Sheriff Branson and Deputy Edward Funk were shot and killed by political opponents at a 4th of July picnic. A group of brothers who were intoxicated and waving guns at a 4th of July picnic in Kirbyville, Missouri. Citizens requested the sheriff disarm them. Deputy Funk attempted to arrest one of the men with his gun drawn and a bullet pierced Deputy Funks chest at the right nipple, the bullet passing out under his left arm. Deputy Funk was also shot in the back under his left shoulder blade. Sheriff Branson then shot the gunman in the groin and exchanged fire with the other men until he sustained a gunshot wounds with one bullet entering his left cheek and lodged in his brain and another in his left thigh. Both lawmen died immediately.

Sheriff Branson, 39, was elected sheriff in 1888 with the help of the Bald Knobbers. The suspects were Anti-Bald Knobbers and brothers, Bill, James and Emanuel Miles. Two of the suspects were tried and acquitted. Charges against the third brother were dismissed. James Miles was later sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary for an unrelated murder.

Sheriff Branson was survived by his wife, Elizabeth.
Interred: Branson Family Cemetery, Taney County, Missouri.

Deputy Marshal Funk was interred at the Branson Family Cemetery, Taney County, Missouri alongside Sheriff Branson.

Article by Brent Marchant