Brannon, Reverand Julian

Reverend Julian Brannon

Julian Brannon was born in 1809 in Hanging Dog, Cherokee County, South Carolina to George and Jamima (Mize) Brannon.

His father passed away when he was 18 and his mother when he was 21. I always try to mention this because these tramatic times often shape us.

Julian married Mary Elizabeth (Polly) Gadd (1812-1864) in 1834. He was 25.

We see in the 1840 Census there are 5 free whites (so sad no more info). A little history here: Financial panic cast a dark shadow over the United States starting in 1837. Though rays of hope shined through at times, it would take the country seven years to recover from its first devastating depression. Earlier in the decade, a wave of naïve optimism characterized commerce. Silver from abroad poured into the United States, paving the way for Western Expansion. With freed-up lands resulting from Indian removal, a speculative bubble formed. Land was overvalued and the bubble’s bursting in 1837 sent shockwaves throughout the domestic and global economy. Mirroring real estate, banking collapsed. The national bank, which stabilized the country’s financial system, lost its charter. This jolt summersaulted the country towards the panic. With no central bank, each of the country’s 850 banks began printing its own currency, causing inflation. In the chaos, businessmen were ruined and nearly half of the banks closed causing sky-high unemployment. Out of work families relied on charity for their next meal. By 1844, the depression lifted but not before these hard times had become the worst in the country’s young history.

In the 1850 Census the family is still in Monroe, Tennessee. It lists Julian as a Farmer with Real estate value of $400.00. It says he and his wife cannot read. They have four children listed.

The 1860 Census, still in Monroe, they are listed with a Real Estate value of $700.00 and Personal Value of $500.00. This census lists Mary as the only one who cannot read and the children are in school.

We know that Julian was listed as a farmer in the census each year but we also know he was a pastor. In that day and age it was not uncommon for a pastor to have another career to support the family.

Julian's first wife, Mary, died in 1864 and in 1865 he married Hannah Blount February 5, 1865.

The 1870 census reflects that.

Julian was the pastor of Bethleham Baptist and this paper about the family was found: The minutes of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Sweetwater Baptist Association, held at Zion Hill Church House has:

McMinn Co., Tennessee, September 16th and 17th, 1870 lists pastor J. Brannon of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Monroe Co. The church had 70 members.

Taken from Interesting News from Route Six, Monroe Co. Democrat, Wed. July 18, 1934

I glance up a short distance north of my home and I see the old yard where Rev. Julian Brannon and his first wife, whose maiden name was Gadd, and their children, Sarah, Minerva, Betty, Marcy, Ancil, Joseph, Russell and Doonie, used to live. Julian's first wife died there in about the year 1864. Julian swapped farms with Rev. James Givens and moved to his new home, and James and his wife moved to their home. Rev. Julian Brannon and Rev. James Givens were both Baptist preachers. Julian, at that time was pastor of a church in Blount County, and in 1865 he was married to his second wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Bryant. Julian and Hannah had two children whom they named Hannah Missouri and Nancy Jane.

Hannah Missouri Brannon was born March 22, 1866. She professed faith in our Savior in early girlhood days and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church and remained a member of that church until her death, which occurred on June 29, 1934. She married Elijah Harris on December 14, 1884. Elijah Harris , son of Monroe and Oma Gibson Harris was born June 20, 1857 an died May 14, 1934. For almost half a century Hannah and Elijah traveled life's pathway together. They had nine children; Laura, Stella, Mary J., Frances, Benton, Charlie, Robert, Henry and Gib, all of whom are living and all are married except Henry. Besides their nine children they had fifty one grandchildren. Only six weeks ad one day did Hannah live after her husband died. Both were buried in New Bethel Cemetery; Rev. Will Crye and Rev. Arthur White conducted Elijah's funeral service from New Bethel Church: Rev. George B McCrary and Rev. Hoyt Shadden conducted Hannah's funeral services from New Bethel Church. Elijah and Hannah had both been invalids for some years. Dr. Bagwell, Dr. Leonard and Dr. Kimbrough all gave them medical attention. Henry Harris stayed right with his parents and gave them all his time and attention for several year; now Henry is left alone at home the same as I am. Biercley Funeral Home had charge of the preparation for burial of the remains of both Elijah and Hannah. Jane, I want to say to you here, that I took my aluminum dipper after your sister Hannah died, and went down to the home of Mrs. Callie Duggan and told her that I wanted to go to the old Bethlehem School House spring in her field and get me a drink of water where Hannah and I were so often together as schoolmates; and I said to her, “I want to call over the roll from memory, of the boys and girls who were our school mates, there now more than fifty years ago; and I want to write about this schoolmate who has now answered the roll call up yonder.” Callie said, “yes, Georgia, go drink again from the old school house spring in memory of Hannah, and also write something about her, for she is worthy of a tribute of respect.” And now this tribute is in memory of my schoolmate, Hannah, and Callie's cousin Elijah.

With kindest sympathy to you, Jane, Charlie, Henry and all the bereaved relatives, I am your friend. Georgia A

What a treasured piece of information! It's easier to picture them.

So we know his father is George but I'm having to gather information on him. I have 66 others with blood DNA like mine linked to Reverand Julian. What a remarkable man!