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In the affection, esteem
and sincere regard of the people of this portion of the county Dr. Brand
is second to none. A resident of Vernon for some seventeen years, a
small portion of the time passed in professional practice, he has gained
an extensive acquaintance and established himself firmly as a citizen of
substantial worth. He was born in Monongalia county, W. Va., October 8,
1822, his parental ancestors, who were of Scotch-English origin, having
come to America before the Revolutionary War. James Brand, the father,
was a soldier of the War of 1812, his father, also named James, having
been a Revolutionary soldier. The wife of the former was previous to
her marriage Miss Sarah Burrows, and like her husband was a native of
Virginia. He became located in this county in 1870 and here followed
farming until his death in July, 1883, his wife dying in February,
1880. James L., the fourth of seven children, learned at an early age
the meaning of hard work, for he was brought up on a farm and
familiarized himself with the details of agricultural life. When 23
years old he was placed under the charge of Dr. Ellis to study medicine,
and after several months’ preparation entered Jefferson Medical College,
of Philadelphia, Pa., where he took a complete and exhaustive course of
study. On entering upon his career as a practitioner he located in
Marion county, and in connection with Dr. Campbell followed his adopted
calling from 1849 until 1869, a period of some twenty years, meeting
with uniform success, and enjoying a lucrative and extensive practice.
In 1869 he removed to Vernon county, Mo., was occupied in practicing the
following year, but since then he has been somewhat retired from
attending to the duties of his profession, employing himself rather in
the management and conduct of his excellent farm. As a farmer he is no
less thorough and successful than as a physician. In 1852 Dr. Brand was
married to Miss Delia M. Furbee, of Marion county, Va. She died August
26, 1878, leaving eight children; Virginia D. married first William
McNeill, and afterwards Jeff. Sterrett. The remaining three girls and
four boys are at home. Though not a politician the Doctor is a stanch
Democrat. He belongs to both the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders, though
for many years has not taken active part in their movements. |
