Yavapai-Navajo County AZ Archives Biographies.....Brodie, Alex. O. 1849 - living in 1896
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 5, 2005, 5:19 pm

Author: McFarland & Poole

p. 484, 487

COL. ALEX. O. BRODIE. The profession of mining and civil engineering is one of
great responsibility and at the same time a calling which requires the highest
order of ability, coupled with long practical experience. One of the most
popular and highly respected mining and civil engineers in the West is Col.
Alex. O. Brodie, who is universally esteemed and widely known among his
fraternity and he has always been prepared to promptly and efficiently execute
all commissions with dispatch and credit to his recognized talent. He is a
product of St. Lawrence County, New York, where he was born November 13, 1849,
to Joseph and Margaret (Brown) Brodie, the former of whom was born in Hamburg,
Germany, and the latter in New York State. The father, a wealthy and 
influential citizen, became somewhat of a politician and held some local
offices, but refused all high official honors. After a useful and well spent
life he died in Knox County, Tennessee, in the fall of 1893, his wife having
passed from life in 1878. A family of four children were born to them, but two
of whom are now living: Col. Alex O. and Mrs. Anderson, of Knoxville, Tennessee.
The early days of Col. Brodie were spent in St. Lawrence County, New York, and
his early educational training was received in St. Lawrence University. In June,
1866, he entered West Point Military Academy, and from this well known
institution was graduated in 1870, number twenty-seven in a class of
fifty-eight. He then became second lieutenant of the First United States Cavalry
and was stationed at Camp Apache, Arizona Territory, where he remained for about
three years, during which time he was made quartermaster, adjutant, A. C. S. and
Indian agent, and constructed the first post at that place. During the outbreak
of the Indians in 1871, he took an active part and received special mention for
gallant conduct. He was on Crook's campaign in the winter of 1872-3 and
commanded two troops of cavalry and White Mountain Indian scouts. The campaign
was quite an active one and as a result of success Crook was made
brigadier-general. In 1873 Col. Brodie left Camp Apache and marched via Santa Fe
to Pueblo, where he took train to Kelton, Utah, and from there marched with his
forces to Walla Walla, Washington Territory, where he was stationed a little
over one year. He was regimental adjutant of the First Cavalry for nine months,
after which he was on leave-of-absence for about one year, during which time he
was promoted to first lieutenant (in 1875) and returned to Washington Territory.
During 1876 and a part of 1877 he was stationed at Fort Colville, but in June of
the latter year he sent in his resignation and applied  for  leave-of-absence,
but very shortly after the Nez Perces went on the war path and at his request
his resignation was withheld and he was ordered to the front. His service was
confined mostly to Idaho and Washington. After hostilities ceased he tendered
his resignation which took effect .September 30, 1877. He then spent one year in
the East, and after his mother's death he removed to Greenwood County, Kansas,
and engaged in the cattle business and remained thus employed for four years. He
then went to Dakota, but at the end of one year returned to Arizona Territory in
1883, and after one year spent in various parts of the Territory, he settled
down in Prescott, where he has since resided. He was assistant engineer of the
Walnut Grove Water Storage Company in 1888-9, was on the United States
Irrigation survey in June and July, 1889, and was chief engineer of the Walnut
Grove Storage Company in September, 1889, and held the last mentioned position
until the works of the company were destroyed by a flood February 22d, 1890. He
still holds his former position, and in addition has been made receiver. He is a
member of the Technical Society of the Pacific Coast, and is a member of the
Association of Graduates of the Military Academy. He owns considerable mining
interests on Castle Creek, and besides looking after these interests he is
manager of the Piedmont Cattle Company. He was colonel of the First Regiment of
National Guards of Arizona from its organization until his resignation was
accepted about one year later, his appointment to this position being made by
Governor Irwin. He has become well known in political circles in  Yavapai
County, and from January, 1893, to January, 1895, held the position of county
recorder, to which position he was elected by his numerous Republican friends.
On May 26th, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate Reynolds, of Walla
Walla, Washington, whose death occurred March 25, 1877, leaving a daughter, who
died at Walla Walla July 25, 1877, and on December 15, 1892, Col. Brodie wedded
Miss Mary L. Hanlon, of Brooklyn, N. Y., by whom he has one son, Alexander O.,
Jr., born September 18th, 1894. Col. Brodie's walk through life has been
strictly honorable, and while serving in the Regular Army of the United States
was a brave and faithful officer, who was at all times to be depended on to
discharge his duties to the best of his ability. While with Gen. Crook he was
mentioned for faithful service in general orders and recommended for brevet. The
Colonel is a member of the Society of Arizona Pioneers.


Additional Comments:
From:

A Historical and Biographical Record of the Territory of Arizona
Published by
McFarland & Poole, Chicago, 1896


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