Confederatevets.com

The life of Rev. Father Patrick Francis Brannan, who was laid to rest at Weatherford, Tex., on February 1, 1916, was an interesting and unusual one. As a citizen soldier, lawyer, public official, and missionary priest his experiences were many and varied.

Patrick Brannan was norn November 30, 1848, at Columbus, Ga. He was a mere lad when the war broke out; but, imbued with love for the Southland, he went into service as a drummer biy at the age of fourteen, serving with the 15th Alabama, Company K. During a part of his service Colonel Oats (later Governor of Alabama) was in command of his regiment, and he took a great interest in young Brannan because of his enthusiasm and diminutive size. The colonel reprimanded the impulsive drummer boy several times for getting into the firing line, but he would get back into the thick of the fray at every opportunity. He often alluded to the tender solicitude of his colonel during the boyish patriotic outbreaks. They were always warm friends.

When the war was over, Patrick Brannan took up the study of law at Louisville, Ky., was admitted to the bar, and began his practice in that city. Removing to Texas, he settled at Weatherford and practiced his profession there. During the trial of a case in Cleburne he met Miss Mary Powers, to whom he was married. A son and a daughter were born to them and survive him.

He became a great friend and protege of Governor Lanham and was a frequent and welcome visitor at the Lanham households in Weatherford, in Washington, and in Austin. In 1882 he became mayor of Weatherford, being the first Democrat to hold the office, and he filled it efficiently. In the very zenith of his career as a lawyer his wife died, and he determined to devote his life to the Church. Entering the Catholic seminary in Baltimore, he completed an eight-year course in three years, and after his ordination he began his service as a missionary priest, which he continued until his death, his missions extending over the United States.