Thomas Henry Clay Brasfield
1856 - 1939<
From "An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co.of Chicago. page 457
Provided by The Grant County (Oregon) Museum
THOMAS H.C. BRASFIELD - Among the many prosperous and well-to-do stockmen and agriculturists of Grant county there must not be failure to mention the distinguished gentleman and enterprising citizen of whom we now have the pleasure of speaking, since he has wrought within the precincts of this county for a number of years and has demonstrated himself to have capabilities and sagacity that are worthy of commendable recognition, having achieved a visible success in the material affairs of this world and carved a name for himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellows.
In Smithville, Missouri, he was born in 1858, being the son of a prominent businessman of that place. His early years were spent in acquiring the needed educational discipline and in operating his father's general merchandise store. When he had arrived at the age for independent action he came to Denver, Colorado, where he remained for fifteen months and then continued his journey to Linn county, this state, remaining there until 1885, the date of his advent to this county, and after due investigation of its resources, he bought a right to a quarter section, where he now lives, adjoining Izee, and there commenced the related industries of stock raising and tilling the soil. He has added to his estate until now it is one of the generous proportions of two hundred and eighty-seven acres, besides forty acres of desert land that he has recently filed on. He has gained a gratifying success in these occupations and is one of the prosperous and leading stockmen of this section.
Mr. Brasfield and Miss Ida M., daughter of D.P. Porter, of Linn county, Oregon, and a native of Ohio, were married in 1898, and they have become the parents of one child, Thomas W.R., who died in infancy. Mr. Brasfield is affiliated with the A.F. & A.M. Lodge No. 438, of Smithville, Missouri. Mrs. Brasfield is greatly interested in the educational affairs of her section and is occupied frequently in teaching school and is considered one of the leading educators of the county. Mr. Brasfield has always taken an active interest in political matters and is especially interested in school affairs, being one that is constantly endeavoring to better the educational facilities of the county.
With special thanks to Roxann Gess Smith along with her wonderful work about Grant County, Oregon and to the volunteers at the Grant County Historical Museum - Canyon City, Oregon 97820