Martin A. Disbrow 1832 - 1906

DISBROW, LINCOLN

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 3/17/2013 at 19:48:17

Clinton Herald Wednesday August 8, 1906 p. 6 DEATH OF M.A. DISBROW PIONEER SASH AND DOOR MANUFACTURER DIED YESTERDAY AT HIS HOME IN THIS CITY Martin A. Disbrow died yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock at his residence in this city. Mr. Disbrow had been in failling health for the past three years and about four weeks ago suffered a stroke of paralysis which affected his entire left side. Toward the last he had not been fully conscious, buth the end came peacefully. M.A. Disbrow was born in New Fairfield, Conn., July 29, 1832, and came west some fifty years ago, locating here in Lyons and making this his life home. Mr. Disbrow was born of English parentage on the half of a farm, which lies in New Fairfield, Conn., the other half being in New York. His mother died when he was 3 years old and he went to live with his grandparents. As a boy of 12 Mr. Disbrow was doing a man's work. Remaining on the farm until 19, he went to New York city, engaged in the struggle to introduce country milk in opposition to the swill fed milk of the Long Island distilleries and won out, working nearly 20 hours as day for two years and finally collapsing with lung fever. But he came out of New York with $1,600 fairly earned. Coming west he made the journey to the end of the railway line, Rochelle, Ill, and came to Iowa overland. Here he found the country that suited him and Iowa to him was always been the leader of the states, the ideal home section. Here he announced his intention of living his life and ending his days, and here, honored and respected, at the end of a long and useful, well spent life, he has received and answered the final summons. M.A. Disbrows first shop in Lyons was 24x48 feet, with a 30 horse-power engine. His factory is now 150x264 feet, with an average of two stories high, the machinery driven by an engine of 450 horsepower capacity. The funeral services will be held at the home at 4 o'clock Thursday, August 9, at which time all friends are welcome. The interment will be later and private.