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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.
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