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J.W. Brentlinger

J.W. Brentlinger, who died Monday morning, December 11 at the home of his son, F.R. Brentlinger in this city was a native of Pennsylvania.

At the first call for volunteers during the Civil War, Mr. Brentlinger enlisted in the Union service. After the war he came west living in Colorado for a number of years, where he was prominently in politics and when in the prime of manhood was a forcible writer and speaker on economic questions. He was prominent in the State in all reform movements, enjoying the intimate friendship of Henry George and was appointed Labor Commissioner by Governor Waite.

The deceased came to Santa Cruz two years ago and since then has been bookkeeper for the Tent City Corporation. He was a man of kindly and cheerful disposition, winning the esteem and confidence of his associates. From his long residence in the west he had become thoroughly imbued with the western spirit, and was broadminded and liberal. Although not obtrusive in his manners, Mr. Brentlinger was a man of advanced ideas, an inveterate reader, and a student and thinker.

At the time of his death he was a member of the Maccabee lodge of Alameda, the AOUW, the GAR, the Unity Spiritual Society and [?]. He was also a Mason of advanced degrees although not affiliated with the order in recent years.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (December 15, 1905)

Funeral of J.W. Brentlinger
Unique Services at Jeffreys' Undertaking Parlors on Wednesday Morning

The funeral services over the body of the late Joseph W. Brentlinger were held at the Jeffreys undertaking parlors on Walnut Av. on Wednesday morning. A large number of friends of the deceased were present, including a big delegation from the G.A.R., of which Mr. Brentlinger was a member.

Mrs. Harveston had charge of the service and sang "The Holy City". Prof. Tucker also sang a solo, accompanied by A.M. Baldwin. At the request of the family, Charles J. Anderson made a few remarks as a personal friend of deceased, referencing to his interest in the advancement of the community and styling him as a "a soldier in the army of the commonwealth". A poem which Mr. Brentlinger had written shortly before he passed away was also read.

The body was taken to Pueblo Colo. for interment, by his son F.R. Brentlinger on Wednesday morning.

Date of Birth: 1838-03-16

Date of Death: 1905-11-12

County: US/CO

Cemetery/City of Burial: Pueblo, CO

Mortuary: EJO

Cause of Death: Hrt/Related

Occupation: Blacksmith

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: PA

Enlisted: 1861/04/23

Discharged: 1864/07/01

Military Unit: NY_ 70 Inf_ Co E

Rank: Sg1

Military Notes: (Brenthunger) E-Pttsbrg_PA

GAR#: YES?

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: SEN 1905/12/15