William S. Brannum

    William S. Brannum was born in Union County, Indiana, September 7, 1861, a son of Henry C. and Rebecca (Johnson) Brannum. His father was a native of Indiana. His mother was born in Ohio, but also reared in Indiana. When William S. was an infant his parents moved to Chester Township, Wells County, Indiana, and in the fall of 1869 they moved to Montpelier, Blackford County, but subsequently returned to Wells County, where they now live.

    William S. was educated principally in Montpelier, and when a mere boy began clerking in that village. In the fall of 1880 he embarked in the drug business with C.Q. Shull, that partnership continuing until the spring of 1885, when he bought Dr. Shull's interest and conducted the business alone until November, 1886, when he sold out to J.P. McGeath.

    Mr. Brannum was elected auditor of Blackford County in November, 1886, by 137 majority, which was 267 votes ahead of his State ticket, which gave a majority of 130 to the Democratic party. Mr. Brannum being a Republican. He is a faithful public servant, and has many friends, whose confidence in him is being strengthened by his close attention to the trust imposed on him.

    Mr. Brannum married Elma Z. McGrew, a member of one of the oldest families in the county. They have one child, -James H. Mr. Brannum is a member of Hartford City Lodge, K. of P.

Soruce: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford County, Indiana. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, page 808.