Thomas Bracken
Oct. 1, 1843-Nov. 5, 1875
Niles Democrat, Saturday, November 13, 1875, page 3 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of Rev. Thomas Bracken
Rev. Thomas Bracken, who died in this city, on Friday, Nov. 8th, at the residence of his mother, was born in Charlesburg, Washington county, Pa., Oct. 1st, 1843. About twenty years ago he came with his father, who removed with his family from Pennsylvania, and settled here. He entered our High School and soon developed a taste and aptitude for study, which gave promise of the future man. He graduated from our High School, and fitted himself for college under the direction of the Rev. Joseph F. Phillips, Rector of Trinity Church. He then entered Jefferson College in his native place, from which he graduated, standing well in his class. He studied theology at Allegheny City, was ordained, called by the United Presbyterian society of Port Huron, Mich., as their pastor. Some six years ago, Mr. Bracken was married to Miss Chapin, daughter of H.A. Chapin, Esq., of this city, who died about one year after being married, leaving an infant who soon followed its mother. Mr. Bracken continued to discharge the duties of pastor at Port Huron until failing health and strength compelled him to give up his charge.
After leaving Port Huron he visited various portions of the country with the hope of restoring his impaired health. Last spring he was called home by the fatal illness of his father. Soon afterwards he received and accepted a call as pastor of a church at Oil City, Pa., A few months after entering upon his pastoral duties he was again compelled to take a leave of absence, (which his congregation extended to six months.) in consequence of failing health. He came home with the intention of going to California, but disease prostrated him,, and he continued to fail gradually until death relieved his sufferings.
Through all his painful sickness he never expressed impatience or complained, but was ever cheerful and hopeful,and endeavored to make those about him equally so. When it became evident that the end was near, he called his family about him, bid them all farewell and passed to his rest as quietly and easily as a child to sleep.
Mr. Bracken was well known and highly esteemed in this city. Here he passed his joyous school days, beloved alike by schoolmate and teacher, in his more mature youth, and later, the gradual transition from youth to manhood, Mr. Bracken possessed a very happy, cheerful, and social disposition; a refined and cultivated taste; an intellect of more than ordinary power, stored with the results of laborious research. He was very tenacious of his convictions of right and principle, and while he valiantly and earnestly defended his position, yet his generous, candid manner in argument never left an unpleasant impression with his opponent. He was conscientious in the discharge of duty and labored faithfully, earnestly and effectively in the field to which he was called. His early death, just as he was fairly entering upon the Master's work, will take from the vinyard a faithful laborer, and from the church with which he was connected a true, earnest, Christian minister.
The community sustains a great loss in the removal from among us of the good example and influence of a pure, unostentatious Christian life; society will miss a favorite and an ornament, and his family, by whom he was idolized, will mourn a dutiful, affectionate son, a kind, gentle, loving brother.
A very large procession of friends and acquaintance attested their esteem and respect for the deceased by following the remains to Silver Brook Cemetery. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. Anderson, of Martin, Mich., a friend and associate of Mr. Bracken, whose remarks, upon the occasion, where very earnest and impressive, and were attentively listened to by all who could hear him.
Niles Republican, Thursday, November 11, 1875, page 2 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
DIED
BRACKEN--At the residence of his mother, in the City, on the 5th inst., of consumption of the bowels, Rev. Thomas Browden,in his 34th year.