Benjamin C. Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, COLLINS, LOWRY

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 3/22/2009 at 15:40:08

BENJAMIN C. BROOKFIELD, a prominent farmer and dealer in real estate, of Lincoln Township, is a native of the State of Michigan, born in Berrien County, near Niles, July 19,1842. He is the youngest of five children of Noah and Mary (Collins) Brookfield, natives of Canada. The father died when Benjamin C. was seven years old. At the early age of fifteen years the tide of emigration carried him to Iowa. He settled in Jackson County and remained there until he enlisted in 1861 in the Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company L, giving his aid to perpetuate this nation. He was sent to St. Paul, Minnesota, and was mustered out of the service in 1862. Returning from the army, he engaged in the milling business in Jackson County, but as this proved unprofitable he abandoned it and entered the employ of Henry & Company as a collector. After two years of service to this firm he secured a position on the Burlington & Missouri Railroad, grading and preparing road bed through Iowa and other States, his services being retained by the company for a period of nearly twenty years. After leaving the railroad company he came to Iowa, and soon after rented a farm in Audubon County which belonged to George Gray. In later years he bought this land, and from time to time he has added to it, and now owns a fine tract of 280 acres, which he has improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He has erected a good, comfortable residence, barns and cribs for stock and grain, and many other conveniences. The farm is well stocked with hogs and cattle, both of which he handles in considerable numbers. In connection with his farm and livestock interests he buys and sells real estate for eastern parties, and loans money in different parts of the State. In 1870 Mr. Brookfield was married to Miss Rose Lowry, of Dowagiac, Michigan, in which State she was born and reared to womanhood. Her father, Thomas Lowry, was an old resident of Michigan, and a citizen held in high esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Brookfield are the parents of four children Maud, Flora, Benjamin M. and Lois. Mr. Brookfield has served his township as trustee with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his party. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 166.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 814-815