Violet Brooks (1881-1904)

BROOKS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/21/2015 at 22:37:40

From Nevada Representative April 27, 1904

DEATH OF VIOLET BROOKS.

Violet Brooks died at the family home in this city at about 7:30 on Friday evening. She had been ill since September, and an illness that began with a severe cold had been aggravated by grippe and had run into consumption. She had been better apparently at times; but upon the whole her condition had been that usual in such cases, and every month found her in worse shape than the one before. For the past few weeks the end has been most painfully evident, and though at the very last she died at a moment when death was not expected, yet there was in her passing nothing of surprise but in fact a release from suffering that could have but one conclusion.

The deceased was the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Brooks and was born at Stoughton, Wisconsin, February 28, 1881. The family came to Nevada when she was ten years old; and here she grew up, graduated in 1900 from the Nevada High School, and continued to live until her death on April 22, 1904, at the age of 23 years, one month and 25 days. For the three years following her graduation she was employed in the "Representative" office and by most exceptional efficiency rose to the foremanship of the office, which place she was compelled to give up on account of her health last September. She leaves her parents, her one sister Ella and other relatives on both her father and mother's side.

Violet Brooks was a rare young woman and had, for one of her years, an exceptional standing of her own in the community. Energy, capacity, fidelity and vivacity were all hers in a marked degree. She won respect by her substantial qualities, and popularity by the good fellowship which characterized her conduct outside of business hours. She was one of those rare individuals who really shine both in business and in society. Probably the combination of qualities was less fortunate for her than for the time appeared; for it resulted in demands upon her evenings which, added to the activity expended in her days, made upon her strength draft greater than she or any other young woman could long sustain; but while her reserve of vital force held out she continued the highly efficient and reliable support of her employers and the star of her social circle. The compensations were not lacking, however, for throughout her long illness no one could have been the object of more general attention of more universal solicitude. And when the end came there were a multitude of loving friends to pay the last offices of their affection, and countless mourners whose grief was genuine and deep.

The funeral was conducted in the Lutheran church Sunday afternoon by Rev. W. B. Sandford. The church-- where Violet had from her girlhood been a worshipper-- was crowded with her friends, while nearly as many more waited on the outside. The sermon was comforting and appropriate and the music such as would be desired. The floral offerings were very numerous and beautiful, consisting a tribute of general affection such as would have delighted the heart of the departed girl. The interment was in the Nevada cemetery the rites at the grave being in charge of the Order Rebekahs.

Friends from abroad who came to the funeral were Mr. Brooks' brothers G. R. and E. H. from Tescott, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lawman of Rodman, Mrs. Nathan Kelley of Swea City; Mr. Emma Armstrong from Cedar Rapids, and Misses Belle Riddle and Edith McQuiston from Des Moines. For all the kindnesses shown Violet and her people during her illness and their bereavement Mr. and Mrs. Brooks wish to have expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.