Mr. Branagan was educated in the public schools. From the time he was eight years old he has earned his own living. At that age he began to spend his summers in boating, earning five dollars per month and his board. When he was sixteen he was mate of a sailing vessel, and a year later he had charge of a vessel with five men under him. At the age of twenty he began steamboating, a business he has since followed, being now classed as a pilot. He knows every part of the Hudson River and the waters around Greater New York, having spent his active life upon them, and is recognized as one of the ablest and most trustworthy pilots in the service.

In 1885 Mr. Branagan settled permanently in New Durham, Hudson County, N. J., where he has been prominent as a public spirited, enterprising, and patriotic citizen. He is a leading Democrat, has been an active and influential member of the Hudson County Democratic Committee, and in 1893 was elected a Justice of the Peace to fill an unexpired term. In 1895 he was re-elected for a full term of five years. At the beginning of both terms Mr. Branagan was appointed, by a resolution of the Township Committee, Police Justice and Recorder of the Township of North Bergen, which positions he still holds. He has also served as Chief of Police. He is a member and formerly an officer of the American Association of Master Pilots and of Sumner Lodge, No. 180, independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Jersey City. He enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.