The obituary was for an “expert penman” who died 136 years ago on March 30, 1888 at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. It was published in the April 2, 1888 edition of the New York Times. For anyone who may not be familiar with the term, n expert penman is someone highly skilled in the art of penmanship and calligraphy.

Benjamin Franklin Brady (1834–1888) was a well-known artist in New York City and particularly recognized for his penmanship. He created a memorial for Congressman Webster Wagner, who tragically lost his life in a train wreck. Brady’s artistic talents extended beyond mere penmanship, as he was also an accomplished artist.

Benjamin F. Brady … was one of the most expert penmen in the world. He styled himself an artist penman,

Benjamin F. Brady’s Obituary, New York Times, April 2, 1888

Benjamin Brady was born in New York City in 1834 to James Brady and Rebecca Redman Cox.

Benjamin was married twice. His first marriage was to Isabella S. [de] Chalabre on June 28, 1855, in New York City. They had two children: Ella Rebecca and Irene Perry Brady. Unfortunately, this marriage ended in divorce. Isabella was allowed to remarry, but Benjamin was ordered not to marry again until Isabella’s death.

However, the day following day his divorce, Benjamin married Ellen Stafford. They had two children: Florence Stafford Engels and Frank Wilkerson Engels. This marriage also ended, in divorce and both parties were ordered not to remarry.

Brady passed away on March 30, 1888 with the cause of death was a combination of Bright’s Disease and Cirrhosis of the Liver. He is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn along with many 19th ballists including, James Whyte-Davis, Jim Creighton, and Henry Chadwick.

His work has been famous here in New York for many years, and during his life he probably engrossed more official documents, memorial, albums, and society resolutions than any other man in that line of business. Specimens of his handiwork are scattered throughout public buildings and in many private ones.

Benjamin F. Brady’s Obituary, New York Times, April 2, 1888

Below is an example of a credit on a document he prepared.