Bromley, Adelaide 'Addie' (Patchen) 1842-1923

BROMLEY, PATCHEN, HUFENAC, COTANT, BOCK

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

In Memory
"Some there are,
By their good works exalted, lofty minds,
And meditative, authors of delight
And happiness, which to the end of time
Will live, and spread, and kindle."

A noble life is ended, noble spirit has fled this temporary region of trials and suffering and misery, to take up its eternal dwelling in another realm; a realm of brightness, of happiness where no sorrow can enter, where no pain can be felt. She was a flower, blooming full and radiant in life's garden. Patience, sweetness, resignment and courage were the fragrance she radiated. Then Death, a gentle wind, blowing softly, fanned the flower and carried its petals away with him, but the fragrance remained in the memory of her whose passing away came on April 5, 1923.

Adelaide Patchen was born at Schuyler Falls, New York, March 20, 1842. Her ancestors were all men of historical importance, prominent in Colonial and Revolutionary activities.

Her grandfather, Stephen Hufenac was a descendant of the famous Swiss Hutenacs who served in the Swiss body guard of the French king. He enlisted in the patriot army of the Colonies at the age of sixteen and participated in the battles of Long Island, Brandywine and Germantown. He was a member of the storming column that captured Stoney Point and suffered at Valley Forge with George Washington. He later took his mother's name - Patchen - and moved to Vermont.

Here, Issac Patchen, father of the late Mrs. Bromley, was born and educated at great sacrifice, to become one of the greatest doctors of his time. Dr. Issac Patchen, also was prominent in the wars of 1812 and 1814, being cited many time for extraordinary feats of bravery. He located at Schuyler Falls, where Mrs. Adelaide Bromley was born.

Here she spend her girlhood, teaching school and working in the Troy woolen mills. At the close of the Civil War, on April 24, 1864, she was united in marriage to Martin L. Bromley who had served valiantly during the civil crisis.

They moved to National, Iowa, where they resided for several years. Later they moved to McGregor, Iowa, where Mr. Bromley died on May 5, 1901.

Three children were born to them, Charity, Mac Hutenac, and John Sherman; John and Mac have preceded her in death, Mac dying April 10, 1918 and John April 13, 1887.

Mrs. Bromley had been an invalid for about fifteen years having lived with her daughter, Mrs. C.H. Cotant, during the entire period of her illness.

Death came gently to the long suffering spirit; she was conscious nearly to the last and faced the inevitable coming of death with a noble courage and an unflinching valor that showed that the spirit of her valiant ancestors still lived.

For Death is an enemy that we must all face. Our weapons are resignment, preparedness and obedience to God's will. These will decide the outcome, and it was with these weapons that Mrs. Bromley challenged her adversary.

Death claimed a victory over life, but Saul claimed a victory over Death, a victory, more lasting, more infinitely divine and consoling than the mere loss of one endeared to loved ones.

Death is not the end. Somewhere, the place we know not, is a region where God dwells. Brightness beyond understanding is everywhere, soft music from a myriad of angels feels the sweetness and a joy beyond human conception prevails. It is here that God places his loved ones, guarding them, teaching them and making them happy. It is the reward to them who keep His will.

For fifteen years the tired spirit suffered patiently, uncomplainingly. With beautiful resignment she accepted her Cross. With the same patience and resignment she surrendered her spirit to Him whose comforts are everlasting.

A noble life is ended. She has passed through the uncertain door of death and taken up her abode in God's eternal dwelling. She leaves behind a garden of memories to console and brighten the lives of them that knew and loved her.

"Life's endless toil and endeavor are over, and God gives rest."

Card of Thanks
We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who were so kind and thoughtful, during the sickness and death of our mother.
Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Cotant and family

~North Iowa Times, April 12, 1923

From the same paper & issue date:
-Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bock returned to their home in Waukon Monday, having been called here by the death of Mrs. Addie Bromley.