Charles Brayton, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Atwood) Brayton, was born in the town of Warwick, R. I., October 31, 1772. He attended the local schools, but supplemented his education at home with the aid of his father and mother. Early in life he learned the trade of blacksmith, but later abandoned this to enter the field of public affairs, for which he was well fitted both by reason of diligent study and tastes. In 1794 he was admitted a freeman of Warwick, and in the following year was elected to the office of constable.
At the outbreak of the Revolution he enlisted in the Pawtuxet Rangers and served under Captain Benjamin Arnold. In 1796 he was chosen first lieutenant of the Second Company of Warwick Militia, and in 1797 elected captain. In 1798 he became town sergeant and collector of taxes, in which office he served for five years. During this entire period he was studying earnestly to prepare himself for more important public posts. In 1804 Charles Brayton was chosen town clerk of Warwick, and continued to fill that office until his death, with the assistance of his sons in later years, when his time was employed with larger affairs. In 1813 he was chosen Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. In 1808 he became colonel of the famous Kentish Artillery, and commanded the corps for five years. In 1814 Judge Brayton was elected Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and served for four years. Confidence in his integrity and ability to administer the duties of this important office was implicit, and so great was the general belief in his knowledge and sense of equity that many cases were privately submitted to him and his advice was accepted and sought as a finality in matters of controversy. Judge Brayton was elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1820, and returned to office for many years. In 1822 he was a member of the House called to revise the laws of the State. In 1824 he was a member of the convention called to frame a new constitution, which, however, was not accepted by the people. In 1827, on the reorganization of the judiciary of the State, he was elected judge of the Supreme Court, and continued to fill that office with great honor to himself and large service to the State until his death, which occurred November 16, 1834. He married, in 1795, Rebecca Havens, daughter of William Havens, of Warwick. They were the parents of four children: 1. Charles Atwood, who died at the age of sixteen years. 2. Ann Mary. 3. Hon. George A. 4. Hon. William D.
