At some family reunions we visit historic sites around the county that have significance for the Brannen Family. In 2000 we visited the beautifully restored and renovated Brannen-Banks House near Bethlehem Church. James Gross (“Jimmie”) Brannen built the back portion of the house in 1880. The two-story front part was added in 1904.

Jimmie Brannen sold the house to his son-in-law, David Callaway Banks about 1932. David and his wife, Sarah Julianne (“Annie”) Brannen Banks, lived there the rest of their lives. The house was the hub of the 1000 acre Banks Dairy Farm, which was one of the larger dairy farms in the county. The milking barn, other large barns, cow pens and out-buildings were located on the west side of and in the rear of the “Big House.”



After David Callaway Banks died, his son Edwin David Banks moved into the house and lived there until 1995. The house was then acquired by the widow of Edwin David Banks, Jr., Judy Hagans Banks Garrett and her husband Harry Garrett. They did the beautiful restoration and renovation work.  The house was sold in recent years.