C.W. Bransford was born in Owensboro, Ky., Jan. 24, 1858, a son of Benj. and Mary E. (Athy) Bransford; attended schools here but graduated in the literary course at Cumberland University Lebanon, Tenn., in June, 1877. He then attended the law school at Louisville, where he completed the junior course, and was elected salutatorian from this class, as a testimonial to his proficiency. He next accepted a temporary position in Clarke & Crutcher’s stemmery. At the close of the tobacco business for the season of 1878 he became sub-editor of the Messenger, under J.A. Munday. Within two months he was offered a partnership in the paper, which he accepted, in September, 1878, etc., as above noted.

Dec. 21, 1882, Mr. Bransford married Virgie Lee Finley, of Lebanon, Tenn., a daughter of Dr. W.M. Finley, a native of Clarksville, Tenn., and a niece of Congressman Finley, of Florida. Mr. Bransford is a young man of remarkable business and executive talent, and if he lives will make a bright mark in the world. If he should rise to political prominence, he will not be a “barking dog,” and he therefore might “bite,” where there is occasion in some contest. The Hopkinsville South Kentuckian truly says of him: “His style of writing possesses a degree of profundity far beyond his years when he is handling editorial subjects. He is very temperate, and is a model young man in his habits, although he does not belong to any church. Concerning his physical appearance the South Kentuckian thus words it: “His hair is a bright auburn, and he has a fine red mustache and brown eyes. He is very quiet in his demeanor, and loves his profession more than he does his sweet-heart!”

Source: History of Daviess County, Kentucky. Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co., 1883. Print.