HARRY L. BROTHERLIN

Harry L. Brotherlin, who for thirty years has been identified with commercial interests in Tipton as a druggist, and with one exception is the oldest merchant in years of continuous connection with the city’s business interests, was born in Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio, in September, 1849, a son of Moses and Eliza (Bancroft) Brotherlin, the former a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Washington county, New York. They were married in Licking county, Ohio, and both spent their last days in Le Claire, Scott county, Iowa. Mr. Brotherlin followed merchandizing during the greater part of his life, thus providing comfort for his family which numbered three children: Frances and Helen, who are residents of Le Claire; and Harry L.

At the place of his nativity Harry L. Brotherlin remained through the first thirteen years of his life and in 1862 accompanied his parents to Le Claire, Iowa, where he resided until 1880. In that year re removed to Tipton. In the meantime he had supplemented his common-school education by study in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, where he remained for two years. He afterward entered the drug business at Le Claire and conducted a store until 1879, when he sold out. Removing to Tipton the following year, he purchased the drug store of A. M. Kirk and has since remained in business at this point. He was alone until 1905, when he admitted Samuel T. Gordon to partnership under the firm name of Brotherlin & Gordon. As one of the leading merchants of the city, he is today also one of the best known and most honored. He has remained continuously at his present location on Fifth street, opposite the court-house square. He has a well appointed store, equipped with all the modern accessories known to the drug trade, and his knowledge of drugs, their medicinal properties and use, makes his services in this connection of value to his fellow townsmen. The fact that he has continued in business here for thirty years is an indication of the fact that success has always attended his efforts.

In 1895 Mr. Brotherlin was united in marriage to Miss Ella Rider, a native of Cedar county, Iowa, and a daughter of Christian E. and Rachel (McDonald) Rider, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Cedar county, and spent their last days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brotherlin has been born a son, Robert, now twelve years of age.

Fraternally Mr. Brotherlin is connected with the Masons, holding membership in Royal Arch chapter. His military career covers service as lieutenant in Company B, which was a part of the First Regiment of National Guards organized here. In politics he has been a life-long republican and served for two terms as postmaster of Tipton, being appointed by President McKinley in 1897 and re-appointed by President Roosevelt in 1901, his incumbency covering nearly nine years. He was always an active worker in the ranks of the party up to the time he entered office. His official duties were discharged with promptness and fidelity, winning him high encomiums from all concerned. His business record is equally creditable and Tipton regards the Brotherlin establishment as an indispensable factor in her trade relations and Mr. Brotherlin as a valuable addition to her commercial circles.