Edward Charles Beach, M.D., Milford.

Edward Charles Beach, M.D., died at his home in Milford, June 2, 1913, after an illness of only ten days, of pneumonia.

Dr. Beach was born in Seymour, Conn., nearly forty-seven years ago, and received his early education in that town. He was graduated from the Yale Medical School in the Class of 1888. He served for one year in the Hartford Hospital and then started to practice medicine in Milford. He married Charlotte Reynolds of Milford, who, with two sons, survives him.

Dr. Beach was well known in Milford, as well as in his native town, and also in New Haven. He was respected and loved by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He had a pleasant manner, a cheerful disposition, and a kind word for every one. He made friends easily and he was a true friend, constant and ready to do a kindness or a favor at any time.

He was for a number of years the town physician of Milford, a member of the Milford Yacht Club and of the Milford Club. He was a member of the New Haven County Medical Association, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Francis Nelson Braman, M.D., New London.

J. G. STANTON, M.D., AND C. B. GRAVES, M.D., NEW LONDON.

Dr. Francis Nelson Braman was born in Belchertown, Mass., May 18, 1836, the son of Nathaniel Park and Lucy Ann (Crocker) Braman. As a boy he studied in the common and academic schools of his native place, also finding opportunity to indulge his taste for scientific study under private instructors. His life was spent on his father's farm until he was seventeen, when, by the wish of his father, he entered the employ of the Boston Duck Company and spent nearly four years in obtaining a practical knowledge of the art of manufacturing cotton duck, both mechanical and textile. Being naturally inclined to scientific studies, he determined to make the practice of medicine and surgery his life work.

To this end he took a four years' course of study at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, under such eminent men as Valentine Mott, Austin Flint, the elder, and Fordyce Barker, obtaining his degree in 1866. Immediately on graduation he began the practice of medicine in Salem of this state. Two years later he sought a wider field and took up his residence in New London, where his abilities soon brought him success. Dr. Braman was a member of the City, County and State Medical Associations, in each of which he held the office of president. He was also a member of the American Medical Association. For thirteen years he was surgeon of the 3d Regiment, Connecticut National Guard. He was the sole physician in charge of the Smith Memorial Home as long as he continued in active practice.

He was intensely interested in the building and conduct of the New London Memorial Hospital, for seventeen years being dean of the staff. He was also a trustee of the Manwaring Hospital Association. For six years he was a member of the New London Board of Education and won the regard of the

people of New London not only by his professional work and social qualities, but also by his disinterested efforts to bring the schools of New London to their present high standard. The doctor always had been an active worker in religious circles and was treasurer of the Second Congregational Church and one of the board of deacons. Dr. Braman was one of the foremost men in organizing the Harbour Club of New London, and, being its first president, he contributed largely to the success of that organization of two hundred representative business

men.

For the last two years of his life Dr. Braman was in failing health; and in the fall of 1912 he gave up all work and left New London to take up his residence in Florida in the hope that he might regain his health in that milder climate. This hope, however, was not realized, for he lost strength gradually, and on the last afternoon of his life, January 16, 1913, though feeling rather poorly, he strolled about his garden with Mrs. Braman. About half an hour after returning to the house, at the close of the evening meal, while talking to Mrs. Braman, the end came suddenly as he sat in his chair at the table, and he passed painlessly away. Thus ended the life of a just, upright and honorable man; a man of high ideals and a profound sense of duty, a man of deep religious convictions, whose life was an open book, a man who constantly endeavored to fulfill his obligations to his fellow man and his Creator. The community was better for his having lived in it, and he passed to his account followed by the esteem and regret of his fellow citizens and his brother physicians, who were brought in close communion with him. He walked uprightly.

He married, November 26, 1868, Jennie E. (Strickland) Loomis, by whom he had two sons. Mrs. Braman died May 2, 1895. On December 15, 1897, he married his second wife, Lulu M. Tobias of Chicago, Ill.

Charles Erskine Brayton, M.D., Stonington.

Charles Erskine Brayton, M.D., son of Atwood B. and Sally (Davis) Brayton, died in Stonington after a brief illness, December, 2, 1912, aged 61 years, 9 months and 21 days. He was born and bred in Stonington, receiving his education in the public schools and under the tuition of Dr. David S. Hart, who taught a limited number of pupils, in the higher branches, preparing young men for entrance to college. He studied medicine with Dr. Wm. Hyde of Stonington and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, from which college he graduated in 1873. The Doctor was never married. I quote the following tribute paid to Doctor Brayton's memory from an address made by me at the Stonington Business Men's Club at Brayton Hall, December 26, 1912:

"The Messenger of Death has visited us and summoned one of our prominent and highly-esteemed fellow citizens, the late Dr. Charles E. Brayton. He crossed the river of the silent beyond. I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him quite intimately from his youth and I have always entertained for him the highest respect and esteem. Dr. Brayton ranked high as an able, skillful and thoroughly honorable and conscientious physician, and he was recognized as one of the Borough's most enterprising, upright and exemplary citizens. The mournful throng that attended the last sad rites which were paid to his memory attested more eloquently than words can express the very high estimation in which he was held by his fellow citizens, and the genuine heartfelt sorrow that prevaded this entire community.

"As his remains were being borne to their last resting place these thoughts and lines came to my mind:

'Shall we meet beyond the river, where the surges cease to roll? Where in all the bright forever, sorrow ne'er shall press the soul? Shall we meet with those departed who have bowed beneath death's wave?

Shall we meet the holy myriads who are ransomed from the grave?”