Person:Thor Brendjord (1)

From the Eau Claire Leader, Dec. 17, 1907: Thomas Brendgaard, the veteran watchman at the Muscatine Lumber Company was found dead in the company stables Sunday morning at 6 o'clock. The news came as a sad shock to his family and friends as he had been enjoying the best of health. One of the teamsters in the employ of the company went to the stable shortly after 6 o'clock to care for his team. On entering the stable he saw the lantern which Mr. Brendgaard had carried sitting near the door in a vacant stable nearby. He saw the body of the aged watchman lying face downward. He went to him and saw in an instant that he had passed away and had been dead for some time. News of the death was conveyed to the family and also the authorities. Coroner Stokes was notified and he made an examination of the body. The examination disclosed no clue as to the cause of death. There were no marks onthe body which would indicate that any personal violence had been comitted. Some were of the opinion that the unfortunate man had been kicked by one of the horses but no marks could be found on the head that would bear out that theory. From all circumstances it is most reasonable to suppose that Brendgaard, whild passing the stable, heard one of the horses which was loose and entered to attend to it. He deposited the lantern near the door and stood hiscane by the side of the stall. He then took a few steps in the direction of the manger with the intention of getting the halter but before he reached it he fell dead in the stable. It is almost certain that he died instantly asthere were no signs of any struggle. His clothes were not disturbed in any way and his mittens were on his hands when found. Coroner Stokes said that the man showed indications of having been dead at least two hours at the timehe made his examination. Thomas Brendgaard was born in Norway 68 years ago. He came to this country and located in Eau Claire when a young man. he was in the employ of the Valley Lumber Company 35 years and had been working for Muscatine Company since last fall. He was an honest faithful man and was held in high esteem by his employers. No arrangements for the funeral have been made at this time as the services will be deferred until the arrival of ason who is in North Dakota.