Minutes of the 2008 Brannen Reunion
The Sixtieth Annual Brannen Reunion was held on September 27, 2008 at 11:00. Visiting with family members is always so special. The scrapbooks and pictures are part of our history, and we are blessed with so much information. We had “Brannen family trees” for sale, “William and Elizabeth Gross Brannen CDs,” and DVDs of the “Roots of the Brannen Family” for $10.00 each.
Linda Futch, President, called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She spoke about the Brannen’s having a rich heritage and that we make up many different walks of life. She read from Psalms 121 which reads, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” She also read from II Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” She then asked John B. Lanier to ask the blessing. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, and took up the collection.
Linda Futch presided over the business meeting. Geneva Brannen read the minutes, and they were approved. Certificates were given to the following members: Lucille DeLoach for being the oldest member present, and has been to every reunion. That is a wonderful record of faithfulness. Matthew Brannen for being the youngest member present, Roger Lewis for coming the greatest distance. A silent memorial was held for the following deceased members:
Eunice D. Brannen John B. DeLoach
Karen B. Denton L.W. (Bill) Swinson
Mark Brannen Rex Brannen
Henry Banks, Sr. Henrietta Hines
Clifford Richardson Jack Averitt
Fostine Davis Sue Donaldson Aranis
Betty McDougald
Mary Sue Smith [began the Genealogy Committee’s report]. She showed the scrapbook of clippings she had since our last meeting, and asked for others to bring things also. She said Melanie Brannen would copy the database book for $30, if anybody wanted one. She praised Randy Brannen and Smith Banks for working hard to get our book started. She showed a chart of Bible records of William and Elizabeth’s Family. The 5 heads of the Brannen Family that stayed in Bulloch County were William, Solomon, John, Thomas Alexander, and Mary. Mary Sue asked those that were descended from each one to stand.
The Goal of the 2011 reunion, 200th year of the coming of William and Elizabeth Brannen to Bulloch County, is to erect a monument at Lower Lotts Creek Cemetery to commemorate the Brannen Family.
After spending a year compiling a Genealogy database of nearly 10,000 names in 2006 and 2007, the Committee began work on a long desired Brannen Family of Bulloch County History Book. The first section is shaping up along these lines: The dedication page will be to William Lawton and Zada Brannen in recognition of their love of family and many years of public service. One of their greatest contributions was the participation in the building of the Genealogy wing, the Brannen Room at the Statesboro Library. Chapter 1 will feature the William and Elizabeth Brannen Family Bible Record. It is the earliest and most complete record that exists of our family. The family had 6 boys and 6 girls.
Chapter 2 will contain Irish heritage since our family’s heritage began long before 18th century, Georgia. We are fortunate to have a record for the family of William and Elizabeth Brannen. It consists of 2 small slips of paper found in an estate disposition. Smith Banks shared his knowledge of this record at the 1992 Brannen Family Reunion. There are no mistakes in the first 3 panels.
The Irish tradition of naming of children was given. In 1994 the reunion hired Mr. James Petty of Salt Lake City, one of the best genealogists for the southeast United States at the time. His information is being used for this work. Malcolm Brannen spoke to us about his great, great grandfather, Thomas, settling in Perry, Florida about 1900. Thomas was a brother to our William. There were two Brannens that had a feud. There was much cow stealing going on, and it started a range war, and many people were killed. They finally had to bring a gunman from the West to settle it.
Randy Brannen gave his report. He showed us a beautiful map of Ireland. He is researching the Irish roots for our book. He hopes to find where William and his father came from, their religion, and anything that would be important to us. He said to watch for updates on the website. We thank him so much for all he has done, and will continue to do.
Our new officers are:
Shirley Collins-President
Nancy Marsh-Vice-President
Geneva Brannen-Secretary-Treasurer
Linda Futch asked Shirley Brannen, our President, next year to speak. She told us about herself, and said she was honored to serve. She had two beautiful pictures of her Dad as a young boy, and when he was older. She thanked Randy Brannen, Smith Banks, and Mary Sue Smith for all of their hard work. Linda Futch said she would continue to serve on the refreshment committee. She and Mary Sue have had this for the last two years. We do appreciate this very much. The meeting was adjourned by Linda Futch.
Humbly Submitted by Geneva Brannen, Secretary-Treasurer