Missouri Baptist Sanitarium

Milton W. Brannock died on 22 Nov 1922. I learned from his death certificate that he died at Missouri Baptist Hospital. I lived in St. Louis for 24 years, and wanted to know if it was the same "MOBAP" that I had visited.

I found a bulletin dated 23 April 1907 published by Washington University Association that included an ad for Missouri Baptist Sanitarium.











I learned more interesting facts regarding the humble beginnings of this hospital from the BJC Healthcare website:



1884 - Dr. Mayfield and his wife open their three-story brick home at 1914 N. 11th Street, to his first patient.  Word of Dr. Mayfield's work attracts patients from around the region.  Neither Dr. nor Mrs. Mayfield draw a salary for their work.

1886 - To accomodate the growing number of patients, Dr. Mayfield rents the large brick Dausman Mansion and its grounds at 909 North Taylor. He opens it as an annex to his hospital, and by 1887 most patient care is transferred.  With support from the Third Baptist Church of St. Louis and the Baptist Ministers Alliance, the hospital is formally chartered "Missouri Baptist Sanitarium."

1892 - A typhoid fever epidemic hits St. Louis. Missouri Baptist initiates a horse and carriage ambulance service. 

1894 - The first staff is named;  includes many noted St. Louis physicians and surgeons

1895 - Missouri Baptist Nursing Training School opens. Nursing students of the day were expected to work 10 hours a day in addition to their studies.

1897 - The first class graduates from Missouri Baptist Nursing Training School; there are three graduates.

1900 - Annual report lists 818 patients treated: 488 medical cases, 330 surgical, 14 babies born.

1903 - Missouri Baptist purchases its first X-ray machine, adds X-ray department

1905 -Missouri Baptist builds its own electric power station; purchases 12-room house at 4529 MacMillan Avenue to house its nurses

1908 - Missouri Baptist builds a bacteriology and chemical laboratory, one of the first in the nation

1909 - Physicians are added to the medical staff; rooms for patients are opened

1915 - Hospital invests $192,526 in a new sanitarium anex at 919 N. Taylor Avenue, adjoining the mansion, which became the maternity ward. Additional services offered; Missouri Baptist purchases a motorized ambulance.

1918 - During World War I, seven Missouri Baptist physicians and forty nurses volunteer with the Red Cross serving at stateside and overseas military bases.  Spanish Influenza hits St. Louis; a total of 3,641 St. Louisans die.

1919 - Missouri Baptist hires its first dietitian

1920 - Missouri Baptist physicians endorse the “St. Louis Plan” to cut down on automobile accidents; the program receives national attention

Two years later Milton dies, so I will conclude this history lesson. 

Biography of Frank A. Brannock 1869-1961

Franklin Alexander Brannock and his wife Elizabeth "Betty" (Harty) Brannock

Frank A. and Betty Brannock are parents to my maternal grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (Brannock) Filla. Grandma Filla made the note that you see on the photograph. 

Many thank-yous to Grandma Filla's oldest, Betty Rae (Filla) Lundy for giving this photo to me. 

Another precious gift given to me by my Aunt Betty is a handwritten biography of Frank A. Brannock. I am having a few technical issues in getting it scanned; but hope to add it soon.  I am assuming that this was handwritten by Frank himself, and edited by someone else after his passing.  

Biography of Frank A. Brannock

Franklin Alexander Brannock son of James Franklin and Amanda Elizabeth Bennett Brannock, was born on Friday May 21st 1869, in Lone Pine school District, about 4 miles Northwest of West Plains, in Howell County, Missouri, and was raised on the farm of his parents in the head of Howell Valley, and attended school in what was known as the Galloway School District, until he was 16 years of age when he left Howell County and went to Greenville, in Wayne County, Missouri to Clerk for his uncle C.A. Bennett in his store in Greenville and attended the High School in Greenville completing and graduating from the Greenville school in the Spring of 1888. Taught the Sinking Creek School in Reynolds County, Missouri in 1888 - After which returned to his mother's home in Howell County and entered the High School at West Plains in the early spring of 1889. In the Fall of 1889 taught the School at Attie (Attic) in Oregon County, Missouri, after Attic school was out entered again the West Plains High School until school  was out and attended the Summer Teachers Term in the fall of 1889, 1890 and 1891. Taught the Home School in the Galloway District for 2 years. After school was out would enter West Plains High School from which he graduated in 1891, with the highest grade in mathematics out of a class of 102. In February 1892, with his mother Mrs. Amanda Elizabeth Brannock Campbell and his two brothers Milton W and Jasa W Brannock came to Bloomfield, Stoddard County, Missouri, where he has resided most of the time since. 

After coming to Stoddard County he taught for 5 years, 2 years in Curdton School, 1 year in Bluff School and 2 years in the Bloomfield School making 9 years he taught school, was elected County Commissioner of school in 1895 and served for 2 years where he was appointed Deputy (County) Collector by his brother-in-law Mr A.L. Harty where he served as deputy for 4 years and was elected County Collector for 2 years, was appointed as Bank Examiner by Hon. Ellitt W. Mayor in 1913, served 4 years, was appointed as a Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue by Hon. George H. Moore of St. Louis, under the Administration of President Woodrow Wilson in 1917 and served as such until Nov. 1922 where his brother M. W. Brannock taken sick and went away on Nov. 22nd 1922 after which he devoted the rest of his time to looking after the estate of his brother and the business of his aged Mother Mrs. A.E. Campbell who went away on Oct 26th 1927. After that he spent his time looking after the Estate of his brother and Mother and their rental and farm properties. The last few years he has lived in Bloomfield and with his son Robert have devoted most of their time to the farm and raising of live stock. He was for several years a Member of the School Board of Bloomfield, Also of Clines Island School board and was very much interested in good school and Churches and was liked both in his means and time for the betterment of the church and schools. He represented Stoddard County in the 55th and 57 General Assembly and was considered a good Conservative Member and placed the welfare of the State above personal pressure groups or personal benefits. He was on several of the best Committees in the house. Member of First Baptist Church of Bloomfield and was a liberal giver of the New Church building and has been for several yeares a tither. Was a Member of Bloomfield Lodge 153 A.F and A.M. and was secretary for more than 10 years. Also belonged to the O.E.S. 385 Bloomfield. 

He was a Democrat of the "Old School" and always taken an active part in the political affairs of his party and gave much of his time for his political friends. He was good friends to Hom. James A. Reed, Hon. Wm. J Stone, Harry Howes, Hon. Chauep Clark, Lloyd Stark, Phil M. Donnelly, F.M. Cochrell, Francis M. Wilson, Sam Cook, J. M. Seibert, Dwight Brown, Robert Winn, Albert O. Allen, A.M. Dockery. He attended 2 National Democratic Conventions. 1924 in New York City, 1948 in Philadelphia. His adviser and council was sought and respected very highly not only in political, but social, financial, educational, and religious matters. The Campbell & Brannock families were well known and played a prominent part in the financial business, educational and church activities of the community. 

On Wednesday December 28th 1893 he was happily married to Miss Betty daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Harty at Asherville, MO. by Rev. William A. Williams, a Baptist Minister, A long time friend of the Harty and Brannock families to this union were born 13 children 2 girls and 11 boys, six of whom died in their infancy. Those surviving him besides his wife, are Vane W. Brannock of Dexter, John A. Brannock of Memphis, Tenn., James Reed Brannock, Cape Girardeau, Mrs. Kathryn Brannock Hoeman Jr. and Samuel Malcolm Brannock of Evansville, Indiana, Robert Brannock of Royal Oak, Michigan, Frank Brannock Jr. of Bloomfield. he is also survived by 12 grand-children, Great grand children, Great-Great grand children besides a host of other relatives and friends that regret his going. The community has lost a worthy and highly respected citizen and friend. 

From this list Please select 6 Active Pall Bearers and 6 Honorary Pall Bearers or more

Active

Richard Heusly - deceased

Dwight Welburn

Howard Maupin

Alvin Corbin

John Kirby

Robt Gaiuss

John F. Edmundson

R. Kip Briney - deceased

Yewell Lawrence - deceased

Lloyd Poe

Elvis Mooney

Elmer Hopkins

Honorary

James B. Buca - deceased

Bert Smith - deceased

Wm H. Huggines - deceased

Chas. B. Miller

Scott Reed

Doe Brydan - deceased

Sam Carter - deceased

E.E. Good - deceased

W.A. Martin

E. Y. Laumires

M. Walker Cooper

A.L. Biffle - deceased

Last Will and Testament of Milton W. Brannock

Record Book of Wills

in the Stoddard County of Stoddard, Missouri

Book D Will 150, 151 & 152

Last Will and Testament

I, Milton W. Brannock, a resident and citizen of the City of Bloomfield, in Stoddard County, Missouri, do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, herby revoking and making null and void all former last wills and testaments,  and codicils thereto, heretofore, made by me at any time, so that this instrument shall stand and be my last will and testament:

Section One

I hereby authorize direct and empower my Executors hereinafter named, to pay all of my just debts, administration and funeral expenses, and to erect  a suitable monument to mark my last resting place at such cost as they may deem just, reasonable and proper, to be paid for and of my estate; I direct that all of these things be done as soon after the qualification of my executors as may be practicable. 

Section Two

I hereby authorize and direct my executors out of my estate to pay all inheritance taxes assessed by the State of Missouri, or in any other State in which my property may be located, or by United States, whether said taxes be a charge upon my real or personal estate or whether they be a charge against the respective beneficiaries under the bequests and devises I have made under this will. I direct that all said taxes or assessments shall be a charge against my estate, and shall be paid by my estate, and not be charged against my beneficiaries of the burden of looking after such matters and to relieve the bequests I make herein of such taxation and assessments. 

Section Three

I now own various real estate and interests in real properties in Stoddard County, Missouri. I also own certain real estate in Clay County, Arkansas, and an undivided interest in a large tract of land in _____ Parish, in the State of Louisiana. It is my will and desire that said property shall be converted into cash by my Executors. In order that said property may not be sacrificed. I hereby authorize direct and empower my Executors in their sole discretion to sell said real estate, or any part or parcel thereof at such time or times as they may direct to be most advantageous to my estate  and at such time or times as they may think just, reasonable, and proper, and to such person or persons as they may deem best and on such terms as they may think and believe to be for the best interests of my Estate. Said property or any portion thereof, may be sold...... for cash or part cash and part deferred payments, ...on deferred payments. All such payments may be...sessed by vendor liens mortgages or deeds of trust as my Executors be wholly and absolutely empowered and authorized to hold said property until such time or times that they may be convinced it is best for my estate to sell same, and while holding said properties, I hereby authorize, empower and direct my Executors to lease or rent/pg 2./said real estate or any portion thereof, for such terms and for such rents on and such conditions as they may deem just, reasonable and proper; and in this consideration, I authorize, direct and empower my Executors, if they deem it to be in the best interest of my estate to lease for mining purposes, for drilling for gas or oil or other mineral substance, any part of or all of my real estate, the terms of such lease and conditions and the royalties or rentables to be received therefor, shall be left wholly to the discretion of my executors. If it be necessary in the opinion of my executors to make any improvements on said real estate from time to time, or at any time, I hereby authorize empower and direct my Executors in their discretion to make such improvements and to pay the taxes on said real estate from time to time out of any moneys that may be in their hands derived from my personal estate, or from any real estate that may have been sold by them.

I hereby authorize, direct and empower my said Executors to take possession of, hold, use and enjoy all of my said real estate as fully and as completely as I may have held, used and enjoyed the same if I were living at such time or times. All moneys spent by my executors for the purpose of improving, looking after and caring for said real estate, or paying the taxes thereon shall be a charge against my personal estate. All moneys received by my Executors from said real estate shall be accounted for by my executors as a part of my personal or general estate. 

Section Four

I own certain personal property among which will be found bonds of the United States, and possibly other bonds, also mortgages on real estate, that is notes secured by other kinds of personal property. ,I hereby authorize, empower and direct my Executor to sell or dispose of as to convert  into cash any of such personal property on such terms and convictions, and at such time or times as my Executor shall determine, well knowing that my Executors at all times will be careful and diligent in seeking to do what is best for my Estate and my beneficiaries, and in the discretion of my executors I authorize them to invest and re-invest any moneys that may be in their hands, and undisposed of, loan time to time in such securities, bonds, mortgages as they deem just, reasonable and proper, so that they in their discretion may invest in notes secured by first mortgages or first deeds of trust on real estate situate in this  State or any other State, or in high grade investment bonds of any corporation of any State or in bonds of any State or any subdivision of any State, or any bonds of the United States.

Section Five

My deceased brother, Jason W. Brannock, died many years ago, and left surviving him his sons the oldest Howard Brannock and the youngest Ralph Brannock. I do hereby direct my executors as soon after their qualifications as may be convenient to pay my nephew, Howard Brannock, Five hundred dollars ($500.00) in cash and to pay my nephew, Ralph Brannock, Five thousand dollars/pg.3/ ($5000.00) in cash, which shall be full of their right, title and interest in my estate.

Section Six

My mother, Mrs. A.E. Campbell, is still living, and if she survives me, then and in that case I direct my Executors to divide my Estate, after paying my just debts, funeral expense, and the bequests herein above made, into two equal parts, one part being one half of my net estate shall be held by my executors during the lifetime of my mother, and during her lifetime, at such convenient times as they may deem just, reasonable and proper, my Executors shall pay to my mother the income on said one-half of my estate held by them after paying the taxes or other charges on the property so held for the benefit of my mother; and if at will #151 p.1/ anytime, in the discretion of my executors, said income should not be sufficient to care for my mother and provide all reasonable necessaries for her comfort, I direct my executors in their discretion, if they deem it reasonable and proper, to use such part of the principal of the funds or property in their hands for the use and benefit of my mother. At the death of my mother, I direct my Executors to pay the funds and property in their hands, held for the use of my mother to my brother, Frank A. Brannock, It is my will that the title in the property so held for the use of my mother shall vest absolutely in my Executors, and shall be held by my Executors during the life time of my mother, and out of such property such payments shall be made to my mother from time to time as herein above provided. 

Section Seven

All the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate, of every kind and character, and whatsoever situated or located, I give, devise and bequeath unto my brother, Frank A. Brannock, to be held by him absolutely and solely in fee simple title. If my brother should not survive me however, of or of he should die before the final distribution of my estate, then it is my will and I hereby direct that my interests in my estate provided for my brother, Frank A. Brannock, shall pass to and vest in his children share and share alike and if any of his children shall at such time be dead and leave issue, then the issue of such a deceased child or children shall receive and have an equal share the share their parent would have had if parent had survived. 

Section Eight 

I any of the beneficiaries of my estate herein provided for should be minors at the time of the distribution herein provided for, then it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and empower and authorize my said Executors to hold the share of such minor or minors until same reach the age of twenty-one years. I further empower, authorize and direct my Executors in such case or cases to  use their discretion in providing for such minors, so that my Executors may use the income or any part of the principal going to such minor, as they deem just, reasonable and proper for the purpose of educating, maintaining or supporting such minors and while such funds are in the hands of my Executors they are authorized to invest said funds as herein provided from time to time.

Section Nine

I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my trusted friends Stephen B. Hunter, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Alfred L. Harty of St. Louis, Missouri and my brother, Frank A. Brannock, as Executors of this my last will and testament and having absolute confidence in the ability and integrity of my said Executors, I hereby direct that they be permitted to act without bond. Should either of my said Executors fail or refuse to qualify or should either of them die or resign after quali- /pg.2/ fying, the surviving Executors may act and have as full power and authority as if all had qualified and acted hereunder.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal at the City of St. Louis, Missouri, this 14th day of November , A.D. 1922

Milton W. Brannock 

We hereby certify that Milton W. Brannock, the testator named in the foregoing instrument of writing, subscribed his name thereto on this day and to us declared the same to be his last will and testament; that we subscribe our names hereto as witnesses in the presence and at the request of said testator, and in the presence of each other, and that at the time of the execution of said instrument as aforesaid, and of our subscribing the same as witnesses, the said testator was of sound and disposing mind, to the best of of our knowledge and belief. 

Witness our hands at the City of St. Louis, Missouri, this 14th day of November, A.D., 1922.

B.A. Wilkes

W.M. Fitch

________________________________________________________________________________

Oath of Executors

State of Missouri

County of Stoddard

The undersigned Stephen B. Hunter, Alfred L. Harty, and Frank A. Brannock, Executors under and by virtue of the Last Will and Testament of Milton W. Brannock, deceased, late of Stoddard County, Missouri, personally appeared before me, the Judge of the Probate Court, with and for the county of Stoddard and State of Missouri , and being duly sworn by me, upon their oaths say that they will make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels, land and tenements, rights and credits of said testator, according to law, and will well and truly execute or administer the Last Will and Testaments of the said testator, by paying first his debts, and then the legacies contained in said Last Will and testament, as far as the assets of the said Testator will extend and the law direct, render just accounts and faithfully perform all things required by law touching such executor ship or administration. 

Stephen B. Hunter

Alfred L. Harty

Frank A. Brannock

Subscribed and sworn to before me by Alfred L. Harty and Frank A. Brannock , at Bloomfield, Missouri, this 25th day of November, 1922

M. Walker Cooper

Judge of Probate

Subscribed and sworn to before me by Stephen B. Hunter, this 29th day of November, 1922

M. Walker Cooper

Judge of Probate

________________________________________________________________________________

Commission to Prove Will 

State of Missouri

County of Stoddard

The State of Missouri, to any Court having a seal, or the Judge thereof or Justice of the Peace or any Notary Public, Mayor or Chief Magistrate of any City or Town having a seal in the City of St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, Greeting: Know Ye that we hereby empower you to cause to come before you at the time and place to be by you appointed B.A. Wilkes and W.M. /pg. 3/ Fitch  attesting witnesses to the annexed instrument of writing, purporting to be the last will and testament of Milton W. Brannock, deceased, and to then and there examine them the said B.A. Wilkes and W.M. Fitch on oath touching their knowledge of the execution of said instrument, and of the condition of the mind of the said Milton Brannock at the time of the execution and publication of the same as his last will and testament. The examination thus taken, you will reduce to writing and cause the same to be subscribed and sworn to by the said B. A. Wilkes and M.W. Fitch and thereupon you shall certify the same under your hand to M. Walker Cooper, Judge of our Probate court of said County. 

In witness whereof I, M. Walker Cooper, Judge of said Probate Court have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said court at Bloomfield, Missouri on this 25th day of November, 1922

M. Walker Cooper

Judge of Probate

/will #152, pg.1/

_________________________________________________________________________________

Return to Commission to Prove Will

State of Missouri

County of St. Louis

Before Cedric F. Schlemmer, a Notary of Public of St. Louis, Missouri

In Pursuance of the authority to me given by the annexed commission issued by the Judge of Probate Court within and for the county of Stoddard and State of Missouri, I Cedric F. Schlemmer, did on the 29th day of November, A.D., 1922, cause to come before me at my office in the City of St. Louis and State of Missouri , B.A. Wilkes and W.M. Fitch, who being by me duly sworn deposeth and say that they were present and saw Milton W. Brannock sign the foregoing instrument of date November 14th, 1922, purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of him, the said Milton W. Brannock  and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament, and that at the time of signing the same, the said Milton W. Brannock was of sound and disposing mind and these deponents, the attesting witnesses, subscribed their names thereto as witnesses to the same in the presence of the testator, and of each other, and at the request of the testator, who was more than twenty-one years of age at the date of so declaring and signing said instrument, and further deponent saith not. 

B.A. Wilkes

W.M. Fitch

Sworn to and subscribed in my presence this 29th day of November, A.D., 1922 and I hereby certify that the testimony of the said B.A. Wilkes and W.M. Fitch was by me reduced to writing, and by them subscribed in my presence, on the day and year and at the place above written, and their testimony so by me taken and certified is herewith returned. 

Cedric F. Schlemmer

Notary Public 

My commission expires Oct. 30, 1925

_________________________________________________________________________________

State of Missouri

County of Stoddard

On the 1st day of December, 1922, before the undersigned M. Walker Cooper, Judge of Probate, personally appeared Frank A. Brannock, who being duly sworn, says that to the best information and belief of affiant, Milton W. Brannock, died testate at St. Louis, Missouri on the 22nd day of November, 1922 leaving as his heirs at law Mrs. A.E. Campbell his mother, of Stoddard County, Missouri; Frank A. Brannock a brother, of Stoddard County, Missouri; Howard Brannock, a nephew of Red Oak, Iowa; and Ralph Brannock, a nephew of Stoddard County, Missouri.

Frank A. Brannock

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 1st day of December, 1922

M. Walker Cooper

Judge of Probate

/pg. 2/

_________________________________________________________________________________

Certificate of Probate

State of Missouri

County of-Stoddard - )In the-Probate-Court-of Stoddard County Missouri

I, - M. Walker Cooper, Judge - of the-Probate-Court-Stoddard-County, Missouri, having examined the foregoing instrument purporting to be - - the Last Will and Testament of - Milton W. Brannock - deceased and signed by said - Milton W. Brannock - deceased, late of -Stoddard-County,-Missouri- and having heard the testimony if -B.A. Wilkes - and - W.M. Fitch - subscribing witnesses thereto, in relation to the execution of the same, do declare and adjudge said Instrument -is-the Last Will and Testament of said -Milton W. Brannock- deceased, and the same is thereforeto - admitted to probate.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office this - 1st  day of - December - 1922

M. Walker Cooper

Judge of Probate

_________________________________________________________________________________

LETTERS OF TESTAMENTARY

STATE OF MISSOURI

County of - Stoddard

To all to Whom these Presents shall come - GREETING:

Know Ye, That the last will and testament of - Milton W. Brannock - deceased, late of -Stoddard- County, Missouri, hath, in due form of law been exhibited, proved and recorded, in the office of the - Judge- of the Probate Court of-Stoddard-County, Missouri, a copy of which is hereunto annexed; and Inasmuch as it appears that - Stephen B. Hunter, Alfred L. Harty and Frank A. Brannock - ha - ve - been appointed execut-or- in and by said Last Will and Testament, to execute the same, and to the end that the property of the said Testator may be preserved for those who shall appear to have a legal right or interest therein, and that the said Last Will and Testament may be executed according to the request and instruction of the said Testator, we do hereby authorize - them - the said - Stephen B. Hunter, Alfred L. Harty and Frank A. Brannock - as such Execut-ors-, to collect and secure, all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, which were of the said - Milton W. Brannock - at the time of h-is-death, in whosoever hands or possession the same may be found; and to perform and fulfill all such duties as may be enjoined upon -them- by said Last Will and Testament, so far as there shall be property and the law charge -them- ; and in general to do and perform all other acts which are now or may be hereafter required of -them- by law. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, - M. Walker Cooper, Judge - of the Probate Court in and for said County, have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at office in -Bloomfield, Missouri-this - 1st- day of - December -, A.D. 1922

M. Walker Cooper

By - Judge- of said Court.

_________________________________________________________________________________

EXECUTOR'S BOND, or Bond of Administrator with Will Annexed.

No Bond Required

A final resting place for Jasa W. Brannock

I am learning that you will meet the kindest folks when researching your family history. Maybe I am just lucky so far, but everyone has been sincere and eager to share.

A special thank you to **Mr. Bob Farmer for sending me a photo of Jasa's tombstone.

Jasa W.

Brannock

July 5, 1871

Jan. 12, 1903

A light from our 

Household is gone

A voice we loved is 

Stilled 

Erected By

Mother

** Mr. Farmer has a great site dedicated to his passion for genealogy:
BobFarmerRootsWeb

Tragedy strikes the Brannock family again.

James Reed Brannock, son of Frank A. and Betty Brannock, was born 8 November 1910 and died 18 October 1961.

James was born in Bloomfield, Missouri, but had made Cape Girardeau home with his wife, Ruby. James and Ruby had no children together. Ruby had one child from a previous marriage.

**courtesy of  Jeff Francis via aaroads.com**

James had been employed with the Missouri Highway Department for 25 years, most recently as the Chief of the department. While working along Highway 25 in Malden, Missouri, the International Truck that he was riding in went off of the pavement and turned over on him. James suffered a broken neck and was killed instantly. The  21 year old driver of the truck suffered a broken collar bone.

To give you an idea of the size of this vehicle:

**courtesy vanishingsouthgeorgia.com**

The Missouri Department of Transportation has a site dedicated to the men and women who have lost their lives while on duty.

www.modot.org/workzones/inmemory

Hold Rites for Former Cape Man Killed On Train

Ralph Bryan Brannock, son of Jason W. and Telano Brannock, born 6 Jan 1898, and died 18 Oct 1931.

I believe this to be a photo of him, although this has yet to be verified:

The Brannock family and trains do not mix well! Ralph's story ends in the same crushing manner as his father's.

An article dated, October 20, 1931, released by the Southeast Missourian details the accident:

"Mr. and Mrs. John A. Brannock, 1101 Jefferson Ave., went to Bloomfield where they attended funeral services for a cousin of Brannock, Ralph Brannock. Ralph Brannock who was killed Sunday morning at Jonesboro, Ark. when his head was crushed by a door of a box car in which he was riding. Services were held at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. J.D. Underhill, in Bloomfield, and burial was in the cemetery there. 

Brannock had opened the box car door and was peering out as the train stopped suddenly and Brannock's skull was crushed as the door slammed shut. He lived 10 hours following the accident, but never regained consciousness. Brannock formerly resided in Cape Girardeau, being employed in 1917 and 1918 in the Dalton Drug Store, Main Street and Broadway."

While sifting through documents pertaining to Ralph, I found his registration card for WWI dated 12 September, 1918.

**Did you know that every male, citizen and alien, born between 13 September 1873 and 12 September 1900 had to register for the war? 24 million males were born in this time frame!!!!**

His registration card states that he is employed as a timekeeper for the American Car and Foundry Company located at 2600 South Broadway in St. Louis, MO. 

Timekeeper - A person responsible for making sure things happened on time e.g. worker arriving or departing, trains, coaches, omnibuses, etc.

I was able to locate a floor plan of the building he worked in. 

This is an example of the type of railcar they were constructing at the time:

**courtesy of midcontinent.org**

During WWI, AC&F Co. also produced artillery gun mounts and ammunition, field kitchens, pack saddles, submarine chasers, cloth shrinking machines and rollers, and even wooden tent pegs, as well as railway cars, for the Allies.

Field Kitchen:

**courtesy G503.com**

Pack Saddle:

**courtesy of buckarooleather.blogspot.com**

Submarine Chaser:

This is a model set, but had a great explanation attached.

**courtesy of oldmodelkits.com**

Brannock v St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad

Jason "Jasa" Brannock, son of James F. Brannock, and Amanda (Bennett) Brannock was born 6 July 1872 and died in a railroad accident on 10 January 1903. Jasa was married to Telano Underhill, and  together they had two children; only one, Ralph Bryan Brannock, would survive infancy. Sadly for "Lano", their son Ralph would suffer the same fate (more to come on that in a later post).

 Jasa worked as a switchman at the Cape Girardeau Railroad yard in Cape Girardeau, Missouri from approximately August 1902- January 1903. Part of his duties were to couple and uncouple cars while trains were being made up or changed on the tracks.

Cape Girardeau Depot 1909

On the date of his accident, Jasa attempted to uncouple two freight cars from a train of eleven cars. He was killed when his foot slipped off of the brake beam of the front car; which caused him to fall over the guardrail. The car in the rear ran over his left foot, crushed his left thigh and arm, and also injured his left hand. He died from these injuries a few hours later.
















 Jasa's widow, Lano, took the case to court.

March Term 1910
LONA BRANNOCK, Respondent v. ST. LOUIS & SAN FRANCISCO RAILROAD COMPANY, Appellant

St. Louis Court of Appeals, March 8, 1910

Death of switchman caused by unblocked guardrail while going between moving cars. Brannock v. Railroad

A witness at trial described what happened:

"We was at the south of what we call the track lead, and was backing toward Track No.7, that crossed this Gulf track , and Jase was standing there, and I told him to cut off two cars and he caught hold of the lever and run along five or six feet and dropped the lever and caught hold of the hand hold, and put his feet on the brake beam and his foot slipped off the brake beam. And I says. "Look out Jase, you will get your feet in that frog', and and he was trying to get his feet away from the wheels, and he fell kinder on his hands and knees; and I saw the wheels was going to run him over and I turned around.
     Q: Did he take any steps after his feet slipped off the brake beam?
"It looked like he went four or five feet with his right foot wobbling along the ground or rail, trying to get his feet away from the wheels."


 The verdict of the jury read:

"Respondent's husband was guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of law in needlessly going between the cars to uncouple them when he had a comparatively safe place to perform that duty by remaining on the outside of the cars."