Charles K. Plank & Mary "Minnie" Brackett  

Published in The Rochester News-Sentinel Thursday, February 13, 1941

Charles K. PLANK, aged 82, retired business man and prominent citizen of Rochester, died Wednesday evening in Winter Haven, Florida from injuries which he received February 6, when he fell in the bathroom of the apartment of his son, Don PLANK, Sr.

Mr. Plank left Rochester about one month ago with his daughter, Mrs. Charles PYLE and Mr. PYLE, for a winter vacation in Florida. Little could be learned about Mr. Plank's life in Rochester today as his family were in Winter Haven.

The Plank home in Rochester is located at 1021 South Main street.

Mr. Plank was a life resident of Rochester. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. Asa K. PLANK. His father was a pioneer doctor and druggist and was in the drug business with the late Jonathan DAWSON.

He was educated in the schools of Rochester and was a school teacher for several years. Mr. Plank then opened a drug store at 502 North Main street. This store contained the first artificial gas lights in Rochester, replacing coal oil lamps. They were placed in service in 1889 and was quite an event at the time with nearly the entire populace of Rochester present when the lights were turned on. Later other business houses used this form of lighting.

Mr. Plank sold his drug store to the late P. M. SHORE and these fixtures are still in use in the drug department of the SHORE & HART store. Mr. Plank then entered the shoe business at 808 Main street. His store was known as the HOOSIER SHOE STORE which he operated for over forty years, disposing of the same to Jack STAFFORD, after which he retired.

All children remembered Mr. Plank because of his kindly and courteous manner.

Mr. Plank was active in church, civic and social circles here. He was the member of all commercial organizations which functioned at various times during his long residence in this city. He was a member of the First Baptist church and of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges of Rochester.

His wife who was Miss Minnie BRACKETT, died May 12, 1936.

Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Anna ENSIGN, Boise, Idaho and Mrs. Charles PYLE of this city; a son, Don PLANK, Sr., of Rochester; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A brother, William PLANK, preceded him in death.

The funeral arrangements were incomplete today but the body will be returned here for funeral services and interment.

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Mary "Minnie" Brackett Plank

Published in The Rochester News-Sentinel Wednesday, May 13, 1936

Mrs. Charles K. [Mary BRACKETT] PLANK, a pioneer resident of this city, passed away at Woodlawn hospital, Tuesday evening at six o'clock. Death was attributed to diabetes and complications. Mrs. Plank's condition became quite critical about a week ago at which time she was removed to Woodlawn. However, she had been in failing health for the past several years.

Mary, daughter of Dr. Charles and Margaret (WILSON) BRACKETT, was born March 4th, 1860 in Rochester and has resided in this city throughout her entire life. She was a graduate of the Rochester high school, the Deniston College, of Granville, Ohio, and the Chicago College of Music.

During the earlier periods of her life her outstanding musical talents, both vocal and instrumental were most graciously extended in both religious and social activities in this community.

Upon reaching womanhood, she united in wedlock with Charles K. PLANK, the ceremony being pronounced in the Brackett home on October 22nd, 1879.

Mrs. Plank became a member of the First Baptist church of this city when a girl of 16 years of age, and her entire life was devoted to the interests of this religious organization and her family. She also was a charter member of the D.A.R. and took active interest in this national patriotic organization until failing health forced her retirement. The deceased through her quiet and unassuming manner had made a legion of friends throughout this community.

The survivors are the husband; two daughters, Mrs. Charles PYLE, of this city; Mrs. Frank ENSIGN, of Boise City, Idaho; a son Don PLANK, Sr., of Rochester; a sister, Mrs. Frank BRYANT, of Rochester; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Plank home, 1021 South Main street, Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. B. G. FIELD, pastor of the Baptist church, will officiate. Interment will be made in the I.O.O.F. cemetery