Person Page - 125

     Thomas Brannen was the son of "Progenitor" Brannen. He married Sarah Ann (--?--), , circa 1842 at Lowndes Co., Georgia. Thomas died circa 1865 at Cedar Key, Levy Co., Florida.
     
Biography of Thomas Brannen:

We believe the father of Thomas Brannen (1794-1865) is either John Brannen (1765) or Henry Brannen (1755) both of Screven County, Georgia. We found four Brannen males old enough to be the father of Thomas and living in the Screven/Bulloch County Georgia in the 1790's. They are Thomas Brannen (1770), Henry Brannen (1755), John Brannen (1765) and William Brannen (1745). The families of Thomas and William have been well researched and their children identified and well documented. Unfortunately there is no Thomas Brannen born about 1794 listed among those children. That leaves Thomas (1794) as likely being the child of Henry Brannen (1755) or John Brannen (1765). For purposes of including Thomas in this genealogy we have shown him as the father of "Progenitor" Brannen until we find further information to show where he fits.

We have assigned Thomas as being born circa 1794. It is possible that he may have been born as early as 1789. We found him in 5 census records in which he indicated his age as follows:


     Census Age Birth Year

     1860 71 1789

     1850 56 1794

     1840 40-50 1790-1800

     1830 30-40 1790-1800

     1820 26-45 1775-1794

Based on these census records we have chosen his birth year as circa 1794, based primarily on the 1850 census. However, it is clear that he could have been born several years earlier.

Thomas Brannen (1794-1868) is the progenitor of most of the Brannen families in Suwannee and Taylor County, Florida. Thomas was born about 1794 probably in Screven County, Georgia. He married Nancy Donaldson about 1816 in Bulloch Co. and started his family. Between 1826 and 1830 he moved his family to Lowndes Co. Georgia and about 1843 he moved his family into Madison County Florida near Cherry Lake as that is where they were located on the 1850 Census. By 1860 the family is in the northern part of Taylor Co., Florida where descendants remain to this day.

The earliest record we have been able to find too date of Thomas Brannen (1794-1865) is dated 25 November 1816 in Bulloch Co. Georgia where Robert Donaldson, his father-in-law, endorsed a bill of sale of 250 acres of land to Thomas Brannen. There was no monetary value given on the endorsement which suggests this to be a gift of land from Robert Donaldson to his new son-in-law. Also 1816 is the likely date that Thomas Brannen married Nancy Donaldson. [DB AAA p. 327 per Register - Bulloch Georgia Genealogical Source Material p. 58]

Thomas Brannan is listed as head of household in the 1820 Federal Census of Bulloch Co., Georgia. His household consists of 1 male age 26-45 (Thomas) 1 male age <10 (Robert H.), 1 female 16-26 (Nancy) and two females <10 (Mary and Martha).

Thomas is next found in March 1822 in Bulloch Co. Georgia records of the Inferior Court where he is appointed with others to appraise the estate of Berry Jones, dec'd. and where he and others present the estate inventory and appraisal to the court. [Register - Bulloch Georgia Sources p. 93 & 306]. He next appears on 6 March 1826 in the Inferior Court Minutes of Bulloch County, Georgia where he and others are appointed to appraise and divide the estate of Jacob Futch, dec'd. [Register - Bulloch Georgia Genealogical Source Material, p. 101]

Between March 1826 and 1830 Thomas and family likely moved to Lowndes County, Georgia as we next find Thomas listed as Thomas Brannan, head of household, in the 1830 Federal Census of Lowndes Co., Georgia as follows: 1male <5 (James), 3 males 5-10 (Robert, Owen, William D. ), 1male 30/40, (Thomas) 1female 5-10 (Margaret) 2 females 10/15 (Mary and Martha) 1 female 30/40 (Nancy) [p. 137 1830 Census Lowndes Co. Georgia]

A record showing Thomas Brannan enlisting as a private in Turner's Company, 12 Reg't, 1st Brigade of the Florida Mounted Volunteers in the Florida Indian Wars. A William and a Robert H. Brannan also enrolled in the same company at the same time. These being his two sons who would be of sufficient age to join the militia. The date of this record is unknown but it most likely was between 1836 and 1840. A Thomas Brannin as well as, a Robert and William Brannin enlisted in Capt. Hills (This is Green Berry Hill, next door neighbor of Thomas and friend of Robert Donaldson) Company, 2nd Regiment, Florida Mounted Volunteers as Privates. They all enrolled June 16, 1837 at San Pedro for 6 months and were on the muster out rolls for this Company at Ft. Gilliland, Florida on 18 December 1837. [National Archives, Microfilm M-629, Index to Service Records Indian Wars 1815-1858] These records suggest that these are two separate enrollments at two different times by the same persons. In addition there are three records for a Henry Brannan who served in Livingston Co. of Taylor's Bttn of Middle FL Vols, in Bradley's Co. of FL Mtd Vols and in Capt. Holloman's Co. of McCant's Bttn in the the Jefferson County Middle FL Drafted Mil in the Florida Indian Wars. We have not been able to identify or locate this Henry in other records and are very suspicions that this Henry is in fact, our Thomas Brannen (1794). There are also James and Bryant Brannen, children of John Brannen (1765) also are found serving in other companies during these wars.

Thomas is listed as head of household in the 1840 Census of Lowndes Co., Georgia as follows: 2m 5/10 (Franklin & John) , 3 m 10/15 (Owen, William, James) 1 m 15/20 (Robert H.), 1m 40/50(Thomas) 1 f 10/15 (Margaret) 1f 40/50 (Nancy). Mary and Martha are married before 1840 and thus do not appear.

His first wife Nancy Donaldson must have died circa 1843 as he likely married his second wife Sarah Ann circa 1843 based on having their first child Houston, by Sarah Ann, in November of 1844.

Thomas, William, Bryant, James, Rachel and Robert Brannan all appear on the 1847 Tax List in Madison County, Florida. Bryant, James and Rachel are the children of John Brannen (1765) of Screven County. William and Robert are sons of Thomas. There is obviously a very close relationship between James, Rachel and Bryant, children of John Brannen (1765) of Screven County, Georgia and Thomas Brannen. They are living near each other in the 1840 census and James is living next door to Thomas in the 1850 Madison County Census. Rachel and Bryant are also living in the household of James in 1840, but could not be found in any records after their names appear on the 1847 Madison County, Florida tax list.

Thomas and his family (with his second wife, Sarah Ann) are enumerated in the 1850 Census of Madison Co. Florida. This census shows:

1850 Madison Co. FL - Federal Census - 22 Nov 1850 11th Div.
p. 104, Dw. 319, Fam. 319

     Thomas Brannen 56 m Ga

     Sarah 38 f Ga

     Franklin 18 m Ga

     John 16 m Ga

     Hampton 6 m Fla

     Nathan P. 4 m Fla

     Samuel Brannen 2 m Fla


In the 1850 Census of Madison County, Thomas's son Hampton, (His name of Houston is misspelled) is shown as age 6, born Florida. This is the first of Thomas's children born in Florida which suggests he moved into Madison County, Florida from Lowndes Co. Georgia between 1842 and 1844 as his name did not appear on the list of 1842 voters seeking statehood for Florida.

James Brannan (1798) son of John Brannen (1765) of Screven County Georgia and family is enumerated as a next door neighbor to Thomas in the 1840 Lowndes Co. Georgia Census and the 1850 Madison Co., Florida census. This is likely the same James that served in the Indian Wars.

Thomas Brannan is listed as receiving his share in the estate of his father-in-law Robert Donaldson on 1 September 1854 in Bulloch Co. Georgia. All of Robert Donaldson's son-in-laws received share of his estate. [WB 8A p. 16 via [Register - Bulloch County Georgia Genealogical Source Material, p. 370]

Thomas is listed on the 1856 and 1859 tax scrolls in Taylor Co. Florida as H. T. Brannen. It is not sure where the H. came from as these are the earliest records where the H. appears. This suggests that Thomas's first name may be Henry (names that appear in this family) and that he may have been named after his father. He may have also used the name Henry durng the Indian Wars and may be the Henry Brannen that served in those wars. More research needs to be done on this issue to clarify this matter.

Thomas is enumerated in the 1860 census of Taylor Co., Florida. However, he is not enumerated with his wife, Sarah and family, in the 1870 census of Taylor Co., Florida and is not on the 1868 Tax scrolls of Taylor Co., Florida. This suggests he died prior to 1868.

We believe Thomas died at Cedar Key, Florida about 1864-1865 and is buried there. This is an excerpt from a letter written by Lily Brannen (1916- 1994) of Greenville, Madison County, Florida on 16 June 1992. Lily is the daughter of Henry Thomas Brannen (1877-1958), granddaughter of Houston E. Brannen (1843-1935) and great granddaughter of Thomas Brannen (1794-1865). [The compilers are in possession of a copy of this letter.]

     Lilly Brannen letter to Richard dated 16 June 1992

"When Thomas Brannan Come to Fla. from Bulloch County, GA. Dady said that they stayed for awhile in Quitman, and he thought they may have stayed in the Lowndes County around Valdosta for a short time. When in 1850 he was living in Madison County, they were living up around Cherry Lake. He owned 13 slaves. When they left Cherry Lake, they settled out from Shady Grove, and Uncle Sam Lived on the old homestead There. Dady and Uncle Perry Day both took up a home stead there, and i think that that is where I was born."

"During the Civil War, at the end of each farm season, the govt. would come through and take a portion of each farmers' Crop. I heard them say that Our Great GrandPa didn't like that too much, so he told them that they wouldn't get anything more from his Farm. So they sent the wrecking crew out (I rember studying about them in Fla history, but I can't remember what they were called. any way, they burned his house and all the Slaves Cabins. Granddady was 18, so he refused to join the Southern army., He joined up with the North, and they sent the rest of his family to Ceder Key, since the North at that time had captured the Island of Ceder Key; and took the Families of the Southern Soldiers there so they could protect them, as they could be killed."

"While there! during the Civil War our Great-Granddady, died from an epidemic of scurvey, and that is where he was buried. Several years ago, after we learned about this, Jessie, Lawton, Pearl, Edd and myself went to Ceder Key and went through two Cemeteries, but could'nt find where he was buried. One of the Cemeteries was real old, and there were lots of great big pine trees growing right on the graves. we figured that it must be that one, since no one would care enough to clean up where someone was buried that was against the South. After the war, out great Grand mother and Uncle Sam was sent to Tallahassee, and finally released to come home. One of Uncle Sams daughter's, Maude, is still living in a nursing Home in Perry. She told me that her Dady and our Greatgrand mother, who had to be getting old at that time, walked from Tallahassee to Shady Grove to get back home. She is buried in Fellowship Cemetery, and I have found out about the spot, but there is no marker to her grave."

Based upon this family oral tradition we have estimated that Thomas died about 1865, near the end of the war, at Cedar Key, Florida and is buried there.


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The following article was written by Bran Brannan and is reproduced here:


     Thomas Brannen Family and The Second Florida Cavalry

By Brad Brannan

During the Civil War the blockade of Confederate ports played a major role in determining the outcome of the war. After Union forces cut off the supply of beef from west of the Mississippi, the Confederate Government turned to Florida for beef and salt.

The blockade of the West Coast of Florida fell upon the East Gulf Blockading Squadron (EGBS) of the US Navy. It was this squadron that was directly responsible for the formation of the Second Florida Cavalry.

Through a series of events, individuals including the family of Thomas Brannen turned to the EGBS for protection after deserting from the Confederate Army. In turn these refugees and deserters provided intelligence information and beef to the sailors. Eventually many of the families were relocated to Key West, Egmont Key in Tampa Bay and Cedar Key. Over time many of the refugees took the Oath of Allegiance and became sailors in the US Navy. Others worked with the blockaders and became members of the 2nd FL Cavalry.

In the summer and fall of 1863, Acting Master’s Mate Henry A. Crane of the sloop USS Rosalie began working with refugees in the Charlotte Harbor area. Charlotte Harbor was the port used by blockade-runners shipping beef to Havana. Crane, a former army officer in the Seminole Wars, used the influence of Enoch Daniels to approach the army and navy commanders in South Florida about using refugee Floridians to fight for the Union. This was the seed that would become the 2nd FL Cavalry.

Among the refugees near Charlotte Harbor was Milledge Brannen. It is not clear if he is related to the Thomas Brannen family. What is known is that he was born in Columbia County and moved to Charlotte Harbor after deserting the Confederate Army. He had served in the Seminole War and enlisted in Co K, 8th Florida Infantry after attaining the rank of second lieutenant. He deserted after the company reorganized and was not selected for a commission. Milledge assisted the Rosalie in the capture of blockade-runners on the Peace River. There is no mention of Milledge enlisting in the Union army or navy.

As for the members of the Thomas Brannen family, many began military service with the Confederate Army but deserted and returned home due to various reasons. Once in the Taylor County area John R. Brannen associated himself with William W. Strickland. Strickland deserted after being refused leave to visit his seriously ill wife. To avoid conscription agents he moved deep into the swamps of the Ecofina River and formed what became known as the Independent Union Rangers of Taylor County. John R. and William A. Brannen (unknown if related) were members found on a muster roll recognized as William Strickland’s band. Along with Francis J. Brannen, Houston Brannen, James F. Cruce and Thomas O. Cruce they joined the Union Army and served in the 2nd FL Cavalry.

The 2nd FL Cavalry participated in operations involving cattle raids and the destruction of coastal salt works. These operations were supported by the EGBS and US Colored Troops from St. Vincent to Charlotte Harbor.

In March 1865 the 2nd FL Cavalry was involved in a plan to capture Tallahassee. These plans include joint operations of the army and navy with six members of the 2nd acting as saboteurs to destroy a railroad trestle over the Aucilla River. The tracks were to be torn up in order to prevent Confederate reinforcements arriving. It was hoped that tearing up the tracks would send the train and it’s passengers into the river. Among the six members detailed were William W. Strickland and John R. Brannen, with Strickland in command. Strickland decided to burn the trestle rather than tear up the tracks in order to give warning to the engineer of the train. However, the train managed to make it over the trestle and arrived at the next station. A Dr. Treadwell led ten mounted men with hounds back to the trestle to capture the saboteurs. Shortly thereafter the dogs caught the scent and the men of the 2nd Cavalry were surrounded. During the capture three of the men were killed and one escaped. Strickland and Brannen were captured and taken to Tallahassee. Both were said to be wearing blue uniforms. Confederates then defeated the Union forces at Natural Bridge.

In Tallahassee John Brannen and William Strickland were found to be deserters and were court-martialed. Both were convicted and sentenced to death by firing squad on March 18,1865. The execution took place on the top of a hill just south of the capital. In the center of the field two green pine saplings were placed in the ground twenty feet apart. The troops serving as the firing squad were mustered and marched to within twenty feet of the condemned men. The command to fire was given and both men shot.

The account of the capture and execution of John Brannen and William Strickland is found in " My Recollection of the Confederate War" by S. M. Hankins, Cpl. CSA. Cpl. Hankins was on board the train to be derailed at the Aucilla trestle and present at the execution. Originally he was selected to be among the firing squad but begged to be relieved from that duty. His typescript can be found in the Florida Archives in Tallahassee.

Other material was taken from "Blockaders, Refugees, & Contrabands" by George E. Buker.
Prepared January 3, 2000.
(This article was prepared by Brad Brannan, 4 Apple Tree Lane, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Brad is a direct descendant of Thomas Brannen, discussed in this article. )

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     Thomas was born circa 1770 at Ireland. He was the son of "Progenitor" Brannen. He married Jane Humphreys, daughter of Joseph William Humphreys and Esther Conyers, circa 1790. Thomas died before 1825 at Screven Co., Georgia.²
     
Biography of Thomas Brannen:

The earliest record we have found on Thomas Brannen is dated 1792 wherein he received 100 acres as a headright grant in Burke County, Georgia. Grant Book XXX-99 (Lucas - Index to Headrights and Bounty Grants of Georgia p. 63] This very likely is the same land that he sold in a Screven County Georgia deed dated 19 April 1794 where in Thomas Brannen and Jane, his wife, of Screven Co. GA, planter, conveys to Jesse Burleson, of Screven Co. GA, in consideration of 10 pounds, sterling, a tract of land, situated and being in Screven Co. containing 100 acres adjoining land of Richard Bryan and vacant land. Signed: Thomas Brannen, Jane Brannen Wit: H. Atkins, Sarah Rotenbury Screven County GA DB- A-673 [Hollingsworth Card Collection - Brannen 2808]. The northern portion of Screven County was formed out of Burke County in 1793.

A Screven County deed dated 8 Aug 1795 shows Joseph Humphrey selling to Thomas Brannen 250 Acres bounded on s. side by Brier Creek, e. by lands run for the said Humphreys and including the said Joseph Humphreys old improvements. Sign: by his mark Joseph Humphreys. Wit: Robert Williams, Robert Warren Rec: 20 Aug 1795 [Screven Co. DB A-31] [Hollingsworth Card Collection - 9293] Joseph Humphrey is the father of Thomas Brannen's wife Jane. Jane is often found in the records as Jean.

Thomas Brannen's name appears in half a dozen deeds in Screven County during the time period 1792 to 1812. The names of William and John Brannen also appear in most of these deeds as either witnesses or shown as owning neighboring land. Thomas, William and John are clearly very closely related. In November and December of 1812. Thomas executed four deeds where in he granted land, buildings, slaves, cotton gin, stock, implements and household items to his three sons, Hope, Ralph, William (a minor in 1812), and his five daughters, Mary Ann, Jean, Sarah, Deliah and Sealy Brannen. He only reserved to himself and his wife, the privilege of the dwelling house and 50 acres of land he had granted his son, William.

In one deed dated 2 September 1820, and two dated 11 May 1820 Thomas Brannen, Sr. deeds three tracts of land originally granted to John C. Humphreys to his sons, Hope, William and Thomas Henry Brannen. Screven County Georgia DB 4 p. 226-9. [Hollingsworth Card Collection - Thomas Brannen, Sr. 2782] Thomas Henry his fourth son, was born in 1816 and was thus not included in the 1812 land distribution. These 1812 and 1820 deeds clearly identify the children of Thomas Brannen and his wife, Jean Humphreys.

Court entries in Screven County suggest Thomas died there before 1825 and his wife Jane about 1842. All his children appear to have married and remained in Screven County as adults.

     Thomas was born on 18 July 1792 at Burke Co., Georgia.¹ He was the son of William Brannen and Elizabeth (--?--). He married Nancy Hendrix, , on 9 January 1817 at Bulloch Co., Georgia.²

     Thomas was born circa 1904 at Taylor Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of John O. Brannen and Sarah B. Gunter. He married Edna Mae Sadler, daughter of Richard Preston Sadler and Martha Cordelia Dukes, on 23 November 1924 at Taylor Co., Florida.²

     Dr. Thomas Fraser Brannen was the son of William Donaldson Brannen and Sarah Ann Fraser.
     
Biography of Dr. Thomas Fraser Brannen:

Thomas Brannen was a Dentist living in Statesboro, Georgia.

     Thomas was born on 29 June 1816 at Screven Co., Georgia.¹ He was the son of Thomas Brannen and Jane Humphreys. He married Mary Ann Howard, daughter of Moses Howard, circa 1835. Thomas died on 21 September 1872 at age 56. His body was buried.

     Thomas Owen Brannen was the son of Samuel B. Brannen and Nancy Ann C. Woods. He married Dollie Andrews, , on 3 May 1920 at Taylor Co., Florida.¹ Thomas died in October 1975 at Shady Grove, Taylor Co., Florida.² His body was buried at Fellowship Prim. Bap. Chr. Cem, Madison Co., Florida.

     Villy Zetta Brannen was the daughter of Francis J. "Frank" Brannen and Welthey E. Sheffield.

     Viola Gertrude Brannen was the daughter of George Washington Brannen and Celia Rebecca Green.

     Walter was born in December 1898 at Taylor Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of John O. Brannen and Sarah B. Gunter.