Utah Historical Quarterly, Volume 27, Number 2, 1959

SAMUEL BRANNAN (1818-1889) The epitaph on Brannan's grave fittingly sums up his tempestuous career. It reads: " 'Sam' Brannan, California Pioneer of '46. Dreamer — Leader — and Empire Builder." It does not mention that he died in poverty, and his body lay unclaimed in the San Diego receiving vault for over a year until a one-time friend donated a gravesite.