Benjamin W. Brockway (1916)

BROCKWAY, NICHOLS, STOLLEY

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson
Date: 10/17/2005 at 20:37:54

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, April 5, 1916

Death of B. W. Brockway

Word has been received of the death of B. W. Brockway at his home in Malta, Montana, on March 28th. For several years his health has been very poor. An examination at the Mayo hospital brought small encouragement but later medical treatment was of considerable benefit to him. His daughter, Mrs. Hugo Stolley of Milwaukee, was with her parents at the end, as was the son, Clare, who resides in Malta. Burial services were held on last Wednesday.

Mr. Brockway came here about 30 years ago, engaging in the grocery business on the west side of the square, later farming near Winterset. The family moved to Malta about 18 years ago. Mr. Brockway was a genial, generous man, a leader in his political party, respected and popular with all his friends who will sympathize with Mrs. Brockway and her family.
________________________

The Winterset News
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, April 5, 1916
Page 1, Column 3

BROCKWAY DIED IN MALTA, MONTANA

Prominent in North Montana Politics. Helped Build Irrigation Canal.

ILL SEVERAL YEARS

Prominent in Madison County’s Business and Social Matters. Left Winterset in 1899.

B. W. Brockway, former Winterset citizen, died in Malta, Montana, March 27. Mr. Brockway was prominent in business and social circles, and the family was greatly missed when it left Winterset for Montana. Mr. Brockway at once became interested in the building up of the great state and soon rose to prominence his ability entitled him to. The following obituary is taken from The Malta Call.

Closing his life redounding with good works and continual interest in his fellow man, B. W. Brockway, late mayor of the city passed away at his home on Monday morning after an illness from which he suffered for several years. In his loss, city and entire North Montana will miss a highly public spirited and influential citizen, who sole ambition was not for himself but for those with whom he came in contact, and his own locality in particular.

B. W. Brockway was born at Allen, Michigan, November 7, 1849, and spent his childhood days in the state of his nativity. At the age of 11 years the loss of father, through the burden of the family upon his young shoulders, which task he handled like the work before him and his later years of life, and a capable and cheerful manner.

In 1870 he was married to Lillian Nichols and with his bride, moved to Sullivan, Illinois where he maintained a mercantile establishment until ‘81 when they moved to Winterset, Iowa, entering the same line. In 1899, he, with his family, moved to this place, he accepting the position which position he held until 1903, when he received appointment of United States Commissioner since that time, having made a study of the land business and he has aided many newcomers in their desire to obtain government land, assisting them in their troubles and encouraging them at all times regarding the success of their ambitious ventures and telling of the wonderful possibilities of our lands.

When it was first decided to reclaim the valley lands by means of the diversion of waters, he was among the first to boost the project and during all the years the construction work has been in process, he was always opportunely giving aid and advice that brought desired results. For a number of years he held the position of secretary of the Water Users Association, which work he did out of interest in and devotion to the cause and not for recompense

He was also justice of the peace of the township for several years.

He had the honor of being the first chairman of the democratic central committee of the county. He was zealous in politics and as a reward for his services, received the endorsement for the appointment of postmaster but his condition was such that he felt unable to care for it and he graciously declined the honor.

In the creation of the County, he was found always ready to aid with his time and means, as he was in everything and when death closed his earthly career, he was in the midst of a strenuous campaign for the growing of sugar beets in the valley with the smoke of industry curling heavenward from a busy factory producing sugar.

Besides a faithful wife who has been so faithful and patient, he leaves to mourn his loss, one son Clarence, and his family, a daughter, Mrs.Stolley and her husband Hugo Stolley who were from Wisconsin. Business houses of the city were closed during the services.

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