Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 2. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 705. I. N. BRANSON owns a fine ranch of two hundred and twenty-nine acres in Yamhill county, which he has been operating for twenty-one years. His birth occurred in Marion county, this state, on September 5, 1860, his parents being George Washington and Mary E. (Wood) Branson. The father was a native of Illinois and the mother of Missouri, but they came to Oregon with their parents, who were among the pioneers of Yamhill county. The Branson family came first and soon thereafter the father took a donation claim, as did also Mr. Wood, when he arrived with his family a little later. It was here that George W. Branson and Mary E. Wood were subsequently married, after which they went to Marion county, where he rented a farm that he operated for several years. The Indians were giving a great deal of trouble there at that time, and owing to Mrs. Branson's constant fear, they gave up their place and returned to Yamhill county. Shortly after, however, they again left, this time settling in Polk county, where he continued to rent land. As conditions there did not entirely satisfy them they once more took up their residence in Yamhill county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Fifteen children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Branson, twelve of whom are living. In order of birth the family is as follows: Henry Clay, who is a resident of Yamhill county; I. N., our subject; George, who lives in McMinnville; Byron, a resident of this county; Adaline, of Sacramento, California; Amos, who lives in Yamhill county; Dora, the wife of Neil Stoutenberg, also of this county; Troy, who is a guard in the state penitentiary at Salem; and Harvey, William and Jesse, all of whom live in California; Helen, the wife of Clifford Moe, of California; and Melvin, Viola and Wayne, all of whom are deceased. Agricultural pursuits have always engaged the attention of I. N. Branson, who received his schooling in Yamhill county. He remained at home with his people until he was twenty-four years of age and then he began for himself. He was an industrious and enterprising young man, who so capably and intelligently directed his efforts that he was later able to purchase a ranch of his own, and invested in his present homestead. This was formerly embraced in the donation claim of Mrs. Branson's paternal grandfather, and subsequently became the property of her father, from whom Mr. Branson purchased it. During the period of his ownership many improvements have been effected in the property, as, being a man of progressive ideas, he has installed many modern conveniences and comforts that have added greatly to its value. In 1886 Mr. Branson completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage to Miss Minerva Yocom, who was born and reared on the ranch where she is now living. Her parents were James Alfred and Elizabeth (Coleman) Yocom, who were among the early pioneers of Yamhill county. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Branson there has been born one daughter, Lefa, whose birth occurred on the 27th of April, 1893. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Bellevue, of which the parents are members, and fraternally Mr. Branson is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and also the Degree of Honor, both of McMinnville. He votes with the republican party, and although he has never been an office seeker served as county commissioner from 1897 to 1901, discharging the duties of his office with a conscientious appreciation of his responsibilities. Mr. Branson's life has not been remarkable in any way, but he has always been a diligent man, faithfully discharging his duties from day to day in a manner to win the respect and confidence of all who know him. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.