William Coleman Branton (1914-1985) Papers (0454kc)

William Coleman Branton was born in Greenville, Mississippi. He received his undergraduate degree at Davidson College and obtained his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1939, at which time he entered into legal practice in Greenville, Mississippi, at the law firm of Farish, Keady and Branton. From 1940 to 1946, his legal career was interrupted by World War II. During the war, Branton served, with honors, as an Artillery Colonel, United States Army, in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He participated in seven combat landings under fire, and helped reorganize the 35th Infantry Division. After the war, and until his retirement from the military in 1966, Branton served in the National Guard as Chief of Staff of the G-3 Division. He also served as civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army from 1979-1981.

After the war, in 1946, Branton moved to Kansas City to continue his general practice. Less then a year later, on April 12, 1947, he married Mary Shaw of Independence, Missouri. They had two children: Leslie and Paige. Branton practiced law until 1965, when he became Senior Vice President of City National Bank in Kansas City, Missouri. He retired from banking in 1979.

Branton was involved in numerous civic activities, clubs, foundations, and honorary societies in the Kansas City area. He also helped found several organizations: the Missouri Repertory Theater, Clearinghouse for Midcontinent Foundations, and Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

The papers include photographs, correspondence, records and other papers relating to William Coleman Branton's military duty, legal practice, banking career, civic activities, and personal life. ca. 1940-1985.

13 cubic feet

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updated: Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
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