Benjamin Franklin Brady

Narrative:

     Benjamin Franklin Brady was born on 21 Dec 1844 in Platte Co., Missouri.^7,8,9
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Fairfield Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, in the household of his parents, Barzilla Brady and Sophia Santee.¹⁵ He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Fairfield Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, in the household of his parents.¹⁶
     Benjamin appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Samantha, Highland Co., Ohio, enumerated 25 Jul 1870, His mother and his brother James were listed as living with him. The record shows real estate valued at $11,250 and personal estate of $10,060, but it appears to be reported as belonging to all of them, likely his recently departed father's estate. Mary J. Cowman, age 21, identified as an assistant housekeeper, is also listed.¹⁷
     He was a farmer. In the 1870 census he reported having 112 acres of improved land, and 13 of woodland. The property was valued at $11,250 and tools and implements at $200. He had paid $250 in wages the prior year. He reported two horses and two mules, three milch cows, 14 other cattle, nine sheep, and 44 swine, valued at $1,760. He reported that he had produced 400 bushels of winter wheat, 800 of corn, 20 of oats, and 25 of Irish potatoes, 35 lb. of wool, and 250 lb. of butter in the year ending 1 Jun 1870. He had also produced seven tons of hay and 20 lb. of honey, and slaughtered $970 worth of livestock, for a total value of $1,263.^18,19
     Benjamin married Rachel Huff, daughter of Joseph Huff and Ruth [surname unknown], on 31 Jan 1872 in Highland Co., Ohio, with Devine Caccahan officiating.^10,11,12
     Following in his father's footsteps, Benjamin also served as postmaster of Centerfield from 17 Sep 1874 until 3 Jan 1883.²⁰
     On 24 Jan 1878 the court ordered the administrator of the estate of his grandfather, Benjamin Brady, to pay Benjamin and his brother each $75, one half of their late father's share of the estate.²¹ On 25 Jul 1878 the court ordered him to pay him his remaining share, $16.11.²²
     In the 1880 census he reported he owned his farm. It contained 45 acres of "improved" land, 20 permanent meadows and pastures, and 10 of woodland. He valued the farm at $3,500, implements at $100, and livestock at $450. In the prior year he had spent $15 on six weeks of labor. He valued the prior year's farm production at $700. He was mowing 10 acres of grassland, producing eight tons of hay the prior year. At mid-year he owned four horses, three milch cows and three other cows, and 24 swine. Three calves had been dropped the prior year, and 20 poultry had produced 100 dozen eggs. He had produced 1600 bushels of Indian corn on 40 acres, and 100 of wheat on five acres. He had 50 apple trees on one acre, but reported no produce the prior year.^23,24
     Benjamin and Rachel appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Paint Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, enumerated 10 Jul 1880. Their children Frederick and Mary were listed as living with them.²⁵
     Benjamin and Rachel moved to Missouri between 1880 and 1886 apparently first moving to Carroll Co., where their son Frank was born.
     Benjamin was issued letters of administration on 21 Dec 1897 in Carroll Co., Missouri, for the estate of Elvira Brady, his mother's sister, who had died intestate (without leaving a will). He posted a bond of $2,500.²⁶ He received a distribution of $57.13 as an heir of the estate, as he reported in the final settlement which he filed 13 Feb 1900. This was in addtion to fees totalling $42 that he had collected as administrator of the estate.²⁷
     Benjamin and Rachel appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Braymer, Caldwell Co., Missouri, enumerated 5 Jun 1900, reporting they were renting their home. Their children Joseph, Frank and Emmons were listed as living with them.²⁸
     Benjamin and Rachel appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Braymer, Caldwell Co., Missouri, enumerated 21 Apr 1910, reporting they owned their home, free of mortgage. Their son Emmons was listed as living with them.²⁹
     He became an undertaker by 1900, and retired by 1910.^23,30,31
     Benjamin died on 2 Feb 1911 at age 66.¹³ He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Braymer, Caldwell Co., Missouri.¹⁴