Ezra Clark Branine

Newton Kansan, July 23, 1946

EZRA BRANINE HAS PASSED-ON
Prominent Attorney Here 53 Years Died This Morning
CAME HERE IN 1874
Funeral Services Will Be Held Wednesday at 10:00

While not unexpected, the death of Ezra C. Branine at his home, 326 West Broadway about 5:00 o'clock this morning brought about wide spread sorrow and regret through out the community. He had been seriously ill for several years. Mr. Branine had lived in Harvey county for 72 years, and had practiced law here for 53 years, and was head of the law firm now designated as Branine, Branine, Ice and Flinn for 37 years.
Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church, of which he was a lifelong member, Wednesday morning, July 24, at 10:00 o'clock, with pastor Rev. G.L. Coppedge conducting the service. Mr. Branine will lie in state at the Draper Funeral chapel, from 6:00 to 9:00 this evening. The family has requested that no flowers be sent. Interment will be in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery.
He was married to Nannie E. Rigby at Concordia, Sept. 5, 1895. Mrs. Branine passed on May 17, 1945. Mr. Branine is survived by his son Alden E., daughter Mildred, wife of Fred Ice, grandchildren Mrs. Howard Roberts, ( Rosemary Branine ) Dodge City, Jeanne, Nancy and Elizabeth Branine, Winifred and Teddy Ice, great granddaughter, Lillian Margaret Roberts, brother John K. Branine, three sisters, Mrs. Etta Anderson, Janet Shull and Annie Joseph, and many nieces and nephews.
Ezra Branine was born at St. Elmo, Ill., Jan. 16, 1872, one of ten children born to Joshua and Margaret Branine. The family came to Harvey county in a covered wagon arriving June 19, 1874. They settled on a farm near Newton, coming to Newton in 1891. Ezra attended Newton schools and taught school in Halstead township in 1891, then studied law and was admitted to practice in November, 1893. He joined his brother Charles E., and formed a partnership in 1895, the firm thus continuing 16 years, when Charles became judge of the Ninth district. At that time Ezra became head of the law firm, with Harry W. Hart as a partner. Later his son Alden joined the firm, then Fred Ice, his son-in-law, and a few years ago John Flinn entered the firm. During the course of his law practice for more than a half century Mr. Branine served as counsel in many states and Canada, and built one of the largest and most complete law libraries in the state.
He was a member of all Masonic bodies the Modern Woodmen and Rotary club. When president of the Rotary club he established the clinic for handicapped children. He contributed the legal service in forming the Country Club, and also for many building operations, such as the Methodist Church the school buildings, including Lindley hall, and the city auditorium. He was the director of the Kansas State bank, also the Midland Mutual Fire Insurance company, and was attorney for several banks in this section of the state, and other corporations.
During the years of his majority he was affiliated with the Republican party, among other party service being a delegate to the 1916 convention at Chicago, which nominated Charles E. Hughes for president. He served two terms as county attorney, beginning 1905. During World War One, he was government appeal agent, and during both wars took an active part in all war efforts on the home front..
Ezra Branine was quiet and unobtrusive in disposition, but a thorough student, an exceptionally effective trial lawyer, as well as rendering generous and well prepared service to office clientele. He was a strong, clean citizen whose advice and friendship were sought and highly valued by his neighbors in all walks of life. A truly great citizen, patriot and father has gone to his eternal home.


info by JULIAN WALL