Obituary of Brooks R. Amsden

reprinted from Coldwater, Michigan Daily Reporter, Feb. 8, 1923

"Brooks R. Amsden, Civil War veteran and pioneer cigar box maker, died at his home, 144 Division street, at 5:50 Thursday morning, February 8, 1923, after a few days illness with pneumonia.

Mr. Amsden, an employe of the local cigar box factory for nearly 50 years, worked at his trade as a box maker continually until the 29th day of January.  Overcome by illness, he was forced to relinquish his duties, and since that time he has been confined to his home.  As far as is known, he was the oldest cigar box maker in the United States.

He was born in Honeoye Falls, N. Y., December 11, 1845.  He served as a soldier during the Civil War.  He told but little of his war experiences, except when in conversation with a group of comrades, and but few people knew of his memorable service during the great confilict between the North and South.  He had the honored distinction of being the personal messenger of President Abraham Lincoln to the headquarters of General Grant.  Some of these messages have gone down in history as documents of great importance.

At the close of the war, in April, 1865, he received an honorable discharge.  He made the note-worthy trip with the President, General Halleck and Major General Kelton in the President's yacht, "River Queen," down the Potomac river and up the James river, to City Point and Richmond, Va., after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee.

He re-enlisted in the service of his country and was with General custer and his men during some of the Indian expeditions.  On one of these expeditions, he was almost fatally wounded by an Indian arrow.

An intensely interesting story is told of how Mr. Amsden came to live in Coldwater.  According to the story, when he was injured by the arrow, he was put aboard a boat on the Mississippi river.  While on its journey the engine of the boat blew up, and he was thrown into the water.  When found he was in mud up to his neck.  After he was rescued he was placed aboard a train enroute to his home in New York state.  Before the train reached this city he was taken violently ill and was taken off the cars at Coldwater.  He has resided here ever since.  This incident was known to but a handful of people, it is said.

After his arrival here Mr. Amsden went to work at the wheelbarrow factory.  He again went through a terrible experience when the engine in the factory exploded.  He was thrown with great force outside teh plant.  He could not be found for some time, and when he was discovered he was located on the top of a pile of lumber, just "coming to."

While he was working at this factory the engine blew up a second time, but he escaped injury.

He came to this city at the close of his military service, and he has resided here for over half a century.  He was married to Miss Josie DeLinay, fifty-two years ago last June.  The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary two years ago.  The wife survives him, with two sons, Don Amsden, of Omaha, Neb., and Erwin Amsden of Battle Creek.  Two daughters preceded him in death.  Mrs. Dixie Stephens, now of Omaha, lived in the family for a number of years and was given a daughter's care by Mr. and Mrs. Amsden; also a brother F. O. Amsden, of Honeoye Falls.

Mr. Amsden was a faithful member of Coldwater Lodge No. 31, I. O. O. F. for fifty years, and served as treasurer of the lodge for thirty years, being compelled to resign his office last summer on account of the infirmities of old age.  He was a citizen known by a large portion of Coldwater's residents, and was held in high esteem."


Source: "The Honeoye Falls Times," Thursday, 15 Mar 1923, on microfilm, found at Town of Mendon Public Library, Monroe Co, New York, obituary of B. R. Amsden.