter Sarah Jane Brant was born in Livingston, Illinois on 21 Jun 1850. She married John W. Brackett in Millburgh in Pipestone Township in Berrien County, Michigan on September 16th 1868. They had one son, Edgar Lacey Brackett born July 11th 1869. Thus began the Brant/Brackett connection. It is said that John's family did not approve of this marriage. It is said that when Edgar Lacey Brackett was born Sarah notified John's family of the birth and she was told that he had died in an accident while working on the railroad. No death record has been found. John had joined his family in this railroad venture. Several of the Michigan Brackett families had railroad/ and or canal connections.

Sarah J. (Brant) Brackett remarried on 14 Apr 1870 in New Buffalo, Michigan. This record indicates she married John James. They were both listed as being from Benton Harbor. Sarah is listed as being 20 years of age and John as being 27 years of age. They are recorded as both having been born in New York even though we know she was born in Illinois. This may actually be the record of her marriage to John Powell, maybe that last name was left out or was recorded incorrectly when the marriage was recorded? Sarah J. Brant Brackett James and John Powell's daughter, Olive Powell was born in Iowa in about 1872. Olive Powell is mentioned as being married in a double ceremony with her half brother Edgar Brackett in 1890. So by 1890 the Powell family was back in Berrien County. In 1893 Sarah J. Powell is listed in Lacy Brant's probate as living in Benton Township Michigan and as being 43 years of age. In 1900 Sarah J. Powell is seen living in Benton Harbor, possibly at a relatives house as she has no residence. She is living with two of her sons, John G. Powell and George T. Powell. In 1889 George was born in Minnesota. In 1920 Sarah Powell is living in Buchanan, Michigan with her son Tim, possibly George T., and his young wife at 119 Alexander Street. Sarah is listed as 67 years of age.

Sarah J. Powell died in Galien Township, Michigan on 29 Jul 1930. Her death record indicates she was 80 years, 1 month and 8 days old at the time of her death. She would have been born 21 Jun 1850. It states she was born in Illinois and lists her father as Lacy Brant and her mother as Angelina Brown. Sarah's obituary appeared in the Niles Daily Star (newspaper) on 30 Jul 1930 and reads:

Galien Pioneer Dies

Mrs. Sarah Powell, 80, a pioneer of Berrien County died last evening at

the home of her son William Powell with who she had made her home in

Galien. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. Edward Phillips,

Mrs. Anthony Slocum and William Powell of Galien, Mrs. Eva Hall of

Buchanan, Madison Powell of Detroit, and Edward Brackett of

New Troy. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock on Thursday

afternoon in the Christian Church, Buchanan. Burial will be in the New

Troy Cemetery.

*Edward Brackett should have been listed as Edgar Brackett. He often went by Ed and some assumed his name was Edward instead of Edgar.

# 163 of the 1930 Berrien County Death Certificates records Sarah Powell's death. Sarah (Brant) Brackett had remarried John Powell. Sarah Jane Powell died 29 Jul 1930. She was 80 years, 1 month and 8 days old at the time of her death. It states she was born in Illinois. It lists her father as Lacy Brant and her mother as Angelina Brown. She died in Galien Township.

Sarah Powell would have been born 21 Jun 1850.

Page 85 of Liber "B" of the Berrien County Marriages records the second marriage of Sarah J. (Brant) Brackett. Sarah Brackett married John James in New Buffalo Michigan on 14 Apr 1870. It states they both lived in Benton Harbor and were both born in New York. Sarah J. Brant Brackett was 20 years of age and John James was 27 years of age. The marriage was recorded on 30 Jun 1870.

*Records indicate that in 1872 Sarah was married to a John Powell. This is possibly their marriage record and was recorded improperly. We also know that Sarah was born in Berrien County, Michigan, not New York, as this record indicates.

Page 114 of Liber "B" of the Berrien County Death Certificates records the death of *Lacey Brant. His date of death is 11 Sep 1891. He was 81 years, 9 months and 4 days old at the time of his death. He died at home in Royalton Township. It states he was born in New York but his parents are listed as unknown. The death was recorded 07 Jan 1892. The only other information given is that the cause of death was "old age". Lacey Brant would have been born on 07 Dec 1810.

*This death record is indexed as Lucy Brant not Lacey.

Sarah Jane Brant was born about 1850 in Livingston, Illinois. She was the daughter of Lacey and Angeline (Brown) Brant. There is a small town of Livingston in Madison County, Illinois and a Livingston County, Illinois. Lacey’s brother Nathaniel Brant also lived for some time in Illinois. Sarah Brant married 1st John W. Brackett in 1868 in Millburg, Berrien County, Michigan. John died in 1869. They had a son named Edgar Lacey Brackett in 1869. Sarah (Brant) Brackett may have married 2nd John James in 1870 in New Buffalo, Berrien County, Michigan. This record may be in error and this may actually have been John Powell. Sarah (Brant) married 3rd John William Powell by 1872 as their daughter Olive Powell was born in Iowa that year. Another daughter Eva Powell was born in Iowa on 12 Sep 1881.

By 1890 some of this family, Edgar Brackett and Olive Powell were in Hagar Township, Berrien County, Michigan where they married brother and sister, William and Sarah Wooldridge. Olive (Powell) Wooldridge died and William Wooldridge later remarried.

In 1893 a John S. Powell died in Lincoln Township, Berrien County, Michigan. He was married, 59 years old and his parents were John and Harriet Powell of England. According to this record John Powell was born in New York. The cause of death is listed as “Whiskey”. Relationship if any is unknown.

The 1900 census of Benton Harbor City, Berrien County, Michigan shows, on Buss Avenue, Sarah Powell, widow 48 years of age, born in June 1852 in Illinois and her two sons, John G. and George T. Powell. John was born in March of 1882 in Michigan and George was born in April of 1889 in Minnesota. This record indicates that John and George’s father was born in England. This record also indicates Sarah had 7 children 6 of them still living in 1900. Olive (Powell) Wooldridge would have been the child who died before 1900.

The 1910 census of Galien Township, Berrien County, Michigan shows Sarah Powell, widow 58 years of age, born in Illinois and her son Timothy 20 years of age. Timothy was born in Minnesota and his father in New York. This census indicates she had 8 children 7 who were living in 1910. It appears George T. Powell of 1900 had become Timothy Powell. His middle name must have been Timothy and since his brother was going by name George he probably went by Tim or Timothy.

Rev. John G. Powell died in 1914 and was 31 years of age. He was reportedly born in La Cota, Van Buren County, Michigan in March of 1882. He is also seen as Rev. J. George Powell

They 1917-1922 Rural Directory of Berrien County includes, living at 106 Alexander St. in Buchanan, Mrs. Sarah Powell and Tim Powell who was a driver.

The 1920 census of Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan shows Sarah Powell, widow 67 years of age, born in Illinois, her son Tim 27 years of age, born in Minnesota and his wife Anna 18 years of age. This record states that Tim’s father was born in Minnesota. This may be Sarah’s grandson Tim Powell as the 1930 census indicates.

In 1925 Tim Powell 33 years of age married Elnora Gross. This record indicates his father was John Powell and his mother’s maiden name was Brant.

The 1930 census of Galien Township, Berrien County, Michigan shows Timothy G. Powell 39 years of age, his wife Nora 19 years of age and Sarah J. Powell who is listed as his grandmother.

Looking at Tim Powell’s death record from 1955 is confusing. It says his mother was Allie Slocum, and his father was Patrick Powell. In other records Allie Slocum is reportedly Allie (Powell) Slocum. Allie Powell was a daughter of John and Sarah (Brant) Powell. This record may be in error when compared to the other records perhaps his wife did not get the facts straight. In a marriage record of 1925 he stated his father was John Powell and mother’s maiden name was Brant. Maybe these were two different men named Tim Powell. His obituary adds to my confusion:

“Timothy Powell Galien-Timothy Powell, 63 of rural route one, Galien, died suddenly of a heart attack in his home at 5:30p.m., Tuesday. Powell was born April 26, 1892 in Madison, Minn., and married Elnora Gross, May 4, 1925 in St. Joseph. He was employed by the Clark Equipment Co. Survivors are three brothers, John and Ed Slocum of Buchanan and Leroy Slocum of South Bend; two sisters, Mrs. Ada Heyn of Buchanan and Mrs. Mary McCoy of Antioch, Calif. Friends may call at the Swem Funeral home after 7 p.m., tonight where services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday with the Rev. W. Robert Palmer of the Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.”

Eva (Powell) Hall died on 26 Oct 1964. Her death record indicates she was born in Iowa on 12 Sep 1881 and was the daughter of John William Powell and Sarah Brant. Her husband was Frederick Elmer Hall.

Looking at these records you can see that Sarah Brant was born in Illinois, lived in Berrien County in 1870, lived in Iowa in 1872-1881, was back in Michigan in 1882 around the small village of La Cota in Van Buren County, may have lived in Minnesota in 1889 and was back in Michigan by 1900. The census records that indicate John William Powell was born in New York and his parents may have been born in England that may tie him to the John S. Powell who died in Berrien County in 1893.

When Sarah died in 1930 her living children were: William Powell with whom she was living, Madison Powell of Detroit, Mrs. Edward Phillips (Elnora Powell), Mrs. Eva Hall (Mrs. Frederick Elmer Hall), Mrs. Anthony Slocum (Allie Powell) and Edgar Brackett. This would account for 6 of her 7 children recorded in 1900. Olive (Powell) Wooldridge was deceased. If this record is accurate where was George T. Powell? We know John G. died in 1914 perhaps George had died by 1930. But this would add up to 9 children not 8 as indicated in the 1910 census and not 7 as indicated in the 1900 census. Perhaps she was not counting Edgar Brackett as he was from a pervious marriage. The 1930 census shows Sarah J. Powell living with Timothy Powell and she is recorded as his grandmother. It would appear there was not a William Powell as her obituary indicates but that this was actually Timothy G. Powell. No record of William Powell can be found in Berrien County. Where the name Patrick Powell as Tim Powell’s father came from is not known. This would account for her eight not nine children.

Sarah’s eight children appear to have been:

Edgar Lacey Brackett b. 1869 in Michigan, married Sarah Jane Wooldridge

Olive Powell b. 1872 in Iowa, married William Wooldridge

Allie Powell b. probably in Iowa, married Anthony Slocum

Madison Powell b. probably in Iowa, married Minnie Shier and lived in Detroit

Elnora Powell b. probably in Iowa, married 1st Edward Phillips, 2nd August Singbiel

Eva Powell b. 1881 in Iowa, married Frederick Elmer Hall

John G. Powell b. 1882 in Michigan, married Catherine

George T. Powell b. 1889 in Minnesota, married 1st Anna, 2nd Elnora Gross

Sarah J. Brant married 1st John W. Brackett in Berrien County, Michigan in 1868 and their only child was Edgar Lacey Brackett. Sarah Brackett later married John Powell.

Edgar Lacey Brackett married Sarah Jane Wooldridge in Berrien County, Michigan in 1890.

Their son Walter M. Brackett married Cora E. Upson in Berrien County, Michigan in 1915.

Their son Harold Earl Brackett married 2nd Arvena Daniel (nee Hambrick) in Berrien County, Michigan in 1947.

Their son William Brackett married Jane Hauch in Lakeside, Berrien County, Michigan in 1970.

If Simeon Brant and Simeon Brand were one in the same the following are some of his early records from Massachusetts:

Simeon Brand Land Record

To all people to whom these presents shall come I Simeon Brand of Westgreenwich in the county of Kent in the state of Rhode Island and in providence plantations & … send greeting know that I the said Simeon Brand aforesaid in consideration of the sum of Ninty pounds lawful money to me in hand before the ensealing hereof well and truly paid by my honored father Robert Brand of the town and county and state aforesaid labour the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and my self there with fully satisfied contented and paid and thereof and every part and percel thereof do exonerate … and discharge him the said Robert Brand his heirs executors and administrators forever by these presents and therefore have given granted bargained sold aliened enfeofed conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do freely fully and absolutely give grant bargain sell alien enfeoff convey and confirm unto him the dais Robert brand his heirs and assigns for ever one sertain tract or pease of land situate lying and being in Westgreenwhich aforesaid and contains by Exteronation forty acres however be the same or less it begins at Thomas Frye southeast corner it being a heap of stones on a rock and to extend easterly as the highway goes with comes to a small walnut with stone about and from thence northerly to a stake and heap of stones from thence westerly to a whit oak stump from thence southerly to the first mentioned bound and bounded southerly on a highway easterly on land belonging to Doctor … Allen deceased northerly on land lately belonging to Potter Joshua and westerly on land of Thomas Fry together … and assigns forever to his and their only proper use benefit and behoof forever and I the said Simeon Brand for myself an my heirs executors and administrators do covenant promise and grant to and with the said Robert Brand his heirs and assigns that at and before the ensealing hereof I am the true sole and lawful owner of the above bargained premises and am lawfully seized and possessed of the same in my own proper rights as aforesaid perfect and absolute estate of Joshe Vitamer in fee simple and have on my own self good right … power and lawful authority to sell and dispose of the same in manner as above said and that the said Robert Brand his heirs and assigns shall and may from time to time and at other times for ever here after by force and virtue of these presents law peacefully and … have hold use occupy posses and enjoy the said demised and bargained premises with appertanances free and clear and freely and clear of acquitted exonerated and discharge of and from all … a manner of former or other gifts grants bargains sails leases mortgages wills entails jointures dowries judgements executions or in cumberances what name or nature so ever that … any … or deynee abstract or make void this present do … furthermore I the said Simeon Brand for myself my heirs executors and administrators do covenant and engage the above demised premises to … the said Robert Brand his heirs and assigns against lawfull claims or demands of any person or persons whatsoever forever to warrant secure and defend presents and I Phebe Brand wife of the afore said Simeon Brand do by these presents for the consideration afore mentioned freely and willingly give yield surrender all my right of dower and power of that of in and unto the aforesaid land and premises unto the said Robert Brand his heirs and assigns forever in witness where of we the said Simeon Brand & Phebe have his wife have here unto set our hand and seals this fifteenth day of April and in the year of our Lord A D 1778

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us

Simeon Brand (signature) (seal)

Giffen Sweet (signature) her

Phebe X Brand (seal)

her mark

Mary X Sweet

Mark

Recorded the a Kent … Westgreewhich June the ninth day AD 1779 then

…. Going deed personally appeared the above subscribers Simeon Brand

September 27th and acknowledge the above written instrument & to be his

… AD 1780 free act and deed hand and seal here unto affixed before me

Gid Wait …. Thomas Jaslin Justice Peace

All people to whom these presents shall come … Simeon Brand of (West)greenwich in the county of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Province plantations … send greeting know ye that I said Simeon Brand for and in consideration … Twenty Two pound four shillings lawful silver money to me in hand … the ensealing hereof, well and truly paid by Samuel Albro of the same town & county aforesaid labourer the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and my … there with fully satisfied contented and paid and there of and of every part and or thereof do exonerate acquit and discharge him the said Samuel Albro his heirs executors and administrators for ever by these presents have given granted sold and enfeofed conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do freely fully and absolutely give grant bargain sell alien enfeoffe convey and confirm unto the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigns forever one sertain tract or percel … and situate lying and being in Westgreenwhich aforesaid containing twelve … be the same more or less and is butted and bounded as followeth viz … on a highway westerly on land of John Ledson northerly on coventry … easterly land belonging to the Frys together with one small dwelling … thereon standing with all and singles the rights and priviledges unto the … belonging to have and to hold the said granted and bargained premises … all the appurtenances priviledges and commodities to the same belonging to … wife ascertaining to him the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigns forever … and their only proper use benefit and behoof forever and I the said Simeon Brand for my self and my heirs executors and administrators do covenant promise … to and with the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigns that at & before the sealing hereof I am the true sole and lawful owner of the above bargained … and am lawfully seized and possessed of the same in my own proper … as a good perfect and absolute estate of inheritance in fee simple and have in … god right full power and lawful authority to grant bargain sell convey confirm the said bargained premises in manner as aforesaid and that the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigns shall and may from time to time and at all forever hereafter by force and virtue of these presents lawfully peaceably quietly have hold and occupy promised enjoy the said demised and bargained … with appurtenances free and clear and freely and clearly exhonerate and … of and form and all manner of former or gifts grants bargains … mortagages wills entails jointures dowries judgments executors or incumberances … or nature sower that might in any measure or degree abstruct or … said this present … furthermore I the said Simeon Brand for my … heirs executors and administrators do covenant and engage the above demised parcels unto him the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigned against the lawful … and demands of any person or persons whatsoever forever to warrant leave … by these presents in witness whereof I have unto set my hand and affixed my seal this eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord Ano Domini 1788.

Simeon Brand (signature) (seal)

Signed sealed and deliverd

… in the presence of

And I Phebe Brand wife of the said Simeon brand for the consideration aforesaid do freely fully and absolutely give yield up and surrender all my right of dower and power of this in or unto the above described land and premises unto him the said Samuel Albro his heirs and assigns forever in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this day of the above written date

her

Phebe Brand (seal)

Mark

… deed

… the 18th

… 1788

Wait T. …

Kent … Westgreenwich on the day aforesaid written date personally Simeon Brand the above subscriber and acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and did with hand and seal there unto affixed before

Gid Wait Justice Peace

These land records indicate that there were at least two by the name Simeon Brand or Brant. The Revolutionary War pension file of one of them indicates he was married to Prudence Phelps in 1786 and they had 10 children together. This land records indicates the other was married to a Phebe before 1778and still in 1788. I believe the one married to Phebe was the Simeon Brand or Brant who married Phoebe Loetz and who were the parents of Simeon Brant of Berrien County, Michigan. Selling their land in Rhode Island in 1788 they may have then moved on into New York. The Simeon Brant or Brand who served in the Revolutionary War also moved into New York.

I have attempted to gather information about the children of Lacey and Angeline (Brown) Brant. For convenience sake I have numbered these children 1-9. Sarah Jane Brant (7) is my direct ancestor.

(1) Phillip Brant was born in Pennsylvania about 1831. He married Jerusha Wright on 19 Nov 1855 in Berrien County, Michigan. Phillip Brant died in 1900 in Lake Township, Berrien County and is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bridgman, Michigan, as is his wife. Jerusha (Wright) Brant was born on 05 Sep 1842 and died on 06 Aug 1915. Phillip and Jerusha’s children were:

1.A. Jefferson W. Brant b. 1857 d. about 26 Mar 1930, married on 01 Aug 1885 in Berrien County, Michigan, Eliza Crithcer [Critzer] b. 11 Aug 1855 d. 26 May 1957. Eliza was the daughter of John and Catherine (Huff) Critzer. Jefferson and Eliza Brant had children:

1.A.1. Clara Brant b. 26 Jan 1886 d. 16 Feb1972, married on 20 Nov 1904 in Berrien County, Michigan Eather O’Barton b. 01 Oct 1883 d. 30 May 1966 and had children:

1.A.1.1 Floyd E. O’Barton b. 1906 d. 19211.A.1.2 Bernice O’Barton b. 18 May 1909 d. 09 Oct 2001 married on 27 May 1934 Roy Lagerquist b. 29 Mar 1899 d. 06 Jan 1968

Note: Bernice Lagerquist’s obituary was carried in the Herald Palladium of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor on Wednesday 10 Oct 2001 and reads: “Bernice Lagerquist Bridgman-Bernice (O’Barton) Lagerquist, 92, of Bridgman passed away Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001, of natural causes at Jordan’s Nursing Home, Bridgman. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at Boyd Funeral Home, a Kraig A. Pike Family Service in Bridgman, where friends may meet with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service or the Christian United Church of Christ, Sawyer. Friends and family may Share a Memory with the family at www.BoydFuneral.com Bernice was born May, 18, 1909 in Sawyer. She was the 2nd oldest of six children of the late Eather and Clara O’Barton of Sawyer. Bernice graduated with a four-year degree from Western Michigan University and became a teacher in 1929, and began teaching at Painter School in Weesaw Township. She then taught elementary school at Bridgman Elementary School and became the first woman principal there. Bernice retired from that position in 1974. She was well known in the community for her work in the school system. The Bridgman School dedicated a new playground in her name in 1991. Bernice was very active at Christian United Church of Christ, Sawyer and was instrumental in the restoration of its bell tower. Bernice had no children but she raised her nephew, William Tucker, as her own when William’s mother died when he was eight-years old. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lagerquist, in 1968. Survivors include: her nephew, William Tucker; a sister, Dorothy O’Barton Wirth; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Leadelle O’Barton Tucker; and three brothers-Floyd, Lyle and Gerald.”

1.A.1.3 Dorothy O’Barton b. 1912, married on 29 Jul 1933 in Berrien County, Michigan Clarence Wirth b. 04 Nov 1912 d. 13 Nov 1984 and had children:

1.A.1.3.1. John L. Wirth of Albuquerque, New Mexico1.A.1.3.2. Guy B. Wirth of Houston, Texas1.A.1.3.3. Gary R. Wirth of Three Oaks, Michigan1.A.1.3.4. Rick Wirth of Jenison, Michigan1.A.1.3.5. Carol Wirth b. 27 Dec 1943 d. 24 Dec 1972 married David Metz

1.A.1.4 Lyle F. O’Barton b. 1918 d. 19211.A.1.5 Gerald O’Barton b. 1920 d. 1921 1.A.1.6. Leadelle O’Barton, b.25 Jul 1925 d. 14 Mar 1965, married in 30 Sep1949 in Berrien County, Michigan William Ashley Tucker b. 21 Feb 1926 d. 22 Apr 1989 and had a son:

1.A.1.6.1. William Ashley Tucker

Note: Eather and Clara (Brant) O’Barton, William and Leadelle (O’Barton) Tucker and Lyle, Floyd and Gerald O’Barton are buried in the New Troy Cemetery in Weesaw Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Eather is sometimes seen as Herbert O’Barton. His middle initial was H. Clara (Brant) O’Barton’s obituary was carried by the News Palladium of Benton Harbor, Michigan on 17 Feb 1972 and reads: “Mrs. Clara O’Barton Bridgman-Mrs. Clara Brant O’Barton, 86, Sawyer, died at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday in St. Anthony’s hospital, Michigan City, where she had been a patient two weeks. She was born Jan. 26, 1886, in Lake township. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, Sawyer. Her husband, Eather, whom she married on Nov. 20, 1904, preceded her in death on May 30, 1966. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Bernice Lagerquist of Sawyer and Mrs. Clarence Wirth of Three Oaks; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Harry (Edith) Spaulding of Sawyer and Mrs. Effie Myers of Bridgman. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Boyd funeral home, Bridgman. Burial will be in New Troy cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Friday.”

1.A.2. Edith Brant b. 19 Aug 1887 d. 19 Apr 1977, married in Berrien County, Michigan on 05 Nov 1903 Harry Spaulding b. 24 Nov 1879 d. 14 Feb 1982 and had Children:

1.A.2.1. Jay E. Spaulding b. 1906 of Lansing, Michigan1.A.2.2. Vera Spaulding married Phil Sexton of Benton Harbor.1.A.2.3. Ruth Spaulding married Roy Valerius of Canyon County, California

Note: Edith Spaulding and Clara O’Barton were living one household apart in the 1910 census of Chickaming Township, Berrien County, Michigan. In the 1920 census Harry and Edith Spaulding could not be found but Eather and Clara O’Barton were still living in Chickaming Township. Clara and Edith’s marriage records give their father’s name as Jeff or Jefferson Brant. Harry and Edith Spaulding are buried in the New Troy Cemetery in Weesaw Township, Berrien County, Michigan. The obituary for Edith Spaulding was carried in the Hearld Palladium of Benton Harbor/St. Joseph on Wednesday 20 Apr 1977 and reads: “Mrs. H. Spaulding Sawyer-Mrs. Harry (Edith) Spaulding, 89, of Route 1, Hildebrandt road, Sawyer, died Tuesday in Claremont Nursing Home, Benton Harbor. She was born 19 Aug 1887, in Lake township. She was a member of the Christian United Church of Christ, Sawyer. Surviving besides her husband, to whom she was married on Nov. 5, 1903, are a son, Elton Spaulding, Lansing, Mich.; two daughters, Mrs. Phil (Vera) Sexton, Benton Harbor and Mrs. Roy (Ruth) Valerius, Canyon County, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Effie Myers, Bridgman; six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Boyd funeral home, Bridgman, where friends may call after noon Thursday. Burial will be in New Troy cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church.”

1.A.3. Lloyd Brant b. 18 Nov 1888 d. 28 Oct 1957 married in Berrien County, Michigan on 21 Nov 1908 Lillie Dunham and had children:

1.A.3.1. Gertrude Brant married … Lehmann lived in Sawyer, Michigan1.A.3.2. … Brant married Steven Sperry lived in Sawyer, Michigan 1.A.3.3. Doris Brant married … Bradley lived in South Haven, Michigan1.A.3.4. Donald Brant

Note: Lloyd Brant’s obituary was carried in the New Palladium of Benton Harbor on 28 Oct 1957 and reads: “Lloyd Brant Sawyer, Oct. 28-Lloyd Brant, 68, Sawyer, died at his home at 8:10 a.m. today after an illness covering the past year. Mr. Brant was born Nov. 18, 188, in Sawyer, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Brant. He spent his entire life in Sawyer and was a general building contractor. Survived by his wife, Katherine; and three daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Lehmann of Sawyer, Mrs. Steven Sperry of Sawyer and Mrs. Doris Bradley of South Haven; one son, Donald of Sawyer. Six grandchildren and one great grandson. Three sisters, Mrs. Eather O’Barton of Sawyer, Mars Harry Spaulding and Mrs. Elmer Myers, both of Bridgman, also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the H.B. Connelly funeral home in Three Oaks. Burial will follow in Riverside cemetery in Riverside. Friends may call at the H.B. Connelly funeral home until the service.”

1.A.4. Effie Brant b. 24 Oct 1890 married Elmer Myers d. 1959 and had children:

1.A.4.1. Thelma Myers d. 19121.A.4.2. Wanita Myers married … Velchek of Chicago Heights, Illinois.1.A.4.3. Wilma Myers married … Brown d. 1987

Note: Effie Myers’ obituary was carried in the Herald Palladium of Benton Harbor-St. Joseph on 06 Sep 1990 and reads: “Effie Myers Bridgman-Mrs. Effie Myers, 99, 9856 Baldwin Road, Bridgman, died Wednesday at Jordan Nursing Home, Bridgman. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home, Bridgman. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may call today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Bridgman Public Library. Mrs. Myers was born Oct. 24, 1890, in Lake Township. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Bridgman. Survivors include: one daughter, Wanita Velchek of Chicago Heights, Ill.: two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, in 1959, and by two daughters-Thelma in 1912 and Wilma Brown in 1987.”

Note: (1.A) Jefferson W. Brant’s obituary was carried in the New Palladium of Benton Harbor, Michigan on 29 Mar 1930 and reads: “Hold Services For J.W. Brant Sawyer, March 29-Funeral services were held this afternoon for Jeff W. Brant, 72, whose home for more than 30 years had been in Browntown, near Sawyer. Mr. Brant, a lifelong resident of Berrien county, died last Wednesday morning after an illness that began two years ago. Until that time he had been active and in good health. Because of the storm and snow blocked roads arrangements for the funeral were not made until yesterday by Undertaker W.F. Hall of Bridgman. The services today were conducted by Rev. John English of New Troy, and were held at 1 o’clock at the Brant home in Browntown and 2 o’clock at the Bridgman Congregational church. Nephews were bearers. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery at Bridgman.” Eliza (Critzer) Brant’s obituary was carried by the News Palladium of Benton Harbor on 27 May 1957 and reads: “Mrs. Eliza Brant Bridgman, May 27-Mrs. Eliza Brant, 91, died at her home on route 1, Bridgman, at 6:15 p.m. Sunday. Although she had been in poor health about two weeks her death was unexpected. She was born Aug. 11, 1865, in Oronoko township and spent her entire lifetime in Berrien county. Her husband Jeff Brant died in 1930. Mrs. Brant is survived by four children, Mrs. Eather O’Barton of Sawyer, Mrs. Harry Spaulding of Bridgman, Lloyd Brant of Sawyer and Mrs. Elmer Myers of Bridgman; three sisters, Mrs. Catherine Calderwood of Benton Harbor, and Mrs. Clara Huff and Mrs. Mary Swartz, both of Buchanan; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Boyd funeral chapel. The Rev. Frederick Williams, pastor of Olivet Congregational church will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. Friends may call at the Boyd funeral chapel.”

1.B. Nathan D. Brant b. 21 Aug1858 d. 03 Dec 1930, married in Berrien County, Michigan on 20 Apr 1880 Hester (Wright) McCarty b. 01 Jan 1855 d. 22 Apr 1932 and had children:

1.B.1. Ethel Brant b. 1881 in Michigan1.B.2. Orr W. Brant b. 1886 in Kansas, married May …1.B.3. Zoe Brant b. 1888 in Kansas1.B.4. Minna Brant b. 1890 in Kansas1.B.5. Paul Brant b. 1893 in Kansas, married Wilma … and had a son:

1.B.5.1 Billy Brant b. 1925 in Kansas

1.B.6. Vern Brant b. 1896 in Kansas, married Marie …1.B.7. Gladys Brant b. 1898 in Kansas

Note: This information is based on the Nathan and Hester Brant found in the 1900 and 1910 census of Walnut Township of Butler County, Kansas. Nathan Brant married Hester Wright in 1880 in Berrien County, Michigan. Ethel Brant was born in Michigan in 1882 and Orr W. Brant was born in Kansas in 1886 so between those years this family moved to Kansas. In the 1920 census this family was living in Falls Township of Chase County, Kansas where they died. According to records in Chase County Hester Brant was born 01 Jan 1855 and died on 22 Apr 1932 and Nathan Brant was born on 21 Aug 1858 and died on 03 Dec 1930. They are buried in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Chase County, Kansas. The way their marriage record is written it would appear that Nathan married Hester McCarty whose maiden name was Wright. It also says that she was born in Branch County, Michigan. In the 1870 census of Branch County there is a Jay and Mary Wright who had a daughter Esther who was the same age as Hester. Her death record says her father was Jay Wright and that her mother’s maiden name was Walker. Nathan Brant’s death record says he was the son of Philip Brant and Jerusha “Pattengale”. Jerusha Brant’s death record gives her father’s name as John J. Wright and her mother’s name as Jerusha Sherlock not Pattengale.

1.C. Mathew Brant b. 18601.D. Massina L. Brant b. 18621.E. Elias A. Brant b. 15 Oct 1866 d. 17 Jan 1946, married on 12 Aug 1888 in Berrien County, Michigan Alice J. Ludlem b. 19 Nov 1868 d. on 06 Oct 1939 and had children:

1.E.1. Grace Brant b. 1889 married … Doyle lived in New Carlisle, Indiana1.E.2. Pearl E. Brant b. 1891 married … Zeigler lived in Sawyer, Michigan

Note: Elias and Alice (Ludlem) Brant are buried in the New Troy Cemetery, Weesaw Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Elias A. Brant’s obituary was carried in the New Palladium of Benton Harbor, Michigan on 18 Jan 1946 and reads: “E.A. Brant, Sawyer Resident, Is Dead Sawyer, Jan 18-Elias A. Brant, 79, prominent resident of Sawyer, died at 3 p.m. Thursday at his home after an illness of seven months. Born Oct. 15, 1866 in Pipestone township where he lived most of his life in Sawyer and was a carpenter by trade. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Jane Brant, who died six years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Grace Doyle of New Carlisle, Ind.; Mrs. Pearl E. Zeigler of Sawyer; and one granddaughter, Mrs. Burdette Sexton of Sawyer. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. Tine Myers of Bridgman; Mrs. Cora Blakeman and Mrs. Maude Manudsyln of Bridgman. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Hall funeral home of Bridgman where friends may call until the hour of the service. The Rev. Frederick Williams, pastor of the Olivet Congregational church of Bridgman will officiate and burial will be made in New Troy cemetery in New Troy.”

1.F. Nellie May Brant b. 28 Jan 1869 married Christopher Meyer on 15 Nov 1885 in Berrien County, Michigan1.G. Emma Brant b. 05 Feb1873 d. 28 Mar 1941, married on 15 Dec 1894 in Berrien County, Michigan Albert Norton b. 10 May 1870 d. 13 Jul 1954 and had a daughter:

1.G.1. Delta M. Norton b. 17 Aug 1895, married Elmer D. Lupien and had children:

1.G.1.1. Jack Lupien b. 19251.G.1.2. Janke Lupien b. 1927

Note: Emma and Albert Norton can be found in the 1900 census of Portage Township of St. Joseph County, Indiana. Living with them was Ernest Brant who was 18 years old and was Emma’s brother. There is a small article in The South Bend Tribune (newspaper) on Friday August 6, 1915. It reads: “THE MORTUARY RECORD. Mrs. Phillip Brant Mrs. Phillip Brant, a former resident of South Bend, died this morning at her home in Bridgman, Mich. She is the mother of Mrs. Albert Norton, 1120 Allen street, who will leave to-night for Bridgman. Funeral arrangements have not been made.” Albert and Emma Norton are buried in the Mona View Cemetery in Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan. Emma (Brant) Norton’s obituary appeared in the Muskegon Chronicle on 29 Mar 1941 and reads: “Mrs. Albert Norton Mrs. Albert Norton, 68 years old, of 1333 Mason boulevard, Muskegon Heights, died Friday afternoon at her home after an illness of two years. She was born Feb. 5, 1873 on a farm in Pipestone township, Berrien county where she married Albert Norton in 1894. They lived in South Bend until 1916, when they moved to Muskegon Heights. She leaves, besides her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Elmer Dewey Lupien, Muskegon Heights; three sisters, Mrs. P.J. Myers of Bridgman, Mrs. A.H. Blakeman of the Heights, and Mrs. Maud Huisser of Racine, Wis., one brother, Elias Brant of Sawyer, and one grandchild.”

1.H. Cora Belle Brant b. 1875 d. 12 Jan 1967, married on 23 Oct 1891 in Berrien County, Michigan Alvin H. Blakeman b. 12 Jul 1870 d. 19 Sept 1947 and had children:

1.H.1. Gertrude Helen Blakeman b. 31 Oct 1892, married Earl Ackerman and had a son:

1.H.1.1. Ronald Ackerman b. 1911 Gertrude married 2nd James Welsh

1.H.2. Alma V. Blakeman b. 25 Mar 1894, married Frank Schow and had a son:

1.H.2.1 Rex Schow Alma Blakeman married 2nd … Johnson

1.H.3. Victor Joel Blakeman b. 09 Oct 1909, married Margrathe Swanker

Note: Cora and Alvin Blakeman can be found in the 1920 census of Muskegon County, Michigan living next door to Emma and Albert Norton. Alvin and Cora Blakeman are also buried in Mona View Cemetery in Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan as is Emma and Albert Norton. Cora (Brant) Blakeman’s obituary appeared in the Muskegon Chronicle on 14 Jan 1967 and reads: “Mrs. Blakeman Rites Are Held Services were held today for Mrs. Cora B. Blakeman, 91, of 2832 Mason Blvd., Muskegon Heights, matriarch of five generations, who died Thursday at the Muskegon County Medical Care Facility after a long illness. The Rev. John Beem, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, officiated and burial was in Mona View. A resident here since 1911, after moving from Bridgeman, Mrs. Blakeman leaves a son, Victor J. Blakeman, of Muskegon heights; two daughters, Mrs. James Welsh of Lily and Mrs. Alma S. Johnson of Muskegon; a sister, Mrs. James Flynn of South Bend, Ind.; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.”

1.I. Mora Brant b. 18801.J. Ernest Brant b. Nov 1881, married Cora Smith on 21 Oct 1901 in Berrien County and had children:

1.J.1. Eva L. Brant b. 19031.J.2. Robert E. Brant b. 1905Note: Earnest and Cory E. Brant can be found in the 1910 census of Sherman, Wexford County, Michigan.

1.K. Maude Brant b. 03 Aug 1885 d. 12 Jul 1968, married Howard Hutchison in Berrien County, Michigan on 02 Aug 1900 and had a son:

1.K.1. Shirley A. Hutchison b. 14 Feb 1901 d. 04 Oct 1972, married Harriet E. Morrell b. 25 Aug 1901 d.17 Sep 1970. They married on 21 Jun 1919 in Muskegon, Michigan and had children:

1.K.1.1. Shirley Morrell Hutchison, a son, who lived in South Bend, Indiana1.K.1.2. Delta Hutchison, married … Sorocco and lived in South Bend, Indiana1.K.1.3. Mary Hutchison, married … Zima who lived in Moline, Illinois

Note: Maude and Howard Hutchinson can be found in the 1910 census of Portage Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana. This census indicates she was the mother of three children only one of which was still living. Maude married 2nd … Huisser and lived in Racine Wisconsin. Maude married 3rd James Flynn and died in South Bend, Indiana in 1968. Elias Brant’s obituary gives Maud’s name as “Maude Manudsyln” and her residence as Bridgman, Michigan in 1949. Maude’s obituary was carried in the South Bend Tribune on 13 Jul 1968 and reads: “Mrs. Maude Flynn Mrs. Maude Flynn, 82, of 1242 McCartney Dr., died at 12:55pm yesterday in Memorial Hospital. She was born Aug. 3, 1885 in Berrien County, Mich., and lived in South Bend 15 years, coming from Racine, Wis. Survivors include her son, Shirley Hutchison, of South Bend; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at Orvis Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with retired Methodist minister, Rev. Clyde E. Rusk, officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Bridgman, Mich., with graveside services at 2:30 p.m. Monday.” Maud’s birth year is sometimes stated as 1874. This comes from the 1900 census of Lake Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Someone made a subtraction error on this census. It has her age as 15 but her birth year as 1874. In the 1910 census of St. Joseph County, Indiana she is recorded as being 25. Her obituary gives her correct birth year as 1885.1.L. (stillborn) Brant 1887

(2) Amanda Brant born about 1835 in Indiana. Amanda Brant married in Berrien County, Michigan on 02 Nov 1851 to Norman Brant. Norman, Amanda’s cousin, was the son of Artaxerxes Brant. Amanda and Norman’s children were:

2.A. Levi Brant b. 18552.B. Harry Brant b. 30 Sep 1857 d. 22 Jul 18712.C. Broza Brant b. 18602.D. Roscoe Brant b. 18612.E. Stephen Douglas Brant b. 22 Dec 1863 d. 1944, in 1900 he married Estella (Pratt) Brown in Ludington, Mason County, Michigan and they had children:

2.E.1. Russell Brant b. 19012.E.2. Roscoe L. Brant b. 1905, married Luro (possibly) Owen

2.F. McClellan Brant b. 04 Feb 1866 d. 11 Mar 1906 in Mason County, Michigan2.G. Richard Brant b. Aug 1872, married 1st May F. McCoy on 01 May 1895 in Berrien County, Michigan, 2nd Flora McCoy (these may be one in the same)2.H. Joseph Brant b. 24 Dec 1874, d. 01 Nov 1952, married Emma Reed and had a son:

2.H.1. Norman Brant

Note: Norman Brant died on 05 Apr 1879 and in the1880 census Amanda appears as a widow in Sodus Township. Amanda Brant married 2nd Daniel Matthews about 1886 and can be found in the 1900 census of Sodus Township, Berrien County, Michigan:

Daniel Mathews, farmer, 61 years of age born in New YorkAmanda Mathews, 61 years of age born in IndianaDaniel and Amanda Mathews had been married 17 years and living next door were two of her sons, Richard Brant and Joseph Brant. By 1910 Amanda (Brant) Matthews, 75 years of age, was living in Sherman Township of Mason County, Michigan where some of her sons had relocated. Cemetery records of Fountain, Michigan contain McClellan, Stephen or Douglas and Joseph Brandt or Brant. There is a biography for a Stephen Douglas Brandt in a book called Historic Mason County, Michigan, which was published in 1980. It says he was one of eight sons of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brandt of Sodus, Berrien County, Michigan. The article indicates three of their sons died when they were young and three passed away as young men, leaving Stephen and Joseph and they were residents of Fountain for many years. Also in this area were Simeon and Clarissa Brant. This Simeon Brant was a brother of Norman Brant, sons of Artaxerxes Brant.

(3) George M. Brant was born about 1840 in Berrien County, Michigan and married Harriet C. Defield in Berrien County on 14 Jun 1863 in Berrien County. This marriage took place after his first tour of duty in the Civil War and before he reenlisted. Harriet C. Defield remarried on 16 Jun 1869 in Berrien County, Michigan to John Duart. In 1880 the census includes George M. Brant as living in Willow Creek, Pierce County, Nebraska. George M. Brant was living in Norfolk, Madison County Nebraska in November of 1889 according to the Civil War pension files for Lacey and Angeline Brant and in Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan in 1893. In 1880 George’s 2nd wife was Minerva … and their children were:

3.A. Amanda Brant b. 18663.B. Lillie Brant b. 1875, married 05 Oct 1892 George Bishop in Berrien County, Michigan3.C. Maude M. Brant b. 1877, married 04 Oct 1892 William Knight in Berrien County, Michigan

Note: The 1880 census of Town 26, Willow Creek, Pierce County, Nebraska includes:

Geo M. Brant, farmer, 29 years of age, born in MichiganMinerva Brant, 27 years of age born in MichiganAmanda Brant, 14 years of age born in MichiganLillie Brant, 5 years of age born in MichiganMauda M. Brant, 3 years of age born in Michigan

The age of George and Minerva in this census appear to be off by about 10 years. He would have been 39 and if Amanda was her daughter she was probably at least 30 and probably 37. If this census is accurate they must have moved to Nebraska about 1878. Maude M. Brant’s marriage record says her mother was named “Hannah M. Hoxey”. I believe this is the “Minerva” Brant of the 1880 census. George M. Brant is included in the 1890 census of Civil War veterans of Douglas County, Nebraska. His post-office address is listed as: “Gretna, Sarpy County, Nebraska”. Lacey Brant’s probate record would indicate that George M. Brant was living in Royalton Township in the year 1893 but he has not been located after that time. The Civil War pension files indicate he was living in Nebraska in 1889.

(4) Vincent G. Brant b. 1841, married Mary Ann Marshall in Berrien County, Michigan on 24 Jul 1864. Vincent Brant died 30 Mar 1871. They had children:

4.A. Adelbert Brant b. 18654.B. Almenda Brant b. 1867

(5) Olive Brant b. 1845 may have married Andrew J. Countryman in Sodus, Berrien County, Michigan on 30 Jul 1876.

Note: Olive would have been 30 going on 31 years of age in 1876. It is not clear if this Olive Brant who married Andrew J. Countryman was Lacey’s daughter. By 1882 Andrew J. Countryman married Anna S. Tupper on 26 June and on 26 Apr 1893 Andrew J. Countryman married Rachel VanBrunt. The 1876 marriage record does not give the ages of the couple or their parents names. The 1882 marriage record gives Andrew’s age as 27 but does not give parents names. The 1893 marriage record gives Andrew’s age as 39 and his parents as Wm Countryman and May M. McWhirter and it does say he had been married “two” other times. In Lacey Brant’s probate file it says that in 1893 “Olive Brant” was living in Benton Township of Berrien County. Andrew J. Countryman does not appear in any Berrien County census records that I could find even though he was in Berrien County, Michigan from about 1876-1893.

(6) William L. Brant b. 20 May 1846, married 1st Phebe Ann Ray or Wray in Berrien County, Michigan. William and Phebe had children:

6.A. Elmer Amaza Brant b. 1866, married Martha A. .. and had a son:

6.A.1. Howard B. Brant had a son:

6.A.1.1. Oliver L. Brant

6.B. Claude Brant b. 1869, married Ella May Dodd on 04 Aug 1889 and had a daughter:

6.B.1. Rachel Brant b.1892

6.C. Maude Brant b. 1872

Note: William L. Brant married 2nd Catherine Shingledecker on 29 May 1881.William L. Brant married 3rd, Rebecca (Cooper) Mead on 01 Aug 1885 in Berrien County, Michigan. William and Rebecca had children:

6.D. Gracie Brant b. 1890 married Jessie Mast b. 03 Mar 1890 d. on 15 Jan 1938 in Berrien County, Michigan and they had a son:

6.D.1. William Lloyd Mast b. 1903, married on 14 May 1938 Louise Gaul in Berrien County, Michigan

6.E. Robert L. Brant b.15 Aug 1894 d. 24 Oct 19166.F. Nellie Brant b. 1911

Note: William L. Brant died on 10 Apr 1931. Rebecca Brant died on 16 Apr 1946 and both William L. and Rebecca Brant are buried in the Greenwood Cemetery near Bridgman, Michigan as is his brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and Jerusha Brant. Claude Brant’s marriage record says his mother was Phoebe Wright not Ray. This can be explained as Phoebe’s mother married 2nd John Wright. Gracie Brant’s marriage record gives her mother’s maiden name as Cooper and Robert Brant’s death record say his mother was “Roberta Cooper”. The 1910 census of Lake Township, Berrien County, Michigan shows that living with William Brant was his mother-in-law Jane Cooper. The News Palladium of Benton Harbor carried the obituary of William Brant on 11 Apr 1931 and it reads: “William Brant, 84, Of Livingston Dies; Rites Sunday Bridgman, April 11-Funeral services will be held here Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the First Congregational church for the late William Brant, 84, who died Friday at his home in Livingston. The Rev. Ferderic Williams will officiate and burial will follow in the Greenwood cemetery. The casket bearers will be Bert Brant, Aney Brant, Claude Brant, John Mast, William Mead and Roscoe Decker. The late Mr. Brant had been ill 10 years. He suffered a stroke several years ago and the effects of the stroke and the weakness of his advanced age kept him confined to his bed for a long interval. The deceased is survived by his wife, two sons, Claude of Galien and Anzey of Benton Harbor; two daughters, Mrs. Charles Richardson of Benton Harbor and Mrs. Grace Mast of Livingston, and two step daughters, Mrs. Frank Decker and Mrs. William Mead. Five grandchildren also survive. One son, Robert died fourteen years ago.”

(7) Sarah Jane Brant was born in Livingston, Illinois on 21 Jun 1850. She married John W. Brackett in Millburg in Pipestone Township in Berrien County, Michigan on September 16th 1868. They had one son, Edgar Lacey Brackett born July 11th 1869. When Sarah notified John's parents of the birth of their son, his parents told her that John had been killed in an accident on the railroad. The place of this accident or even the fact that it took place has not been verified. John's death is reported to have taken place in 1869. No death record has been located. If it were not for the few months that John and Sarah had together our branch of the Brackett family would not exist. They had a son:

7.A. Edgar Lacey Brackett, born 11 Jul 1869 in Pipestone Township Berrien County, Michigan. Edgar Brackett died on 08 Dec1952 in New Troy, Michigan and is buried in the New Troy Cemetery.

Note: On 3 November 1890 at the age of 21 years (7.A) Edgar Lacey Brackett married Sarah J. Wooldridge in Berrien County, Michigan Sarah was born in New York and they married in St. Joseph, Michigan. For a period after their marriage they lived in Illinois. Around 1900 they returned to Michigan where they purchased eighty acres of land along Wagner Road in New Troy, Michigan. Edgar and Sarah's children were:

7.A1.Adeliah M. Brackett, born 1892 in Michigan; died 1963 in New Troy, mar. Peter Ferry in Berrien County, Michigan. They are buried in the New Troy Cemetery. They had one son:

7.A.1.1Edgar Ferry of New Troy.

7.A.2.Walter Madison Brackett, born in La Cota, Illinois 10 March 1894 and died 6 September 1966 in New Troy. On 15 August 1915 in St. Joseph, Michigan Walter M. Brackett married Cora E. Upson, who was born in St. Joseph on 12 April 1898. Walter and Cora’s children were:

7.A.2.1. Harold Earl Brackett, born 29 Mar 1916, died 12 Jan 1981. He married 1st Anna Pries and had a stillborn daughter, he married 2nd Arvena Daniel. Arvena’s maiden name was Hambrick. Harold and Arvena are buried in the New Troy Cemetery. Harold Earl Brackett married Arvena Ula Daniel on 12 Feb 1946, in Bridgman, Michigan. Harold and Arvena’s children were:

7.A.2.1.1. William Earl Brackett, born 14 Jul 1949 in New Troy, Michigan. His birth is also recorded as 13 Jul 1949. William Earl Brackett married Jane Rae Hauch on 10 Oct 1970, in Lakeside, Michigan. William and Jane's children were:

7.A.2.1.1.1. Phillip Ryan born 09 Nov 1975 in Niles, Michigan, married Jennifer Cuthbert on 19 May 2001 in Berrien County, Michigan and had a son:

7.A.2.1.1.1.1. Garrett Ryan Brackett b. 28 June 2004

7.A.2.1.1.2. Stephen Troy born 08 Oct 1977 in Niles, Michigan, married Shannon McKeand on 29 Nov 2002 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Note: William Brackett authored this paper on Lacey Brant in August of 2006. My genealogy website is www.geocities.com/wbrackett14

7.A.2.1.2. Charlotte Alice Brackett, born 19 Dec 1951 in New Troy, married Marvon Walk of New Buffalo, Michigan and had sons:

7.A.2.1.2.1 Christopher Walk

7.A.2.1.2.2 Gary Walk

7.A.2.1.3. Harlen Ula Brackett, born 11 Apr 1953 in New Troy, married 1st Paul Bradlaw Heppler of New Buffalo, Michigan, married 2nd Larry Whitney. They divorced and she returned to the Heppler name. By Paul Heppler she had a son:

7.A.2.1.3.1 Paul Heppler

and had a daughter

7.A.2.1.3.2 Heather Heppler

7.A.2.2. Sarah Jennie Brackett, born 19 Oct 1917, died 15 Apr 1938, married Gus Pollock, she is buried in the Brackett family plot in the New Troy Cemetery. No children.

7.A.2.3. Walter Lavern Brackett born 12 Dec 1918, died 1921, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery.7.A.2.4. E.L., born 12 Dec 1919, died 13 Mar 1983, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery. He never married. 7.A.2.5. Mary Brackett, born 03 Feb 1927, died 4 February 1927, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery. 7.A.2.6. Adelia Mae Brackett, born 04 Feb 1928, married Martin Mensinger, died 26 Feb 2004, buried in the New Troy Cemetery. They had children:

7.A.2.6.1 Don E Mensinger

7.A.2.6.2 Joyce Mensinger

7.A.2.6.3 Karolyn Mensinger

7.A.2.6.4 Jon Mensinger

7.A.2.7. Marjorie Lucille Bracket, born 04 Jan 1930, married Ellis Shepardson. They had children:

7.A.2.7.1 Guy Shepardson

7.A.2.7.2 Dean Shepardson

7.A.2.7.3 Kay Shepardson

7.A.2.7.4. John Shepardson

7.A.2.8. Donna Mae Brackett, born 14 Jan 1933, married 1st Elwin Teadt, married 2nd Ollie Jackson. Donna and Elwin Teadt had children:

7.A.2.8.1 Ray Teadt

7.A.2.8.2 Connie Teadt

7.A.2.8.3 Donna Teadt

7.A.2.8.4 Judy Teadt

7.A.2.8.5 David Teadt

7.A.2.9. Jack A. born, 01 Dec 1935, married Joy Vinnedge. Joy’s maiden name was Glassburn. They had children:

7.A.2.9.1 James Brackett

7.A.2.9.1 Joy Brackett

7.A.2.10.Robert O'Dean Brackett, born 21 Jun 1938, married Mildred Melton. They had children:

7.A.2.10.1 Bonnie Brackett

7.A.2.10.2 Susan Brackett

7.A.2.10.3 Tammy Brackett

7.A.2.11.Caroll Ann born, 17 Jun 1940, married in 1990 James Stuckey. No children

Note: On 14 April of 1870 Sarah (Brant) Brackett remarried; “John James”, in New Buffalo, Michigan and they lived in Iowa and Minnesota. This record may be in error as it only lists the name as John James but is likely John Powell. Her children born after 1870 were of the Powell family name:

7.B. Olive Powell b. 1872 in Iowa, married William Wooldridge in Berrien County, Michigan on 03 Nov 18907.C. Allie Powell b. in Iowa, married Anthony Slocum in Berrien County, Michigan on 26 Aug 18927.D. Madison Powell b. in Iowa, married Minnie Shier in Berrien County, Michigan on 04 Mar 18997.E. Eva Powell b. 12 Sep 1881 in Iowa, married Frederick E. Hall7.F. John G. Powell b. Mar 1882 in Iowa, married Catherine … and was a minister7.G. George T. Powell b. Apr 1889 married 1st Anna …, married 2nd Elnora Gross7.H. Elnora Powell married 1st Edward Phillips, married 2nd August Singbiel in Berrien County, Michigan

Note: Sarah Powell died on 29 Jul 1930 in Galien in Berrien County, Michigan. I was told, by a family member, that Sarah (Brant) Brackett-Powell is buried in the Brackett family plot in the New Troy Cemetery in New Troy, Berrien County, Michigan. They said there was once a homemade marker there but it is now gone. In 2006 we had a new grave marker placed on the Brackett family plot for Sarah J. Powell.

(8) Howard Burton Brant b. 29 Jul 1852, married Sarah E. McEllhaney about 1884. Sarah was born in Nov of 1868 the daughter of Jacob and Margaret McEllhaney. Howard and Sarah Brant lived in Lee Township of Allegan County, Michigan and had children:

8.A. Franklin M. Brant b. Oct1883 in Nebraska, married Emma E. Coney b. 1880 on 26 Oct 1908 and had children:

8.A.1. Ira Brant b. 19108.A.2. Clarence Brant b. 1911

8.B. Myrtle Brant b. Jun 1887 in Omaha, Nebraska, married Charles E. Piper b. 1874 and had children:

8.B.1. Verne Piper b. 19088.B.2. Ellen Piper b. 1909

8.C. Bertha Brant b. Sep 1892 in Michigan, married Frank Lull8.D. Dora B. Brant b. Dec 1894 in Michigan, married Harold Blaire8.E. Howard Bert Brant b. Dec 1896 in Michigan d. Aug 19718.F. Sarah E. Brant b. Dec 1898 in Michigan, married … Hall8.G. Frederick O. Brant b. 1901 in Michigan, married Helen … b. 1903 and had children:

8.G.1. “Aronald” Brant b. 19258.G.2. Harold Brant b. 1927

8.H. Melissa P. Brant b. 1904 in Michigan, married … Sliter8.I. Lula I. Brant b. 1910 in Michigan, married Westley Malbone

Note: Howard Burton Brant was divorced about 1910-1920. By 1920 Sarah was living with her daughter Dora Blaire in Kalamazoo and is listed as being divorced. Some of her younger children are also in this same household. In 1930 Howard B. Brant is living in Bangor, Van Buren County, Michigan as is his son Franklin M. Brant. Howard B. Brant died on 17 Dec 1940 and is buried in the Arlington Township Cemetery near Bangor, Michigan. In this same plot is also his son Frank M. Brant and Frank’s wife, Emma E. Brant. Sarah E. (McEllhaney) Brant died in Kalamazoo near 15 May 1949 as that is when her obituary appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette. Howard B. Brant’s obituary was carried in The Bangor Advance on Thursday 19 Dec 1940 and reads: “Aged Man Passes Away at Home of Son Howard Berton Brant, 88 passed away at the home of his son, Frank Brant, late Monday night. Mr. Brant had made his home in Bangor for the past 15 years. Before that time he lived on a farm north of Lacota. He is survived by eight children. Frank of Bangor, Mrs. Myrtle Piper, Mrs. Bertha Hall, Mrs. Sara Hall, Mrs. Melissa Sliter, Mrs. Lula Malbone, Bert Brant and Fred Brant, all of Kalamazoo. Also by 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in Sherrod’s chapel this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o’clock. Rev. Ralph Winans, pastor of the Church of God, South Haven, will conduct the service. Burial will be in Arlington Hill Cemetery.” Sarah E. Brant’s obituary was carried in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 15 May 1949 and reads: “Sarah E. Brant-Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Brant, 82, died Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bertha D. Lull, 623 Third Street, after an illness of four years. Mrs. Brant a resident of Kalamazoo 31 years, was born in Eau Claire, Michigan., Nov. 17, 1866, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McEllhaney. She was the widow of Howard Brant. She was a member of the Church of God. Survivors are three sons, Frank M. Brant, Bangor; Howard B. Brant, Kalamazoo and Fred O. Brant, also of Kalamazoo; five daughters, Mrs. Lull, Mrs. Charles Piper, Mrs. Sadie Hall, Mrs. Westley Malbone and Mrs. Melissa Sliter, all of Kalamazoo; 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.” Howard B. Brant was also in Nebraska about the years 1883-1887. His brother George M. Brant was in Nebraska from about 1878-1890. They may have gone together and returned to Michigan about the same time. Howard B. Brant’s daughter Bertha was born in Michigan in 1892. Their father, Lacey Brant, died in September of 1891 and this may be what brought them back to Michigan.

(9) Exzavia Brant b. 1855 married Amanda Puterbaugh on 04 Jan 1875 in Berrien County, Michigan and had children:

9.A. Maggie Brant b. 1876, married John Schaub on 27 Nov 1896 in Berrien County, Michigan

Note: The 1910 and 1920 census records were checked and they show no children for this couple

9.B. Esther Marie Brant b. 1877, married August A. Gibson on 13 Nov 1893 in Berrien County, Michigan and had children:

9.B.1 Carrie M. Gibson b. 18949.B.2. Minnie B. Gibson b. 18969.B.3. Rosella Gibson b. 1898

Note: The 1900 census of Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan includes Esther and August Gibson and their three daughters. The 1910 census includes August and his two youngest daughters. He is recorded as being single. Living with him is a servant Ethel Brant who was 36 years of age. Ethel had been married twice and had two children but they were not included in this household. By 1920 August Gibson had married Ethel Brant and they had a son Gordon Gibson. It is not clear who this Ethel Brant was.

9.C. Sylvia B. Brant b. 1879, married George Bloom on 10 Jun 1897 in Berrien County, Michigan

Note: In 1900 Sylvia and George Bloom were living in Manistee, in Manistee County, Michigan. No children were included in this census. By 1962 Sylvia had married … Haigginson and lived in Grand Rapids.

9.D. Clyde Brant b. 07 Jul 1881 d. 30 Sep 1962, married on 12 Feb 1904 in Berrien County, Michigan Rachel May Kruse d. 17 Sep 1941and had children:

9.D.1. Arthur E. Brant b. 30 Nov 1904 d. 11 Jan 1993, married 10 Oct 1924 Louise Harold in Berrien County, Michigan lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan 9.D.2. LaVern W. Brant b. 11 Jun 1906 d. 25 Mar 1994, married 10 Jun 1935Gertrude Phillips in Berrien County, Michigan and had children:

9.D.2.1. Willis Brant of Berrien Springs, Michigan9.D.2.2. Earl Brant of Portland, Orgegon9.D.2.3. LaVonne Brant married … Krause of Stevensville, Michigan

Note: The Herald Palladium of Benton harbor carried LaVern Brant’s obituary on 27 Mar 1994 and it reads: “LaVern Brant LaVern W. Brant, 87, of Benton Harbor died Friday at Mercy Memorial Medical Center, St. Joseph. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, St. Joseph, of which he was a member. Friends may call today from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Kerley & Starks Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Burial will be in Crystal Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Mr. Brant was born July 11, 1906 in Manistee, Mich. He was formerly employed as a tool grinder for Ross Carrier, Benton Harbor, for 17 years and then Bendix Corp. for 2 years. Survivors include: his wife, the former Gertrude Phillips, whom he married in 1935; two sons-Willis “Will” Brant of Berrien Springs and earl Brant of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, LaVonne Krause of Stevensville; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister Ruth Kelly of Harker Heights, Texas.”

9.D.3. Clyde Forest Brant b. 15 Feb 1915 d. 05 Mar 1940

Note: In 1910 and 1920 Clyde and Rachel Brant were living in Portage Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana. In 1930 Clyde and Rachel Brant were living in Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Clyde and Rachel (Kruse) Brant are buried in the Spring Run Cemetery in Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Clyde died on 30 Sep 1962. Rachel M. Brant died on 17 Sep 1941. Their son, Clyde F. Brant, is also buried in the Spring Run Cemetery. Clyde Brant married 2nd Florence Hale. Clyde Brant’s obituary was carried by the News Palladium of Benton harbor, Michigan on 01 Oct 1962 and reads: “Clyde Brant, 81, died at 7 a.m. Sunday at Fuller’s Rest Home in Eau Claire, where he was a patient. He had been ill since last May. Mr. Brant, a carpenter until his retirement in 1946, was born July 7, 1881, in Pipestone township. His first wife, Rachel, died Sept. 15, 1941. Mr. Brant is survived by his wife, the former Florence Hale of Missouri, who now resides at 1002 Second street in Benton Harbor. Also surviving are two sons, Arthur, of St. Joseph, and LaVerne, of Benton harbor; a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Kelly, of Berrien Springs; a brother, Arthur, of Grand Rapids; and a sister, Mrs. Sylvia Haigginson, also of Grand Rapids, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the church of the Nazarene, at McCord and McGuigan streets in Benton Harbor, on Tuesday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Russell Spary officiating. Burial will be in the Spring Run cemetery in Scottdale. Friends may call at the Kerlikowske, Starks and Beatty funeral home until 9 a.m. Tuesday, and at the church from 10 until 11 a.m.”

9.D.4. Ruth M. Brant b. 13 Dec 1922, married 1st Michael Ackela married 2nd … Kelly and lived in Harker Heights, Texas.

9.E. Arthur Douglas Brant b. 20 Feb1887 d. 25 Mar 1968, married in 1907 Dora Victoria Johnson b. 01 Oct 1886 d. 19 Oct 1981 and they had children:

9.E.1. Douglas Andrew Brant b. 1908 d. Nov 1978  9.E.2. Leota Esther Brant b. 28 Nov 1911 married on 15 Jun 1928 Charles Harold McNeil b. 05 Feb 1908 and they had children:

9.E.2.1. Duane Harold McNeil b. 1929 married on 15 Jul 1950 Winona Eloise Gerber b. 1928 and had children:

9.E.2.1.1. Sandra Ruth McNeil married on 1976 *Elwyn David Draper
9.E.2.1.2. David Elwin McNeil
9.E.2.1.3. Robert Duane McNeil

9.E.2.2. Douglas Arthur McNeil
9.E.2.3. Elwin Lee McNeil
9.E.2.4. Sharon Leota McNeil
9.E.2.5. Dorla Mae McNeil
9.E.2.6. Terry Dale McNeil

Note: Exzavia Brant married 2nd Eva Elliott. In 1920 Arthur and Dora Brant were living in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. *Elwyn Draper has a great genealogy website at

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/4302