Washington BROCKMAN

1. Copied from page 489, History of Brown County, Illinois, 1880-1970:

"Brockman Store. The Brockman Store was operated continuously from

1866-1941, first by Mr. Wash. then by George and his father. Later

Ernest became part of it. Then Henry Hagel and Ernest carried on.

Finally the remnants of the stock were purchased by Homer Renaker who

continued to sell wallpaper, paint and a limited number of school

supplies. Washington Brockman. Few merchants in Mt. Sterling were as

widely known throughout the county as Washington Brockman. His parents,

Dr. James Brockman (circuit clerk for years) and his mother Sophia Price,

daughter of John Price had both come from Kentucky in the 1830's. His

mother died when he was one, his father when he was eight. His was not

an easy childhood. He learned to work early in a blacksmith shop, on the

farm and in a drug store before he volunteered for the Civil War where he

served for three years. On his return he bought a small bookstore which

he and his sons George and Ernest ran for about 80 years.

Mr. Brockman was quick spoken, a little brusque in manner, his by-word

was "By God, I say" that rather frightened the timid. But he had sympathy

for the poor and discouraged and he befriended them in many ways,

unknown to his compatriots. He was an indulgent father and provided

well for a rather extravagant family. He lies in an unmarked grave and

few remember this capable, active and interesting man."

2. Served as a corporal in Co. K, 10th IL Cavalry (Brockman

Scrapbook, p 33)

SOURCES INCLUDE:

History of Cass, Schuyler and Brown co's., IL, page 131.

1880 Mt. Sterling, Brown co., IL census [ED 37, page 505].

1900 Mt. Sterling, Brown co., IL census [ED 8, Sheet 9A].

1910 Mt. Sterling, Brown co., IL census [ED 7, Sheet 10A]

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