BRETT, John 1830-1902

BRETT, BLUE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 10/17/2016 at 15:11:11

The Passing of John Brett

John Brett, son of George and Elizabeth Brett of Flaggbourg, Nottingham, England, was born in Ketton, Nottinghamshire, and died at the house of his daughter, Mrs. J. D. McClain in Beaman, Iowa, on Saturday, Jan. 4, 1902.

At the age of eighteen, young Brett, in company with his widowed mother and three sisters set sail for America. Their voyage was very successful, yet, filled with many exciting and interesting incidents. The same year, 1848, they settled near Stratford in the Huron District, Canada West.

In the month of June, 1850, accompanied by his eldest brother, George, he came to Illinois and located in Clyde township, Whiteside county. Here on February 24, 1852, he was married to Miss Isabella Blue. Three months later this hero of many adventures is seen on the plains of the west, wending his way westward. With him were his father-in-law and two brothers-in-law. 'E're reaching the gold-fields of California he fell a victim to the ravages of that dread disease, typhoid fever. Here on the desert of the west with no armament of defense, save faith in an all-wise and just God, he fought his greatest battle and won a glorious victory. Later he reached the ElDorado. He immediately invested his capital and labor in the mining business and he was fairly successful, coming out somewhat in the lead of the average investor.

In May, 1855, he returned to Illinois and purchased a farm in Clyde township. In this neat and quiet home he reared his family consisting of six sons and one daughter. For twenty-seven years he toiled, labored, associated and worshiped with the citizens of Clyde. In 1882 he left Clyde and during the four years following he resided near Morrison, Ill.

In 1886 he moved to Iowa where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. It was only by stress of ill health and approaching old age that he was compelled to abandon his work. During the last two years he lived in the city of Red Oak, Iowa. Broken down by hard work and suffering from heart disease he lead the life of an invalid. With him were his son Thomas and the noble wife who has helped to smooth the rough and stony road of life for him. In the last hour he was comforted by the presence of his sons, Doctors Donald and wife and Thomas of Odell, Iowa, Alexander of Red Oak, Charles of this county, Dr. John of Mediapolis, and his daughter, Mrs. J. D. McClain at whose home he died. His niece, Miss Estella Humphrey, who had found a home in his family during her childhood, was present, also Mrs. Brett's sister, Mrs. D. G. Ackerman of Morrison, Ill.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Lee of the Beaman M.E. church on Sunday, Jan. 5. Deceased's brother, Geo. E. of Waterville, Wash., was unable to be present as was also a sister, Mrs. Amy Keller of Chicago, who is in very poor health. His five sons bore him to his last resting place, carrying in their arms the one who oft had carried them.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 9 January 1902, pg 1