By: Mark Holtsberry
Israel Brobeck, Civil War Veteran, was born January 20, 1830 in Frederick County, Ohio. He was the son of Henry Brobeck (1808- 1899) and Mahala (Hottel) Brobeck (1810- 1847). As child raised on the farm, Israel learned at a very young age, the meaning of work. By 1850, Israel was on his own and living in Washington, Ohio as a laborer. While working for Henry and Mary Coomes, Israel found himself that special girl, Manerva Jane Woolley, who was born March 4, 1840 in Athens, Ohio. She was the daughter of William and Nancy Woolley.
On November 6, 1856, in Jerome Township, Union, Ohio, Israel and Manerva Jane were married. The couple lost a child, a daughter, Mahala, born in 1858. By 1860, Israel, Manerva and son Henry, who born in 1859, were living in the Kansas Territory at a place called Diamond Creek and Israel was working as a carpenter. There was a son, William, that was born in 1862.
Sometime before 1863, the Brobeck family, had moved back to Union, Ohio and in June 1863, Israel registered for the draft, because recruits were needed for the Union Army during the Civil War. His profession on the draft registration listed him as a farmer.
Israel was selected to serve with Company K. 178th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a private and his date of entering the Army was September 19, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio. That is the same year that his daughter Millie was born. At the age of 33, Israel was one of the oldest in his Company. His term of enlistment was for 1 year. His Company provided Garrison Duty as well as guarding prisoners.
Israel was mustered out of service, along with the rest of the Company, June 29, 1865, at Charlotte, North Carolina. By 1870, Israel and family (which had grown with the birth of a son, Sherman, in 1866, a daughter, Olive, in 1867, and another daughter, Nancy, in 1870) was living in Dudley Township, Hardin County, Ohio. Israel engaged in farming and Manerva was engaged with raising the children.
A daughter, Linney, was born in 1871 and another daughter, Glendorah, was born in 1872. On April 12, 1874, Manerva passed away in Michigan. She was buried in Price Cemetery, Richwood, Union County, Ohio. By 1880, Israel and six children, were still living in Hardin County, Ohio, and still farming.
Between 1880 and 1890, Israel and children, moved to Latty Township, Paulding County, Ohio where Israel purchased 55 acres. Israel passed away, at the age of 69 on April 28, 1899. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mecosta, Mecosta County, Michigan. On July 10, 1899, Israel’s last will and testament was filed in Probate Court. Naming his two sons William and Sherman as owners of the land. William received 22 acres, and Sherman 18. I’m not sure what happened to the remainder of the land, maybe it was sold years before.
On March 8, 1901, the Vermont Marble Company, Proctor, Vermont was contracted to make his military tombstone that was placed on his grave, where it remains today.
Until next time!
