1580 RES OLUT I ON NO. 1580
When a distinguished, respected, esteemed and
eminent citizen and statesman, long and loyal and faithful
public servant of this city and state, has passed to his
reward, it is appropriate that those who are the beneficiaries
of his noble efforts should pay their last tributes of
homage and respect to one who has so nobly conducted his
life and ably served his constituency as to become not only
one of the leading~ citizens and statesmen of the City of
Little Rock, but of the entire state .
Benjamin D. Brickhouse was born in Norfolk, Virginia
on June 3, 1873, and came to Little Rock when he was fifteen
years of age, and was employed in the Missouri Pacific Shops
in North Little Rock. In 1904 he entered the University of
Arkansas Law ;school, graduating from that institution four
years later. After practicing *pis chosen profession in this
city for some time, Mr. Brickhouse was elected alderman in
the Eighth Ward, and was later appointed Commissioner of Labor
by Governor Charles H. Brough in 1917 because of his active
participation and untiring efforts to improve the working con-
ditions and raise the standard of living for the laboring man.
He retired from this position after a short
and was elected Mayor of Little Rock in 1917, and the people
of this city, recognizing the ability of this person, re-elected
him twice to the highest office in our City lovernirent. After
leaving the Mayor' s office he again entered into the practice
of law and was honored and respected by all of his brother lawyers
for the manner in which he carried on the practice of his
profession.
After practicing law for some years Mr. 3rickhouse
again entered into the service of his state by becoming a member
of the General Assembly of this state in 1936, a position which
he held until his death.
We all appreciate how inadequate our tongue may
be in potttraying our feelings upon the occasion of the
passing of this fine gentleman, and we are all familiar
with the hardships that he underwent in securing the necessary
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education to prepare hirslor a life which was to be distinguished
in service and in attainment.
Yr. Brickhouse was a great orator, but did not sssay
to employ this ac co_plishment to obtain results . He sought
facts, analyzed and applied facts, reduced principles, and
upon these anchored his efforts, conclusion and judgment.
He was possessed of great common sense, of fine intelligence,
affable manner and keen sense of honor, ethics and responsi-
bility. He had the personality and ability of a born leader
and was vigorous, honest, courageous, pat ptic and high-minded
in everything that engaged his attention. He built a monument
of love and affection in the hearts of his fellow citizens,
marking a career of great distinguished and outstanding service .
In him was placed the confidence of the people and his associates
because of the high standard of ethics and public service that
always actuated him. Reliance could be had upon the soundness
of his judgment and decision upon any natter affecting the
public or general welfare. He was not given to compromise
of his convictions upon any public question, but always respected
the opinions of others.
This distinguished gentleman did not seek the
material things of life for himself. He accu-Wmulated little
of the goods we call "worldly", although his ability, talents
and prestige if applied in that direction, without doubt, would
have brought him great financial reward.
Fn
Ben D. Britikhousets passing removes from the scene
of action an illustrious personality and one of the ablest
leaders this city and state has produced. Throughout his
long brilliant career of public service he courageously met
every responsibility of trust reposed in him and discharged
all duties that it became his obligation to perform. His
loyalty has seldom been equalled and never surpassed. Until
the very end he unfalteringly and valiantly carried the heavy
and burdensome load his position required of him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RE,SOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK that in the death of this upright
citizen, eminent statesman and peerless leader, whose earnest
and unselfish public service commanded and received the
respect and confidence of the people of this state and city
have suffered an irreparable and greveou.s loss .
That a copy of this resolution be permanently
recorded in the minutes of this body, a copy be furnished to
the public Dress and_ a copy be transmitted to the grief
stricken widow.
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a 4 1,0 ,Z
ADuPTk,D: June lo, 1941
ATTES AP" U:
ity Clerk. t ayor.