BENJAMIN BRAMLET, Born 1785, first son of Kentucky Reuben Bramlet, Benjamin, one of the pioneer settlers of Saline County, Illinois. Ben, as he was called, grew up in Kentucky, but when landing and settling in Illinois, he had the same difficulties to encounter as did his brothers. But knowing the lick that it took to make a farm pay, he was one of the busy ones about his place, and he made good in his new location. The land was cheap and had to be cleared to be cultivated, so a living could be assured. Soon he was rearing his family with pleasure, and all hands and the cook were busy as bees in making and caring for the home. He did not live to ripe old age, but had one son to leave behind to carry on the work and care for those of the family then living. But it is to be believed, his life of his day was not spent In vain, but he will be remembered as a faithful one, when judged by the Great Judge of good and bad. His life is still remembered by few who live today.
1 -- ALFRED BRAMLET, only son of Benjamin. Some yet living around Eldorado, Illinois, will remember Esq. Alfred Bramlet, as he lived and died on his farm one mile east of town, where his son, George, now lives. Alfred was a boy to adapt himself to things of usefulness, and learned his books, in and out of school, to his liking, for his aim was to advance and make good use of his talent. He was a successful farmer of his day, and lived to realize the worth of a farm and farm life to his family. Therefore, he remained on the farm until death. For honesty and being square to business, between man and man, his word was not questioned, and his life record still lives as one of the builders of home and morality, having stood for the right principles of Christianity. When death claimed him, he left two sons and two daughters in the world to fight life's battle. He handed out justice to the public and was known as Esq. Bramlet.
2 -- GEORGE BRAMLET, Oldest son of Alfred, still lives on, and owns the old home place. He was a boy of boys in growing up. His school days were days yet remembered by him, and possibly are looked back to with same regret, but the past is only history. George, when a boy of 10 or 12 years, was given a chance by his father to develop his brain in hogology, and he learned well, both as an observer and by some experience, and his development, as a hog and cattle man has been great. He is known far and near, as the stockman. When you have any hogs or cattle for sale, he is a market, for he makes great shipments, for a small, common farmer. His spiritual development is known very little about, but we feel like asking him to not lay up treasures on earth, where rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up treasures in heaven, where rust doth not not corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal. George is a money-maker, to have no molds, only his judgment, brains and money, which is all that's necessary for him. May heaven's blessings guide him aright.
3 -- GEORGE BRAMLET, JR., Oldest son of George, Sr. This boy was born on his father's farm, and to say he was some boy is saying plenty, but he had the best of opportunities, but seemed to fall short of producing the best of possibilities. That was due, possibly, to the early training, or to loose discipline of parents, as all boys need discipline enough to let them know who is boss. Some mistakes are made in the best of families, but often to be repented of. George, Jr., is one of few to live out his single days in forming some habits not best for him nor any good to parents. This boy has wit and judgment to be applied to usefulness. Then his gain will be great, and life will show a bright side of ambition that has been cast to the wind of the world. The future is his to make good his life for time and eternity. He has married, and it is hoped for the better; and may he see the foolishness of a wasted life, and turn around for the future, and prove good the allotted time given him to live.
3 -- ALFRED BRAMLET, Second son of George. This boy as we know him, is of the old type of caring for better things, in making good as a school boy and in doing farm work. Alfred, being the youngest boy, and the baby, has had a very good chance for development, and has proven good, and will be a blessing to his home in coming days. Some boys make merchandise of their lives, but not so this boy; because of wealth in the home, counted by dollars and cents, no one should think of himself more highly than honor or honesty will place him. In condescending to ones opportunity of making good in life, this son will prove the certainty, of skill and ambition, in maintaining the trust left to his care. His future should be looked forward to as a life of usefulness and a blessing to his offspring, for an older day of comfort. May his life be long and his blessings pure; may his mind be strong and his faith secure.
2 -- CHARLEY BRAMLET, Second son of Alfred. C. A., as he is sometimes called, was born on his father's farm in the old-fashioned way, but his life has not been all sunshine and roses, as he was never a strong lad, and only got a common school education. But he worked hard on the farm, all a boy of his build was able to do, so as time glided by he became a man and felt his ability to care for a family. Life for him bid fair to be of short duration, and his health being along the feeble line, he has put in the past few years in solitude, of a form suitable to his condition. His early life was as a farmer, but in later years he has tried the real estate business, and is still among the land of the living, doing the fair thing. His ambition is to his credit for a man of ill health. He is to be found in Eldorado, Illinois, selling farm land and city homes.
3 -- CLYDE BRAMLET, Only son of Charley, was born on a farm and had only a slim chance for an education, not having the privilege of a father's care when most needed. Yet years come and go until boys grow up to be men. Clyde had three years in the U. S. Naval Training School and learned things of importance to any young man, since the close of the great war. He is making his home in California, but his occupation at this date, 1923, is unknown to the writer. He is a grown man and capable of handling his affairs. Blessings on his life.