Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 17

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 17

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Henry Brittin settled in Fancy Creek Town- ship after his marriage and there all his chil- dren were born. He died on his farm iu 1900 at the age of sixty-two years, aud his widow died in 1901. They were devout and active members of the Christian Church most of their lives, and in politics he was a stanch Republi- can. He voted at every election, as he believed this was the duty of every citizen, and though often solicited to accept office, refused to do so. He gave his full support to every measure calculated to advance the interests of the com- munity, morally or materially, and was a pa- triotic, public-spirited citizen. He was a great lover of his home and was always solicitous of the comfort of his wife and children. He and his wife were parents of eight children : John E., on the old home farm; Henry E., a traveling salesman living at Springfield; Albert L., a physician and surgeon living at Athens, III. ; William A .. also a physician and surgeon practicing at Virden. Ill .; Emma N., widow of William Waldon, living in Athens ; Roger E., a farmer living near Blackwell, Okla .; Walter M., died in Sangamon County in 1901. at the age of twenty-two years.

The boyhood days of Dr. Ernest HI. Brittin were spent on the farm In Fancy Creek Town- ship, and he attended the district school in the neighborhood. He took a scientific course in the college at Valparaiso. Ind .. and in 1898 en-

tered the Barnes Medical College at St. Louis, Mo., graduating iu the class of 1902. In June of that year he entered upon practice at Paw- nee, Iil., where he remained until 1907, then locating in Auburn, where he has built up au excelleut practice. He is most careful in his diaguoses, keeps abreast of the times by study- ing modern literature and lectures along the line of his work and has won a deservedly high reputation in his profession.

June 18, 1902, Dr. Brittin married Miss Lulu Cook, a uative of Auburn, and daughter of the late George Cook. Two children have been born of this union, Marjorie aud Walter. Dr. Brittin is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Pawnee, and also belongs to the County Med- ical Society. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Republican. Like his father, he is inter- ested in the progress and welfare of the coul- munity in which he resides, aud is always ready to advance the interests of his fellows. He in- spires the respect aud confidence of those who have been associated with himu and his future prospects are bright.

BROADWELL, Norman M. (Vol. I, pp. 60-61.)

BROCKEL, John W .- All the leading European countries have contributed reliable citizens to the United States, and the majority of them have left their old homes in search of better conditions, being willing to work to secure what they desired. For this reason many of these immigrants make the best of citizens and are, therefore, welcomed in any community to which they migrate. One of the best examples of what a foreign-born man can accomplish is shown in the life of John W. Brockel, of Spring- field. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 22, 1828. The father was a working man, honest and thrifty, but unable to provide for his large family In such a way as to make his son John satisfied with existing conditions. The parents both died in their native land. The father served in the Napoleonic wars, and al- ways took pride in that fact, feeling that in his humble way he had helped to make history.

John W. Brockel secured what educational advantages the schools of his native place af- forded, and as a boy was fond of out-door sports. His first work on leaving school was with a brick mason, and he learned the trade so thoroughly that he has followed it ever siuce. Sixty years ago he left Germany to come to the United States, Springfield beiug his objec- tive point. He found immediate employment upon reaching that city, and has never since been without it, saving thriftily until he now owns his home and has a fair competence laid up for old age.

Mr. Brockel was married in Springfield, in 1854. to Anna Mongal, born in Wurtemburg, in 1830. Eight children were born to them : Anna, born in 1856; John, 1858; Katherine, 1861; Louis, 1863. now deceased ; George, 1865; Mary,

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1866; Will, 1868; and Frank, 1873. Mr. Brockel is a member of the German Lutheran Church, which he supports liberally. He Is a Democrat in polltles, but has never been active in party work, being too much occupied with business affairs. He is a sturdy, Industrious man, who has always done his full duty, and is held In high esteem by his fellow citizens. His chll- dren have been reared to useful womanhood and manhood, and any father might well be proud of them.

BROIDA, David, for the past six years pro- prietor of a general store at the northwest corner of Fourteenth and Mason Streets, Springfield, is interested in the welfare and progress of the city and always ready to give his Influence to the promotion of the public interest. Mr. Broida has been a resident of Springfield for a number of years and owns large property interests there. As a business man he has a reputation for hon- esty and integrity and is known as a inan who always keeps his promises and has a proper re- spect for the rights and feelings of his fellows. He has never held public office but was a can- didate for nomination for the office of Clty Commissioner In the primaries of February, 1911, and during the month of January gave a writ- ten statement to the daily issue of the Illinois State Register, setting forth his ideas and opinions. He therein promised, if elected, to put in his whole time and attention in fulfilling his duties; to see to it that the city was given a clean government, receiving full value for any money expended, that the city employees should receive their salarles promptly, and that the clty should pay its debts when due. Mr. Brolda gave as references several large wholesale houses of Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Springfield, and also referred to the large num- ber of people who constantly did business with him and could vouch for his honesty of purpose and dealing. He voiced the opinion that the af- fairs of the city could best be conducted on a business basis by men of extensive business ex- perlence. With this strong appeal to the good sense and judgment of the voters of Springfield, he left the decision with them.

Mr. Broida was born in 1876. He was married in 1897 and seven children have been born of this union, five of whom attend the public school in the city. Mr. Broida has been active in his interest in the affairs of his locality. He would be glad to see all the streets of the city well paved, and is a strong advocate of the movement for adding to its cleanliness and beauty, so that the capital city may be a model in this respect.

BRONSON, Augustus I .- Exponents of the legal profession are proud of that fact so generally recognized, that the most brilliant public men of the country have been recruited from their ranks. The careful training, the exactness of perception, the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, and the eloquence, which are

so distinctive of members of this profession, have always fitted them for public life. Sanga- mon County has furnished the State with a number of its distinguished men, and also with attorneys who have been associated with much of the important jurisprudence of the State. One of the distinguished lawyers of that part of the State is the venerable Augustus I. Bron- son, of Williamsville, who for many years was a shining legal light of the county.

Mr. Bronson was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., May 20, 1832, a son of Josiah W. and Sarah (Voorhees) Bronson. The father was born in Connecticut in 1797, while the mother was a native of Long Island, N. Y. After losing his wife in Dutchess County, N. Y., Josiah W. Bronson moved to Chicago and there spent the few remaining years of his useful life, passing away when sixty-five years of age. He was a farmer earlier in life and an earnest, purpose- ful man.

Augustus I. Bronson was educated in New York State and was brought up modestly and strictly. As a lad he was noted for his bashful disposition, which he struggled hard to over- come. When fifteen years old he began work- ing to secure sufficient money to educate him- self, for he had decided to become a lawyer. Working early and late and carefully saving every cent he could spare, he finally secured sufficient instruction to enable him to pass an examination for the calling of a teacher. For some years thereafter he taught in the public schools and during the summer months, and at the same time studied law. Later in life he resumed the farming of his youth, and now owns valuable property in the village of Wil- liamsville. About three years ago he had the misfortune to lose his eyesight, but is very cheerful and takes pleasure In his home, the de- votlon of his wife and adopted children, and the visits of his neighbors.

On August 12, 1862, Mr. Bronson enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Mallory. Being detailed to hospital service, he served as nurse, and proved so efficient that later he was made steward, receiving an honorable discharge in August, 1865. The Christian Church holds his membership. He is a Republican, and has been active in the councils of his party, al- though never seeking public preferment.

On February 4, 1871, Mr. Bronson was mar- ried in Springfield to Mary M. Lake, born June 28, 1850, in Sangamon County, a daughter of Thomas and Harrlet Lake, born in Virginla, the former December 20, 1800, and the latter November 27, 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Lake came from Virginia to Central Illinois In 1833, mak- ing the long trip across country by wagons. Mr. Bronson has reared a boy and a girl and given them all the care he would if they had been his own. In spite of his affliction he is very cheerful and his estimable wife is a charming lady, who presides with dignity over her house-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

hold and is numbered among the notable house- wives of her neighborhood. Her recollection of pioneer days is remarkable, for she recalls not only her own experiences, but those told her by her parents and childhood neighbors. If space could be given to the accounts she so graphically relates, they would not only make pleasant reading, but prove valuable to those interested in preserving a true picture of early days in Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bronson stand high in the estimation of their neighbors, among whom they have dwelt for so many years, and to whom they have always proven tried and true friends.

BROOKS, Andrew Mears, educator and former Superintendent of Schools of both the city of Springfield and Sangamon County, is a native of Oxford, Ohio, born October 9, 1831, a son of Kennedy and Elizabeth Hill (Butler) Brooks. Kennedy Brooks, the father, was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, a farmer by occupation and proprietor of an excellent farm in the vicinity of Oxford, Ohio, where he was deeply interested in the cause of education. He and his wife were the parents of five sons and five daughters, all of whom received a liberal classical education, three of the sons also serving as soldiers during the Civil War. Mrs. Elizabeth Hill (Butler) Brooks, the mother, was of sturdy Puritan stock, the first of her branch of the family coming to America in 1630. Andrew M. Brooks is a lineal descendant (as great-grandson) of Ebenezer Larned, who led the Massachusetts Brigade at the Battle of Saratoga, and was also connected by maternal descent with Generals Hill and Butler, who were soldiers of the Revolution.

The subject of this sketch grew up on his father's farm, and imbibing studious habits from his surroundings, became a student in Miami University, from which he graduated as salutatorian of his class in 1850, still later re- ceiving the Ph. D. degree from Wooster Uni- versity. After retiring from college he engaged for a time in teaching in Ohio, but on Septem- ber 4, 1855, was married in Oxford, Ohio, to Eliza Johnson Welch, after which he and his wife went to Mississippi, where they conducted a private academy until 1858, when they came to Springfield, which has been the family home to the present time, and where Mr. and Mrs. Brooks celebrated their ,Golden Wedding Anni- versary in 1905. `(A fuller sketch of Mrs. Brooks, now deceased, will be found in the suc- ceeding section.)

Soon after coming to Springfield Mr. Brooks engaged in teaching as Principal of the First Ward School, but almost immediately was placed in charge of the newly established High School, which he retained one year. His later connection with the High School as Principal at two different periods covered some ten years, for about fifteen years was Superintendent of the City Schools and for eight years (1886-90 and 1894-98) County Superintendent. The

number and importance of the positions he has held in connection with the city and county schools, covering a period of over fifty years, have entitled him to rank as the Nestor in the field of local education. He is credited with having been the first to bring the crayon pencil into use in the Springfield city schools as a sub- stitute for chalk upon the blackhoard, and also with having introduced drawing and music as branches of instruction in the same. At the present time (1912), as a member of the faculty of Bettie Stuart Institute, in conjunction with his daughters and others, he is still on duty de- voting his attention to instruction in Latin, Greek and Mathematics. - In politics Mr. Brooks is a long-time Republi- can, is a member and ruling elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, and frater- nally Past Master of Central Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M .; is also a member of Illinois Chap- ter Sons of the American Revolution. He is owner of 190 acres of valuable farming land in the zinc mining district in the vicinity of Jop- lin, Mo., but in partial retirement, in connection with his daughters, is devoting his most active labors to the interests of the Bettie Stuart In- stitute.

BROOKS, (Mrs.) Eliza Johnson (Welch), de- ceased wife of Andrew M. Brooks, was born in Cadiz, Ohio, May 14, 1827, a daughter of Rev. Johnson and Eliza (Daugherty) Welch-her father being a Presbyterian minister and Presi -. dent of Franklin College, Ohio, and some time before his death the youngest College President in the United States. His widow later married Rev. John S. McCracken, a son of the latter, Dr. H. M. McCracken, being the present Chancellor of New York University. Her mother was one of the founders of what is now the Western Fe- male Academy at Oxford, Ohio, from which the daughter graduated at the age of sixteen years. Her marriage to Mr. Brooks took place at Ox- ford, Ohio. September 4. 1855, and. after spend- ing three years in the State of Mississippi, as explained in the sketch of Mr. Brooks, they came to Springfield, Ill., where later hoth were prominently identified with educational inter- ests. On the death, in 1888, of Mrs. Mary Mc- Kee Holmes, the first Principal of Bettie Stuart Institute, Mrs. Brooks was invited by the Board of Trustees to accept that position which she did, retaining it until her own death on March 25. 1909. In a brief memorial tribute to her memory prepared by Rev. T. D. Logan, Secre- tary of the Board, and adopted hy that body, in recognition of the value of her services as Prin- cipal of the Institute, it is said: "For this she was well qualified by her early education in lit- erature, science and art, and by her adminis- trative abilities, which were of the highest order. The present prosperous condition of the Insti- tute is due very largely to her careful oversight of its affairs. Her motherly counsel has been

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of invaluable benefit to large numbers of young ladies who have been nuder her care in the last twenty years. Her influence was not confined to the school, but in the First Presbyterlan Church, with which she was connected for more tban fifty years, sbe was actively engaged iu every good work, and the fragrance of her mein- ory pervades the entire community. She rests from her labors, and her works do follow her."

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks were the parents of nine children: four sons-Kennedy, James, Robert, and Andrew M., Jr .; and five dangh- ters-Mary E., Margaret E., Anne H., Frances and Alice J., all of whom reached their ma- turity and all still survive except Robert, who died in 1865. The daughters are all at present connected with various departinents of Bettie Stuart Institute, their labors being attended by gratifying results. (For further details of the labors of both Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, see Chap- ters XXVI and XXVII of this volume on "Edu- cational-Public Schools" and "Higher Institu- tions.")

BROOKS, James F., better known as Fred Brooks, has been a resident on his farm in Springfield Township, since 1870. He was born in Woodside Townshlp, Sangamon Connty, Oc- tober 12, 1859, a son of James W. and Martha (Ricker) Brooks, the former born in Cam- bridge, Mass., January 26, 1822. died October 14, 1900, and the latter born in Shapleigh, Me .. December 2, 1825, died January 28, 1889. The parents moved from Massachusetts to Sangamon County, in 1856, but four years later returned to Worcester County, Mass., still later on com- ing back to Sangamon County locating on Sec- tion 11. Springfield Township, where both died. Their children were: Emma C., Mrs. Charles Colglazier, living in Denver, Colo .; Mrs. Ella M. Jones, living in Arkansas City, Kan .; Be- linda, wife of John Jones, also of Arkausas City ; Aletta, Mrs. Davis, of San Antonio, Tex .; Miss Ida F., of San Antonio; Charles, Frank, Mattie and Elizabeth. deceased; and James F.

James F. Brooks received his early educa- tion in the district schools of Sangamon County, taking a supplementary course at a business college. He took up farming after leaving school, and has forty acres of land in his present farm, which he has occupied for forty years. At the age of five years, he visited the car in which Abraham Lincoln's body was brought from Washington to Springfield, and can re- member that occasion. IIe has been an active and prosperous farmer and gardener, making his work yield him good profits. Possessing good business judgment he has brought his land to a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Brooks was married in Sangamon County October 24, 1883, to Kate W. Sanner, born Oc- tober 9, 1859, at St. Marys, Md., a daughter of John and Anna (Watkins) Sanner, the former born October 1. 1824, and the latter April 25, 1839. Mr. Sanner came from Maryland to Springfield in 1861, and in 1873 moved to Mis.

souri, remained there one year, and returned to Sangamon County, where he lived until his deatb, December 2, 1895. Mrs. Sanner died September 12, 1897. They were parents of nine children, viz: Walter W., born in Maryland, Oc- tober 22, 1853; Ida, born October 13, 1856, mar- ried William H. Harbison, a contractor and builder of Springfield; Mrs. James F. Brooks ; Mrs. Mary II. Woods, a widow, who was born February 18, 1862; Louls M., born March 24, 1864, died in infancy ; Mrs. Emma L. Rotramel, whose husband, Robert Rotramnei, was for twenty years custodian at the Fair Grounds at Spring- field; John W., born March 1, 1870; Ira L., born December 8, 1873; Luella L., Mrs. Page, born Jannary 25, 1875.

Mr. Brooks and wife had five children : Nellie A., born July 11, 1884; Ruth I., January 19, 1886; Grace N., June 24, 1888; Martha R., August 13, 1889; Esther M., September 12, 1894. Mr. Brooks has four grandchildren : Lawrence Russell Hamrick, born September 24. 1907; Da- vid F. Hamrick, born July 26, 1909; Stuart Owen Bennett, born December 28, 1908; Helen Louise Bennett, born September 15, 1910. Mir. Brooks was elected School Director several times. and served three years as School Trustee. He Is a Republican in politics, and greatly interested in anything he believes will advance the pros- perity or progress of his community. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and also belongs to Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., of Springfield, and has for twenty years belonged to the M. W. of A.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brooks lived with his parents until the following spring, then a double honse of thirteen rooms was erected, and the young couple lived in one side. while the parents and sister of Mr. Brooks lived in the other. On the morning of February 9, 1899, when the merenry was 26 degrees below zero, the members of the household were aroused between twelve and one o'clock, by a fire, and the house, with all its nice furniture, was consumed, the only things saved being the family Bible and two rocking chairs. The oc- cupants were barely able to escape, in their night clothes. J. F. Brooks was away on a trip to Arkansas City, Kan., at the time, transacting some business for his father, and did not learn of the event until he was on his return trip. when a friend, met on the train between Alton and Springfield. Informed him of it. Upon arriving home, he found lils father and sister living in a building that had been used as a summer kitchen, and his own family with a brother-in-law at the State Fair Grounds. Plans were at once drawn and two fine houses erected, in one of which J. F. Brooks and fam- ily have since continned to reside. On May 31 of the same year the large Brooks barn was destroyed by a cyclone.

BROWN, Benjamin S. (deceased) .- The educa- tors of Sangamon County rank among the best in the country, for they are men and women

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who have spent years in honest labor prepariug themselves for their chosen profession, and are learned not ouly in various branches, but also in the science of pedagogy. One of those who have done much in this line for the growing generatiou, is Benjamin S. Browu, of Mechan- icsburg. He was born in Ohio, October 14, 1844, the son of Uriah Brown. The father was a Methodist minister who came to Shelby County, Ill., in 1854, but later went to Decatur, where he died in 1892. The mother died when Mr. Brown was nine years old. Mr. Brown has three half-brothers, oue of whom lives in De- catur, and a half-sister who lives lu Lafayette, Ind., and an owu sister, Mrs. Nancy A. Bundy, who resides in Moultrie County.

The position attained by Mr. Brown Is re- markable for he educated himself, and passing regular examinations, secured a position in a school at Shelbyville, Ill. He also taught at Dawson, Sangamon County, for one term, aud then went to Buffalo for one term. Later he was at Buckhart for seven temus, for ouc teriu at Oak Hill, for the following two terms was at Longdale, Logan County, and for oue term taught at Williamsville. He theu moved to Springfield, where he taught two terms, when he was called to Mechanicsburg, and there taught several terms. His next school was at Salisbury, whence, after one term, he went to Auburn, where he taught a term, returning to Mechanicsburg, in 1898.

Mr. Brown was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted, August 5, 1861, in the Thirty- first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was traus- ferred to Compauy G, Fifty-third, aud served in that regiment until he was mustered out July 22, 1865. Among other important engage- ments in which he participated were the battle of Shiloh, and Sherman's campaign before At- lanta and ou his March to the Sea. Through it all, Mr. Brown was a loyal and brave soldier, and deserved the pension which was paid him by a grateful Government. Naturally he was interested in G. A. R. matters, was a member of the G. A. R. Post at Buffalo, belonged to the Modern Woodinen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was very prominent iu the Methodist Church, being a local preacher, and it is difficult to estimate the full amount of good hls life and example effected. In politics, he was a Republican.

On November 24, 1881, Mr. Brown was mar- ried in Sangamon County to Anna V. Ileiss, daughter of M. L. D. M. and Susan (Snelling) Heiss, both of whom died in 1900, only two months apart, the mother at Pleasant Plains, and the father at Mechanicsburg. Mr. Heiss was a nurse during the Civil War, aud because of his efforts in ministering to others, took sick and was discharged on account of disability. He and his wife had children as follows: Mrs. Chester Mowray of Pleasant Plains; J. A., of Springfield ; Mrs. Helen Edison of North Caro- lina ; Mrs. Charles Wilson of Mechanicsburg; William of Mechanicsburg, and Mrs. Brown.

There were several others who died youug. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had five children : James, at home; Bruce, Hattle R., Bernice and Charles F., also at home. Mr. Brown died November 2, 1910, after a life devoted to the service of others, filled with Christiau deeds and works of charity.

BROWN, George H .- Springfield has long been the Mecca for ambitious meu from other States, for here they realized was a promising future for the mau willing to work, and many have swarmed to our capital resolved to win a for- tune in some line of eudeavor. One of the men who accomplished mnuch and has always stood high in the esteem of uis fellow-townsmen, botlı as a business man and public official, is George H. Brown, one time merchant and postmaster. He was born at Georgetown, Ky., May 14, 1835, a son of George D. aud Mary ( Adams) Brown, both of Kentucky. The father was a merchant, who spent his life in Kentucky, dying there as also did his wife, the latter passing away when George H. Brown was ouly three years old. There were six sons and three daughters in the family, aud of these two of the sons served in the Mexican War. Of this family of uine chil- dren, George H. is the only survivor.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 17

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774