Obituary for Isabella Braham

New Castle News
Monday, August 27, 1923

Noted Temperance Worker is Dead
Miss Belle Braham, 85, Dies At Home On Willard Avenue Sunday

Miss Belle Braham, aged 85 years, well known resident and foremost Temperance worker of the city and Lawrence county, died Sunday morning at her home on Willard avenue after a brief illness of one week's duration.

Miss Braham was born near Harrisville, Pa., a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. Patton Braham. She began teaching in the public schools and continued in that work for many years. She was a member of the West Side W. C. T. U., and on the organization of the Lawrence County Chapter was selected as corresponding secretary. She took an active interest in juvenile work and as County Superintendent of the work she organized the Lawrence County Loyal Temperance Legion meeting with so much success that in 1890 the Pennsylvania W. C. T. U. elected her State Superintendent. She early saw the power of organization and traveled extensively over the state where she organized many Loyal Temperance Legions which have flourished extensively and are now known as the Young People's Branch of the W. C. T. U.

When the Women's Clubs of this city were federated, Miss Braham was chairman of the Juvenile Court Committee and it was through her influence that the present detection home was established.

Miss Braham was a pioneer in all movements for the betterment of humanity. She never grew discouraged in the fight for prohibition and was always one of the first women to take an active part in all church activities. She was a charter member of the Women's Missionary Society and participated in the organization of the Women's General Missionary Society of that body in Pittsburgh in 1889.

She was a teacher in the Bible school for many years. Miss Braham was a member of the Reading Circle of '89. She leaves one sister, Mrs. S. E. McCleary of this city.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence, 118 Willard avenue. Internment will be made in the Harrisville cemetery.