Johnson County, NE - Family Histories
William McBrien
June 1, 1905
Tecumseh, Johnson County, NBWilliam McBrien died Thursday night, June 1, at the hospital of the soldiers' and sailors' home at Milford, aged sixty-one years, five months and five days. He was born near Chattanooga, Tenn. He entered the union army at the age of seventeen and served four years in the Fifteenth Missouri cavalry, U. S. V. His horse was killed under him at the battle of Wilson's creek where General Leyon fell. He was also in the battle of Pea Ridge where General Siegel won his fame. On September 28, 1865, he as married to Miss Hettie Henry. Four children were born to them, two boys and two girls. The girls died in infancy. Mrs. McBrien died March 16, 1888. The younger son, Rufus, died at Tecumseh, September 28, 1893. The only surviving member of the family is Jasper L., at present state superintendent of public instruction.
The family came to Nebraska in 1879, and settled on a farm near Sterling. Their coming was for a two-fold purpose. First, for the health of Mrs. McBrien, and second, for better educational advantages for the children.
During the past three years Mr. McBrien had been totally blind from paralysis of the optic nerve. During the past two years it had been necessary to have a special attendant for him. His death was caused by a gradual paralysis of the entire system. Although he was greatly afflicted he suffered very little, and was cheerful throughout his ordeal.
The funeral services were held at the residence of his son, in Lincoln, at 10:00 o'clock Sunday morning, the sermon being by Rev. J. H. Presson, commandant of the home at Milford. Farragut Post, G. A. R., of Lincoln, participated in the services. The remains were brought to Tecumseh, reaching here at 1:30 o'clock. Besides the family of J. L. McBrien, there were in the funeral party John McBrien of Vinita, I.T.; Secretary of State A. Galusha, Ex-Secretary of State J. A. Piper, John. A. B. Allen, Mr. And Mrs. C. A. Phelan of Elk Creek, several old soldiers for Lincoln, and others. The remains were met at the depot by Heckathorn Post, G. A. R., and the ladies of the relief corps and escorted to the Tecumseh cemetery; where interment was made.
No newspaper information cited on the photocopy received.
Transcription by Jane Rehms, Green Bluff, WA