Death of Mr. John Brain.
A sad, a very sad causality, has deprived Springfield of one of its estimable citizens, society of one of the kindest of friends, religion of one of its purest examples, a family of one of the best of fathers.
Mr. Brain resided some two miles south-east from the city, and was accustomed to make a daily visit, spending an hour or two at the counting room of his son. He almost invariably came in on horseback, having rode the same animal for the last twelve years.
It appears some business engagements required him to visit the city twice on Tuesday last. On the first he made some purchases, incorrectly stated as the cause of the accident. He returned safely, and again started for town. On his way, he chatted a moment with his daughter, Mrs. Green, who lives on the south-west corner of the Reeder addition. Following the lane, he struck across the woods and arrived near the spot where the road from Boggs’ mill, which he usually traversed, is intersected by another, turning off at right angles and leading past Mr. Rahrer’s.
The horse was first seen by the family occupying a log house west of Mr. R.’s. He was dashing furiously about, and being recognized at once by the inmates, the mother bade the boy go out and see what was the matter. He had proceeded but a short distance, when he found Mr. Brain by the road side, covered with blood. Shocked at the sight, he could hardly communicate the intelligence to his mother, who at once informed Mr. Rohrer. When reached, Mr. Brain was yet breathing, but insensible. He was carefully removed to Mr. R.’s house, and medical advice sent for. Dr. Rodgers found him alive—and alive only—his spirit soon fled to the God that gave it.
On examining the spot, the plunges made by the horse were distinctly visible, as well as the blood and hair on the tree, against which he must have been thrown with much violence.
The only external mark of injury, we understand, was the fracture above the left ear. So violent was the blow as, no doubt, to cause a concussion of the brain, producing almost instant death.
Mr. Brain needs no eulogy—verily his works do praise him. He was a practical Christian!—could we say more?
His funeral took place on Thursday morning—one of the largest Springfield ever saw.
At the similar obsequies of the ever lamented Mr. Cavileer, the Rev. gentleman, who officiated on the occasion, very truly remarked that Death, whose dark wing had so seldom shadowed our homes, during the years of pestilence just passed, had yet taken, as if the more ____ to impress us with the uncertainty of life, those from among us whom we all looked to with affectionate respect for counsel and assistance, and that to with a suddenness that made the bereavement still more poignant and affecting.
How remarkably true has this been since. After another long period of unusual health, we are again taught, that in the midst of life we are within the shadow of death!
—Mad River Valley Gazette.