Robert Franklin Bratton

Robert Franklin Brattan (May 13, 1845 – May 10, 1894) was an American politician and lawyer. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates, Maryland Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early life Robert Franklin Brattan was born on May 13, 1845, in Barren Creek Springs in Somerset (now Wicomico) County, Maryland to Elizabeth (née Venables) and Joseph Brattan. His father was a merchant and agriculturist. His grandfather was Joshua Brattan, a state delegate from Somerset County. Brattan was named for his uncle, Franklin Brattan, a lawyer who practiced law with David Davis in Illinois. He was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 1873, serving the remainder of the term of George R. Dennis. He was re-elected for terms in 1879, 1887, and 1890. He served from 1874 to 1876, 1880 to 1884, and 1888 to 1892. In 1890, he served as President of the Maryland State Senate. In 1891, Brattan was considered for nomination as state comptroller at the Maryland Democratic Convention, but was unsuccessful.

Personal life Brattan married Nellie Hooe Dennis, daughter of his law partner and state senator James U. Dennis and niece of George R. Dennis, in December 1884. They had three children: Cecilia, Nellie and Robert Franklin.

Brattan died at his home in Princess Anne on May 10, 1894, from Bright's disease. He is interred in St. Andrew's Cemetery at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Princess Anne.