JOSEPH SEARCY BRACEWELL
June 9, 1892 - Nov. 30, 1965
J. S. Bracewell was born in Bedias and at an early age set himself the goal of becoming a lawyer. He went on to become much more than a lawyer. To earn money to go to law school, he attended Sam Houston to qualify as a teacher. He taught 3 years at Roans Prairie then 3 more at Harrisburg and Magnolia Park (Houston) before going to Cumberland College, Tennessee for his law degree.
After being admitted to the Texas Bar, he set up practice in Harrisburg. He participated in all aspects of civic life, becoming city Attorney and serving on the school board, and was active in church work and political affairs. This pattern of service in civic life continued throughout his life. He served as president of the Houston Bar Association in 1939. In 1940 he was county campaign manager for Wendell Wilke's presidential bid. He later served as Chairman of the Port Commission, and developed the church bonding system for his church, Broadway Baptist, which has subsequently been used by many churches and is called The Broadway Plan.
His 50 years of legal practice saw the law firm Bracewell and Patterson, which he founded, become one of the most prestigious firms in the city.
In light of his many accomplishments, it might be surprising that he is remembered by those who knew him best for the many cases he fought for the little people of no influence and no money.
In summary, J. S. Bracewell has inscribed the Bracewell name in places high & low in this state.
CHARLES EMMETT BRACEWELL
Feb. 26, 1890-March 18, 1966
Married and raised a family of 12 children as a farmer near Bedias until 1939 when he relocated to Huntsville and took a job with T.D.C. He lived in there until his passing in 1966. He is buried at Mt. Pleasant.
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ERNEST BRACEWELL
Oct. 26, 1887 - Feb. 11, 1969
He began his life work as an apprentice on weekly papers in Grimes County, then followed a trail that led to ownership and publishing of several weeklies in Texas. Then, he headed the Printing Department at Sam Houston State College.
After resigning to again publish privately, he was asked by the Superintendent of the Texas School for the Deaf to come to Austin to take over the Printing Department and teach printing to the deaf students. Here he continued for a period of 14 years. Mandatory retirement for all teachers was age 65, but he was retained for five more years.
Upon his retirement, a Certificate, signed by Governor Price Daniel, was presented to Ernest. It stated:
"TO ERNEST BRACEWELL, who has made his mark not only on newsprint but in the hearts and minds of young people he has taught who are scattered all over the nation. Although he is retiring from our school, we know that he will never cease his dedicated effort until God writes his final--THIRTY--"
Ernest was a staunch member of Congress Avenue Baptist Church in Austin. His widow, Cousin Clyde, still lives in Austin and is with us every reunion.
BEULAH BERTA BRACEWELL
May 9, 1895 - Dec. 30, 1924
Married Radford Nesmith in 1915, had 3 children, Ervin Franklin, Vernice, and James Clay Nesmith.
Lived in or near Bedias until her death in 1924 at the age of 29. She is buried at Mt. Pleasant.
| BERTHA ELVIRA BRACEWELL
August 4, 1902
Married Leslie Grawl in 1923, has 2 sons, Leroy, Jr., and Stanley. Has lived in Houston most of her adult life. Bertha is a "regular" at reunions. Granddaughter, Melinda, cites her sterling character and many talents not the least of which are her endless supply of homemade cookies, her cornbread dressing, and many pieces of beautiful needlepoint work.
REGINALD SHANKS BRACEWELL
April 4, 1904 to 1974
Reginald was married to Willie Thompson in 1927 and had one daughter, Byrda Lynn. He lived and worked in Huntsville all but his last few years. He was an attorney practicing in Huntsville, later serving as District Attorney and as a judge.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BRACEWELL
March 7, 1909 - 1954
Known in this family as "Little Frank," he married Susie Frasier in 1933 and had two daughters, Nona Sue and Judith Lee. He lived and worked in Sugarland until he was taken by cancer in the prime of life at the age of 46.
RUTH CORNELIA BRACEWELL
February 10, 1922
A reunion regular, and president for 1984. Ruth married Curtis White in 1941. They have 3 sons, Howard, Daniel, and Alton. Curtis recently retired and they continue to make their home in Hearne, Texas.
JOHN BUNYON
April 13, 1924
John is institutionalized in Austin.
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Family Records 
