Heroes Way dedicated in honor of Sheriff Galba Branson

Members and friends of the Taney County 100 Club, local historical societies, and many area first responders gathered at Kirbyville Elementary School on Tuesday morning, July 1, to dedicate Harp Lane in Kirbyville as a Heroes Way in honor of Sheriff Galba Branson. 

Sheriff Branson was elected in 1888, the 15th Sheriff of Taney County. He was killed in a shootout on July 4, 1889, after being informed that three brothers were displaying weapons just down the road from a holiday picnic in Kirbyville. Edward Funk, about whom little is known except that he was serving as a deputy or simply assisting the sheriff, was also killed. (See more complete bio and description of the incident in the June 27 Branson Globe.) 

The dedication ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors by Branson Fire & Rescue and the Taney County Sheriff’s Office, and the invocation was given by TCSO Chaplain Dave Wurst. Tammy Morton, historian for the Taney County 100 Club, then gave a historical setting for the event. 

“Taney County was not a peaceful place in the 1880s,” said Morton in describing the Baldknobbers, largely made up of former Union soldiers, and anti-Baldknobber groups. Those political differences likely contributed to the July 4, 1889, incident. 

Several extended family members attended the ceremony, including Sheriff Branson’s great-great grandson Tim Estes, who spoke on behalf of the family. Estes thanked the many area first responders in attendance, who risk their lives every time they climb into their vehicles to serve and protect citizens. Estes challenged attendees to “pay our debt to the heroes of the past” by teaching our families right from wrong and raising children to fear and obey God. 

Estes also introduced his mother, 85-year-old Shirley Estes of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, great-granddaughter of Sheriff Branson. The family was presented an honorary plaque by State Rep. Matthew Overcast. Family members expressed appreciation for the Taney County 100 Club as well as the White River Valley Historical Society and the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, who work to preserve historical locations in the area; the family hopes to partner with such groups in restoring the family cemetery where Sheriff Branson’s grave is located. 

Darin Carter of the Taney County 100 Club officiated the dedication, with current Sheriff Brad Daniels unveiling a close-up replica of the official sign, simultaneously unveiled at its location at the corner of St. Hwy. 76 and Harp Lane. In addition to Sheriff Branson, the sign includes Edward Funk’s name; both Carter and Morton pointed out in their remarks that even with little knowledge of Funk’s background or official position, it was clear that he was ready and willing to help. 

Carter closed the presentation by thanking all the first responders present, as well as the Kirbyville Schools for hosting the dedication and the many local businesses and individuals who support the 100 Club in their mission of providing financial support for families of first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.