Dr. Joseph Addison Braden, 1811-1859

Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

Marker at Braden Castle ruins (taken 2002 by Jim Scheip)

I'd like to thank Jim Scheip for sharing his photos of the ruins of Braden Castle.  Jim took these in 2002.  For an idea of what it looked like before it caught fire, go to the Florida Memory website.

Dr. Joseph Addison Braden:

Dr. Joseph Addison Braden was born on 8 May 1811 in Loudoun Co., Virginia, the youngest son of Robert and Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden.  He had a twin sister, Sarah Eleanor Braden.  His friends and family usually called him “Addison” or “Add.”  He was raised in the Waterford area of Loudoun Co. and was 16 years old when his father died in 1827.  While many reports of the Florida Bradens imply that Joseph and Hector came to Florida together, actually Hector left Virginia for Florida in 1825 (Joseph was only 14) and Joseph did not arrive in Florida until a decade later.

On 7 February 1828 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of their father's estate, paid Leroy P. Williams $50.62 1/2 for boarding Addison Braden.  It is not clear from this where Add was living.

Addison was mentioned in a letter dated 14 August 1829, from Ann Jenners (in Lafayette, Indiana) to Elizabeth Braden (in Waterford, Virginia).  Ann wrote, "Tell Addison here is a fine place for young men of all professions and trades."

Joseph Addison Braden studied at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1831 and 1832.

He was mentioned in a letter from his sister-in-law, Mary (Jenners) Braden to his sister, Elizabeth W. Braden written 8 September 1831 at "Meadow Farm", Clinton Co., Indiana.  Apparently, Addison had been ill.  His brother, Burr, encouraged Addison to visit Indiana as there was a need for doctors in the area.  Addison was about 20 years old.

On 13 November 1831, Addison was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and he wrote home to his sister, Elizabeth (care of Wm. H. Miller in Alexandria).  He had left home from the area of Alexandria, Virginia and travelled through Baltimore, Maryland.  He then went by steamboat to Philadelphia by way of a canal and up the Delaware River.  He mentions all the pretty girls and seeing "Master Burke" [Edmund?] perform.   He was apparently in school in Philadelphia.  He mentions that his roommate is studying medicine.  His letter is very difficult to read, but part of it reads: 

"When I left Alexandria I did intend writing to you before this but I have been so much employed in the business that I have not had time to write a single letter except one addressed to Hixon…. First I will give you a diary of my great journey.  I was introduced in Alex. to a Mr. Weddinburn,… we did not get off from there until 11 o'clock which was 1/2 hour later than we ought to have gone.  We arrived in this city about 12….  However we arrived at Baltimore, had our trunks taken to the steamboat bound to Philadelphia, took the letter to Mr. McCormick’s, but Mr. Phillips was at church therefore did not see him…. We started so soon the next morning that I had not an opportunity of seeing the place nor Mr. Phillips.  After going at the rate of 12 or 13 miles an hour we arrived in 5 hours at the Canal and passed through to the Delaware and took the steamboat and arrived here at 6 o'clock.  The next day I went to see Mrs. Miller but did not see Mr. Earl Jr.  I saw Miss Price though.  I next delivered the letters I had for different persons, one particularly I'll note for it gave me considerable uneasiness; a letter from Mr. Hopkins to Newkirk, White & . which contained 500 dollars.  Having no safe place about me for carrying it I placed it in my trunk at which I kept a constant eye.  I have formed scarcly [sic] no acquaintances, and feel no desire to do so.  I soon met with one of my old school-mates - Mr. Blackburn from Jefferson, and also Mr. Alexander from Leesburg, perhaps you know him.  I am rooming with a very amiable young man from Missouri who has been here for more than a year so he is a very great advantage to me.  He is studying Medicine.  The Virginia students are considered very wild indeed.  I went the day after I arrived here to a lady, to get boarding, she asked me where I was from.  I told her from Va.  She then asked if I knew anyone in town, after whom she also enquired who I was & I directed her to Mrs. Miller.  She went & was perfectly satisfied with me, so I think it was better to have two strings[?].  I am boarding with Miss Ecksit [?] Horn of Winchester, Va.  She knows all the big folks there….  I have not seen all the curiosities of the place yet.  I have been to the Water works.  They are worth seeing indeed.  I went the other night to see Master Burke play.  His was the most astonishing play ever I saw…  He excelled any who played in the orchestra… plays Richard the 3rd admirably.  In comedy he is great.  I have been to the Theatre one time but shall not bore you…. I want to hear very much from you and Sarah.  I often think of you and home & long to be with you.  I am something like you in that respect.  I dislike this north, I would rather have a few friends in a secluded country place than all this turning friendship fair ….   Even in Alex I trust that is a sweet place to this.  If Bob comes onto this place this winter you must come on too.  I should like to see you very much indeed.  I have observed that we never know the value of a friend until we are deprived of that friend.  I want you to write about Alexandria and all that you hear of Waterford &c &c &c. Tell Sarah she must not be ceremonious about writing.  I wish to hear from her very much indeed.  Her letter shall be next after this.  I hope to see you in the spring, but I expect to see Sarah married; "married?" she will say, yes married.  Perhaps Mary & Ellen Harris, too, but you know better about that than I.  You must write about Miss F.A. Janney… and all the girls in Alex.  Give my best respects to them both, also Miss [address sheet covers center of page] Hanford.  Mrs. Miller is well and intends returning Va…. I don't think she will…. I heard from Mrs. Miller that you had a fun time in the City with Polly.  I wish I had been with you for I know you must have had a very pleasant time of it….    Jos A Braden."

Addison was mentioned in a letter dated 19 April 1833, from his brother, Burr, to their sister, Elizabeth.  Addison had been in poor health.  Burr wanted him to locate near him in Indiana.  Addison was also mentioned in a letter from HectorW. Braden to Elizabeth W. Braden dated 28 September 1833 at Tuscawilla, Florida.

By 3 November 1833, Addison was visiting their brother, Burr and his family, in Clinton Co., Indiana, when he wrote to his sister, Elizabeth, in Waterford, Virginia.  A portion of his letter follows: 

"…I arrived here yesterday week & would have written that day if I had known that the mail did not leave Jefferson but once a week-  I came by Pittsburg [sic] from Mr. Pusey's, saw the curiosities of that place.  Saw Mrs. Morton at Wheeling, Cousin Amelia Ann Stevens at Zanesville & called at Uncle Tom's near Zanesville-  As soon as I entered the door Mary & Mrs. Jenners knew although they did not expect me so soon-  Burr came home in the evening from Lafayette with Mrs. Bradfield but did not know at first sight.  Mrs. Bradfield returned to Lafayette on Thursday, she is as lively as ever-  Mrs. Jenners is not very well, nor has she been for some time.  She thinks she never will get well-  She wishes you to tell Uncle John Braden that she intends writing to him soon-  Also "tell Noble to tell" Saunders that Mrs. Jenners will send him a deed for the land Saurin sold him.  Mary is very well & works like a Trojan-  She sends a great deal of love to you and all-  Burr sends his also-  he is very well-  so is little Hector, and littler Pete as Burr calls him- I do not know what they intend calling him-  he is about 1 month old-  We did expect Nancy out yesterday from Lafayette-  I have been no where yet from Burr's except to Mrs. White's Bachelor's establishment, where I now am writing this letter about 4 miles from Burr's-  I would have written at Burr's but had no paper & the mail goes in the morning before breakfast so I thought I would go over with young D. Singleton to the Hall & write it there- as the mail goes from this place in the morning-  Whites is the only house Burr visits here although there are about 10 houses in site [sic] of his-  White & Singleton are both from Winchester, Va.  We have had a hunt after deer every day since I came-  They are quite plenty here-  Since I came I have killed 1 deer- 2 squirrels- 1 prairie hen several partridges & started one Bear…. That is doing pretty well for the first week-  They all say they would give anything to see you out here-  Mary says you must tell Mahala she wished her to come out very much-  she thinks she would be very much pleased with the country-  you have heard Paxson speak of the 24 miles of wilderness.  I passed through it alone & nearly half of it after night when the mud is about 2 feet deep-  Burr was surprised that I was not lost as many persons have been even in the daytime-  I heard the wolves howling about 1/4 of a mile from me & was very near going to them, thinking they were hounds & that some person was going hunting & that they could tell me where there was a house-  There is 12 miles in the wilderness where there is no house & if you pass the one in the middle you must go on 12 miles further-  I assure it was not very pleasant to be by myself in a 24 mile wilderness with the moon for my guide, for the road wound about so I did not follow it-  at one time I was very near taking off my saddle & resting till morning for sometimes my horse would plunge in the mud & nearly stick fast-  I arrived at the house I started for just as they were going to bed-  I assure the sight of a house was then good for my sore eyes--  If I conclude to live in this country I must go back to Loudon [sic] & get me a wife, I sure could not marry these "Hoosier" gals- ….  Mrs. Bradfield intends giving me an introduction to some of the Lafayette "Hoosieroons" when I go up there next week-  She is very anxious that I should go to Lafayette & practice.  I do not know how it will be yet-- Burr tells me he wrote me two letters which are now I suppose in the post office at Waterford-  They are of no account now as I know the contents-  If you have not taken them out, you need not do so-  I had forgotten to tell you that since I arrived here, I have had (as they say here) a monauseous [sic] appetite-  I eat corn pone,potatoes, cabbage, pork bacon & anything that's before me-  I suppose it's because I take exercise hunting every day-  Tell Potts I will write him as soon as I see more of the country-  Tell him Delilah is as brisk as a colt, don’t forget for he thinks much of her-  I have not time to write Noble a letter tonight as it is almost bed time but I shall write him next mail day-  I will write to several more as soon as I collect my thoughts, but I have been hunting deer so much that my thoughts are bounding after them, but I shall come to a stop with them shortly-  I heard from Uncle Jack Stevens when at Uncle Tom's.  they are all well he told me-  He was down there not long since-  There was nothing happened along the road worth writing only that I will never attempt such a journey with company all the ways  There was about 300 miles that I travelled entirely alone-  I did not meet with Col. Osborn as I expected-  I heard that he returned to Va-  Tell Noble I passed through Pittsburg, but that those articks [sic] had not arrived-  I saw Isaac Harris himself-  He was very glad to see me & gave me several "tracks" to read-  I passed through Columbus where Noah Swayen lives but did not trouble them with my company as I was not much acquainted with him & not at all with his wife-  I suppose you have visited the beautiful City of Baltimore before this, when you write which must be as soon as you get this let me know all the news-  don't write me one side or two sides but the whole sheet & that crossed & I promise now to write you the next one much longer-  I would have written yesterday but really thought today was Friday--  Let me know all the news.  Tell Hix I shall write him soon, - present me to all the ladies Mrs. Dunham &c &c &c-  Has Miss Ann E got home yet-  when is Mary Ann Klein to be married?  &c &c How does William & Sarah come on?  I believe I have run out of news entirely-  we had a snow here a few days since about 6 inches deep, it did not last long enough to sleigh though-  I have not seen any of the Jenners except Mary & Sally yet-  Direct your letters to me Clinton County near Jefferson Indiana- ...Good night-                                Your Brother           Jos A. Braden..."

On 17 November 1833, Joseph was still in Clinton Co., Indiana visiting his brother, Burr.  Ann Jenners wrote to his sister, Elizabeth, in Virginia that, "He is in much better health now....  has already killed two fine deers, takes much pleasure in hunting."  "Addison has been telling me of some sweet heart he has in VA, but will not tell her name.  You must let me know so that I can plague him, as he teases me intolerably."

On 18 November 1833, Joseph wrote a letter to his sister, Elizabeth, in Waterford, Virginia. 

"…. Burr & Mary   Mrs. Jenners… send their love to you.  I wish I had a pair of moccasins to send…to you.  I have not been to Lafayette yet but Nancy & myself are going up this week-  They intend giving us a party when we go-  Mrs. Bradfield has been out here  she is as lively as a cricket-  Mary says she won't write till you answer yours-  Burr has two fine boys- Hector is very smart-  If I have an opportunity I will send you some curiosities-  I intend visiting the Indians at Logansport & will write you about them & send some of their work to you-  some of their needle work is very fine-  Mary says her little boy looks like you-  I told you Burr would not know me-  I killed a very fine deer Saturday-  fine living now-   Mrs. Jenners sends her love to Mrs. & Misses Harris   Give my love to the girls  Dr Singleton intends visiting [unreadable] acquainted with him  I hope [unreadable] much my friend will be at home when the Dr visits you-  I have given him a letter of introduction to Noble-  Burr would write but as I have done so he expresses himself in that way-   yours &c                  J A Braden”

In a letter dated 1 April 1834, Ann Jenners wrote to Elizabeth Braden that Addison's health was better and that "Addison looks better than when he came out."  And in a letter dated 1 August 1834 written by Ann Jenners, she said that he had a flourishing practice in Lafayette, Indiana and that he was "not so well as usual but looks so much better than when he came out you would never know him.  He is very lively, gets considerable practice; the people are generally pleased with him."

Joseph was still in Indiana 30 August 1834, when he wrote again to his sister, Elizabeth, in Waterford, Virginia:

"… I am quite delighted with the great quantity of news you send- I was getting rather famished again.  I am glad N has sent my [unreadable] &c &c- I am rejoiced F. has rc'd the appointment at the ferry-  I should be very much pleased to visit Loudoun this fall, but it will be out of my power to do so-  what infinite pleasure it would be to see the friends of my boyhood, but alas! I know not when it will be-  The fact is the society here is very indifferent-bad-miserable-  If Burr did not live here I should not remain long- I would rather live in hell in Va than to remain here-  But one must be governed by circumstances in this miserable world-  …. the people here are so different from the Va's-  the wise plan is to make the best of a bad bargain-  I think (seriously) if there was only one whom I could dote on in this country, whom I could call mine, who could enter into my feelings as I would wish I should be happy-  …. I must have been born under a [unreadable] star- no, it must have been a capricious erratic comet- for the Stars are either fixed or regular in their movements- But "away with melancholy." if I cannot see you "face to face" I can through my mind’s eye-  …I see - this page is filled almost & with what? with that which I ought to have left out---  you are not yet married- one word on that - you now have it in your power (I mean when you are married) of living happily- you will marry one who is esteemed by all who know him, intelligent, honest, who loves you most… & whose desire it will be to make you as happy as possible-  but recollect, if you wish to remain happy your constant efforts should be to make him happy-  You know full well how material it is to love those Asking us, and vice versa-  This little advice I deem not unnecessary when I know it is for your happiness-  No more - A word to the wise be -  I should like to have figured at your parties- I am really glad Sarah is to be married - I suppose Bob is coming for Cattle- tell him he must certainly come & see us - how does Rodney get on with Miss H- as to C. I have not forgotten her - I should be rejoiced to hear of her perfect restoration - Give my love to her - tell her memory still performs her proper duty, until it eases I never can fail to think of her often, though the recollection is melancholy-  "I feel like one who tears alone &c" ….   what is Dick doing?  Does Old Sammy intend going to Bot.??-  I am glad Hough is doing well give my love to him….  Tell Mary A. it must be a Single lady who writes- & then in a monstrous loving way -  I did not expect Hector would come in-  I must write him soon, indeed he will think hard of me, if he even doesn't now-  The little childrens (as they call them here) are well.  Bob is the finest boy in all this country- all of us has had the chills, but are now over it.  It gave me shakes, but they were rather hard & I quit 'em-  Burr had a fever, the first he has had since he came here - A great many have had the chills in the neighborhood - I suppose you got the moccasins I sent by Mr. White - He is the only man in the neighborhood I care anything about-  If find him to be a generous fellow, not such a one as Singleton- Singleton was a candidate this session for the Legislature; that's all - White is going into Va again this winter.  I think he is pleased with that Miss Baker - We had a great Camp Meeting between this & Lafayette not long since - all the gals from town were out -  There are some mighty pretty girls there - But they have not the manners right - I Nancy & Sally are well & lively as crickets (particularly Sally).  I think she would marry again - Nancy I suspect will soon be married to a Mr. Jennings of town, a worthy fellow - Mrs. Jenners is here & quite well - I enjoy myself very much when I go to town - How does  Potts come on?  he wrote me there was a girl near there he thought much of but did not tell her name-  I wish he were here -  He is a good hearted fellow-  I feel very sorry for Mahala -  Sarah Elizabeth is not yet married-  I wish she would marry some choice fellow - The beauz [sic] are so scarce in Waterford, I wonder that ladies should want the place  Does Bond pay attention to Emily Durham yet?  Will Caroline & Isaac make a match?  does much talk of visiting the west?-  Give my love to them all - E & Gabriel too - ….I think I have given you all I know-  I now give Hix and Noble a few lines ….Your affect Bro  J A Braden

Dear Hix...  I am pleased to hear of your going to the ferry - you are like Hector, good at making calculations at least -  Part of this is not theoretical I am glad to see - Rather a scarcity of news at this time, some sickness, thank God: we'll have a blessing - Liz can tell you what little news I have written, even if she will not let you read it -- Tell Noble I am very much obliged to him for the present which I shall return --  I had just written a letter to Mr. Harrison about the watch - I suspect the watch is the same I see (in a Vicksburg paper sent to Burr) was stolen from Harrison's office - I wrote him to let me know what had become of it --- Mrs. Jenners wishes me to write you to tell Uncle John Braden that if Robert might come out here this fall to send her money by him -- Mary intended writing to Eliz. but she says I must tell her that she is very busy baking (& as I must go up to town soon with this letter ready for the mail, I write for her) but I must give a bushel of love to her.  That she is sorry she cannot come out to see us &c &c &c -- Have you been in Waterford with the ladies some time? …. And you saw the great belle given away before your eyes without being able to say nay - I thought they were married some time since -  Ask Potts what I must do with Delila - Present me to him - I wish he and some more of you fellows were in this country or, I there - I am glad to hear Hough is doing well - present me to him & lady, Col Conrad & all the other fellows about town. -- I was very much shocked to hear of A. Henderson's death-- Present me to all the ladies & if you can obtain a bow from S.E. McP. you may tell her I am well & hope to hear of her enjoying the same state - not married, but hope to hear of her being so blessed soon…. -- Burr & myself are just going to a fish feast where I shall meet with many from Jefferson & send this by them, So farewell              J A B…”

As of 23 April 1835, Joseph was still in the Jefferson, Indiana area.  Ann Jenners wrote that "Add was in [Lafayette, Indiana] and spent a week this month.... He often talks of going to Texas this summer."   But instead, he went to Florida and joined his older brother, Hector. 

Dr. Joseph Addison Braden married Virginia A. Ward, daughter of George Washington Ward and Anne Alexander Hooe, on 17 April 1837 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida. 

Virginia and Joseph were mentioned in a letter from Hector W.Braden to Fleming Hixon dated 4 April 1838, in which Hector wrote,  "I am sorry Add & his wife will not be able to visit Virginia this summer.  He wrote you a few days ago and I suppose told you so.  His wife will not be in travelling trim.  I am very sorry for it.  I wished Elizabeth to see her."  I suspect this meant that Virginia was pregnant, though this has not been confirmed, and their first known child , their daughter, Ann, was born about 1840.

A letter from Hector W. Braden to George N. Jones dated 11 August 1841 about yellow fever deaths and sickness included the following:  "On my return from the north I found my brother and family and my nieces at Quincy, thus far on their return home from St. Joseph.  Mrs. Ward and her daughter Miss Georgianna died of the yellow fever a few days before my return.  I found my friend Mr. Hixon very ill.  He too died a few days after my return.  My Brother and niece Elizabeth Dulany had both been ill but both have recovered.  The information you received in the letter of Col. Gamble was I am happy to say incorrect.  My brother, his family, Miss Mary Ward and my nieces are now at Southwood and in good health."

Joseph and Virginia’s son, Robert, was born in December 1841.

An indenture deed dated 27 February 1843 is evidence that Joseph and his wife, Virginia, were living in Manatee.  This indenture is in a deed book regarding the transfer of lands in Leon Co. in partial payment for lands procured along the Manatee River.  Joseph and Hector purchased about 1,000 acres along the Manatee River and Joseph built a log home near the point at Ware’s Creek.  They apparently had about 80 slaves who worked the plantation’s sugar fields.  On 25 March 1843, Joseph applied for 160 acres of land under the provisions of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842 and Permit #311 was issued to him for land in Manatee District of Hillsborough Co., Florida.

On 14 August 1844 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, as executor, Noble Braden filed an accounting of the estate of Robert Braden (their father).  He listed payments to the following heirs:  Zachariah Dulaney; Hector W. Braden; Burr Braden; Robert Braden, Jr. - deceased; William F. Braden - deceased; Joseph A. Braden; Fleming Hixon – deceased. 

In 1845 at Precinct 2, Clarks Store, Hillsborough Co., Florida, Joseph voted in the first statewide election in Florida.

Joseph and Virginia’s daughter, Mary Virginia (“Jennie”) was born about 1845.

Joseph and Hector took out a mortgage on their Florida properties with the Novelty Iron Works in order to purchase sugar refining machinery on 27 October 1845.  The "Biographical Census" states that Joseph, "With his brother Hector Braden, a lawyer, …gave a mortgage on his property to the Novelty Iron Works, New York for the purchase of Sugar Refining Equipment, which cost $43,941.  Together, he and his brother owned 1100 acres of land in the Manatee County area, where they planted a primary crop of sugar cane, and subsistence crops of tobacco, corn, peas, and cotton."

According to the Manatee Genealogical Society, "Within 5 years the planters had put together large parcels of land.  The Bradens were working 300 of 900 acres.  Braden had 50 oxen.  The plantations were carved out of wilderness and made productive by slave labor.  The Bradens had 79 slaves; 55 of the slaves were used to turn out a 100 hogsheads of sugar and molasses which were transported up Sugar House Creek into Braden Creek then to the river for export to New Orleans.  The Braden plantation was one of the largest in the area, extending over the years and estimated at well over 1,000 acres.  Five years after their initial claim, they harvested 250,000 pounds of sugar… Braden plantation milled 10 barrels a day and expected to turn out 400 barrels that winter at a price of 6 1/2 cents per pound."

In September 1846, Hector drowned while traveling home from business in the northern part of Florida.

In his memoirs, Robert L. Dulaney (nephew of Joseph and Hector) wrote that, "In 1847, I took another flat boat of produce to New Orleans and went on to Florida to look after the estates of my Uncles Fleming Hixon and Hector Braden, both having died in the meantime.  Then went down on the Manatee River in Tampa Bay to visit with my Uncle Joseph Addison Braden, where he and Uncle Hector Braden had owned a large sugar plantation. Started for home by way of Apalachicola to get some law books my Uncle Hector had left me."

On 2 April 1847, at Manatee, Florida, Joseph wrote a letter to Capt. J. T. Sprague at Fort Brooke, Tampa Bay about Indian relations.  It follows:

 "Dear Sir,

  Your letter dated the 22nd February (requesting my views in relation to the Indians) was not rec'd until today, owing to my absence from the River - I was not aware, until I saw in a Tallahassee paper some two months since, that any one apprehended danger from the Indians - we certainly have not thought heretofore that there was the slightest - Nor did I believe that the Indians meditated hostilities-  On the contrary, I have always understood from those who have conversed with the Indians, that they are so well aware of the great benefits arising from Peace, that nothing but repeated acts of hostility on the part of the whites would induce them to retaliate - I am satisfied if the Indians ever become hostile again, it will be owing entirely to improper conduct on the part of the Whites - That there are, and will be some, who would be pleased to see a War with the Indians, there is no doubt, but if they can be induced to keep within the limits assigned them, there will be no excuse on the part of the Whites so disposed, to attempt to bring about such a state of things --  I believe if they are permitted to pass beyond their limits at this time, and before this excitement is allayed, there will be danger of imprudent whites committing acts which will produce hostilities --

  The Settlement on the Manatee being a frontier one, and more exposed to depredations than any other, we are anxious to remain on the most friendly terms with them, and that all causes which may tend towards producing hostilities may be removed --

  Some six or eight weeks since they visited our Settlement two or three times, but we suspected no unfriendly feeling or intention on their part -- Nor do we believe that they are disposed to become hostile --   I remain yours etc,   Joseph A Braden”

In 1848, Joseph secured land on which he later built the house now called “Braden Castle.”

During the period from 10 January 1848 to 13 February 1848, Joseph Braden's nephew, Robert L. Dulaney, visited Joseph and his family.  Robert wrote the following journal entry: "We were just over one week enroute and reached the Manatee on the 10th of January.  Our passengers and crew consisted of myself, a Mr. Durham, Henry Miner (Uncle Hi, old body servant), a Negro woman for Mr. Craig, Captain Tammage, the Bo'sn Jimmy, an Englishman, and Anton - a Portuguese, the cook.     During a sojourn of some weeks on the Manatee River (the Indian name for Sea Cow), I enjoyed myself very much indeed.  The climate is certainly delightful - the thermometer during the time of my visit ranged from 60 to 75 degrees, which, I am told, is the usual temperature of the winter months. The coldest weather here is usually in the latter part of November or the first of December, when on one or two occasions the temperature has fallen to 30 degrees, but only for a day or two.  It rarely ever gets below 40 degrees.  For the last two or three years frost has made its appearance here and injured the cane a little, but in previous years frost was unknown.  The summer months here are pleasant, the thermometer rarely getting above 90 degrees and a constant sea breeze, particularly at night, make the nights delightful - much more pleasant than in a northern latitude.    This certainly is the finest sugar land in the U.S. The cane grows fine and that which is now standing is in full tassel, which I believe never occurs in Louisiana.  Also, one planting here suffices, whereas in Louisiana the cane must be replanted once in seven years.  The great difficulty, however, of Southern Florida ever becoming an extensive sugar country is the scarcity of good land.  In this county (Hillsboro) which contains probably 3000 square miles, there are not more than 15,000 acres of good land within her borders - the hammock lands - the only lands that are considered at all good.  The remainder is in pine barrens - abounding in yellow pine, sand and palmettos.  The Hammock lands are generally very fine particularly for the growth of sugar and fruits.  However, it is a life undertaking to clear them, particularly with a small force.  I am told that it will take one man 60 days of faithful work to clear one acre.     The very fine fish and oysters that abound here offer great inducements for an epicure to settle here, but as an offset to these luxuries are the myriads of mosquitoes and sand fleas that live here nearly all the year and are intolerable in the summer.  They are so numerous in some places that it is impossible for a man to live, indeed, they kill horses, dogs and hogs.    During my stay on the Manatee I visited Sira Sota [sic] and Fort Brook, or Tampa.

     Sunday morning, February 13, 1848.  This morning is the time set for my departure from the Manatee.  Accordingly, the "Mary Virginia" anchored off the hook last night and awaits our arrival and a fair wind.  Soon after breakfast we got our baggage aboard and then the livestock was conveyed to the small boat across the bar on the backs of the darkies - a new mode of conveyance.  We immediately hoisted sail and were soon on our way rejoicing down the river.     I say "rejoicing," for I left the Manatee with infinitely more pleasure than I expected on my arrival.  It is often said that persons are made twice glad when their visitors make a protracted stay - both when they arrive and when they go away - but I am well satisfied that my most 'affectionate' relatives were but 'once' rejoiced, and that was at my final departure.  The only affectionate leave-taking was manifested by the mosquitoes on my last night.  I had not been annoyed by them before but they seemed to have congregated last night by appointment for the express purpose of giving me a parting blessing.  It has always been my greatest wish to cultivate friendship and remain on good terms with everyone, particularly with close relatives.  With such feelings and wish I had come to the Manatee, but after receiving such cold indifference and even unkind treatment as I have from a close relative and one, too, who, from particular considerations, should have been the last person to act other than in a gentlemanly manner at least.  I cannot maintain my good nature or restrain my censure and am forced to denounce J.A.B. as mean and contemptible, who now stands ready (and has so in effect expressed himself) to take advantage of female orphans; relatives, before whom he should wrong a jot, should suffer his hand to be cut off.  Yet such he is, such I feared to find him and such I have found him.  My mission was one of peace and dictated by the love and desire of happiness for a sister and cousin; it certainly should not have provoked his anger to a degree to have called down such treatment on my head."  Once can only wonder what happened to cause Robert Dulaney to speak so harshly of his uncle, Joseph.  The “sister and cousin” must refer to Robert’s sister, Elizabeth Ann (“Lizzie”) Dulaney and the cousin, probably was Bettie Hixon, daughter of Fleming Hixon and Joseph’s sister, Elizabeth.  Hector had been their guardian, but he was now deceased.

On 13 June 1848, Noble Braden, executor of Robert Braden's estate, filed an accounting with the court at Loudoun Co., Virginia, which also lists accounts with the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W. Braden (deceased), Robert Braden Jr. (deceased), Wm F Braden (deceased), Burr Braden, Fleming Hixon (deceased).  The accounting also states that Joseph A. Braden's share of the estate had been completely paid off and discharged.

According to information from the Manatee Genealogical Society, "Dr Braden was still buying up parcels of land seven years after he arrived.  Operations were expanding, but the plantation's overall financial outlook was precarious.  In the fine old colonial tradition, the planter's lands and slaves were heavily mortgaged to creditors.  All the large planters borrowed to invest in their expensive mills and equipment."

Between August 1849 and May 1852, Joseph was still buying land.  There are numerous land patents issued to him for land in the Manatee area of Florida during that period. 

Some sources indicate that the Bradens’ original log home was destroyed by fire and that they built the large house now called "Braden Castle” in about 1850 to 1852. 

According to the Manatee Genealogical Society, "Joseph Braden once raised credit by putting up plant parts as collateral - railroad wheels, axles, forged furnace frames & toons [?] & a copper-lined cypress "clarifier," all for a little under a thousand dollars.  Another time they put up all the 'broke oxen' on their plantation."

On 25 September 1850 at Hillsborough Co., Florida, the probate court named J.A. Braden as the administrator of the estate of Hector W. Braden, who died without a will.

Dr. Joseph Addison Braden and Virginia A. Braden appeared on the census of 6 November 1850 at Manatee Settlement, Hillsborough Co., Florida. The census reported that Joseph owned 44 male slaves and 51 female slaves for a total of 95 slaves.   The census stated that the members of the Braden household were "Braden, Joseph A., age 39, male, planter & MD, 36,000 [real estate value], born Virginia; Braden, Virginia A., age 35, female, born Virginia; Braden, Anny S., age 10, female, born Florida; Braden, Robert, age 8, male, born Florida; Braden, Mary Virginia, age 5, female, born Florida; Ward, Mary E., age 27, female, born Kentucky."  Mary Ward was Virginia Braden’s sister.

The following news story appeared in the Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, on 18 July 1851: "FLORIDA SUGAR. -- We have before us two or three samples of beautiful brown sugar, grown upon the plantation of Dr. Braden, on the Manatee river in Florida.  This stream empties into Tampa Bay, and is in lat. 27 15' north, lon. 82 28' west.  We learn that the Doctor made the past season no less than two hundred and twenty-five hogsheads as a beginning.  We are assured that the samples left for our inspection are a fair average of the entire production, and they certainly compare well, both in grain and color, with any sugar we have seen.  A ready sale has been made of the crop here, and at the best prices."

Joseph was initiated into the Masonic Lodge (member #45) on 2 August 1851 at Tampa, Hillsborough Co., Florida.

On 25 October 1851 the following was filed in Leon Co. Florida court:  Charles Morrison, "subject of the Kingdom of Great Britain and a citizen of London," seeks payment of debts owed to him by the estate of the late Hector W. Braden, for which Braden mortgaged several slaves as security. Morrison states that notes amounting to $9025.35 were "duly and absolutely assigned" to him by the Union Bank of Florida. He charges that following the death of Hector W. Braden, his executor, Joseph A. Braden, "took possession of all the property" and has received the "hires and the fruits and profits of their labor." Morrison asks that the court "decree the payment of the debt due to your Orator" and "that the mortgaged property be sold for the satisfaction and payment of said debt."

On 14 January 1853, Manatee Lodge #31 F. & A.M. was chartered.  The first meeting was at Josiah Gate's home.  Joseph Braden was "first Senior Warden." On 3 March 1853, Manatee Lodge No. 31, F.A.M. received its charter and held its first regular meeting in Josiah Gate's new home; Joseph Braden was installed as one of the officers.

Joseph was a party in a legal dispute over land that went to before the U. S. Supreme Court.  The case involved land granted in 1817 by the King of Spain to one man and purchased by Joseph Braden after Florida became part of the United States.  The case was decided in favor of Joseph's claims to the land.

On 5 March 1854, Joseph and Virginia Braden joined the M. E. Church, South... F.A. Branch.

On 11 May 1854 at Hillsborough Co., Florida, Joseph registered "his marks and brands with the Hillsborough Co. Commission of Marks and Brands.  His marks were crop and two splits in each ear and his brand.

On 1 June 1854 at Hillsborough Co., Florida, Joseph was demitted (became inactive in the order) from Hillsborough Masonic Lodge.

Joseph served in the military during the "Florida War" as Asst. Surgeon with the 2 Reg't Florida Militia (Col. R. C. Parish); this was about 1856.

Joseph appeared on a list of Florida voters in 1856.

In March 1856, Braden Castle was the site of Indian hostilities (3rd Seminole War).  The encounter was described by Braden's neighbor, Robert Gamble: "Indians were discovered lurking around the house at night.  Braden opened fire with a repeating rifle loaned to him by Gamble and was able to scare the intruders off.  Some cabins were plundered and some slaves carried off by the Indians during their retreat.  At daybreak, a party pursued the attackers and on the second day, the group came upon the Seminole camp and opened fire, killing several Indians and recovering the captives."  Gamble adds, "a more cautious man than Dr. Braden never lived." The following Braden children were present during the attack: Anny (16), Robert (14), Mary Virginia (11) and a baby.

On 7 March 1857, the following was published in the Florida Peninsular newspaper:  "Administrator's Notice: Six Months after date, I will apply to the Hon. Simon Turman, Judge of Probate in and for the County of Hillsborough, State of Florida, for a final discharge from the further administration of the Personal Estate of H. W. Braden, late of said County, dec'd.  Joseph A. Braden, Admr.  Mch 7, 1855."

In 1857, a depression caused mortgages to be sold and foreclosures which affected Joseph Braden.  Information from the National Register of Historic Places states that in 1857, "again heavily mortgaged, Joseph faced financial ruin.  Daniel Ladd who had traded with Hector and Joseph at Port Leon (Leon County) before their move to Manatee, held notes issued to Joseph Braden in 1850, 1853, and 1856 for $8,412.44.  The Panic of 1857 and subsequent depressed sugar economy left Braden so badly in debt that Ladd foreclosed, taking Braden's house and property...."  Another source states that on 27 June 1857 at a bank in Tallahassee foreclosed on Joseph Braden's Leon Co. property.  Other writers give varying versions of the story, but the outcome was that Joseph was heavily in debt, and he left the Manatee area with his family about 1857.

By June 1858, Joseph and his family were living in La Grange, Georgia.  And it was about 1858 that their son, William, was born, though it is not known if he was born in Florida or Georgia. 

Joseph A. Braden obtained a patent on 8 June 1858 for "Braden's Improved Lock."  Joseph was listed as a resident of LaGrange, Georgia. Patent No. 20,478. Permutation Lock.  According to the "Scientific American" column "Patent Claims Issued from the United States Patent Office for the week ending June 8, 1858, the following was issued to Joseph A. Braden:  "LOCK - Joseph A. Braden, of La Grange, Ga.: I claim the slides, G. placed relatively with the bar, BB as shown, and provided with the stationary teeth, b, and yielding teeth, h, in combination with the bite, H, place on separate arbor and arranged to operate as and for the purpose set forth.  This invention consists in the employment of a series of slides provided with teeth or racks and arranged relatively with a bifarented bolt, into the parts of which the ends of the slides work, these parts being used in connection with a series of bits attached to separate arbors, placed one within the other and operated by means of keys or knobs, so that the lock is rendered unpickable, and at the same time perfectly simple in construction."

Joseph filed for another patent:  according to the "Scientific American" column "Patent Claims Issued from the United States Patent Office for the week ending 21 September 1858, Joseph A. Braden of LaGrange, Ga.  was issued a patent for shears, as follows:  "SHEARS - Joseph A. Braden of La Grange, Ga.: I claim making the blades of triangular form in their transverse sections and fitting them to the handles, so as to be capable of being turned therein to present three different pairs of edges in an operative position, substantially as described.  This invention consists in making the blades of scissors or shears with their transverse section of the form of an equilateral triangle, so that each presents three cutting edges; and fitting them to their handles in such a manner that they are capable of being turned therein, when it is desired to bring a new pair of cutting edges into an operative position when one pair has been worn or blunted."  Patent No. 21,546 Scissors and Shears.

Dr. Joseph Addison Braden died on 7 February 1859 at LaGrange, Troup Co., Georgia, at age 47. Some obituaries give the death date as 9 February 1859.  The cause of death was dysentery.  He was sick for two weeks.  While his burial place has not been confirmed, his obituary indicates he was buried on 10 February 1859 at LaGrange, Troup Co., Georgia.

An obituary appeared on 22 February 1859 in the Macon Weekly Telegraph, Macon, Bibb Co., Georgia, that read:

"DEATH OF DR. JOSEPH A. BRADEN. -- Perhaps the death of no man who has lived among us has been more lamented by our citizens than Dr. BRADEN's. He had resided in Lagrange but a short while -- about 12 months, we believe, but his Christian deportment and gentlemanly bearing had endeared him to all who enjoyed his acquaintance.  He died, after two weeks' suffering, of Dysentery, on Wednesday morning, the 9th inst., and was interred in our graveyard with Masonic honors, on Thursday morning.  Requiescat in pace! - Reporter."

Another obituary appeared on 7 March 1859 in the Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, Virginia, that read:

"DIED.  At La Grange, Georgia, on the 7th of February, 1859, in the 48th year of his age, Dr. JOSEPH ADDISON BRADEN, a native of Loudoun County, and recently a citizen of Florida."   Several other death notices have been found that all give the same basic information.

His burial place has not yet been found, though it is probably in LaGrange, Troup Co., Georgia.

The children of Joseph Addison Braden and Virginia A. Ward were as follows:

Ann S. Braden, born circa 1840 in Florida.  She probably died before 1866.

Robert Braden, born December 1841 in Florida.  He died July 1906 in Jacksonville, Duval Co., Florida, at age 64. 

Mary Virginia Braden, “Jennie,” born circa 1845 in Florida.  She probably died before 1866.

(--?--) Braden, some accounts mention an infant in the family when the Indians attacked in March 1856.  It is not certain that this is correct.

William Braden, born circa 1858.  He died in June 1859, either in Georgia or Florida.  William was buried at Ward Cemetery, Southwood Plantation, five miles southeast of Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida. His tombstone reads: "William  Infant son of Virginia and Joseph A. Braden  died June 1859." To see his tombstone, go to William’s Find-A-GraveMemorial.

Mystery:  Where is Joseph buried?  Are there any photographs of him?