My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH BRAMHALL, a prominent farmer of Berrien County, Mich., has made his home upon section 19, Galien Township, for thirty-three years, and during this length of time has been a constant resident of his homestead, with the exception of his term of service in the late Civil War. Mr. Bramhall was born in Bradford County, Pa., April 15, 1838. His parents were Moses and Sallie Jane Bramhall. The father of our subject was bound out to learn the carpenter’s trade, and, serving a long apprenticeship, became an adept in handling the tools of his craft. He found his trade most profitable throughout his life, being a practical builder and contractor. An energetic and industrious man, of excellent business ability, he prospered and amassed a comfortable competence. He owned a valuable homestead of two hundred acres and aside from his trade successfully entered into agricultural pursuits. The parents were united in marriage in Wyoming County, Pa., and unto them were born ten children.

The eldest-born, George R., resides in Chicago; Pollie A. married Joseph Vanauken, and makes her home in the Quaker State; the next is John; Charles A. died in early childhood; Kellogg is in Pennsylvania; John J. is a business man of Chicago; Mark was in New Orleans at the time of the Civil War, and has since never been heard from; Joseph is our subject; Martin is a citizen of La Porte, Ind.; and Nathan U. is deceased. In political affiliation, the father was a Whig, and always took an intelligent interest in National affairs. He survived until February, 1864, but his excellent wife passed away April 26, 1851. At twelve years of age our subject began to make his own way in the world, hiring out as a farm hand. Passing his early youth in a round of agricultural toil, he arrived at seventeen years of age, and then learned the carpenter’s trade, to which he gave his attention up to two years ago. He began his business as a carpenter in Pennsylvania, but in 1860 located in Berrien County, Mich., and purchased fifty-three acres of land where he now lives. At present he has but twenty-five acres in Berrien County.

Mr. Bramhall was married in 1861 to Miss Malinda Shedd, daughter of Sylvester and Sallie (King) Shedd. Mrs. Bramhall was born in New York in 1827; her parents were also natives of the Empire State. Five children blessed the home: Josie, wife of Hall Ryther; Nathan; Harry, who died at two years of age; Mary; and Harry H., who is also deceased, his injuries from a bucking pony resulting in death. Our subject, answering to the call of the Government, enlisted in 1864 in Company E, Twelfth Michigan Regiment, under the Army of the West, and served until 1865. Constantly surrounded by dangers, he was never wounded, and escaped capture and the prison pen. The war having ended, he was discharged at Little Rock, Ark., and honorably mustered out of the service. Mr. Bramhall casts his vote with the Republican party and gives active aid in all matters of local progress and reform. A man of clear judgment and upright principles, he is one of the substantial citizens of Berrien County, and commands the respect of friends and neighbors.