David H. Branson

David Hoopes Branson (August 31, 1827 – October 19, 1896) was an American politician from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1891 to 1894.

David H. Branson
Branson in a 1893 publication
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the Chester County district
In office 1891–1894 Serving with Joseph G. West and William Preston Snyder
Preceded by	Lewis H. Evans, John Hickman, William W. McConnell, D. Smith Talbot
Succeeded by	D. Smith Talbot, John H. Marshall, Thomas J. Philips, Daniel Foulke Moore
Personal details
Born	David Hoopes Branson (1827-08-31)August 31, 1827 Milltown, East Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 19, 1896(1896-10-19) (aged 69) Atglen, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting place	East Brandywine Baptist Church Cemetery Guthriesville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Occupation	Politician educator farmer

Early life

David Hoopes Branson was born on August 31, 1827, in Milltown, East Goshen Township, Pennsylvania. He was educated in subscription schools and attended Strode's Academy.^[1]

Career

Branson taught school for several years. He was a clerk in the office of recorder of deeds during Edward Hibbard's term. He was a corn and oat farmer and served as the first vice president of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society. He raised livestock and his oxen were known as the "Chester County Mammoth Roans" and his cow was called "General Grant".^[1][2]

Branson was a Republican. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1891 to 1894.^[1][2][3] He was a member of the committees of appropriations, agriculture, counties and townships, and centennial affairs and library. He introduced a bill to reduce the standard of a bushel of potatoes to 56 pounds (25 kg).^[1][4]

Branson was assigned to the agricultural department for the World's Columbian Exposition.^[1]

Personal life

Branson's son James was a grocery manager.^[5] He died of kidney disease on October 19, 1896, at his home in Atglen. He was interred in East Brandywine Baptist Church Cemetery in Guthriesville.^[2][4]