Clark County IL Archives Obits.....
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Obituary of Charles Lee Brown

16 November 1904

Clark County (IL) Herald


The announcement on Tuesday forenoon November 1, 1904, of the
sudden death of Charles Lee Brown, at his home in this city,
was received with sorrow and awe by his many friends in this
city and thru out the country, each of whom loved and respected
him as a good and true man, which indeed he was.  Thus "As
smoke that rises from the kindling fires, is seen this moment
and the next expires," so it seemed with this man, who is
stricken down in his prime of life and usefulness, a victim of
grim visaged Death.

From his childhood Charley had been strong and rugged and had
always enjoyed good health until June 4, 1901, when he was
operated on for appedicitis and since that time he has never
been well or able to walk, for many months he was confined to
his bed, but during the past year he has been able to get
around on a tricycle and lately had been able to stand and take
a few steps.  Several physicians advised an operation to relax
the tendons of his legs, so when placed under the influence of
chloroform to undergo this operation, he soon passed away.  The
operation was almost completed when it was noticed that the
dark angel had already touched his brow, and his uncofined
spirit had already commenced its flight to that realm where
sorrow never comes. Surrounded by those attending him, his
death was as peaceful as the beautiful day just heralded.

"Death lies on him like an untimely frost, upon the sweetest
flower of all the field."  We knew him as a school boy, always
good humored, with a smile for all and a helping hand,
especially for those younger and weaker than he.  We knew him
after reaching manhood, and were always greeted with that same
courtesy that predominated in youth, kind, considerate,
mannerly and obliging.  He was one of our most valued citizens.
Honest, energetic, he at once gained the confidence of all with
whom he became acquainted.  "Amiable, he won all; intelligent,
he charmed all; fervent, he loved all; dead, he saddened all.

Deceased was the youngest child of William and Mary J. Brown
and was born May 4, 1870, near Livingston.  Most of his life
was spent in the country.  His school days were bright and
successful and while yet a boy he entered school at Westfield,
where he remained three years.

He then became engaged in educational work and soon had the
proud distinction of being one of Clark county's best teachers.
At the time he was stricken with appendicitis, he was employed
as principal of the south side school.  After being afflicted,
he moved from the old home place to Livingston where he engaged
in the grocery business with Frank Patton.  While here he was
elected town clerk of Wabash township and filled the office
satisfactorily to all.  A few months ago he moved to Marshall
and became a partner in a livery and feed stable here, so thru
out his three and one-half years of affliction he tried to make
an honest and upright living for his family, constantly
thinking of their happiness and haoping that he would again be
able to walk and enter again into his profession, that of
teaching.  Life to him was bright, surrounded with so many
loved ones, but God saw fit to take him from their midst when
he had reached the prime of manhood.  While a student at
Westfield, he was converted and united with the U. B. church
there and has since remained a faithful follower of Christ.

He was united in marriage on July 11, 1894, to Miss Margie
Mapes at Kansas, Ill. by Elder W. W. Jacobs.  Four children
blessed this union, one son, Roy Given, died in infancy, the
other three sons, George Bassett, Walter Robert and Fred
Elzworth, together with the heart broken wife are left to mourn
all that a father and husband could be to his loved ones.  He
also leaves one brother, Thomas, and two sisters, Mrs. Harvey
Dulaney, of Wabash, and Mrs. E. Hickman, of California, and
many other relatives to mourn his sudden departure.

He was an honored member of the Court of Honor and K. of P.
lodges of this city.  The funeral took place on Thursday
following his death in charge of the K. of P. lodge.  Short
funeral services were conducted at the home, Elder Beeman of
the Christian church officiating, assisted by Rev. Stoltz of
the U. B. church.  The remains were then followed to Livingston
by an unusually large concours of relatives and friends, who
were met there by fully as large a number of sorrowing friends
who had gathered to pay the last sad tribute of respect to the
virtues of the departed.  The funeral discourse was delivered
there by Rev. Russell of the Marshall circuit, assisted by Rev.
Halley of the M. E. church, after which the remains were laid
away among the scenes of his youth and surrounded by those who
shared the joys and sorrows of his entire life.  The floral
tributes to the departed were numerous, tasteful and beatifully
arranged.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved wife, children,
brothers, and sisters, knowing there is a void in their midst
that time can only partially heal, but we trust they can say
"Thy will, not mine, be done."

"Thou'st gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee,
Thought sorrow and darkenss encompass the tomb, the savior has
passed thru its portals before thee.  And the light of His love
was they light through its gloom."

On Sunday before Charley's death, he wrote a letter to his wife
and boys.  This letter will be published in next week's issue.

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