Excerpt
of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress
Since Its Organization" (1906)
E. E.
Brandt
(pages
49-50)
From among
the tillers of the soil have come the most satisfactory officers of our
country. Men, strong in body, vigorous of mind, and imbued with honesty of
purpose, in accepting the duties of office bring to their work the essential
qualifications which give satisfaction to the people.
In E. E.
Brandt, our County Treasurer is exemplified, and instance of this kind and his
acts in office have received no criticism from any party.
His life
should be an inspiration to every young man. He is rigidly and conscientiously
just. He never did an act or spoke a word for policys sake. He is true to every
obligation and devotedly loyal to his friends. Such men are the salt of the
earth.
Mr. Brandt
settled in Graham county, Allodium township, in 1885. He built a sod house and
bached for five years, working at $18 per month. In 1891 he was married to Miss
Stella Earnheart of Blue Springs, Nebraska, who was for three years a teacher
in Sheridan and in Graham counties. Three children were born to them.
He kept a
store and was postmaster at Lucerne, Kansas.
During the
hard time of the latter 80's he credited out
most of his goods and could not meet his bills. Each day when he opened his
store for business he looked for the sheriff to step in and take possession.
Thinking
to reestablish himself, Mr. Brandt began farming in 1891, but owing to hot
winds and drouths and consequent failure of crops he was forced to sell much of
his stock at a very low price. But with courage and perseverance he continued
until in 1893, when an investment in hogs brought him a handsome margin. From
that time on Mr. Brandt's prosperity has far
exceeded his adversity.
Mr. Brandt
says he owes his good fortune to corn, land and hogs. He now owns 1400 acres of
land the most of which he values at $30 an acre and an 800 acre farm is
exceptionally well improved. The residence a commodious house of 12 rooms is
worthy of special mention.
In
addition to this Mr. Brandt owns a comfortable home in Hill City.
In 1895
Mr. Brandt opened a store and the post office, Gradan, on his farm, and
conducted the same until 1902 when he was elected County Treasurer of Graham
county.
To quote
from Mr. Brandt, "I have cleared $1000 a
year over all expenses since I was married in 1891. I owe my success to my
perseverance and good health. I am anxious to return to the old home place and
stay there the remainder of my days. Graham county is good enough for me."