MICHAEL BRANNELLY, a resident of Benton county for twenty-five years, is a native of Galway county, Ireland, and was born on the 29th of September, 1821. He was brought up in his native county where he received his early education. In 1846, he came to America, and after remaining three years in New York State, went to California and was engaged in gold-mining until coming to Minnesota. In 1854, he purchased a farm, through his brother, in Minden, Benton county, to which he removed in April, 1857, and has resided there ever since. Mr. Brannelly taught the first school in Minden township and has always manifested a strong interest in the welfare of Benton county. He was one of the early supervisors, holding the office for ten years, and was also County Commissioner, nine years. He was elected Sheriff in 1868, continuing in the office two years, and has also held a number of township offices. Mr. Brannelly was married in June, 1854, to Elizabeth Kelly, of his native county, who died in February, 1876. Of nine children born to them, but six are living; Mary A., Margaret J., Annie, Martin H., James E., and Elizabeth.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) p. 362 [Minden]