History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

Family Records 149
by members of his family, crossed the Atlantic in search of health, but,
although every eflbrt was exerted in his behalf, he died in London, England,
on the 20th of August, 1881.
David Anthony Bray ton was a man of courage, endowed with large
capacity for affairs, with sterling integrity and a vigorous intellect trained
in the contests of a stirring life, a strong advocate of truth and strict
honesty, frank and fearless in the performance of duty, prompt in decision,
firm in action, and loyal in friendship. These were elements of his power
and success, the characteristics which made him a citizen of commanding
influence and a recognized leader among men.
(VII) John Summerfield Bray ton, son of Israel and Kezia
(Anthony) Brayton, was bom in Swansea Village, Mass., Dec. 3, 1826.
He attended the district school, and fitted himself for the post of teacher,
and was enabled to further his studies at Peirce's Academy, in Middleboro,
and at the University Grammar School, in Providence. He entered Brown
University in 1847, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1851.
Adopting the law as a profession, he prepared for it in the office of Thomas
Dawe Eliot, at New Bedford, and at the Dane Law School of Harvard
University, from which he graduated in 1853. He was admitted to the Bar
of Suffolk County August 8th of the year named, and returning to Fall
River began the practice of his profession, and within a year was chosen
City solicitor, being the first incumbent of the office in the newly formed
city. He was also elected Clerk of Courts for Bristol County. In 1864 he
reentered the general practice of law, associating himself with James M.
Morton, who later became one of the Justices of the Massachusetts Supreme
Bench. He retired from the practice of law to become the financial agent
of Mrs. Mary B. Young and B. M. C. Durfee, and from that time until his
death was a prominent business man of Fall River. In 1856 Mr. Brayton
represented that city in the General Court and served as a member of the
Governor's Council in 1866-67-68, and 1879-80, under Governors Bullock,
Talbot, and Long. At home and elsewhere he was active in many charitable
and philanthropic movements, and was generous in his donations to
their funds.
Mr. Brayton was an ardent historian,a patron of art and literature,
and a lover of all that beautifies and uplifts. He manifested a deep interest
in educational affairs; and when his sister Mrs. Mary B. Youngj gave to
the city the magnificent B. M. C. Durfee High School Building, Mr.
Brayton devoted to its creation his thought and attention. In 1893, in
recognition of his accompUshments, Brown University, his alma mater,
conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, and from 1898 until his
decease he was a Fellow of Brown University. He was for eighteen years,
from 1882 to 1900, a trustee of Amherst College.
Mr. Brayton had historical tastes, and his knowledge of the Narragansett
country was perhaps exceeded by none. He was President of the Old
Colony Historical Society, for several years, a member of the New England
Historic and Genealogical Society, and from 1898 to the time of his death
a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
In sympathy only with the best traditions and highest ideals, he
entered in a remarkable degree into the successes of his friends and fellow
citizens in every field of worthy achievement. Their honor was his pride.
He dehghted to bestow the expression of recognition for work well done,
and in so doing extended an uplifting influence in the community, which
•we can ill afford to lose in these days when commercial gain absorbs so much
of the ambitions of life. As a man of large private responsibihties, and an
active participant in the conduct of public affairs, Mr. Brayton was a leading
figure in this section of the Stat^. He had intense interest in, and
loyalty to those with whom he associated through ties of business or civic life.