"FATHER TIME" IS EIGHTY YEARS OLD
EDWARD BRAKEMAN, PIONEER CITIZEN, RIDES A BICYCLE A THOUSAND MILES EACH YEAR.
Special dispatch to the Leader.
Geneva, O. May 10. – Edward Brakeman, of Geneva, is eighty years old today, and glad he is to celebrate the event, if by nothing else than to enjoy the pleasure of living. Mr. Brakeman is a well-known figure on the streets of the village, having lived in or near the town for sixty-four years. He was born in Harpersfield, a few miles south of here, on May 10, 1824, and during his whole life he has lived in Ashtabula county. He has watched Geneva grow from a four corners to a hustling and progressive town.
Mr. Brakeman, although old in years, is not yet old in action, and ten hours at that. He rides a bicycles, form eight hundred to one thousand miles each year. With his long white beard he has won the appellation, "Father Time."
He was an old-time Abolitionist, entered the temperance work in 1844, and the war for the Union in 1862. Although always voting for prohibition, he was a Republican in sentiment before that party was born. He dislikes sectarianism, secret societies, and the saloon power, is a lover of poetry, history, and theology, and has written for magazines and newspapers for the past forty years.
In blood he is half Hessian and half English. He has visited Canada and many of the States, but always returns singing the praises of Geneva.
"From the genealogical collection of Geneva Library"
Notebook EASHB38 page 405
PIONEER CITIZEN CALLED AWAY
EDWARD BRAKEMAN WELL KNOWN IN THIS VICINITY
Had attained the Age of 85 Years – Was a Man of Varied Gifts.
Geneva, May 29 [1908]
Edward Brakeman, one of Geneva's oldest residents and a pioneer of Ashtabula county departed this life at the ripe old age of 85 years, at his home corner of Centennial and Blaine streets, Thursday evening about six o'clock.
Mr. Brakeman had been in feeble health for the past few weeks but a sturdy frame, operated by a strong will power put up a strong fight against the weakening forces of nature thus prolonging life which otherwise would have become extinct at a much earlier date.
Rational up until almost the last, he at length gave up the fight against the odds which were too great for him and very quietly entered into his last sleep.
The deceased had no near relatives living with the exception of his wife, Mrs. Harriet Brakeman, who is left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband.
Edward Brakeman was born in Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., O., in 1823, of Hessian and English ancestry. He had lived in this county near to Geneva long before the town was conceived.
He was of a literary turn of mind and has written to considerable extent for magazines and newspapers. A wonderful memory and love for books made him a store house of the best knowledge and a person with whom it was a pleasure and also a learning to converse. He was, to use an antiquated expression, a book worm, preferring writing of religions, ethical and political character and to some extent history and biography.
Probably his two best serials published were "Hospital Voices" and "Footsteps of the two Great Political Parties."
His room at his home is a veritable public library filled with the choicest bits from his never idle pen and with the books which only the most highly educated and observative reader would care to peruse. Many of his writings are of a satirical nature of which kind of writing he has been proclaimed master by many who have crossed pens with him.
When nearly 75 years old Mr. Brakeman decided to learn to ride a wheel and accordingly purchased a second hand bicycle, ladies' type and in a remarkably short time had acquired the art. Since that time he and his little old fashioned wheel had been a daily sight upon our streets, that is whenever the weather would permit.
Newspapers all over the country have published his picture and proclaimed him the oldest bike rider in the country, but only a few days before his death while in conversation with the Beacon-Record reporter he stated that there was one man in the country that had him beat, but that he was positive that there were no others.
It had always been his desire to live long enough to ride his wheel and write a poem on his 85th birthday which occurred the 25th of this month.
Although in bed on that day he was determined that he should satisfy his wish and so getting up from the bed rigged himself in his riding garb and asked that his wheel be brought to the door. Knowing his weakened condition, however, his friends discouraged the idea and he was only permitted to walk out in the yard for a short time. While enjoying his walk he visited the garden and picking up a hoe endeavored to cut a few weeds, but the work was too much for him and he returned to the house and after lying down for a time returned to the bed from which he never got up again.
The deceased was a soldier in the Civil War and served with much credit to himself and country.
"Uncle Ed" as he was known by scores of friends will be greatly missed, but his long and useful life will ever by an incentive to greater undertakings on the part of those who are left behind.
The funeral will be held at his late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock standard time and will be private. Rev. F.M. Field of the Park Street Church of Christ will officiate.
EDWARD BRAKEMAN, PIONEER CITIZEN, RIDES A BICYCLE A THOUSAND MILES EACH YEAR.
Special dispatch to the Leader.
Geneva, O. May 10. – Edward Brakeman, of Geneva, is eighty years old today, and glad he is to celebrate the event, if by nothing else than to enjoy the pleasure of living. Mr. Brakeman is a well-known figure on the streets of the village, having lived in or near the town for sixty-four years. He was born in Harpersfield, a few miles south of here, on May 10, 1824, and during his whole life he has lived in Ashtabula county. He has watched Geneva grow from a four corners to a hustling and progressive town.
Mr. Brakeman, although old in years, is not yet old in action, and ten hours at that. He rides a bicycles, form eight hundred to one thousand miles each year. With his long white beard he has won the appellation, "Father Time."
He was an old-time Abolitionist, entered the temperance work in 1844, and the war for the Union in 1862. Although always voting for prohibition, he was a Republican in sentiment before that party was born. He dislikes sectarianism, secret societies, and the saloon power, is a lover of poetry, history, and theology, and has written for magazines and newspapers for the past forty years.
In blood he is half Hessian and half English. He has visited Canada and many of the States, but always returns singing the praises of Geneva.
"From the genealogical collection of Geneva Library"
Notebook EASHB38 page 405
PIONEER CITIZEN CALLED AWAY
EDWARD BRAKEMAN WELL KNOWN IN THIS VICINITY
Had attained the Age of 85 Years – Was a Man of Varied Gifts.
Geneva, May 29 [1908]
Edward Brakeman, one of Geneva's oldest residents and a pioneer of Ashtabula county departed this life at the ripe old age of 85 years, at his home corner of Centennial and Blaine streets, Thursday evening about six o'clock.
Mr. Brakeman had been in feeble health for the past few weeks but a sturdy frame, operated by a strong will power put up a strong fight against the weakening forces of nature thus prolonging life which otherwise would have become extinct at a much earlier date.
Rational up until almost the last, he at length gave up the fight against the odds which were too great for him and very quietly entered into his last sleep.
The deceased had no near relatives living with the exception of his wife, Mrs. Harriet Brakeman, who is left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband.
Edward Brakeman was born in Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., O., in 1823, of Hessian and English ancestry. He had lived in this county near to Geneva long before the town was conceived.
He was of a literary turn of mind and has written to considerable extent for magazines and newspapers. A wonderful memory and love for books made him a store house of the best knowledge and a person with whom it was a pleasure and also a learning to converse. He was, to use an antiquated expression, a book worm, preferring writing of religions, ethical and political character and to some extent history and biography.
Probably his two best serials published were "Hospital Voices" and "Footsteps of the two Great Political Parties."
His room at his home is a veritable public library filled with the choicest bits from his never idle pen and with the books which only the most highly educated and observative reader would care to peruse. Many of his writings are of a satirical nature of which kind of writing he has been proclaimed master by many who have crossed pens with him.
When nearly 75 years old Mr. Brakeman decided to learn to ride a wheel and accordingly purchased a second hand bicycle, ladies' type and in a remarkably short time had acquired the art. Since that time he and his little old fashioned wheel had been a daily sight upon our streets, that is whenever the weather would permit.
Newspapers all over the country have published his picture and proclaimed him the oldest bike rider in the country, but only a few days before his death while in conversation with the Beacon-Record reporter he stated that there was one man in the country that had him beat, but that he was positive that there were no others.
It had always been his desire to live long enough to ride his wheel and write a poem on his 85th birthday which occurred the 25th of this month.
Although in bed on that day he was determined that he should satisfy his wish and so getting up from the bed rigged himself in his riding garb and asked that his wheel be brought to the door. Knowing his weakened condition, however, his friends discouraged the idea and he was only permitted to walk out in the yard for a short time. While enjoying his walk he visited the garden and picking up a hoe endeavored to cut a few weeds, but the work was too much for him and he returned to the house and after lying down for a time returned to the bed from which he never got up again.
The deceased was a soldier in the Civil War and served with much credit to himself and country.
"Uncle Ed" as he was known by scores of friends will be greatly missed, but his long and useful life will ever by an incentive to greater undertakings on the part of those who are left behind.
The funeral will be held at his late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock standard time and will be private. Rev. F.M. Field of the Park Street Church of Christ will officiate.
"FATHER TIME" IS EIGHTY YEARS OLD
EDWARD BRAKEMAN, PIONEER CITIZEN, RIDES A BICYCLE A THOUSAND MILES EACH YEAR.
Special dispatch to the Leader.
Geneva, O. May 10. – Edward Brakeman, of Geneva, is eighty years old today, and glad he is to celebrate the event, if by nothing else than to enjoy the pleasure of living. Mr. Brakeman is a well-known figure on the streets of the village, having lived in or near the town for sixty-four years. He was born in Harpersfield, a few miles south of here, on May 10, 1824, and during his whole life he has lived in Ashtabula county. He has watched Geneva grow from a four corners to a hustling and progressive town.
Mr. Brakeman, although old in years, is not yet old in action, and ten hours at that. He rides a bicycles, form eight hundred to one thousand miles each year. With his long white beard he has won the appellation, "Father Time."
He was an old-time Abolitionist, entered the temperance work in 1844, and the war for the Union in 1862. Although always voting for prohibition, he was a Republican in sentiment before that party was born. He dislikes sectarianism, secret societies, and the saloon power, is a lover of poetry, history, and theology, and has written for magazines and newspapers for the past forty years.
In blood he is half Hessian and half English. He has visited Canada and many of the States, but always returns singing the praises of Geneva.
"From the genealogical collection of Geneva Library"
Notebook EASHB38 page 405
PIONEER CITIZEN CALLED AWAY
EDWARD BRAKEMAN WELL KNOWN IN THIS VICINITY
Had attained the Age of 85 Years – Was a Man of Varied Gifts.
Geneva, May 29 [1908]
Edward Brakeman, one of Geneva's oldest residents and a pioneer of Ashtabula county departed this life at the ripe old age of 85 years, at his home corner of Centennial and Blaine streets, Thursday evening about six o'clock.
Mr. Brakeman had been in feeble health for the past few weeks but a sturdy frame, operated by a strong will power put up a strong fight against the weakening forces of nature thus prolonging life which otherwise would have become extinct at a much earlier date.
Rational up until almost the last, he at length gave up the fight against the odds which were too great for him and very quietly entered into his last sleep.
The deceased had no near relatives living with the exception of his wife, Mrs. Harriet Brakeman, who is left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband.
Edward Brakeman was born in Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., O., in 1823, of Hessian and English ancestry. He had lived in this county near to Geneva long before the town was conceived.
He was of a literary turn of mind and has written to considerable extent for magazines and newspapers. A wonderful memory and love for books made him a store house of the best knowledge and a person with whom it was a pleasure and also a learning to converse. He was, to use an antiquated expression, a book worm, preferring writing of religions, ethical and political character and to some extent history and biography.
Probably his two best serials published were "Hospital Voices" and "Footsteps of the two Great Political Parties."
His room at his home is a veritable public library filled with the choicest bits from his never idle pen and with the books which only the most highly educated and observative reader would care to peruse. Many of his writings are of a satirical nature of which kind of writing he has been proclaimed master by many who have crossed pens with him.
When nearly 75 years old Mr. Brakeman decided to learn to ride a wheel and accordingly purchased a second hand bicycle, ladies' type and in a remarkably short time had acquired the art. Since that time he and his little old fashioned wheel had been a daily sight upon our streets, that is whenever the weather would permit.
Newspapers all over the country have published his picture and proclaimed him the oldest bike rider in the country, but only a few days before his death while in conversation with the Beacon-Record reporter he stated that there was one man in the country that had him beat, but that he was positive that there were no others.
It had always been his desire to live long enough to ride his wheel and write a poem on his 85th birthday which occurred the 25th of this month.
Although in bed on that day he was determined that he should satisfy his wish and so getting up from the bed rigged himself in his riding garb and asked that his wheel be brought to the door. Knowing his weakened condition, however, his friends discouraged the idea and he was only permitted to walk out in the yard for a short time. While enjoying his walk he visited the garden and picking up a hoe endeavored to cut a few weeds, but the work was too much for him and he returned to the house and after lying down for a time returned to the bed from which he never got up again.
The deceased was a soldier in the Civil War and served with much credit to himself and country.
"Uncle Ed" as he was known by scores of friends will be greatly missed, but his long and useful life will ever by an incentive to greater undertakings on the part of those who are left behind.
The funeral will be held at his late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock standard time and will be private. Rev. F.M. Field of the Park Street Church of Christ will officiate.
EDWARD BRAKEMAN, PIONEER CITIZEN, RIDES A BICYCLE A THOUSAND MILES EACH YEAR.
Special dispatch to the Leader.
Geneva, O. May 10. – Edward Brakeman, of Geneva, is eighty years old today, and glad he is to celebrate the event, if by nothing else than to enjoy the pleasure of living. Mr. Brakeman is a well-known figure on the streets of the village, having lived in or near the town for sixty-four years. He was born in Harpersfield, a few miles south of here, on May 10, 1824, and during his whole life he has lived in Ashtabula county. He has watched Geneva grow from a four corners to a hustling and progressive town.
Mr. Brakeman, although old in years, is not yet old in action, and ten hours at that. He rides a bicycles, form eight hundred to one thousand miles each year. With his long white beard he has won the appellation, "Father Time."
He was an old-time Abolitionist, entered the temperance work in 1844, and the war for the Union in 1862. Although always voting for prohibition, he was a Republican in sentiment before that party was born. He dislikes sectarianism, secret societies, and the saloon power, is a lover of poetry, history, and theology, and has written for magazines and newspapers for the past forty years.
In blood he is half Hessian and half English. He has visited Canada and many of the States, but always returns singing the praises of Geneva.
"From the genealogical collection of Geneva Library"
Notebook EASHB38 page 405
PIONEER CITIZEN CALLED AWAY
EDWARD BRAKEMAN WELL KNOWN IN THIS VICINITY
Had attained the Age of 85 Years – Was a Man of Varied Gifts.
Geneva, May 29 [1908]
Edward Brakeman, one of Geneva's oldest residents and a pioneer of Ashtabula county departed this life at the ripe old age of 85 years, at his home corner of Centennial and Blaine streets, Thursday evening about six o'clock.
Mr. Brakeman had been in feeble health for the past few weeks but a sturdy frame, operated by a strong will power put up a strong fight against the weakening forces of nature thus prolonging life which otherwise would have become extinct at a much earlier date.
Rational up until almost the last, he at length gave up the fight against the odds which were too great for him and very quietly entered into his last sleep.
The deceased had no near relatives living with the exception of his wife, Mrs. Harriet Brakeman, who is left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband.
Edward Brakeman was born in Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., O., in 1823, of Hessian and English ancestry. He had lived in this county near to Geneva long before the town was conceived.
He was of a literary turn of mind and has written to considerable extent for magazines and newspapers. A wonderful memory and love for books made him a store house of the best knowledge and a person with whom it was a pleasure and also a learning to converse. He was, to use an antiquated expression, a book worm, preferring writing of religions, ethical and political character and to some extent history and biography.
Probably his two best serials published were "Hospital Voices" and "Footsteps of the two Great Political Parties."
His room at his home is a veritable public library filled with the choicest bits from his never idle pen and with the books which only the most highly educated and observative reader would care to peruse. Many of his writings are of a satirical nature of which kind of writing he has been proclaimed master by many who have crossed pens with him.
When nearly 75 years old Mr. Brakeman decided to learn to ride a wheel and accordingly purchased a second hand bicycle, ladies' type and in a remarkably short time had acquired the art. Since that time he and his little old fashioned wheel had been a daily sight upon our streets, that is whenever the weather would permit.
Newspapers all over the country have published his picture and proclaimed him the oldest bike rider in the country, but only a few days before his death while in conversation with the Beacon-Record reporter he stated that there was one man in the country that had him beat, but that he was positive that there were no others.
It had always been his desire to live long enough to ride his wheel and write a poem on his 85th birthday which occurred the 25th of this month.
Although in bed on that day he was determined that he should satisfy his wish and so getting up from the bed rigged himself in his riding garb and asked that his wheel be brought to the door. Knowing his weakened condition, however, his friends discouraged the idea and he was only permitted to walk out in the yard for a short time. While enjoying his walk he visited the garden and picking up a hoe endeavored to cut a few weeds, but the work was too much for him and he returned to the house and after lying down for a time returned to the bed from which he never got up again.
The deceased was a soldier in the Civil War and served with much credit to himself and country.
"Uncle Ed" as he was known by scores of friends will be greatly missed, but his long and useful life will ever by an incentive to greater undertakings on the part of those who are left behind.
The funeral will be held at his late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock standard time and will be private. Rev. F.M. Field of the Park Street Church of Christ will officiate.
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