BIOS: Aaron BRANT, Somerset County, PA

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History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania; Bedford County by E. 
Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis 
Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, ppg. 307/8

Aaron BRANT.

Aaron Brant, a progressive, practical farmer of Somerset county, 
Pennsylvania, was born near Berlin, April 23, 1842, a son of Henry and Sarah 
(Schrock) Brant, and grandson of Conrad Brant, who was a farmer of Brothers 
Valley township, and whose paternal great-grandfather came to this country 
from Amsterdam, Holland.
Henry Brant (father) was born in 1809, and was one of a family of twelve 
children.  He was a farmer by occupation, and achieved good success in this 
line.  In politics he was a Whig, but after the formation of the Republican 
party gave his support to that organization.  He served his township in the 
offices of school director, supervisor and assessor.  He married Sarah 
Schrock, a daughter of Conrad Henry and Barbara Schrock.  He and his family 
were members of the Reformed church.  He died in 1899, at the advanced age of 
ninety years.
Aaron Brant acquired his education in the common schools of the township, and 
since a boy has always given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. 
He is largely interested in improved stock raising, and the best of blooded 
Alderneys and Durhams are among his stock.  In horses he also has fine 
breeds, one of them being a prize winner.  His farm contains one hundred and 
seventy-four acres, with fine orchards and large outbuildings.  He is a 
Republican in politics, and although deeply interested in the success of the 
party, has never aspired to holding office.  He is a member of the Reformed 
church in Berlin.
Mr. Brant married, February 7, 1867, Amanda Shaulis, daughter of Emanuel and 
Julia Ann Shaulis, both of whom are members of the United Brethren church. 
Emanuel Shaulis was a farmer, and died May 28, 1904, aged eighty-four years. 
His widow is still living in her eighty-fifth year.  Mr. and Mrs. Brant are 
the parents of twelve children, viz.: Sanford, born March 18, 1868, a farmer 
of the Valley; he married Cynthia Wilkins, and they have five children. 
Matronah, born March 20, 1869, learned the trade of dressmaker, and worked in 
Pittsburg and other places; married Simon P. Foust, a farmer of Brothers 
Valley, and they have two children.  Carrie M., born December 14, 1870, died 
December 26, 1876.  Ulysses G., born September 1, 1872, married Margaret 
Layman; he is in partnership with his father in the cultivation of the home 
farm.  Samuel H., born December 25, 1873, married Edith Marger; he is a 
farmer and miner and lives in Brothers Valley.  Elsie Grace, born November 
25, 1875, married Joseph J. Picking, a liveryman of Somerset, and they have 
one child.  Julia Ann, born November 24, 1877, married Samuel M. Coldenburg, 
and lives in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.  Margaret A., born August 6, 1879, 
lives at home.  Oscar S., born November 29, 1880, married Tracey L. Layman. 
Sallie J., born October 15, 1882, married Jesse Aults; he is a bookkeeper 
employed by the Pennsylvania railroad in the union station at Pittsburg.  
Emanuel A., born November 6, 1884, died February 9, 1892.  Gretta E., born 
June 15, 1886, lives at home.
These children were given an education in the public schools of the county, 
and they are all filling their several stations in life with credit to 
themselves and parents.  Mr. Brant, now sixty-four years of age, retains the 
full vigor of manhood, and takes an active part in the labors of the large 
farm, while Mrs. Brant retains the management of the home.