----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 04/09/1925

Brotherton, Richard W. (25 NOV 1843 - 3 Apr 1925)

Richard W. Brotherton died at the home of his son Robert Friday, April 3, 1925, of old age, at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 8 days. Funeral services were held Sunday at the M. E. Church, Rev. Lucas officiating and interment made in the Colby Cemetery.

The deceased was born at Utica, N.Y., Nov. 25, 1843. He was married to Sophia Hazeltine at Black River Falls, Wis., Sept. 1, 1869, to which union twelve children were born, five of who preceded him in death. His wife passed to the great beyond March 24, 1925. He enlisted in the U. S. Service at Albany, N.Y., Aug. 26, 1864, and was honorably discharged June 20, 1865. He came to the town of Hull in 1886, moving on his father's farm. In 1900, however, he moved on his son Robert's farm, where he lived until the time of his death.

Mr. Brotherton leaves to mourn his departure, two daughters, Maude Brotherton and Katie Hartford, of Blanchard, Idaho, five sons, Robert, Theodore and Alvin of Colby, Richard of Manitowoc, and Thomas of Tacoma, Wash., twenty-seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He had borne his duties in life as a son, husband, father, brother, and friends and soldier bravely and well. Who can do more? But now he is gone and another name is stricken from our ever lessening roll of Civil War Veterans.

Yet in such a death there is really no cause for grief. His life work was well done and few of us will live as long or as well and fewer yet will the Angel of death greet with such a loving touch.