THE OBITUARY OF Lewis C. Brackett

Lewis C. Brackett Lewis C. Brackett, 85, pioneer stationery and book dealer of Council Bluffs, died Monday evening of heart disease at his home, 514 Fourth Street, after working at his store most of the day. Mr. Bracket had been in business in Council Bluffs for sixty years and in that time had never missed a day at work. During this last winter he had suffered considerable from influenza but refused to stay at home. He would appear at the store for at least part of the day before returning home to rest. A native of Vermont, Mr. Brackett was forced to seek work early in life when his father died leaving eleven children. After working at various trades in several parts of the country, Mr. Brackett settled in Council Bluffs on September 18, 1871. Here he opened his first book store with his brother, Herman Brackett. The store was known as the Postoffice Bookstore because it was located in the postoffice building at 26 Main Street. Mr. Brackett soon added another partner to the firm, D.W. Bushnell. Later Mr. Brackett sold his interest and opened his second store in the Broadway Livery Stable. A year and one half later he moved to 224 West Broadway. Later he moved to the foot of Glen Avenue, then to Sixth Street and Broadway and in 1914 to his present location at 202 South Main Street. Mr. Brackett was at his store as usual Monday, but complained he was not feeling well shortly after noon and went home. His daughter, Mrs. Anita Baum, assists him in running the store. Monday at 5:30 pm., he said, he was feeling much better, but he died suddenly at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Brackett is survived by a son, Gilbert Brackett of Des Moines; his widow, Harriett, two daughters, Mrs. Anita Baum at home, and Mrs. B.J. Conlon of Council Bluffs. He also leaves five grandchildren. He was a member of local Masonic orders and of the Episcopal Church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Cutler's Funeral Home. Father C.C. Reimer of St. Paul's Episcopal Church will be in charge. Interment will be in Memorial Park.