WILLIAM B. BRATTON, Shanks Run, Mifflin county, Pa., was born in Oliver township, Mifflin county, September 22, 1836. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Brown) Bratton. His grandfather, William Bratton, was a native of Ireland. When quite a young man he came to America in a sailing vessel, and settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked as a day laborer. He afterwards removed to Oliver township, Mifflin county, where he was employed as farm laborer. He was known in the community as "Sailor Billie." Mr. William Bratton identified himself with the Democratic party. He had six children: William; Samuel; John; Rachel; Sarah; and Elizabeth. He and his wife died in Oliver township; both were members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bratton's father, Samuel Bratton, born in Oliver township, about 1801, and educated in the public schools of his native township, was a boatman on the Juniata river. He assisted in the construction of the canal and afterwards owned and commanded a canal boat called the "Lady Washington." When the canal was sold, Mr.
