NAME

John Adams Brackenridge

Isabella Helena McCullough Brackenridge

George Washington Brackenridge

Mary Eleanor Brackenridge

Elizabeth Ann "Lillie" Brackenridge

Matthews, Erastus Allen (son of Erastus Allen & Lenora Brackenridge Matthews)

John Thomas Brackenridge

James Madison Brackenridge

Robert John Brackenridge

Lenora Helena Brackenridge Matthews

Elizabeth Ann Brackenridge

Isabella M. Brackenridge

Mrs. Isabella M. Brackenridge the aged mother of G. W. Brackenridge, of San Antonio, and Major J. T. and R. J. Brackenridge, of Austin, died suddenly Monday evening, of hemorrhage of the lungs, at her first named son's residence at the head of the river. At 9 o'clock she was apparently well and sitting up in a chair, an hour later she was a corpse.

Austin American-Statesman, December 22, 1886

Mrs. Brackenridge
Death and Burial of an Estimable Lady

From the San Antonio Express

On Saturday night one of the noblest of San Antonio's noble women lay down her cross and took up the crown which a life of Christian devotion and charity had earned. At 9:25 Mrs. Isabella Brackenridge departed this life at Fern Ridge, in the northern suburbs, and as the spark of life passed from the feeble frame that it tenated the electric light which lights the dwelling occupied by the deceased also ceased to light the house, and the mansion was wrapped in grief and darkness. The deceased though old and feeble, had not been seriously ill, and on the evening of her demise up to a few moments before dissolution, appeared in better health and spirits than for a long time past. She bade her children and the household an affectionate goodnight and they left her to slumber in peace, little dreaming that her slumber was to be one with no earthly awakening. She was seized with a sudden and violent coughing spell, and during the paroxysm a blood vessel was ruptured. She died before they were aware of her serious condition, and their affectionate and plaintive appeals could not call her back.

The deceased was born at Bardstown, Ky., on December 2, 1811. Her father was James McCulloch, a prominent banker. Her husband was the late John A. Brackenridge, to whom she was wedded in 1829, at Boonville, Ky. They came to Texas in 1853, and located in Texana, Jackson county, where they remained until her husband's death, after which, in 1871, she came to San Antonio and located at the head of the San Antonio river. During the years that she remained here she was always engaged in some noble, charitable work. She had an especial affection for the orphans and was ever engaged in supplying their wants. The Eden-like grounds of her spacious villa were often their play ground. In person, she ministered to their wants and feasted the fatherless waifs. She was one of the principle founders of the San Antonio home for children. Before her death, the directory wanted to name that institution for her, but she modestly declined. The home, nevertheless, will be a lasting monument to her illustrious memory, and the gratitude of its inmates will be a tribute almost as lasting. All who knew the gentle, amiable old lady loved her, and now that death has taken her, the grief that her passing away causes is intense, sincere and widespread.

The deceased leaves behind to mourn her loss three daughters--Mrs. West, Mrs. Matthews and Miss Eleanor, and four sons--George W., J. T., R. J., and J. M. Brackenridge, to whom the entire community extend their sympathy in their bereavement.

Funeral services were held at the late residence Sunday afternoon and were conducted by Rev. Drs. J. W. Neil and Scudder, assisted by Rev. E. B. Chappel. The remains left the city yesterday morning on a special funeral train for Texana where they were interred beside those of her late husband.

Col. George W. Brackenridge was in Washington, D. C. when apprised of the death of his beloved mother and could not reach the city in time to attend the funeral. It was the wish of the deceased, expressed a short time before her death, that the funeral should take place shortly after her death. She did not wish to be buried in a metallic casket, but in a plain board coffin. The remains could not, therefore, be preserved until her son's arrival and the mother's wish be complied with. Peace to the ashes of the lamented and honored dead. Let the gentle hands of children strew flowers over the grave that is watered by the tears of the many who loved her.

Austin American-Statesman, December 23, 1886
 

John T. Brackenridge Died Saturday Evening
One of Texas' Best Known Men Passes Away
Has Been Ill in San Antonio for Four Months, and During the Past Few Days His Life Was Despaired Of

Major John T. Brackenridge of Austin, a brother of George W. Brackenridge of this city, and himself one of the most prominent business and professional men in the Southwest, died at the Brackenridge apartments over the Loan and Trust building Saturday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the age of 78 years. The body will be taken to Austin today and the funeral will be held in that city Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

Major Brackenridge had been sick in this city about four months, and for the last few days his condition was critical and the end, when it came was not unexpected. He had not been in good health for three years, but his ___did not indicate a serious phase until four months ago when he was taken sick in this city while returning to Austin from his ranch in Wilson County. His condition gradually grew worse until the time of his death. The nature of his illness has not been fully agreed upon by physicians.

Surviving the deceased are two brothers, George W. Brackenridge and Robert Brackenridge both of whom were in the city at the time of his death; a sister, Miss Eleanor, who is abroad; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Lucy Dupuy, and a cousin, Miss Kate Thomas, both of whom were members of his household in Austin.

Full details as to the funeral arrangements has not been perfected Saturday night, but it was decided that the body would be taken to the late home in Austin today and interred Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Other details for the funeral will be arranged in Austin.

Major Brackenridge came to Texas from Indiana of which State he was a native, in the latter part of 1851, settling at Texana. He was educated for the legal professions, but never actually pursued that profession. After settling in Texas he engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he followed until the beginning of the Civil War when he joined the Confederacy and followed the fortunes of the Southern army until the end of the war. He then came to San Antonio and joined his brother in the establishment of the San Antonio National Bank, of which he was cashier for many years. In time he retired from the institution and went to Austin where he became president of the First National Bank. He continued in that capacity for a number of years, and upon retiring he engaged in stock raising on his ranch in Wilson County and on his farm about three miles from Austin. He was a fancier of fine horses, cattle and chickens.

During the latter years of his life he became interested deeply in scientific subjects, and was a member of several scientific societies, one of which was the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Major Brackenridge at one time sought the nomination of Governor of Texas and at another time was an elector of the Cleveland ticket, but outside of these he never sought political preferment, being content to pursue his business activities.

Deceased was widely known in this city. At Austin, his home, his death will come as a great shock. He had been a very active man all of his life and was ever identified with the best interests of Southwest Texas. His death will be widely mourned.

San Antonio Express, Sunday, March 4, 1906

J. T. Breckenridge at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, March 4.--The body of the late Major John T. Brackenridge, who died Saturday afternoon in his room over the Loan and Trust company building, was Sunday morning taken to Austin and the home of the deceased in that city. The funeral of the distinguished banker will take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Many persons from this city, who were friends of the deceased and of this family, will attend the obsequies.

Houston Post, March 5, 1906

J. T. Brackenridge

The news of the death at San Antonio of Major J. T. Brackenridge, one of the oldest settlers of Austin, was received here with the deepest regret by his many friends. The remains arrived here this morning and the funeral will take place from the family residence, "Cedar Croft," in South Austin, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Houston Post, March 5, 1906

Mortuary
Major J. T. Brackenridge

The remains of Major J. T. Brackenridge, who died in San Antonio Saturday afternoon, an account of which was give yesterday, reached this city over the International yesterday morning at 11 o'clock.

The remains of Major Brackenridge were accompanied by relatives from San Antonio and were removed from the train to his home in South Austin, from which place the funeral will be conducted this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the City cemetery.

The following gentlemen will act as pallbearers: Messrs. Pete Lawless, W. B. Blocker, J. W. Graham, A. J. Zilker, Chas. P. Randolph and Henry Hutchings.

Austin American-Statesman, March 5, 1906
 

Fern Ridge
 

George Washington Brackenridge

Brackenridge Laid to Rest In Family Lot
Edna Masons Conduct Burial Service For Dead Philanthropist At Old Home

With the same simplicity which marked his many years of life in San Antonio, the body of George W. Brackenridge, philanthropist and financier, who died Tuesday evening was laid to rest this afternoon at Edna, Jackson County, Texas.

The simple burial service, in accord with the often expressed wish of Mr. Brackenridge during his lifetime, was in charge of the Masonic lodge at Edna, he being a member of the Masonic fraternity. The body was placed in the Brackenridge family vault in the little cemetery of the little town where Mr. Brackenridge spent a part of his younger manhood. It reposes beside that of his father and of his mother and other members of the Brackenridge family who had gone before him.

The brief, unostentatious burial rites at Edna were attended by relatives of the dead man and by more than two score prominent business and professional men of San Antonio and other parts of the State who, in his lifetime, were warm personal friends or business associates of Mr. Brackenridge. The body, banked high with floral offerings, was taken to the little Texas town in Mr. Brackenridge's private car, the "Fern Ridge" Special accommodations were provided on the train for friends attending the funeral. The train bearing the body left the Southern Pacific station at 8:15 o'clock this morning, reaching Edna, Texas, shortly before 3 o'clock this afternoon.

The burial services at Edna this afternoon followed unostentatious rites held here yesterday afternoon at the Brackenridge family home on Washington Heights. The services there, occupying less than half an hour, also were in keeping with Mr. Brackenridge's often expressed desire for simplicity.

The mourners gathered in the great hall of the residence and the music room where the body of Mr. Brackenridge rested on a mound of flowers represented a wide range of professions, businesses and interests. There were laborers who had worked for Mr. Brackenridge many years, foremen who had served under him in the San Antonio Water Works, associates in the banking business, ministers whom he had aided in establishing their churches, business men who had profited by his counsel, representatives of the San Antonio Scientific Society of which he was first president, university professors, physicians, nurses, a Salvation Army representative--the gathering was distinctly representative of men and women engaged in working for the betterment of society, who had found Mr. Brackenridge a life-long ally.

The service at 5 o'clock included part of the funeral ritual of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, a few bars from Chopin's Funeral March played on the residence organ of Fern Ridge, prayer by Bishop J. S. Johnston, formerly bishop of the diocese of West Texas, and a song, "Just as I am," by Charles Stone of the choir of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Dr. James M. Todd, pastor of Madison Square, read the ritual and spoke from the text, "Know ye not there is a prince and a great man fallen this day," the Words of David at the death of his favorite captain, Abner.

"George W. Brackenridge was princely in mind, in heart, and in deeds," said Dr. Todd. "His intellectual range was wide, his mind analytical and comprehensive, and he was a student to the day of his death. His heart was sympathetic and generous to every plea that came from human injustice and his deeds were the expression of his mind and heart.

"Like many men of large means he had activities which were particularly favored by his interest. His benefactions for education, his gifts of parks and his influence for social betterment were outstanding. He will be mourned by thousands who never saw his face."

San Antonio Evening News, December 30, 1920 & photos December 29, 1920
 

Death of Judge J. M. Brackenridge
End Came After Long Illness Resulting From An Affliction of the Throat--Funeral Monday

Austin, Tex., Aug. 13.--(Special.)-The death of Judge J. M. Brackenridge occurred here at his home last evening. It had been known for some time that he could not recover from the peculiar malady with which he was afflicted. He suffered from a stricture of the throat which prevented him from taking nourishment and he literally starved to death. He was 71 years old. He came to Texas from Indiana, where he was born. He lived for some time in Hays County, where he served as district attorney. He moved to Austin in 1876 and took a position as assistant cashier in a local bank. He served three years as county judge. He was a brother of  Col. George W. Brackenridge of San Antonio, Dr. R. L. Brackenridge and Major J. T. Brackenridge of Austin, Miss Eleanor Brackenridge of San Antonio and Mrs. L. R. Matthews of San Antonio.

His widow and three children survive him. His children are Mrs. A. J. Peeler of Mexico City, Mrs. E. O. Roberts of Taylor and Captain John A. Brackenridge of Austin. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 o'clock.

San Antonio Express, Monday, August 14, 1905
 

Mary Eleanor Brackenridge

Notable Texas Woman Passes Away

Miss Mary Eleanor Brackenridge, for more than fifty years one of Texas' notable women, passed away at Fernridge, her residence, in San Antonio, Thursday evening, Feb. 14th, at 6:16 o'clock.

Her passing removes a pioneer club woman, and a woman who perhaps did more for the cause of suffrage in Texas than any one woman in the State. She being actively identified with and in many cases the leader of movements affecting the public welfare for more than half a century.

Miss Brackenridge was the sister of the late George W. Brackenridge, and is survived by relatives over the State, including the following Taylor relatives: Mrs. O. E. Roberts and Jim and Helena Roberta, Major Jno. A. Brackenridge and John Brackenridge, Jr., and Geo. B. Peeler.

Taylor Daily Press, February 15, 1924

Miss Brackenridge Laid to Rest Near Edna

San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 16.--The funeral services for the late Miss M. Eleanor Brackenridge were held at Fernridge, her home in San Antonio, Friday afternoon Feb. 15th. at four-thirty o'clock.

A funeral train left San Antonio Saturday morning for Edna, Jackson County, for interment in the family burying ground.

The flag on the Capitol, at Austin, was placed at half mast out of respect for Miss Brackenridge.

Taylor Daily Press, February 17, 1924

Miss Brackenridge Dies At Home In San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 14.--Miss Mary Eleanor Brackenridge, aged 87, member of the board of regents of the College of Industrial Arts at Denton since its founding and long a leader in Texas temperance, educational and women's and children's welfare movements, died at her home here tonight after a week's illness. Her brother, the late George W. Brackenridge, died in December 1920.

Lampasas Leader, February 22, 1924

Eleanor Brackenridge

In San Antonio a few days ago there passed from earth to heaven a woman whose memory will always be precious and sweet to the poor girls of the state. The woman was Miss M. Eleanor Brackenridge, who died at the age of 87. This noble woman, besides engaging in many other good works, paid especial attention to aiding poor girls in obtaining an education. At one time a dozen girls were kept in one of the state institutions by this woman, and perhaps all told 200 poor girls were educated by her. The writer was at Denton a few years ago when a fine-looking woman came from Boston with a poor girl, whom she placed in the College of Industrial Arts. The woman told us that once she was a poor, friendless girl in San Antonio. Miss Brackenridge found her there, sent her to the College of Industrial arts and paid the expenses of her education. She married well and made her home in Boston. In that city she found a poor friendless girl and brought her all the way to Denton to place her in the same school in which she had been placed years before by Miss Brackenridge. A great woman has passed on, and the world is much better because she lived.

Honey Grove Signal, February 22, 1924
 

Dr. Brackenridge Died Here Today

Dr. R. J. Brackenridge, one of Austin's pioneer citizens, passed away this morning at his home on San Antonio Street. Old age was one of the causes assigned for his death, having also been confined to his bed for the last two years.

Dr. Brackenridge was one of the foremost men in Austin. Coming here in 1875, he established a bank, called the First National Bank of Austin. He has been a resident of Austin since that time and has been engaged in various kinds of occupations. He was noted for his charitable actions, always aiding the poor and needy. Up until the day before his death, he furnished the soldiers with magazines and papers, and one of his requests at his death was to send the box which he had prepared.

Dr. Brackenridge was a brother of the famous Col. George W. Brackenridge of San Antonio, Texas, both of whom were extremely active in State work and interests. He is survived by several relatives in the city, among whom being a sister-in-law, Mrs. J. M. Brackenridge.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.

Funeral Notice

Dr. R. J. Brackenridge died at an early hour this morning. The funeral services will be held from the house at 10 o'clock Thursday morning. Please omit flowers.

Austin American-Statesman, June 26, 1918

Dr. R. J. Brackenridge Pioneer Citizen Of Austin, Passes Away

Dr. R. J. Brackenridge, one of the most prominent pioneer citizens of Austin, died at his home, 2204 San Antonio street, yesterday morning.

The cause of death was due to the infirmities of old age, as Dr. Brackenridge was confined to his bed only two days.

Dr. Brackenridge moved to Austin in 1875, and went into the banking business, establishing the First National bank.

Since his residence in Austin he has been known as one of the most active and prominent citizens, and has been engaged in various kinds of business.

He was especially interested in the soldiers, and it was reported yesterday that he sent magazines and papers to the camps up until the day of his death.

Dr. Brackenridge is survived by his wife, a brother, Colonel George T. [W.] Brackenridge of San Antonio, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. J. M. Brackenridge.

Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock this morning from the home.

Austin American, June 27, 1918

Dr. Brackenridge

At a called meeting of the Austin Bible Society June 30, 1918, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, it has pleased God to remove from his earthly labors our beloved brother, Dr. Robert J. Brackenridge, at the ripe age of 79 years, and in view of his Christian and charitable works in this community and the love and esteem in which he was held by all, especially by this society, and in order that we may make a fitting memorial of our beloved brother and friend. There be it

Resolved, That in the death of Dr. Brackenridge the Austin Bible Society has suffered an irreparable loss, that it has lost its most efficient worker, he having served as president for upwards of a quarter of a century. That we realize that he has during all these years kept this society alive. No one has done more in the interest of Bible study and work than he. That he was specially interested in the propagation of the Bible among all nationalities, taking the liveliest interest in such work among all our foreigners. Furthermore, he was a life member of the American Bible Society, being loyal and devoted to it and its ideas and works.

Resolved further, That in common with the citizenship of Austin, we mourn the loss of this good man and realize his place can not soon be filled. His memory shall linger long in this city and his spotless life and character will serve as an inspiration to all who follow after him.

Resolved further, That copies of these resolutions be furnished to his family the local papers, the San Antonio Express and the American Bible Society.

George W. Beaver, Pres., Robert E. Cofer, George T. Simpson, Mrs. L. H. Sydnor, Committee.

Austin American-Statesman, July 7, 1918

Dr. Robert J. Brackenridge

First Presbyterian, corner, Seventh and Lavaca streets:...For the night service the Austin Bible Society will hold their annual meeting in connection with a memorial service in memory of our beloved elder, Dr. Robert J. Brackenridge, who was president of this society for so many years. Songs which were his favorites will be sung at this service.

Austin American-Statesman, November 24, 1916

Lenora Helena Brackenridge Matthews
 

Attended Funeral of Mrs. Matthews

Mrs. R. J. Brackenridge and Mrs. Martha Brackenridge, sisters-in-law of Mrs. Lenora Selena Brackenridge Matthews, who died Sunday morning in San Antonio, attended Mrs. Matthews' funeral yesterday at San Marcos. Dr. R. J. Brackenridge, her brother, was unable to attend.

Mrs. Matthews had resided a number of years in San Marcos, but had gone from San Marcos to San Antonio some time before her passing. She was 76 years of age and a native of Indiana. Close relatives surviving are her daughters, Miss M. Eleanor Matthews and Mrs. Bessie McIntyre; her son, John A. Matthews, her sister, Miss M. Elenore Brackenridge, and her brothers, George W. Brackenridge of San Antonio and Dr. R. J. Brackenridge of Austin.

Those who knew Mrs. Matthews declare she was a woman of exceptional intellect and culture, and of beautiful character. She established the Red Cross work in San Marcos just before moving to San Antonio.

Austin American-Statesman, January 22, 1918

Funeral of Mrs. Matthews

San Marcos, Texas, Jan. 22.--The funeral of Mrs. Lenora Selena Brackenridge Matthews, who died in San Antonio Sunday morning, was held here yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Matthews lived in San Marcos for many years, but had gone from San Marcos to San Antonio. She was 76 years of age, and a native of Indiana.

Surviving relatives are her daughters, Miss M. Eleanor Matthes, and Mrs. Bessie McIntyre; her son, John A. Matthews, her sister, Miss M. Eleanor Brackenridge, and her brothers, George W. Brackenridge of San Antonio, and Dr. R. J. Brackenridge of Austin, Mrs. R. J. Brackenridge and Mrs. Martha Brackenridge of Austin attended the funeral.

Mrs. Matthews was a woman of exceptional intellect and culture, and of beautiful character. She established the Red Cross work in San Marcos before she moved to San Antonio.

Austin American, January 23, 1918
 

Matthews Plot - San Marcos Cemetery, San Marcos, Hays County, Texas   Lenora Brackenridge Matthews
T. B. Matthews	M. Eleanor Matthews
J. A. Matthews	Isabella H. MacIntyre