Hiram Branning

GEDCOM Note

This tree is a continuation and revision of WFT #5-421; submitted in 1989, the original Branning tree from 1750 Brannans of Montgomery, NY to 1800's Branning settlers of Wayne Co., PA and our supposed connection to County Kilkenny, Ireland. Please verify my data independently before using. This is a loving work in progress. While I strive for accuracy, errors are bound to be made. Beverly Branning Green, 4406 Island Drive , North Topsail Beach,NC 28460 910-328-0939 olsalte@aol.com

Sources: Geo. Branning; Gladys Hiller info., Helen Keigler Branning & Penelope Branning info. from Ruth Molloy

per Evelyn Tygrets papers: Farmer, Hiram Branning's homestead was part in Wayne Co. & part in Pike Co. There was a stake on the farm. It had Wayne on 1 side & Pike on the other. The section called Welcome Lake was called or named Inglehart at one time..

b. per Allen Brannings Family Bible. d. 6Jan 1900 per Nbg. Town Clerk Records, Reg of Deaths; 9th per Geo.; 8th per bbg Wayne Co. PA Deed # 15/410 Hiram buyer Philip Corwin 1847 Dam. Twp.

Wayne Co. Courthouse -Judicial Records - Judgements: Hiram Branning - CCMurray & Co. 3184 1855 Note $146

1850 Census in Pike Co. Lackwarsen Twp.PA per CD#317 Lackawaxen, Pike, Pennsylvania, Family Number: 43 Hiram Branning 30 1820 PA Harriet Branning 27 George Branning 5 Constantine Branning 0

1850 Pike Co Lackawaxen twp pa 38B 35 43 BRANNING, Hiram m 30 PA 38B 36 43 BRANNING, Harriet f 27 NY 38B 37 43 BRANNING, George m 5 PA 38B 38 43 BRANNING, Constantine f 2/12 PA

38B 39 44 BRANNING, Jacob m 56 NY 38B 40 44 BRANNING, Eleanor f 53 PA 38B 41 44 BRANNING, Catharine f 34 PA 38B 42 44 BRANNING, Jacob m 19 PA 39A 1 44 BRANNING, Alfred m 16 PA 39A 2 44 BRANNING, Jackson m 13 PA

1850 Salem census: 172B 1 48 MCTYNE, Hiram m 29 NY [Branning] 172B 2 48 MCTYNE, Harriet f 24 England " 172B 3 49 BRANMIN, Moses m 30 PA " 172B 4 49 BRANMIN, Hellen f 27 NY " 172B 5 49 BRANMIN, Joseph m 5 PA " 172B 6 49 BRANMIN, Sarah J f 1 PA "

1850 Census > Pennsylvania > Pike > Lackawaxen Philip Corwin 45 farmer ny, Margaret 35 ny, Sarah I. 11, Ransom 9, Jackson 5 next Hiram Branning 30 pa farmer, Harriet 27, George 5, Constantine 2 mo next Jacob Branning 56 laborer NY, Eleana 53, Catherine 34, Jacob 19 laborer, Alfred 16 none, Jackson 13 next Nelson Decker 27 farmer,Susan B. 33, Susan 4, Durlow 1, Thomas 33 farmer next Stephen Young 44 laborer pa,Polly 39 & family other side: James Dunn 54 black farmer ny, Susan 51 black, Milton 20 black farmer, Lavina 18 black, Henrietta 16 black, Drucilla 11 black next Parks Baird 42 farmer ny, Rosella 17 pa, Katherine 15, Riturah 15, William 11, Christiana 10, Ann L. 7, Every C. 4

1860 United States Federal Census Lackawaxen twp, Pike, Pennsylvania by Dimmich 366-544George W Barnes 45 1815 lumberman, Budosia Barnes 30, Newton Barnes 13, Angeline Barnes 10, Curtis Barnes 6, William Barnes 3, John Barnes 1 369 544 Hiram Brannen 35 1825 pa farmer**, Henriett Brannen 35 ny, George Brannen 14 pa, Constantine Brannen 12 , John Brannen 10 ??(Benjamin?) next: Ephraim Kimble 63 family 2 pgs away: John Holbert 24 1836 PA, Catherine 29, Mary 5, Isabelle 3, Ezabeth 1, Mary Lashly 29 1839, Charles Holbert a male

1870 US Fed Census Record Lackawaxen, Pike, Pennsylvania Christopher Brinkman 40, John Brinkman abt 1858 12 Hesse-Kassel/ Hessen-Kassel / Electorate of Hesse /Kurhessen farmer,, Mary C. 56, John 12, Paulina 10, Christopher 7, Minnie 3, Trimona 1 next: Hiram Branning* 51 farmer pa, Harriet 42, ny; George 25 farm laborer, Benjamin 20 farm laborer, Hurlburt 15, Mary Hogencamp 20 domestic

1880 US Fed Census Record Lackawaxen, Pike, Pennsylvania John Brinkman 53 abt 1827 Mackliburg farmer, Mary 53, Henry 25, Sophia 21, Louis 19, Ricca 17, William 15, Frederick 13, Charles 11 next: Hiram Branning 60, Mary 60, Herbert M. 24, Earle R 6 next: Christie Brinkman 56 tanner Meck, Mary 48 Brisen, Minnie 13, Brisen, Auria 10 pa, Sopia 3 pa next: George Decker 54 farmer pa pa pa, Catherine 55 wf pa ny pa

No date: Real Estate Transfers Hiram Branning to Chas. A. Brinkman 51 acres Lackawaxen, con $1,500.

Hiram Branning (find-a-grave) Birth: Apr. 2, 1820 East Berlin (Wayne County) Wayne County Pennsylvania, USA Death: Jan. 8, 1900 East Berlin (Wayne County) Wayne County Pennsylvania, Hiram Branning born in 1820 to Jacob and Lany Lassley Branning in Damascus Twp., Wayne Co., PA, before they moved to Berlin Twp., the 3rd of 11 children. Married first Harriet Carpenter and had 6 ch,. wife Harriet & youngest son 1 yr old Marlin left Hiram and went out west where her 3 sons George, Constene & Benjamin lived in (1863 ). They built her a small house. She died 7 Jul 1901 at Harrison, IL and is buried there.. Hiram re married 2nd Mary E. Bross and had another son Earl Ross with her. In 1852 Hiram purchased 400+ acres in Berlin Twp. with brother William Branning and Jonathan & Daniel Dexter which they divided up in quarters. Hiram 1840-50 census lived next to or with father Jacob Branning and helped build the present day Van Steenburg named "Stonewall 1867 Farm ". The family first engaged in lumbering to clear the lands for farming and rafted logs down the river, and were carpenters and stone masons, building their own homes. Actually the early settlers could do just about everything, Hiram probably helped his father at the Ketchall Saw Mill, next to their home. Bio by Beverly Branning Green Family links: Parents: Jacob Branning (1792 - 1867) Eleanor "Lany" Lassley Branning (1796 - 1886) Spouses: Harriet Carpenter Branning (1821 - 1901) Mary E. Bross Branning (1839 - 1897)* Children: George F. Branning (1845 - 1925)* Jesse "Herbert" Branning (1855 - 1917)* Burial: ] Glen Cove Cemetery Maple Grove Section (Partridge Section) Sullivan County New York, Created by: Bev Green Record added: Oct 28, 2009 Find A Grave Memorial# 43643946

Branning Farm Certificate: 100 yrs in same family 1876-1976 Purchased in 1809? Per Certificate info: ( not completely accurate when checking deeds-bbg) Nicholas Kreamer Patent (to David Young) dated Apr 10, 1809 First Owner born: William Branning, Berlin Twp. (no should be Hiram & bros William & Jonathan & Daniel Dexter 1852 and David Young before that) Where live prior to moving on farm: Berlin Twp OK Was this a homestead? No Did first owner farm: cleared land & farmed (possibly David Young did, Hiram would be 2nd owner) Other trades: farming, rafted logs down Delaware, stone Mason (2nd owner Hiram) Number children: 9 Hiram, Moses, Geo, Catherine, Nelson, Jacob Jr. ( these are Jacob Branning Sr.s ch. who wasn't first owner- David Young and then Hiram Branning was) House begun 1860's, barn completed 1883, stone bldg 1890 (all probably built by Hiram & son Geo. F.) Info: Jonathan Dexter 1774-1824 Sgt. NY Troops, Judge, Prominent Free Mason, Bldr Nbg Bridge SW Tanneries, landowner, Holbert Mill. Sons: Daniel Dexter1800 & wf. Permelia Reynolds, Jonathon Dexter,III 1802 & wf. Jeanette Seymour [neighbor of Michael Branning] bought land with brothers Hiram & William & Eliza Branning (then to Jacob Sr. to Moses D. 1822 to Frank William 1854 to Phillip to Ray T. Branning & Margaret Dexter.?? ) David Young c. 1757 d. 1790 m. Eliz. Sullivan, son David Young 1779 d. 1853 Chester Co. PA; was an agent for uncle Thomas Shields. Bought Manor Tract and 1809 Deed Commonwealth PA - Penn Bros. to Nicholas Kreamer to David Young to Jonathan & Daniel Dexter bros & Hiram & William Branning bros. 1809 land purchased by whom? Jacob Sr. & Michael Branning had just arrived in Lumberland, 1810 census with Oliver Calkins in Lumberland -not to Lackawaxen Twp till 1840 census. 1820 & 30 census in Damascus Twp. -Hiram b. 1820. In 1843 Hiram bought lot m. Aug 1844; 1850 Hiram living next Jacob ,father, Pike Co. & Philip Corwin. 1847 Cornelius B. Lassley & Bateman from Philip Corwin north part of 50a c. Ernest Miller by Hiram Branning. Land a part of 10Apr 1809 patent granted to Nicholas Kreamer in Bk 60 Pge 386 to David Young, then to Whm. & Elize, Jonathan & Phebe, & Daniel & Pamelia, their deed in partition to Hiram. 1863 Jacob Sr, bought ½ Hiram lot, abt time Hirams wf left for Illinois. 1860's-1867 Hiram house started, 1867 Jacob Sr. died. 1879 Jacob Branning Jr. drowned, 1880 census Hiram next to John Brinkman, Christie Brinkman & Geo Decker. 1883 barn completed, 1890 stone bldg completed. (1852 Hiram age 32 & bros William age 36, clear land 400 ac for $400 in return for which purchaser worked 400 days for the seller) (possibly David Young)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hiram Branning Biography Bio by Beverly Branning Green Hiram Branning born in 1820 to Jacob and Lany Lassley Branning in Damascus Twp., Wayne Co., PA, before they moved to Berlin Twp. the 3rd of 11 children. Married first Harriet Carpenter and had 6 ch,. wife Harriet & youngest son 1 yr old Marlin left Hiram and went out west where her 3 sons George, Constene & Benjamin lived in (1863 ). They built her a small house. She died 7 Jul 1901 at Harrison, IL and is buried there.. Hiram re married 2nd Mary E. Bross and had another son Earl Ross with her. In 1852 Hiram purchased 400+ acres in Berlin Twp. with brother William Branning and Jonathan & Daniel Dexter which they divided up in quarters. Hiram 1840-50 census lived next to or with father Jacob Branning and helped build the present day Van Steenburg named "Stonewall 1867 Farm ". The family first engaged in lumbering to clear the lands for farming and rafted logs down the river, and were carpenters and stone masons, building their own homes. Actually the early settlers could do just about everything, Hiram probably helped his father at the Ketchall Saw Mill, next to their home.

Donald VanSteenburg applied for the Century Farm certificate and marker in Mar 12, 1976 for great great grandfather Hiram Branning's [1820-1900] land. To be eligible the farm had to be in the same family for 100 years and gross over $1,000 in the sale of farm goods annually. The property was originally acquired in 1809 Our ancestor Jacob Branning, [1792-1867] Hiram's father, Jacob apparently lived next door and his widow Lany Eleanor Lassley, kept house and lived there until her death at 90 in 1886. (Original purchase was 400-450 acres for $400 in return purchaser worked 400 days for seller. VanSt owned 60 ac of original 400+ acres amt purchased from Nicholas Kreamer 10 April 1809. Hiram, brother William & the Decker brothers Purchased 400 ac in 1852 divided in c. 1865? Supposedly it took 400 days to clear the land, c 13 months; house was begun in 1867 built in 3 stages, the barn was completed in 1883, the orchard planted about 1886 and still bering fruit in 1976;and the stone out building finished in 1890. Neighboring land was owned by Cosgrove brothers, L. Lyman/Luman McIntyre, C. Brinkman, Ray Branning,and Alice Miller) Donald VanSteenberg listed First owner as William Branning, actually Jacob, & then listed fa Jacobs 9 children VSt [listed Jacobs childrens names], Century Farm application 8May1976. Actual Deeds show first owners of property as bros Hiram & William Re: Century Farm Marker & Certificate: 7 Dec, 1976 - 16 Wayne families on Century Farms; 7 local businesses feted by Farm-City group: A highlight of the Wayne County Farm City Banquet held recently was the recognition of Wayne County's Century Farms and business firms. Nineteen local farm families were designated "Century Farms" and received certificates from the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture. In addition, seven local business firms were honored by the Farm-City Committee for being in operation for more than one hundred years. -The farm owned by Donald [1919-1985] and Martha Van Stenberg, R D 1, Narrowsburg, was founded by the Branning family in 1809, The original farm consisted of 400 acres and took 400 days to clear the land. Presently Mr. and Mrs. Van Stenberg are restoring much of the property to its original condition. An orchard on the farm, which is still producing apples is ninety years old. (per DonVanSteenberg in 1976: Farm purchased from Nicholas Kreamer -Patent Dated April 10, 1809 - 400 acres for $400, in return for which the purchaser worked 400 days for the seller.)

Pennsiylvania Deeds: Wayne Co.PA Deed # 25/230 William Branning & Eliza,& Chas.Horton of Orange Co. NY $400 the NE 1/4 part situate on the head water of the Mast Hope Creek, Berlin Twp. 44 ac. which Commonwealth granted to Nicholas Kramer 10 Apr 1809 Patent Bk 60 pg.386 became vested in William Branning, Hiram Branning, Daniel Dexter & Jonathon Dexter as tenants in common & by deed of partition 15 Dec 1852 1/4 deeded to William (112 ½ acres conveyed to Jonathon Dexter 12 Jun 1857 Berlin . (total 450 ac?)

30/227 1863 $75 paid by Jacob Branning, Twp. of Berlin formerly Lackawaxen, Pike Co., Begin as SW corner of land owned by Hiram Branning of which this is to be an half part to a post, thence north 15 degrees W. 190 perches to stones thence S 85 degrees E exactly ½ the distance across the northern end of the said Hirams lot about 60 perches to a point to be made a corner thence south 15 degrees E about 175 perches parallel with the first line to a point on the S line of said Hirams lot to be made a corner, thence S 29 ½ degrees W about 16 perches to a post and thence N 75 degrees West 49 ½ perches to the place of beginning. Containing 53 acres be the same more or less with allowances. Being ½ of the lot granted by Asa Corwin & wf by deed dated 5 Jul 1843, recorded in Pike Co. Deed Bk 16 p. 163 to said Hiram Branning, taken from the western side parallel of the W line as by reference to the draft and records of the said land will more fully and at large and plainly appear. Together with all and singular the building, improvements, ways, water/water courses, rights, liberties, privileges her de

1. 4/286 Thomas Clark & William Branning 15Dec1852 William Branning-(bros) Hiram Branning- Dexter & Dexter, 21Jul 1845 $400 D&H Canal & Pond.
2. 22/129 William Branning & Eliza (Frank Whm Branning 1854 son of Moses D. -Nephew?) from Jonathon Dexter (Michael & Hanna Branning's ½ bros) 15 Dec 1852 Berlin (large piece of land split in 1/4's-total 450 ac?)

]# 155/148 Helen Oakes (prothonatary) Hiram Branning to Everett 24May1944 $1 S. part of William Branning & Jonathon Dexter & Daniel Dexter to Hiram Branning by deed 15Dec1852 note recorded by patent dated 10Apr1809 granted to Nicholas Kreamer in Patent bk 60/386 to David Young.

1. 192/250 Everett & Maude Branning to Donald & Martha Van Steenberg 23May1938 was William Branning & Eliza., Jonathon Dexter & Daniel Dexter & Hiram Branning . Lifetime rights to Everett & Maude .

• * Wayne Co.PA Deed -56/500 Christian BRINKMAN to JW BRINKMAN 14 Jun 1922 Twp. Lackwaxen Pike Co. one part of Thomas Willing tract Commissioner BK 17 Corner of Geo. E. Decker and being sw corner where lot 17 corners with 16 not J. T. Barnes farm, thence N 14 ½ deg E 65 ½ rod to the road via old Ketchall Lumber Yard n 14 ½ deg E 65 ½ perches to the road via old Ketchall Lumber Yard to Jacob Branning house thence north 80 deg E 11 ½ rods to a corner in the old Milford Rd where it crosses in line of land of late Robert RICE thence south 5 degrees to beginning was Richard Decker 24 Sep 1869

Wayne Co.PA Deed # -79/295 Whm. H. & Annie Hector of Port Jervis to Geo. M. Branning of Berlin Twp 1896 Warr. Peter Powell was 26/529 C. BRINKMAN along Hiram Branning to John BRINKMAN, being lot 1889 Ezra A. Case [m. Sopie Brinkman] deeded John W. BRINKMAN & wf. Mary Alice, except 1/4 lot for Grange Hall - Mary Alice BRINKMAN to Bower Miller & Bessie Nov 1919, then to Delbert Branning Sep 1920 Deed 72/286

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1844 Hiram m. Harriet Carpenter -bros. Moses D. m. her sister Ellen 1852 Hiram purchased 1/4 of 449ac.@36- with the Jonathqan & Daniel Dexters and his bros William In 1860 house started(built 3 stages) by Hiram?@40 - 3 older sons George,Constene & Ben.might have helped with construction before going west. with his ex wife. Where was Hiram living?-with Jacob at Inglehart?-ruins of a 2nd house nearby) or 53 ac. of Asa Corwins? 1862 George F. To IL @17 with? Constene 10, and Ben 10? 1863 Harriet & youngest son Marlin left Hiram & went west to Rockford, IL where other sons were living & they built her a small house. 8 yr. old son Jesse stayed with Hiram. Hiram sold the 1843 purchased 53 ac. to Jacob, then 70 yrs., for ? money for Harriet to go west & or to build her house? or Jacob getting old. 1867 father Jacob d.@71 -Lana signed off will, lived till 90, d.1886, buried Glen Cove Cem.,- (Nov. Notice of Aud.on estate Berlin Twp.Dam.by Darby)-abt, 1867- Hirams house in 2nd stage- Wf. Lany lived in their home till her death 19 yrs.later, with son Alford, arranged own funeral. 1870 Apr.15 George F.Branning a brick mason & poormaster, m. Mary Ellen Hogencamp in Honesdale-continuously traveled back & forth between mother in IL & father Hiram in Penna. 1871 George F. 1st child Della born in PA- (living with Hiram?)-moved back to IL (with Mother the 1st wife of Hiram)

• 1874 Hiram sold some land, Deed 49/339, to son George F.@27; George F. dau Inda born. [George still lived in IL going back & forth -between father& mother, eventually returning to PA- Georges Children: Della, PA ,Inda Ola b. IL, returned Pa. m. McIntire & dau.Gladys m. VanSteenberg, Nettie Pearl d. NJ; Everett @ farm-Bch.Lake. ]]; Hirams other ch: Constene, Ben & Marlin remained in IL; [ Constene raised Marlins dau.Lena-when Marlins wf. d. in childbirth. Marlin remarried.] Jesse Herbert-lived in Berlin Twp. near Welcome Lake/Lackawaxen/Westcolang; Earl Ross in Honesdale, the youngest became a glass cutter. 1875 George F. son Bud born 1875, Joseph C. (Jacobs 3rd son) land to bros.Whm Frank 46/518 Frank W. to Whm Frank (Moses son & 1917 to Phillip (Whm.Franks son)(many of Josephs ch.d.young- feed & grain in Nbg.) 1875 George F. 3rd ch. b. IL Robert (Ross) who became a glass cutter 1877 George F. 4th ch. Nettie "Pearl "b. IL 1878 George F. returned from IL to PA 1879 Geo F's 5th ch. "Louis" born Wayne Co.11Feb. 1879; lived with Hiram& his 2nd wife& their 3 yr. old 1880 Geo. F. back in PA Jacob Jr. drowned. 1880 Census Berlin Twp Geo F Branning 2 houses from Elenor Branning & Alford [Hiram moved?] & Keturah widow 1880 Census Berlin Twp Wayne Co. #5959 Hiram Branning 60 farmer,Mary 60, Herbert 24, Earle R 4 (maybe they moved to wf Mary Bross family farm) neighbors: Christie & John Brinkman 1883 Hiram @63 wooden barn completed & in use (by son George?) [George F. 6th child Everett b. PA] 1884 Hiram son Jesse married @29 1885 Hiram/George F. house finished;- 1886 Lany, Jacobs wife died @ 90 at her late residence in Ketchall, Wayne Co.; she kept house till her death, and although she lacked only fifty seven days of the great age of ninety, she still retained her mental faculties to the last, picking out her own funeral text and hymns. 1888 George F. son Fred born 1889 Hiram to Whm. Frank his nephew, MosesD. son @ 35 bought land from Hiram -deed 67/41 (land Joseph C. & WhmFrank had) (Joseph C. to Lackawaxen) [Whm.Frank to son Phillip to son Ray Ted] 1890 Hiram@70, stone bldg. completed & in use (by son Earl Ross or son George F. Brick mason & poor master) 1892 George F. son Bud born 1895 Feb21 The Tri States Union-George Decker & Hiram Branning are busily engaged making raft bows for Case Bros. the latter gentlemen have been largely engaged in lumbering this winter. . Nearly all the teams in this vicinity have been drawing lumber for them to the riverbank at Mast Hope and also to Honesdale. They will commence to have their excelsior wood drawn to the mill at Mast Hope. 1897 Hirams youngest son Earl Ross married in April, Nbg. to Sarah Comfort from Kimbles, Pike Co. 1897 Hirams 2nd wife Mary Bross, Earls mother died that same year 1900 Hiram d. @80 buried Glen Cove Cem 1901 Harriet, Hirams 1st wife died in Rockford IL, buried there. 1918 George F. dau Nettie "Pearl" died pneumonia, single worked Nbg.& NJ abt.1919 (per Ilo Hiller: the information on Gladys Hiller and her first Husband Joseph Earl Van Steenberg has been a mystery to me for quite some time. Her tablet entry lists his birth date as February 2nd, 1891, and his death date as June 5th, 1919 @ 28. Among the family papers found after Gladys and Ed Hiller passed away, there was a marriage certificate for Gladys and Joseph Earl VanSteenburg, it states that they were married on July 26, 1919 [which would be after the date she listed for his death] at Narrowsburg, Sullivan county, by William Schaffner Justice of the Peace. However, in her tablet information, Gladys writes that she and an Earl VanSteenburg [who I assumed was Joseph Earl VanSteenburg] were married on January 1st. As you can see at some point she changed the date to January 2, 1919, at Port Jervis, NY. I have wondered whether she recorded this earlier January date on her tablet because her son Donald Earl VanSteenburg was born on October 8, 1919, which was less then three months after the date on the Narrowsburg marriage certificate. Although she wrote in her tablet that Earl Van Steenburg died on June 5th 1919, I found a divorce decree stating that Gladys and Earl were granted a divorce on December 16, 1924. If he died in 1919, why did she divorce him in 1924? [no-bbg] Is it possible that Joseph Earl died in June 1919, and he had a brother named Earl who married Gladys in July 1919 because she was pregnant with his brothers child? During one of my visits to Honesdale when we were first married, I heard a rumor that Gladys first husband had gotten in some kind of trouble and had been sent to jail. Perhaps this is the reason for the conflicting dates - maybe she decided to tell everyone he died and then later divorced him while he was in jail. I haven't had a chance to research any of this speculation; I just know that the information Gladys wrote down does not agree with the documents I found. I have included copies of both documents and her tablet entry in your snail mail packet. I gave the original marriage and divorce decree to John Alan VanSteenburg, since it's his direct blood line. I kept xerox copies for my records. I have a real problem accepting a death date for Earl that is prior to the birth date of his son Donald Earl and prior to a divorce decree. Hopefully one of these days I will find a newspaper clipping or some other document to clear up this mystery.) 1919 May/Jun Gladys McIntire husband Joseph Earl VanSteenburg committed robberies, Gladys uncles the same age got into trouble at about the same time 1919 July Gladys married 1919 Aug Joseph Earl VanSteenburg pleaded guilty to robberies 1919 Oct 8 Gladys son Donald Earl born 1919 George Franklins sons, Fred and Ben got into trouble, Fred took the blame, (being the older child) (Freds children Mary & Margaret seem to remember they broke into a school & tore it up) 1920 Fred, George F.'s son left home in PA & joined army , left Honesdale, never to return to PA, married 2 X - to IN [per Mary & Maggie: it was probably at this time George F. suggested that a stint in the Army would be good for Fred, he joined the army & spent 6 yrs. in the Canal Zone] 1924 Dec16- Gladys divorced Joseph Earl VanSteenburg - 5 yrs later 1925 Hirams son George F. died, leaving land to son Everett & Maude (wf.Mary Jane Hogencamp Branning d.1942-she lived on the farm 63 continuous yrs.) ch: Nettie Pearl d.1918 ; Della d.1935; Inda Ola McIntyre d. 1952 -her husband owned saw mill ; Louis/Lewis d.1953 in Westcolang; George 'Bud' Phurmen-married 3X died 1956 in S. Canaan, sw of Honesdale; Fred d. in 1969 in Indianapolis; only Everett & wife Maude [no children] & Asa Ben [single son] were left on the farm to care for widowed, Mary Jane.

1938 Deed 192/250 Everett Branning @55& Maude to Donald & Martha VanSteenberg (his sister Inda's gr. son in the service) @19 with lifetime rights for Everett & Maude Branning,( 23 May1938 was William & Eliza Branning, Jonathon Dexter & Daniel Dexter & Hiram Branning). [Everett&Maude &Ben Branning cared for their widowed Mother, Mary Jane Hogencamp Branning. She lived 63 years in the same house.] [ transference of farm ownership: Everett & Maude had no ch.; Ben was single & slow; Della m. a Young - their ch. moved to NJ; George Bud m. 3x lived S. Canaan Twp.; Nettie Pearl, single worked in Nbg. then NJ, d. young of pneumonia; Herbert Louis in Westcolang; Fred left Penna for IN; and Inda Ola m. McIntire, her ch. Gladys m. 2x, Joseph Earl VanSteenberg either in jail or died, 2nd husband retired to TX in 1965, her first son, Donald having grown up on the farm with his mother after she divorced VanSteenberg and Donald evidently showed an interest in returning to the farm after the war and 64 flying missions in England & N. Africa, [he purchased farm at age 19 and probably supplemented Edward & Mauudes meager incomes with monthly payments and of course after his death his son John Alan inherited the farm.

(per bbg: The Brannings probably didn't like Earl Van Steenberg and Gladys no doubt divorced him while he was in jail, in 1924. We really don't know how long he remained in prison or when he actually died until we find a death certificate.. Gladys didn't marry Ed Hiller till 1931 when son Donald was 12 years old, so she most probably lived on her grand parents farm [George F. & Mary Jane] while raising Donald, which is another reason why it was sold to Donald before Everett & Maude & Ben died. (also her mother a McIntire probably lived near by). Donald VanSteenberg was in WW II, met & married his wife in FL, later Donald moved back in 1973 and cared for his Aunt Maude & Uncle Ben, whom he most probably grew up with & loved almost as much as his Mom Gladys, and he probably felt like the farm was his home; (per Freds children Mary & Maggie: Uncle Everett was 59 when his mother died, he was past being able to farm a large farm, also modern equipment came along which they could not afford, since, they never worked anywhere but on the farm; Donald VanSteenberg probably paid them a certain amount every month which added to what they rec'd from the Gov't, it was all they had to live on. Aunt Maude indicated to Mother a long time ago that they sold it because of necessity. The terms, as I understand it, you could probably read in the will, were that they live on the farm and take care of Ben, obviously Grandma's pet, the baby in the family and maybe a little bit slow.)

1938 May23 deed 192/250 Everett Branning @55 & Maude to Donald & Martha VanSteenberg @19 with lifetime rights for Everett & Maude Branning (was Hirams) (Fred & Ben-[slow] & gr. daughter Gladys husband got in trouble? -or maybe so Donalds ½ bros. or Hiram's sons families who moved west, along with his first wife) most (probably because he probably grew up on the farm and wanted it and Everett & Maude needed the money to live on-he considered them his family.) 1942 Oct 21, Mary Jane Hogencamp Branning died@93-( GeorgeF.'s widow) 1944 Deed 155/148 to Prothonotary$1-Hiram to Everett & Maude 24May1944 [aft. Mary Janes death- to Hirams gr. son Everett @ 61, son of George F. Later to Geo F.'s daughter Inda Ola Branning McIntire's daughter Gladys McIntire VanSteenbergs son Donald VanSteenberg.** Her husband Earl died @ 26 or in jail, she married #2 Ed Hiller & had a 2nd son James, who moved to TX - where they also moved when Ed retired. 1947 John VanSteenburg. born 1957 Everett Branning died @74

1965 Everett Branning's sister Inda Ola Branning's daughter (niece) Gladys Hiller ** b.1894 moved to Austin, TX when 2nd husband Ed Hiller retired. (farm went to her first son) 1970 Allen Branning postman delivered food & medicine to elderly, sickly Maude & bros in law Ben- 1972 Donald VanSteenberg. to farm - to care for Aunt Maude @ 76 yrs old? aft. husband died 1973 Donald VanSteenberg's. Gr. Nephew @ 54,1972, retired moved to farm, cared for his Aunt Maude @ 76; bros in law "Ben" had died in May @ 81 1976 Century Farm application submitted on Hirams farm by Donald Van Steenberg Donald VanSteenberg. applied for Century farm certificate 1977 Maude Branning d. @ 90 1982/3 Donald Earl VanSteenberg had cancer returned to W. Palm Bch.Fl 1985 Donald Earl VanSteenberg d.in FL @ 66, wife Martha died the same month in FL; son John Alan VanSteenberg b. 1947 inherited farm @38 -may have only lived there a short time-if at all. Working in Australia/England retired toPinehurst, NC in 1999, the old farm empty for years, his son John restored the house in 1990's?

Ryle -The Tri States Union - 18Feb1805?? George Decker and Hiram Branning are busily engaged making raft bows for Case Bros. The latter gentlemen have been largely engaged in lumbering this winter. Nearly all the teams in this vicinity have been drawing lumber for them to the river bank at Mast Hope and also to Honeesdale.They will now commence to have their excelsior wood drawn to the mill at Mast Hope.

GEDCOM Note

• * Wayne Co.PA Deed -56/500 Christian BRINKMAN to JW BRINKMAN 14 Jun 1922 Twp. Lackwaxen Pike Co. one part of Thomas Willing tract Commissioner BK 17 Corner of Geo. E. Decker and being sw corner where lot 17 corners with 16 not J. T. Barnes farm, thence N 14 ½ deg E 65 ½ rod to the road via old Ketchall Lumber Yard n 14 ½ deg E 65 ½ perches to the road via old Ketchall Lumber Yard to Jacob Branning house thence north 80 deg E 11 ½ rods to a corner in the old Milford Rd where it crosses in line of land of late Robert RICE thence south 5 degrees to beginning was Richard Decker 24 Sep 1869

Wayne Co.PA Deed # -79/295 Whm. H. & Annie Hector of Port Jervis to Geo. M. Branning of Berlin Twp 1896 Warr. Peter Powell was 26/529 C. BRINKMAN along Hiram Branning to John BRINKMAN, being lot 1889 Ezra A. Case [m. Sopie Brinkman] deeded John W. BRINKMAN & wf. Mary Alice, except 1/4 lot for Grange Hall - Mary Alice BRINKMAN to Bower Miller & Bessie Nov 1919, then to Delbert Branning Sep 1920 Deed 72/286

Re: Century Farm Marker & Certificate:

7 Dec, 1976 - 16 Wayne families on Century Farms; 7 local businesses feted by Farm-City group: A highlight of the Wayne County Farm City Banquet held recently was the recognition of Wayne County's Century Farms and business firms. Nineteen local farm families were designated "Century Farms" and received certificates from the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture. In addition, seven local business firms were honored by the Farm-City Committee for being in operation for more than one hundred years. John Creighton, County Agricultural Agent, who presented a slide program on the Century Farms, has released information about each of the farms honored. -The Bert Kennedy farm, Pleasant Mount, was founded by David Kennedy who came to Pleasant Mount in 1794 with his wife and seven children and built a log cabin on the present farm site. In addition to producing potatoes, fruit, and dairy products the early Kennedys were stone masons and built stone walls and mills. -The farm owned by Donald and Martha Van Steenberg, R D 1, Narrowsburg, was founded by the Branning family in 1809, The original farm consisted of 400 acres and took 400 days to clear the land. Presently Mr. and Mrs. Van Stenberg are restoring much of the property to its original condition. An orchard on the farm, which is still producing apples is ninety years old. -Another Century Farm is that owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Goodrich, Hamlin. The founder was Adrial Andrews, who established the farm in 1820. Mr. Goodrich has a cherry table and desk made by Mr. Andrews. Mr. Goodrich sold his cows 25 years ago but operates a retail egg route in Scranton three days a week. -The Ray Pulis farm in Rileyville was founded by Henry and Conrad Pulis, whose original home was located at the present site of Dyberry Sand and Gravel. Ray's grandfathers brother Calvin was a rafter who took produce by raft to Philadelphia. On one of his trips he brought a rifle back of which Ray now has possession. -The farm owned by Edmund and Ethel Rose, R D 2, Honesdale, was established by Ed's grandparents in 1859, who cleared the land. The Rose home, which is well over 100 years old, is located where the sawmill stood to cut the logs from the farm. The original barn burned in 1911, following which two new barns were built. The Roses have all been farmers. _The Marshall Brooking Farm, Pleasant Mount, was established by Samuel Brooking in 1934, who came from England and was an original homesteader. Part of the present home was the original house. The farm has always been a dairy farm and is presently operated by Marshall's daughter and her husband Charles Curtis. - Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bryant, RD 3, Honesdale, own a century farm which was founded by John Olver, Jr., in 1843 who raised sheep and apparently leased sheep out to neighbors. Mr. Bryant has written a history or the farm and early methods of operation. Presently the farm produces Christmas trees. -The Robert Stanton farm, Lake Shehawken, was founded by John Stanton in 1840. Three barns were originally built and one was situated such that water from the east eve ran into the Delaware river and water from the west eve to the Susquehanna. Bruce Stanton who currently operates the farm with his father is the sixth generation from the founder. -Another Century Farm is that owned by Mr. and Mrs. Donal Bryant, Milanville. The founder was Asa Dann and the man he bought it from purchased it from William Penn's son. The house was built in 1854 and an oven is still in the home which was used to bake bread for the sawmill crew that cleared the land. -Mr. and Mrs. Jerome McGraw, Pleasant Mount, own a Century Farm which was founded in 1850. Actually, the family came from Ireland to Philadelphia, in 1849, a year latr moving to Pleasant Mount. A cider mill on the property was built in 1876. -The farm of Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Hoar was founded in 1854 by William Hoar, Elwin's great grandfather, Elwin, his father, and his grandfather were all born in the farm home, which is the original house. -The James and Barry Watson farm, Lakewood, was founded by Joseph Watson who came from England in 1853. The farm was started as a dairy farm and when a 27 acre field on the farm was cleared the hemlock was cut and burned. -The Oscar and Dorothy Blake farm has been in the family since at least 1832. The first winter the founders, Mr. and Mrs. John Doney, ran out of fodder and kept their stock alive by cutting trees and letting them brouse. Mrs. Doney had a milk route in Honesdale in the early 1840's and from 1905 to1916, Harry Blake also operated a milk route in Honesdale. -John and Joann Daniels are the fifth generation Daniels on their Century Farm at Star Route Honesdale. John's grandfather sold milk to a cheese factory located at Bunnell's Pond. In the building which is presently a machine shed, the first non-denominational Sunday School in the area was conducted. -The Malcolm Noble farm, Milanville, was established by his great grandfather who came from Massachusetts The original house, which was operated as a summer boarding house by Malcolm's grandparents, burned and was replaced with the present home. Norman Glover, Starrucca, operates a Century farm which was founded by his great grandfather in 1866. Actually, seven or eight Glover families came from England and settled within a five mile radius of Starrucca. The farm was started as a dairy farm and is still being operated in that manner. -Mr. and Mrs. Milton Vail are the fifth generation Vails operating their farm at Rileyville. The Vail family has been in this country for 337 years -since 1639. Jeremiah came over from England and was a blacksmith in the New England colony. Samuel Vail, Milton's great great grandfather came from Goshen, N.Y. in 1859 and purchased the present Vail farm. -William and Lois Garrett have a Century Farm that was established in 1812. It was deeded from the Commonwealth in 1790, William is the sixth generation Garrett on the farm. -Clair E. Blake has a Century Farm in Beech Grove, His great grandfather, David Beardslee, first settled on the farm in 1863. David's daughter Susan, married George Blake. Their son Edwin H. took over the farm, which in la ter years has been operated by his son, Clair E. Blake. -There are a number of other Wayne County farms eligible for the Century Farm designation. They have either applied for a certificate or are expected to do so soon. A farm which has been owned by the family for at least 100 years and is producing at least $1,000 worth of agricultural produce per year, or consists of at least ten of the original acres is eligible. Application blanks are available in the Extension Office. -Murray Company was established in 1829 and will soon observe its 150th anniversary. The founder was Capt. Edward Murray who purchased goods in New York and traveled the D & H Canal to its terminal in Honesdale to cater to the needs of the early settlers. P. R. Murray and his three sons Robert, Philip, and Quintin were all well known through-out Northeastern Penna. for their spring opening parties. "Everything for the Farm." -Sixty years after the founding of our country the Honesdale National Bank opened it's doors for business with Richard L. Seely as its first president He arrived at Seely's Mills, later named Seelyville, to take over the saw and grist mills or his deceased grandfather. Since the time of its founding in 1936, the bank has been served by ten presidents and only six cashiers. -Teeters, Main Street, Hawley, was founded in 1849 by Richard Teeter, a cabinet maker. The business consisted of making caskets and providing the casket and wagon for funerals. Teeters is still located in the same building where it was founded and part of this building is 127 years old. The business is presently being operated by Kim and Dick Teeter, fourth generation Teeters. Katz Brothers was founded in 1871 by William J. Katz and was joined by his brothers Jacob and Samuel in 1830. In 1871 there was one clerk employed and by 1902 there were 15 employees. today's employment varies between 45 and 60. Katz Brothers was incorporated in 1910 and this corporation is now in the third generation of the Katz family. -Wayne County Bank and Trust Company opened for business on Nov. 4, 1871 under the names of Wayne County Savings Bank. The bank was started with a modest capital of $25,000 and has grown to be the largest bank in Wayne County with assets in excess of 36 million dollars. Since 1924 the bank has been remodelled twice and adjoining property acquired for a modern 3-bay drive-in banking facility. During the bank's first century, there have been only 10 presidents and seven cashiers. -Pethicks Farm Machinery, Bethany, was originally started by William Pethick prior to 1870 for the business of blacksmithing and wagon making. The business slowly turned toward motorized farm machinery in keeping up with the changing times after the invention of the automobile. The business is now conducted by Louis Mang and wife, the fifth generation of Pethicks. -Alton Bonear's General Store, RD 3, Honesdale was started by Robert B Bonear in 1876 at Clarks Corners, Cherry Ridge Township. It was in a building that was formerly a one room school.