Merrett Branom was born in the state of Missouri in the year 1820. At the tender age of nineteen he left his home and came to Texas to seek his fortune, and to make the Lone Star state his future home. Soon after he came upon Texas soil he married Miss Ellen Finley, an old Missouri acquaintance. She was a sister to Ed Finley, who is well known as an honorable, just and esteemed citizen of Hopkins County, and an aunt to our worthy ex-tax-assessor, Dave Finley. By this marriage thirteen children carne to them, six boys and seven girls. Polly Ann married Wm. Young a splendid man and a most excellent citizen, W. J. (Bill) married Miss Nancy Chaffin, he has inherited the noble traits of his father-a pure, incorruptible man, has held the office of high sheriff of his county. He is esteemed for his brave, courageous and manly conduct in all the relations of life, public and private. Rachale married Dr. McFarlin, a gentleman of noble birth, and is universally respected, not only for his professional ability, but for his- amiable disposition and uniform kindness toward all whom he meets. Albert married Sallie Ward. Harvey married Susan Butler, daughter of Uncle Jim Butler, one of the best men in the county. Julia Ann married Henry Smith, a worthy, highly esteemed and much respected gentleman. They live in Commerce, Hunt County. Eliza J. married James Ingram. Victoria married Norman Gillis. Tecuseh married Mattie Welch. Milton married Beulah Newell. Miss Maloney Ellen is yet single and lives with her aged mother, a grand old pioneer woman. Merrett married Miss Moore. Lucy Branom is also single, she, too, lives at the home of her maternal parent.
Capt. Merrett Branom is dead. He passed to his long home to rest in the shade of eternity on January 24th, 1900, to wait the coming of his companion, who with him bore the burdens, hardships, trials, disappointments and sorrows of pioneer life. She is waiting her call with patience and fortitude, but before long the will meet him in that land of bliss where parting will be no more forever. Capt. Branom was a very remarkable man. To write of the personal sacrifices, the trials and disappointments he has suffered and endured for his country’s interest would moisten the cheeks of every reader of this history. Hundreds of illustrations could be given, strikingly demonstrative of this fact, but space forbids. When Capt. Branom came to Texas, a mere lad, it is said a single glance at his splendid presence won every heart, and the whole people took him on trust. Be it said to the credit of this grand old pioneer he never betrayed the trust, would have suffered the tortures of a cruel death first, always was reliable and could be depended upon in the midst of storms.