An American Family History

Daniel Branstiter was born on April 23, 1851 in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio. He was the son of Daniel Branstiter and Elizabeth Baker. His father and grandfather were also named Daniel.

He (Daniel Branstitre) appeared in the 1870 census in Broadwell Township, Logan County, Illinois. He was 20 years old and working as a farm laborer.

He married Roena Lee on March 6, 1873 in Logan County. Roena was born January 10, 1854 in Illinois. Her parents were William Lee and Mary Dockum. She appeared in the 1870 census with them in Orvil Township, Logan County, Illinois. She was one of at least ten children.

Daniel and Roena's children were Gracie Branstiter (1876) and Edith Rae Branstiter Walden (1882, married Clayton Cecil Walden).

The family appeared in the 1880 census in Orvil, Logan County, Illinois. The household consisted of Daniel age 29 a farmer, Roena age 26, and Gracie age 4. Lizze Hopkins age 24 who was a school teacher from Ireland was also a member of the household.

They appeared in the 1900 census in Wapella Village, De Witt County, Illinois. He was a blacksmith. She had given birth to four children, one of whom was living.

Roena, died at the age of 71 on April 7, 1925 and Daniel passed away March 24, 1930. They were buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Daniel Branstiter Expires Here Early Monday
Daniel Branstiter, a resident of DeWitt County, for more than 40 years, died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Clayton Walden, 414 N. Mulberry St., at an early hour Monday from complications caused by his age.

He was born in Ohio, April 23, 1851, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Brandsteter, who died when he was quite young. He resided in DeWitt County for more than 40 years and for the last 12 had made his home in Clinton. He was married to Roena Lee March 6, 1783. She died April 7, 1925.

Mr. Branstiter was sexton at Woodlawn Cemetery for four years. He was a loyal member of the I.O.O.F. No. 255 lodge of Wapella for more than fifty years and in politics he was a staunch Republican.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Clayton Walden and three grandchildren: Mrs. Pauline Karr, Cater B. & Daniel S. Walden, all of Clinton. He also leaves two great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

The body was removed to the Ressers Chapel from which place the funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Clinton Daily Journal & Public, March 25, 1930, page 1