Col. Charles H. Van Brakle died suddenly of heart disease at his residence in this city Friday afternoon. About three weeks ago he was taken with a severe cold. Pneumonia resulted and confined him to his home. During the three days before his death he had remained in bed. At five o’clock Friday he arose, walked into an adjoining room; turned and went back to bed. His death, which immediately followed, was apparently painless.

Charles H. Van Brakle was born April 6th, 1835, at Troy, N. Y. His father was James Van Brakle, of the West Indies, and his mother, Ann Eliza Heartt, of Troy, daughter of Jonas C. Heartt, a prominent resident of that city. He was educated at Geneva College, and was for a considerable period thereafter in the West Indies. He located in Watertown in 1858. He enlisted in the 14th New York Heavy Artillery in 1861, was first lieutenant of Company B, was promoted to adjutant and served until December 28, 1864. The regiment was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and other minor engagements. In January, 1866, he accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Agricultural Insurance Company, which position he occupied at the time of his death. He has been a notary public since 1867. He has been a member of the National Guard since Feb. 7, 1860, and was gradually promoted from first lieutenant to colonel. In 1878, he retired from active service as colonel and assistant adjutant general of the Fourth division. He was city clerk two years and a member of the board of directors of the fire department for several years. In October, 1859, he married Miss Georgiana Flushing who survives to mourn his loss.

The deceased was a member of the four Masonic bodies of this city, of New York Consistory. He had been nominated for the 33 degree in masonry and was a member of Mecca Temple, N. M. S., of New York city. He was also a member of the Forester’s Court, this city, of Joe Spratt Post, G. A. R., and of the Army of the Potomac.

His funeral was held Monday at 2 P. M., under the direction of Watertown Commandery Knights Templar, Watertown lodge, F. & A. M., Joe Spratt Post, G. A. R., 39th Separate Company, and Court Watertown I. O. F., also attended.