Syria Jonathan BRANSON --- was born in Kentucky July 16th 1825, and died at  Hickory Hill, Wayne Co., IL, Jan. 22nd 1892, aged 66 years 6 months and 6  days.

Deceased removed with his parents to Marion Co., IL, when about three  years of age where he continued to reside until about 1848 or 1849, when he  removed to Wayne Co., IL, where he died.  He was twice married;  first to  Lucinda M. CONNER July 3rd, 1845.  She died September 23rd 1845.  On Dec. 24th 1846, he was again married to Sarah Jane ATTEBERRY, who survives him.

Deceased was the father of ten children, five of whom are still living.

In addition to his widow and children he leaves a father about 92 years old,  and four brothers and four sisters to mourn his death.  Deceased was brought  up at a time and in a place where there were scarcely any educational advantages, he having only attended school 15 days all told; notwithstanding  these disadvantages, he, by diligent study and close application in the back woods and by the old time grease lamp, acquired a good common school  education and taughtschool for several years.  Deceased was serving his third term as Justice of the peace at the time of his death.  He was loyal  to his God, his country, and his family.  He was moral, honest and truthful.

He professed faith in Christ in the fall of the year 1845, and while he  never united with any church, he lived in the fa ... the summons came.  He  had stro ... in the second coming of Christ ... in the words of the Savior  th...might be dead, yet it his...Christ in God, when...appear, then shall  he....glory.