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BRANSON, EDWARD R., formerly connected with various newspapers in Springfield, Ill., and now practicing law in that city, is respected by all who have the pleasure of knowing him, and stands high in social and professional circles. He was born in Petersburg, Ill., June 27, 1875, and is a son of Judge Nathaniel W. and Fannie D. (Regnier) Branson, the former born in Jacksonville, Ill., May 29, 1837, and the latter in Petersburg, October 29, 1837.

Nathaniel W. Branson graduated from Illinois College in 1857, studied law in his native city, with David A. Smith, and in January, 1860, was admitted to the Bar, entering upon the practice of his profession at Petersburg. In 1867 he was appointed Referee in Bankruptcy for the Springfield District, a position he held thirteen years. He was elected to the General Assembly in 1872 and re-elected in 1874; served as a Delegate from Illinois to the National Republican Convention in 1876, and for several years was a member of the Board of Trustees for the State Institution for the Blind at Jacksonville, part of the time as President of the Board. He became prominent in his profession and his ability and fitness for the positions of public trust to which he was elected were generally recognized. He was one of the most highly respected citizens of Petersburg, and spent a large part of his life in that city. Mr. Branson died at Ottawa, Ill., February 27, 1907, and his demise was widely mourned. He had served ten years as a member of the Illinois State Board of Law Examiners, being for some time its Secretary and Treasurer.

Edward R. Branson was educated at Illinois College and the University of Chicago. He was one of six children, four of whom died in infancy. He early showed a taste and fitness for newspaper work, and was at different times connected with the "Illinois State Journal," "News" of Springfield, and for one year owned the "Lincoln News." He began practicing law in 1908 and how has an office in the Ferguson Building in Springfield. He was editor-in-chief of "Lawyers' Brief-Notes and Selected Cases," exclusively, and has had other experience in text-book writing and legal editorial work.

He was married November 24, 1909, to Alma L. Schneider, of Athens, Ill., who died eighteen months later. Mr. Branson is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. of Petersburg. He is identified also with the Author's Club and the Commercial Association of Springfield.