A Brief Autobiography
Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Land of Swamp Water. The region where I was born and raised is in the extreme northeastern part of North Carolina. Within a 25-mile radius of Elizabeth City, the county seat of Pasquotank County, is the Great Dismal Swamp to the north and west, the Outer Banks and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Albemarle Sound to the south. Elizabeth City is located on the banks of the Pasquotank River. When I was growing up, the town had a population of about 12,000 and the surrounding rural area of the county had about that many more. The main industry at the time was lumbering, agriculture, fishing and shipbuilding. The region has a rich history.
Family. The Brothers family in the area goes back to the early 1700s. They were plantation owners. My fraternal grandparents had several farms and a dairy south of town. My maternal grandparents were involved in several small businesses. Most of my ancestors were born, lived and died within a six-mile radius of town. My mother considered herself a "wallflower." So when Daddy came along and showed her some attention, she just knew it was meant to be and they married on May 9, 1937, and on March 23, 1938, I was born.
Early Remembrances. I have some remembrances at the ages of 5 and 6 years old. The most vivid memories were about my goat and cart, going squirrel and rabbit hunting with Daddy, his pigeons, the farm, the beach (Outer Banks) and hurricanes. I also have memories of certain aspects of World War II and the concern for family members serving.
Family. The Brothers family in the area goes back to the early 1700s. They were plantation owners. My fraternal grandparents had several farms and a dairy south of town. My maternal grandparents were involved in several small businesses. Most of my ancestors were born, lived and died within a six-mile radius of town. My mother considered herself a "wallflower." So when Daddy came along and showed her some attention, she just knew it was meant to be and they married on May 9, 1937, and on March 23, 1938, I was born.
Early Remembrances. I have some remembrances at the ages of 5 and 6 years old. The most vivid memories were about my goat and cart, going squirrel and rabbit hunting with Daddy, his pigeons, the farm, the beach (Outer Banks) and hurricanes. I also have memories of certain aspects of World War II and the concern for family members serving.
Third Grade (second time).
School. Mentioning my early school years helps to explain something about me. My children and grandchildren really get a kick out of this part of my life. Incidentally, I went to the same school that my mother went to and two of her teachers were also mine. Right from the onset, in the First Grade, I had problems with the three Rs. In the Second Grade, I had to go to summer school in order to advance to the Third Grade. The Third Grade, I failed and had to repeat it. The Fourth and Fifth Grades, I was transferred -- not promoted. This is essentially the way it went until I graduated from high school. Some report cards stated that I was "slow" -- like slow in the mind.
Despite my poor academic status, I played football and ran the 880 yard run in track. However, during the first week of the Eleventh Grade, I was called to the school office and informed that I could not represent the school in any capacity, sports or otherwise, because of my age -- I was too old. In the Twelfth Grade, American Government had an interesting situation. The student teacher was younger than I was. Nevertheless, I got three Ds and a C and at the age of 21, I graduated from high school in 1959, with no honors, but I believe there was a lot of celebrating by teachers and the school office staff. My family was relieaved. Three decades later, I discovered I was dyslexic.
Despite my poor academic status, I played football and ran the 880 yard run in track. However, during the first week of the Eleventh Grade, I was called to the school office and informed that I could not represent the school in any capacity, sports or otherwise, because of my age -- I was too old. In the Twelfth Grade, American Government had an interesting situation. The student teacher was younger than I was. Nevertheless, I got three Ds and a C and at the age of 21, I graduated from high school in 1959, with no honors, but I believe there was a lot of celebrating by teachers and the school office staff. My family was relieaved. Three decades later, I discovered I was dyslexic.
With a rat snake (1955)
Snakes on My Mind. I developed an interest in snakes when I was about 12 years old. I collected snakes around the neighborhood, at the farm, along the rivers and creeks, in the Dismal Swamp and at the beach. As I learned more about these amazing animals, I started keeping meticulous records of measurements (in metric), scale counts, coloration patterns, food items in the stomach, habitat, environmental data, etc. The interest intensified as I grew older and expanded to include other reptiles and amphibians. Also during the school years, I had an interest in model aircraft building, rocketry, electronics, collecting insects, fishing, hunting and taxidermy.
Work and College. While growing up, I needed a source of income. I delivered newspapers and mowed lawns and worked at a skating rink in my mid teens. Later, I worked as a farm laborer and at several grocery stores. After graduating from high school, I had nothing to look forward to but to continue working for the grocery store where I was employed -- it was a good job. However, I found out that a friend was going to a college out west. For some reason, I decided that I wanted to go to college. When the office staff saw my request, they rolled on the floor laughing -- for the obvious reasons. The principal stated, "He's not going anywhere." It appeared he was correct, because the college rejected my application.
Despite the rejection, friends of the family encouraged me to apply to a small junior college in Idaho -- Ricks College. I was accepted! (Many years later, I learned that the friends had made arrangements for me to attend Ricks. How thankful I am for their interest in me at a critical time in my life -- indeed, it was the beginning of a new life for me.) Learning continued to be very hard -- I got mostly Cs and Ds in the more challenging courses, but I got a couple of Bs and an A (mostly in physical education courses). Nevertheless, I was a quick learner about the college system and what I could do best and took advantage of it. I even gave a lecture on snakes in my biology class for extra credit.
Work and College. While growing up, I needed a source of income. I delivered newspapers and mowed lawns and worked at a skating rink in my mid teens. Later, I worked as a farm laborer and at several grocery stores. After graduating from high school, I had nothing to look forward to but to continue working for the grocery store where I was employed -- it was a good job. However, I found out that a friend was going to a college out west. For some reason, I decided that I wanted to go to college. When the office staff saw my request, they rolled on the floor laughing -- for the obvious reasons. The principal stated, "He's not going anywhere." It appeared he was correct, because the college rejected my application.
Despite the rejection, friends of the family encouraged me to apply to a small junior college in Idaho -- Ricks College. I was accepted! (Many years later, I learned that the friends had made arrangements for me to attend Ricks. How thankful I am for their interest in me at a critical time in my life -- indeed, it was the beginning of a new life for me.) Learning continued to be very hard -- I got mostly Cs and Ds in the more challenging courses, but I got a couple of Bs and an A (mostly in physical education courses). Nevertheless, I was a quick learner about the college system and what I could do best and took advantage of it. I even gave a lecture on snakes in my biology class for extra credit.
In the Army now (1962).
Marriage and Army. During the school year, I met Joyce from Eagle, Idaho. We dated and my grades suffered even more -- I was in love. We married in 1960 and I obtained employment with a construction company in Salt Lake City. Within two weeks, I was called to fulfill my military obligation in the United States Army. I took basic training in Fort Hood, Texas. When I was transferred to Fort Niagara, New York, to be assigned, a gruff sergeant came in the barracks and stated that he needed a volunteer for the weekend who could type. I accepted and as a result, I was assigned to the headquarters unit as an administrative clerk -- a plush assignment (sometime it pays to volunteer). Joyce joined me in New York. After a year of service there, I received orders to South Korea. We were very disappointed. Joyce went to stay with her parents for the year I would be gone. A few months into my overseas deployment, I found out that I was going to be a father and a daughter was born in April 1963.
Back to Ricks College and Misfortune. After completing my tour of duty and fulfilling my military service obligation, we went back to Ricks College to resume my education. I changed my major to Zoology. As a result of the dyslexia, I continued to struggle with the coursework. Nevertheless, I managed to successfully get through another year. However, after five years of marriage and another daughter, we divorced. In despair, I went back to North Carolina, got a job and absorbed myself in herpetological interests -- collecting, investigations, newspaper articles and a draft paper.
Starting Anew. In 1965 an uncle suggested I go to San Jose State College and live with his family until I got settled. Two months later, that is where I found myself. I changed my major to Environmental Health and was working part time with the San Jose City Health Department as a public health trainee. Two years later, I was introduced to a secretary who had returned to employment there. She added some charm and color to an otherwise drab office. She had a daughter that reminded me of my own girls. We dated, fell in love and married in July 1968. In addition, I graduated from SJS a month later with a BA in Environmental Health -- so many people helped me along the way.
Back to Ricks College and Misfortune. After completing my tour of duty and fulfilling my military service obligation, we went back to Ricks College to resume my education. I changed my major to Zoology. As a result of the dyslexia, I continued to struggle with the coursework. Nevertheless, I managed to successfully get through another year. However, after five years of marriage and another daughter, we divorced. In despair, I went back to North Carolina, got a job and absorbed myself in herpetological interests -- collecting, investigations, newspaper articles and a draft paper.
Starting Anew. In 1965 an uncle suggested I go to San Jose State College and live with his family until I got settled. Two months later, that is where I found myself. I changed my major to Environmental Health and was working part time with the San Jose City Health Department as a public health trainee. Two years later, I was introduced to a secretary who had returned to employment there. She added some charm and color to an otherwise drab office. She had a daughter that reminded me of my own girls. We dated, fell in love and married in July 1968. In addition, I graduated from SJS a month later with a BA in Environmental Health -- so many people helped me along the way.
Environmental Health Specialist.
Work, More Schooling and Back to Work. We moved to Boise, Idaho, where I accepted a position with the Boise City/Ada County Health Department as a board certified Environmental Health Specialist. My responsibility was comprehensive environmental health for a large geographical area of Ada County and the formation of a countywide mosquito control program. Life was wonderful, I enjoyed my work and we were blessed with another daughter in March 1970.
It would seem that I would have had enough of school, considering my struggles with dyslexia. That was not the case. In 1971, we packed some belongings, rented out our home and went back to SJS (a university now). First, I got part-time employment as a technical assistant with the Santa Clara County Health Department doing vector ecology projects. When school started, I had to work the system a bit to get the courses I wanted. I majored in Natural Science with emphasis on health science and entomology. Again, I had some difficulties, but actually, the program was easier than the bachelor's program. I graduated with a master's degree in June 1973.
Upon returning to Boise, my employment was at the district level (Southwest District Health Department) comprising of six counties. My responsibility was similar as my previous employment in the state, but with more activity in epidemiology and vector ecology. Again, life was good, I enjoyed my work, Judy was happy and we were blessed with two more children (boys -- one in June 1974 and the other in May 1978).
It would seem that I would have had enough of school, considering my struggles with dyslexia. That was not the case. In 1971, we packed some belongings, rented out our home and went back to SJS (a university now). First, I got part-time employment as a technical assistant with the Santa Clara County Health Department doing vector ecology projects. When school started, I had to work the system a bit to get the courses I wanted. I majored in Natural Science with emphasis on health science and entomology. Again, I had some difficulties, but actually, the program was easier than the bachelor's program. I graduated with a master's degree in June 1973.
Upon returning to Boise, my employment was at the district level (Southwest District Health Department) comprising of six counties. My responsibility was similar as my previous employment in the state, but with more activity in epidemiology and vector ecology. Again, life was good, I enjoyed my work, Judy was happy and we were blessed with two more children (boys -- one in June 1974 and the other in May 1978).
Our family in 1980.
One Percent Tax Initiative. In November 1978 I accepted a position with IDHW as a food program state coordinator. It didn't last long. The 1979 State legislature passed a one percent tax initiative to reduce government spending. My new position was on the chopping block. Instead of waiting for the ax to fall, I took the destiny of the family in my own hands and terminated my employment, finished the remodel of our Boise home, sold it, counted our money, bought a piece of property in the hills and started building a home from scratch. Living conditions were somewhat primitive. As a result of the death of Joyce (my first wife), the girls came to live with us.
Back with IDHW. Judy was the bread winner while I worked on the house. I worked for a while with Ada County Planning and Zoning. Then I got the word -- IDHW had created a new position -- as if just for me -- food program compliance officer. I was hired in 1984 to implement the legislative mandate to improve the food protection program statewide -- a most challenging responsibility. I was to promulgate new rules and regulations, provide statewide training, audits and oversee the enforcement of about 12,000 food establishments. In 1990 I became supervisor of the food protection program. In this position, I developed strategies for program implementation, developing goals and objectives and activities, etc. I was responsible for budget development and program evaluation and coordination. I was a commissioned officer with the federal Food and Drug Administration to assist in the regulation of food processing facilities in the state and assisted with recalls and foodborne outbreak investigations.
Back with IDHW. Judy was the bread winner while I worked on the house. I worked for a while with Ada County Planning and Zoning. Then I got the word -- IDHW had created a new position -- as if just for me -- food program compliance officer. I was hired in 1984 to implement the legislative mandate to improve the food protection program statewide -- a most challenging responsibility. I was to promulgate new rules and regulations, provide statewide training, audits and oversee the enforcement of about 12,000 food establishments. In 1990 I became supervisor of the food protection program. In this position, I developed strategies for program implementation, developing goals and objectives and activities, etc. I was responsible for budget development and program evaluation and coordination. I was a commissioned officer with the federal Food and Drug Administration to assist in the regulation of food processing facilities in the state and assisted with recalls and foodborne outbreak investigations.
Identifying mosquitoes in my lab.
Outside of my routine food safety responsibilities, and because of my vector ecology background, I was called upon to assist departments and agencies with vector problems (from the Governor's office on down). I was often involved in matters pertaining to food product pests, flies, mosquitoes and rodents. I always considered these activities as "the frosting on the cake." For the most part, I was happy with my work. However, there was greater demand for more media interviews, hearings and communications that I have problems with. My anxiety level was generally high and I was stressed. Toward the late 90s, work wasn't as fun as it used to be.
During these times, I was involved in a number of projects pertaining to various aspects of natural science and vector ecology. I had a lab in our home where I did "my thing." We formed a business, named PROBES, Inc. -- a number of projects, contracts and publications were PROBES productions. Also during this period, our children matured, some went to college, the boys served church missions and most married and have children.
Retirement. On July 30, 1999, I retired with full benefits. Since then, I have done more work with PROBES, Inc., and with my wife, we do gardening, genealogy, church work, occasional trips, individual projects and watch our posterity grow (6 children, 24 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren). All in all, I have had a wonderful life. I suspect I have a little more time to make additional contributions.
References:
During these times, I was involved in a number of projects pertaining to various aspects of natural science and vector ecology. I had a lab in our home where I did "my thing." We formed a business, named PROBES, Inc. -- a number of projects, contracts and publications were PROBES productions. Also during this period, our children matured, some went to college, the boys served church missions and most married and have children.
Retirement. On July 30, 1999, I retired with full benefits. Since then, I have done more work with PROBES, Inc., and with my wife, we do gardening, genealogy, church work, occasional trips, individual projects and watch our posterity grow (6 children, 24 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren). All in all, I have had a wonderful life. I suspect I have a little more time to make additional contributions.
References:
- Brothers DR. 1999. Swamp Water in My Veins: A Personal History. Vol 1. Privately published. 490 pp.
- Brothers DR. 2015?. Swamp Water in My Veins: A Personal History. Vol 2. (draft)
I wasn't last (2008).
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Judy is faster (2012).
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Us and our kids (2013).
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Dressed up (1012).
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Fit at 76 (2014).
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