Elkhart Evening Review
May 14, 1879 pg. 3
The community was shocked this morning at the startling intelligence that Mr. N.F. Brodrick was found dead in his bed at an early hour. Mrs. Brodrick awoke as usual and had been about the house until about seven o'clock. She then went to call Mr. Brodrick, thinking it a little strange that he had not made his appearance. She found that he was stiff and cold, and she immediately called for assistance to make some effort to recall life, not dreaming even then that he was dead.
He laid partially on one side with one hand and arm a little extended toward the front of the bed, just as he laid when last seen by Mrs. Brodrick on retiring. The arms and body were cold, making it almost certain that he died at quite an early hour last night, perhaps soon after retiring. He had probably been dead nearly all night, and Mrs. Brodrick not awakening until morning, and then seeing him so peaceful in appearance, no thought of his death could have been suggested. He seems to have passed quietly away, without even the struggle for breath which often distorts the features and displaces the limbs. As he laid on the bed, he was a perfect picture of repose, and his spirit had fled as quietly as a summer zephyr.
This manner of passing away was not unexpected by Mr. Brodrick nor by his family. They had long known that he was a victim of heart disease, and his life has for years been carefully governed in accordance with this knowledge. His usual temperance of habits was even increased, and all possible care taken by him and his family to protect him from surroundings that would be likely to induce death. But the messenger came in an hour when even the most watchful knew not, and Mr. Brodrick has gone to the reward of a life made up of pure motives, good deeds, noble ambitions and great usefulness.
Nehemiah F. Brodrick was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, April 30th, 1805, and was consequently a little more than 74 years old when he closed the record of his life. At an early age he removed to Piqua, Ohio where he entered a store and remained about a year. In 1818 he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio where he began trade with the Indians on his own account. His life from this time until his marriage was spent in trade at various places in Ohio. In 1831 he was married to Margaret Henry, who survives him. There were five children born of this marriage, all of whom are still living; three at home, Charles H., Justus L. and Melissa, while Mrs. Arnold lives at Geneva, Wisconsin;, and John H. but lately said the last good-bye ere he went to a new home at Osborn, Kansas.
Mr. Brodrick came to Elkhart in 1835, and engaged as clerk during the summer and teaching school in winter, until 1840 when he engaged in business for himself, and since that time has been among the most enterprising and the most honored, not only of the early settlers of the place, but of all its citizens. For nine years after his arrival here he was engaged in some mercantile pursuit. In 1844 he was made a Justice of the Peace and fulfilled the duties of that office for years. He was also a surveyor, and has laid out several of the additions to the city, besides doing a good deal of surveying in the county.
In a little book kept by Mr. Brodrick, in which he wrote many incidents of historical value, he says April 30th, 1855, "I am endeavoring to fulfill the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace as well as my limited abilities will permit, which is sometimes very perplexing and is fast adding to the number of my grey hairs." This is characteristic of Mr. Brodrick. Conscientious and modest, his duties, light to most men, were a burden not easily borne by one who did all that came to his hand with a most earnest desire to do it in the best and most righteous manner. Duties that would sit lightly upon men of more self-confidence and less guided by a carefully educated conscience were to him almost too heavy to be borne. In all his life, in all his relations, this characteristic was most marked and none can ever say that he wronged them willfully or even thoughtlessly. If any hardship ever fell upon any man or woman through his act it was because he sacrificed his sympathies to a strict and carefully considered interpretation of duty. He would sacrifice his own convenience rather than seem to be severe even with those who were wronging him. In him the humanity of Christ's teachings found a most notable illustration.
Mr. Brodrick's position in the annals of Elkhart, and of Elkhart county, is one to be envied. He has been of so blameless life, that even while before the public he has never suffered from the breath of jealousy or envy. No charges against him as a public man or as a private citizen have ever been made, and he died as he lived with the fullest respect of all who knew him, or who knew of his worth. In 1871, April 30, Mr. Brodrick made an entry which gives a succinct statement of his religious faith, and it is but fitting that we close this brief sketch with the work of his own hands:
April 30th, 1871.
I am yet in the land, and among the living inhabitants thereof. I am going on in the even tenor of my way; apparently but little change has been wrought in my condition or appearance physically. My hair is a little more blanched than it was a year ago, but my health seems fully as good, my form as erect, and my step as elastic and firm; but I find I cannot exert my strength as long without becoming tired as I could even ten years ago. This day completes my sixty-sixth year. Only four more years until I reach the full number which is in the Scriptures allotted to man. I may live out the allotted time, and even exceed that number of years; there are many that do; some few that reach a century, and eve more, but I do not expect to live to a very great age; many circumstances are against it. I am quite subject to prostration by disease, and every attack makes inroads on my constitution which will compel this frail organism to succumb to circumstances ere long. Well, why should I regret the fact, and feel reluctant to quit a state of existence which has had in it more of pleasure than of pain, seeing and knowing as I do, and as all see and know, that the change of conditions called earth is inevitable, and is as much a part of the great design of human existence as is being born into it? And it may be as many have strong faith to believe, that that change is only ushering us into a higher state of life where our capacity of enjoyment will be enlarged; and by properly availing ourselves of the privileges and powers vouchsafed to us, we may be happier in that sphere than we ever have been or could be in this. So mote it be.
May 14, 1879 pg. 3
The community was shocked this morning at the startling intelligence that Mr. N.F. Brodrick was found dead in his bed at an early hour. Mrs. Brodrick awoke as usual and had been about the house until about seven o'clock. She then went to call Mr. Brodrick, thinking it a little strange that he had not made his appearance. She found that he was stiff and cold, and she immediately called for assistance to make some effort to recall life, not dreaming even then that he was dead.
He laid partially on one side with one hand and arm a little extended toward the front of the bed, just as he laid when last seen by Mrs. Brodrick on retiring. The arms and body were cold, making it almost certain that he died at quite an early hour last night, perhaps soon after retiring. He had probably been dead nearly all night, and Mrs. Brodrick not awakening until morning, and then seeing him so peaceful in appearance, no thought of his death could have been suggested. He seems to have passed quietly away, without even the struggle for breath which often distorts the features and displaces the limbs. As he laid on the bed, he was a perfect picture of repose, and his spirit had fled as quietly as a summer zephyr.
This manner of passing away was not unexpected by Mr. Brodrick nor by his family. They had long known that he was a victim of heart disease, and his life has for years been carefully governed in accordance with this knowledge. His usual temperance of habits was even increased, and all possible care taken by him and his family to protect him from surroundings that would be likely to induce death. But the messenger came in an hour when even the most watchful knew not, and Mr. Brodrick has gone to the reward of a life made up of pure motives, good deeds, noble ambitions and great usefulness.
Nehemiah F. Brodrick was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, April 30th, 1805, and was consequently a little more than 74 years old when he closed the record of his life. At an early age he removed to Piqua, Ohio where he entered a store and remained about a year. In 1818 he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio where he began trade with the Indians on his own account. His life from this time until his marriage was spent in trade at various places in Ohio. In 1831 he was married to Margaret Henry, who survives him. There were five children born of this marriage, all of whom are still living; three at home, Charles H., Justus L. and Melissa, while Mrs. Arnold lives at Geneva, Wisconsin;, and John H. but lately said the last good-bye ere he went to a new home at Osborn, Kansas.
Mr. Brodrick came to Elkhart in 1835, and engaged as clerk during the summer and teaching school in winter, until 1840 when he engaged in business for himself, and since that time has been among the most enterprising and the most honored, not only of the early settlers of the place, but of all its citizens. For nine years after his arrival here he was engaged in some mercantile pursuit. In 1844 he was made a Justice of the Peace and fulfilled the duties of that office for years. He was also a surveyor, and has laid out several of the additions to the city, besides doing a good deal of surveying in the county.
In a little book kept by Mr. Brodrick, in which he wrote many incidents of historical value, he says April 30th, 1855, "I am endeavoring to fulfill the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace as well as my limited abilities will permit, which is sometimes very perplexing and is fast adding to the number of my grey hairs." This is characteristic of Mr. Brodrick. Conscientious and modest, his duties, light to most men, were a burden not easily borne by one who did all that came to his hand with a most earnest desire to do it in the best and most righteous manner. Duties that would sit lightly upon men of more self-confidence and less guided by a carefully educated conscience were to him almost too heavy to be borne. In all his life, in all his relations, this characteristic was most marked and none can ever say that he wronged them willfully or even thoughtlessly. If any hardship ever fell upon any man or woman through his act it was because he sacrificed his sympathies to a strict and carefully considered interpretation of duty. He would sacrifice his own convenience rather than seem to be severe even with those who were wronging him. In him the humanity of Christ's teachings found a most notable illustration.
Mr. Brodrick's position in the annals of Elkhart, and of Elkhart county, is one to be envied. He has been of so blameless life, that even while before the public he has never suffered from the breath of jealousy or envy. No charges against him as a public man or as a private citizen have ever been made, and he died as he lived with the fullest respect of all who knew him, or who knew of his worth. In 1871, April 30, Mr. Brodrick made an entry which gives a succinct statement of his religious faith, and it is but fitting that we close this brief sketch with the work of his own hands:
April 30th, 1871.
I am yet in the land, and among the living inhabitants thereof. I am going on in the even tenor of my way; apparently but little change has been wrought in my condition or appearance physically. My hair is a little more blanched than it was a year ago, but my health seems fully as good, my form as erect, and my step as elastic and firm; but I find I cannot exert my strength as long without becoming tired as I could even ten years ago. This day completes my sixty-sixth year. Only four more years until I reach the full number which is in the Scriptures allotted to man. I may live out the allotted time, and even exceed that number of years; there are many that do; some few that reach a century, and eve more, but I do not expect to live to a very great age; many circumstances are against it. I am quite subject to prostration by disease, and every attack makes inroads on my constitution which will compel this frail organism to succumb to circumstances ere long. Well, why should I regret the fact, and feel reluctant to quit a state of existence which has had in it more of pleasure than of pain, seeing and knowing as I do, and as all see and know, that the change of conditions called earth is inevitable, and is as much a part of the great design of human existence as is being born into it? And it may be as many have strong faith to believe, that that change is only ushering us into a higher state of life where our capacity of enjoyment will be enlarged; and by properly availing ourselves of the privileges and powers vouchsafed to us, we may be happier in that sphere than we ever have been or could be in this. So mote it be.
Elkhart Evening Review
May 14, 1879 pg. 3
The community was shocked this morning at the startling intelligence that Mr. N.F. Brodrick was found dead in his bed at an early hour. Mrs. Brodrick awoke as usual and had been about the house until about seven o'clock. She then went to call Mr. Brodrick, thinking it a little strange that he had not made his appearance. She found that he was stiff and cold, and she immediately called for assistance to make some effort to recall life, not dreaming even then that he was dead.
He laid partially on one side with one hand and arm a little extended toward the front of the bed, just as he laid when last seen by Mrs. Brodrick on retiring. The arms and body were cold, making it almost certain that he died at quite an early hour last night, perhaps soon after retiring. He had probably been dead nearly all night, and Mrs. Brodrick not awakening until morning, and then seeing him so peaceful in appearance, no thought of his death could have been suggested. He seems to have passed quietly away, without even the struggle for breath which often distorts the features and displaces the limbs. As he laid on the bed, he was a perfect picture of repose, and his spirit had fled as quietly as a summer zephyr.
This manner of passing away was not unexpected by Mr. Brodrick nor by his family. They had long known that he was a victim of heart disease, and his life has for years been carefully governed in accordance with this knowledge. His usual temperance of habits was even increased, and all possible care taken by him and his family to protect him from surroundings that would be likely to induce death. But the messenger came in an hour when even the most watchful knew not, and Mr. Brodrick has gone to the reward of a life made up of pure motives, good deeds, noble ambitions and great usefulness.
Nehemiah F. Brodrick was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, April 30th, 1805, and was consequently a little more than 74 years old when he closed the record of his life. At an early age he removed to Piqua, Ohio where he entered a store and remained about a year. In 1818 he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio where he began trade with the Indians on his own account. His life from this time until his marriage was spent in trade at various places in Ohio. In 1831 he was married to Margaret Henry, who survives him. There were five children born of this marriage, all of whom are still living; three at home, Charles H., Justus L. and Melissa, while Mrs. Arnold lives at Geneva, Wisconsin;, and John H. but lately said the last good-bye ere he went to a new home at Osborn, Kansas.
Mr. Brodrick came to Elkhart in 1835, and engaged as clerk during the summer and teaching school in winter, until 1840 when he engaged in business for himself, and since that time has been among the most enterprising and the most honored, not only of the early settlers of the place, but of all its citizens. For nine years after his arrival here he was engaged in some mercantile pursuit. In 1844 he was made a Justice of the Peace and fulfilled the duties of that office for years. He was also a surveyor, and has laid out several of the additions to the city, besides doing a good deal of surveying in the county.
In a little book kept by Mr. Brodrick, in which he wrote many incidents of historical value, he says April 30th, 1855, "I am endeavoring to fulfill the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace as well as my limited abilities will permit, which is sometimes very perplexing and is fast adding to the number of my grey hairs." This is characteristic of Mr. Brodrick. Conscientious and modest, his duties, light to most men, were a burden not easily borne by one who did all that came to his hand with a most earnest desire to do it in the best and most righteous manner. Duties that would sit lightly upon men of more self-confidence and less guided by a carefully educated conscience were to him almost too heavy to be borne. In all his life, in all his relations, this characteristic was most marked and none can ever say that he wronged them willfully or even thoughtlessly. If any hardship ever fell upon any man or woman through his act it was because he sacrificed his sympathies to a strict and carefully considered interpretation of duty. He would sacrifice his own convenience rather than seem to be severe even with those who were wronging him. In him the humanity of Christ's teachings found a most notable illustration.
Mr. Brodrick's position in the annals of Elkhart, and of Elkhart county, is one to be envied. He has been of so blameless life, that even while before the public he has never suffered from the breath of jealousy or envy. No charges against him as a public man or as a private citizen have ever been made, and he died as he lived with the fullest respect of all who knew him, or who knew of his worth. In 1871, April 30, Mr. Brodrick made an entry which gives a succinct statement of his religious faith, and it is but fitting that we close this brief sketch with the work of his own hands:
April 30th, 1871.
I am yet in the land, and among the living inhabitants thereof. I am going on in the even tenor of my way; apparently but little change has been wrought in my condition or appearance physically. My hair is a little more blanched than it was a year ago, but my health seems fully as good, my form as erect, and my step as elastic and firm; but I find I cannot exert my strength as long without becoming tired as I could even ten years ago. This day completes my sixty-sixth year. Only four more years until I reach the full number which is in the Scriptures allotted to man. I may live out the allotted time, and even exceed that number of years; there are many that do; some few that reach a century, and eve more, but I do not expect to live to a very great age; many circumstances are against it. I am quite subject to prostration by disease, and every attack makes inroads on my constitution which will compel this frail organism to succumb to circumstances ere long. Well, why should I regret the fact, and feel reluctant to quit a state of existence which has had in it more of pleasure than of pain, seeing and knowing as I do, and as all see and know, that the change of conditions called earth is inevitable, and is as much a part of the great design of human existence as is being born into it? And it may be as many have strong faith to believe, that that change is only ushering us into a higher state of life where our capacity of enjoyment will be enlarged; and by properly availing ourselves of the privileges and powers vouchsafed to us, we may be happier in that sphere than we ever have been or could be in this. So mote it be.
May 14, 1879 pg. 3
The community was shocked this morning at the startling intelligence that Mr. N.F. Brodrick was found dead in his bed at an early hour. Mrs. Brodrick awoke as usual and had been about the house until about seven o'clock. She then went to call Mr. Brodrick, thinking it a little strange that he had not made his appearance. She found that he was stiff and cold, and she immediately called for assistance to make some effort to recall life, not dreaming even then that he was dead.
He laid partially on one side with one hand and arm a little extended toward the front of the bed, just as he laid when last seen by Mrs. Brodrick on retiring. The arms and body were cold, making it almost certain that he died at quite an early hour last night, perhaps soon after retiring. He had probably been dead nearly all night, and Mrs. Brodrick not awakening until morning, and then seeing him so peaceful in appearance, no thought of his death could have been suggested. He seems to have passed quietly away, without even the struggle for breath which often distorts the features and displaces the limbs. As he laid on the bed, he was a perfect picture of repose, and his spirit had fled as quietly as a summer zephyr.
This manner of passing away was not unexpected by Mr. Brodrick nor by his family. They had long known that he was a victim of heart disease, and his life has for years been carefully governed in accordance with this knowledge. His usual temperance of habits was even increased, and all possible care taken by him and his family to protect him from surroundings that would be likely to induce death. But the messenger came in an hour when even the most watchful knew not, and Mr. Brodrick has gone to the reward of a life made up of pure motives, good deeds, noble ambitions and great usefulness.
Nehemiah F. Brodrick was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, April 30th, 1805, and was consequently a little more than 74 years old when he closed the record of his life. At an early age he removed to Piqua, Ohio where he entered a store and remained about a year. In 1818 he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio where he began trade with the Indians on his own account. His life from this time until his marriage was spent in trade at various places in Ohio. In 1831 he was married to Margaret Henry, who survives him. There were five children born of this marriage, all of whom are still living; three at home, Charles H., Justus L. and Melissa, while Mrs. Arnold lives at Geneva, Wisconsin;, and John H. but lately said the last good-bye ere he went to a new home at Osborn, Kansas.
Mr. Brodrick came to Elkhart in 1835, and engaged as clerk during the summer and teaching school in winter, until 1840 when he engaged in business for himself, and since that time has been among the most enterprising and the most honored, not only of the early settlers of the place, but of all its citizens. For nine years after his arrival here he was engaged in some mercantile pursuit. In 1844 he was made a Justice of the Peace and fulfilled the duties of that office for years. He was also a surveyor, and has laid out several of the additions to the city, besides doing a good deal of surveying in the county.
In a little book kept by Mr. Brodrick, in which he wrote many incidents of historical value, he says April 30th, 1855, "I am endeavoring to fulfill the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace as well as my limited abilities will permit, which is sometimes very perplexing and is fast adding to the number of my grey hairs." This is characteristic of Mr. Brodrick. Conscientious and modest, his duties, light to most men, were a burden not easily borne by one who did all that came to his hand with a most earnest desire to do it in the best and most righteous manner. Duties that would sit lightly upon men of more self-confidence and less guided by a carefully educated conscience were to him almost too heavy to be borne. In all his life, in all his relations, this characteristic was most marked and none can ever say that he wronged them willfully or even thoughtlessly. If any hardship ever fell upon any man or woman through his act it was because he sacrificed his sympathies to a strict and carefully considered interpretation of duty. He would sacrifice his own convenience rather than seem to be severe even with those who were wronging him. In him the humanity of Christ's teachings found a most notable illustration.
Mr. Brodrick's position in the annals of Elkhart, and of Elkhart county, is one to be envied. He has been of so blameless life, that even while before the public he has never suffered from the breath of jealousy or envy. No charges against him as a public man or as a private citizen have ever been made, and he died as he lived with the fullest respect of all who knew him, or who knew of his worth. In 1871, April 30, Mr. Brodrick made an entry which gives a succinct statement of his religious faith, and it is but fitting that we close this brief sketch with the work of his own hands:
April 30th, 1871.
I am yet in the land, and among the living inhabitants thereof. I am going on in the even tenor of my way; apparently but little change has been wrought in my condition or appearance physically. My hair is a little more blanched than it was a year ago, but my health seems fully as good, my form as erect, and my step as elastic and firm; but I find I cannot exert my strength as long without becoming tired as I could even ten years ago. This day completes my sixty-sixth year. Only four more years until I reach the full number which is in the Scriptures allotted to man. I may live out the allotted time, and even exceed that number of years; there are many that do; some few that reach a century, and eve more, but I do not expect to live to a very great age; many circumstances are against it. I am quite subject to prostration by disease, and every attack makes inroads on my constitution which will compel this frail organism to succumb to circumstances ere long. Well, why should I regret the fact, and feel reluctant to quit a state of existence which has had in it more of pleasure than of pain, seeing and knowing as I do, and as all see and know, that the change of conditions called earth is inevitable, and is as much a part of the great design of human existence as is being born into it? And it may be as many have strong faith to believe, that that change is only ushering us into a higher state of life where our capacity of enjoyment will be enlarged; and by properly availing ourselves of the privileges and powers vouchsafed to us, we may be happier in that sphere than we ever have been or could be in this. So mote it be.
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