My Genealogy Hound

HENRY M. BRODRICK, M. D. A volume dedicated to the public-spirited citizens of Berrien County would be incomplete were no mention made of the popular and successful physician whose name introduces this brief article. The Doctor is a native of New Brunswick and was born in St. John July 12, 1840. He is of direct Irish descent, his grandfather, John Brodrick, having been born in the Emerald Isle, whence he went alone to Nova Scotia at the age of fifteen. His occupation was that of farming, and he spent his closing years in the province to which he went in youth.

James H. Brodrick, father of our subject, was born in Nova Scotia and in his youth learned the trade of a blacksmith and machinist, serving an apprenticeship of seven years in St. John, New Brunswick. Subsequently he became captain on a steamer sailing from St. John to all the ports of England, Scotland, Ireland and the Continent. At the present writing (1893), he resides in New Brunswick, and at the age of four-score and three years enjoys fairly good health. His wife was Eliza McAdam, a native of St. John, New Brunswick, and the daughter of Henry McAdam, her grandfather, William McAdam, having emigrated thither from Kent, England, and thus founded the family in America. The mother of our subject is still living, although at an advanced age, having been born in 1815.

The Doctor is the only survivor of three sons, the others having died in infancy. He was reared in St. John and was the recipient of splendid educational advantages, having for a time attended the Baptist Seminary at Frederickton, New Brunswick. With his parents he went to Ingersoll, Ontario, at the age of sixteen, and there worked at the iron business for seven years. Later he commenced the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. Springer, of Ingersoll, and continued in that way for four years, when, having completed his leading, he located in Uxbridge, Ontario, and opened an office. While pursuing his studies under Dr. Springer, he was graduated from the St. Louis Homeopathic College in 1867. During the following year he was graduated at Toronto from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Going to Decatur, Mich., in 1869, Dr. Brodrick conducted a practice there both extensive and lucrative. However, he was so pleased with the opening which Buchanan offered, that he resolved upon locating here, and in 1890 transferred his office to this place. His skill as a physician has gained for him the confidence of the people and his success in the treatment of difficulty cases is universally recognized. For several years he has held the position of Health Officer for both the village and township. Politically, he is a Republican and has served as a member of the County Republican Committee, Township Clerk, Village Clerk and in other positions of trust. Socially, he affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America.

In November, 1868, the Doctor married Miss Anna Swayze, a native of Ingersoll, Ontario, and the daughter of Nelson and Mary Swayze. Her education was received in the schools of Ingersoll and she is a lady of intelligence, occupying a high place in the regard of her friends. Her marriage resulted in the birth of three children. James A. and Harry S. are deceased, the latter having died at the age of thirteen years. William N. is the only surviving child.