James Stewart Brooks was the eighth of nine children born to Stephen Brooks and Hannah Bennett. He arrived September 1, 1828, when the family lived at New Hartford, New York. The family Bible refers to him as “Stewart.”
The Brookses moved to Wisconsin Territory during the late 1830s. In 1840 they lived at Clifton in Calumet County along Lake Winnebago’s eastern shoreline. Soon, however, the family permanently relocated on the other side of the big lake, in the townships around Oshkosh city in Winnebago County.
By 1850 Stewart – known from then on as James S. (or J.S.) on all censuses and public documents – lodged at Winneconne, west of Oshkosh. He was called a sawyer on that year’s census. Indeed, lumbering was a booming business along the lakes and rivers of the primitive territory. Not long afterward, he left his parents and many siblings and headed south for Iowa.
James S. Brooks married Ohio-born Malissa A. Jones at Tipton, in Cedar County, Iowa, on New Year's Day 1854. The 1856 Iowa state census shows J.S. (26) and M.A. (24), with their one-year-old son H.F. Brooks. Sadly, the little boy didn’t survive. The 1860 census shows James and Malissa at Mt. Vernon in Linn County, Iowa, with sons Willie E. (2) and Albert A. (Charles Albert; 5 months). James worked as a miller.
Five months into the Civil War, James joined the Union Army. The 32-year-old carpenter enlisted on September 12, 1861, and on October 18 took his place in Company A of the 13th Iowa Infantry. Corporal Brooks fought alongside his comrades at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. A surprise Confederate attack on Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's unprepared troops along the Tennessee River resulted in a bitter struggle. Over the days, 13,000 Union troops and 10,000 Confederate soldiers were killed and wounded – more men than in all previous American wars combined. On April 6, the first day of battle, James suffered a serious gunshot wound to his hand. One of his fingers was amputated that day. He was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, on September 5. By July 1863 his hand had sufficiently healed, and James again volunteered. This time, as a Private, he joined Company A of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. Two years later, the war ended. James was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, on November 21, 1865, and returned to his family. During the war, another son was born. Although his name is not known, he was born in May 1862, and died April 12, 1863. The infant was buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
By the time the 1870 census was written, son George had been born, bringing the total number of boys in the Brooks household to three: Willie (11), Ally (Charles Albert; 9), and George (2). James was a carpenter in Mt. Vernon.
The Brookses left Iowa in 1873, their wagon arriving at Winfield township in Osborne County, Kansas. In the 1875 state census the parents are listed along with their younger sons, Charles (14) and George (6). Their eldest, William, had left the household by that time but had come with them to Kansas. James was called a farmer in the report.
The family was on their farm when the 1880 census was taken. Charles (20) and George (10) were there, helping as farmhands. Newspaper accounts remind us that James was a masterful carpenter. In 1883 he bought a property in Osborne village that became “The Brooks House” – a hotel that he managed until the mid-1890s, when Malissa was terminally ill. A postcard shows Osborne as it appeared in the 1880s.
By 1885 James did carpentry work around Osborne. Sadly, James and Malissa were to lose their beloved youngest sons much too early. Both were victims of tuberculosis – Charley died in 1886 and George in 1891. Both are buried at Osborne Cemetery.
The 1895 Kansas state census finds the elderly couple, James and Malissa Brooks, in the village of Osborne. Like her sons, Malissa had contracted tuberculosis – “consumption.” As a result, James leased “The Brooks House” to W.F. Swigart in March 1896. Malissa died at her house in Osborne on Jan. 20, 1897, and was buried at Osborne Cemetery next to her boys.
That summer, James set out for Nebraska to visit his only remaining family: son Will, daughter-in-law Anna, and granddaughter Genevieve Brooks of Elgin, Nebraska. He told the folks at the Osborne County Farmer that he intended to go to North Dakota and further still, until the weather was too cold. Perhaps he spoke of North Dakota because he planned to visit his older brother, Gilbert Brooks, who lived at Cogswell.
When the 1900 census was written, James lodged in the home of a widow, Margaret J. Houck. She and several of her children lived at Bloomfield township in Sheridan County, Kansas. James’s occupation was listed as “free salesman.”
As his health faltered, James returned to Will’s home at Elgin. James Stewart Brooks died there on February 28, 1903, and was buried next to his wife and sons in Osborne Cemetery. James was 74.
[NOTE: James’s obituary, on the front page of the Osborne County News on March 5, 1903, contains at least two errors. The Brookses came to Wisconsin from New York in the late 1830s, according to the 1840 census. Also, James married Melissa on January 1, 1854, according to Iowa marriage records. Finally, James’s grave marker gives an incorrect 1831 birthdate – he was born in 1828.]
Obituary.
Osborne County News (Osborne, Kansas)
March 5, 1903
Page 1
"Death of J.S. Brooks. James S. Brooks died at the home of his son, W.E. Brooks, at Elgin, Neb., on Saturday, Feb. 28, and the remains were brought here for burial Tuesday evening accompanied by W.E. Brooks and Chas Trump. Mr. Brooks was born near Oswego, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1828, and with his parents moved to Wisconsin in the early forties. On January 1, 1853, he was married to Malissa Jones at Blue Grass, Iowa. Mr. Brooks moved to this county, locating on Covert creek in 1873. After living there a few years he moved to Lawrence township and remained there until 1880 when he came to Osborne and engaged in the hotel business. He made this his home for some time after his wife died in 1897 and later went to live with his son at Elgin. Of their five children, W.E. Brooks is the only survivor. Charley died here in 1885, George's death occurred in 1891; one brother is buried at Dubuque and a sister at Mr. Vernon, Iowa. In answer to President Lincoln's call for three years volunteers he joined Co. A, 13th Iowa Infantry at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh after which he was discharged. After he recovered he re-enlisted in Co. A., 9th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, November 21, 1865. He joined the M.E. church in Osborne by letter in 1883 and was still a member at the time of death. In his home he was kind, considerate and gentle, guiding by kindness. To his neighbors he was true, to his country loyal and to his friends faithful. He was in all a good man and all who knew him will miss him. A God of justice and love could not fail to take note of one such of His children."
Osborne County News (Osborne City, Kansas)
March 12, 1903
Page 4
"Resolutions. Whereas, The Supreme Commander has called James S. Brooks, our comrade in arms, from service here below to a higher and better service above, therefore Be it resolved, By O.M. Mitchell Post No. 60, Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, be it Resolved, That while we grieve because of the taking of our comrade from our earthly fellowship, we glory in the assurance that he has joined a more grand and blessed fellowship above, where wounds, cares, sorrows and partings are unknown. Resolved, That to his son, W.E. Brooks, the only surviving member of our comrade's family, we extend our heart felt sympathy and point him to the God of his father as the only source of consolation and comfort. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Post and that a copy be sent to W.E. Brooks at Elgin, Nebraska. Unanimously adopted. J.J. Hayes, Adjt., B.F. Hilton, Post Commander."
The Brookses moved to Wisconsin Territory during the late 1830s. In 1840 they lived at Clifton in Calumet County along Lake Winnebago’s eastern shoreline. Soon, however, the family permanently relocated on the other side of the big lake, in the townships around Oshkosh city in Winnebago County.
By 1850 Stewart – known from then on as James S. (or J.S.) on all censuses and public documents – lodged at Winneconne, west of Oshkosh. He was called a sawyer on that year’s census. Indeed, lumbering was a booming business along the lakes and rivers of the primitive territory. Not long afterward, he left his parents and many siblings and headed south for Iowa.
James S. Brooks married Ohio-born Malissa A. Jones at Tipton, in Cedar County, Iowa, on New Year's Day 1854. The 1856 Iowa state census shows J.S. (26) and M.A. (24), with their one-year-old son H.F. Brooks. Sadly, the little boy didn’t survive. The 1860 census shows James and Malissa at Mt. Vernon in Linn County, Iowa, with sons Willie E. (2) and Albert A. (Charles Albert; 5 months). James worked as a miller.
Five months into the Civil War, James joined the Union Army. The 32-year-old carpenter enlisted on September 12, 1861, and on October 18 took his place in Company A of the 13th Iowa Infantry. Corporal Brooks fought alongside his comrades at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. A surprise Confederate attack on Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's unprepared troops along the Tennessee River resulted in a bitter struggle. Over the days, 13,000 Union troops and 10,000 Confederate soldiers were killed and wounded – more men than in all previous American wars combined. On April 6, the first day of battle, James suffered a serious gunshot wound to his hand. One of his fingers was amputated that day. He was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, on September 5. By July 1863 his hand had sufficiently healed, and James again volunteered. This time, as a Private, he joined Company A of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. Two years later, the war ended. James was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, on November 21, 1865, and returned to his family. During the war, another son was born. Although his name is not known, he was born in May 1862, and died April 12, 1863. The infant was buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
By the time the 1870 census was written, son George had been born, bringing the total number of boys in the Brooks household to three: Willie (11), Ally (Charles Albert; 9), and George (2). James was a carpenter in Mt. Vernon.
The Brookses left Iowa in 1873, their wagon arriving at Winfield township in Osborne County, Kansas. In the 1875 state census the parents are listed along with their younger sons, Charles (14) and George (6). Their eldest, William, had left the household by that time but had come with them to Kansas. James was called a farmer in the report.
The family was on their farm when the 1880 census was taken. Charles (20) and George (10) were there, helping as farmhands. Newspaper accounts remind us that James was a masterful carpenter. In 1883 he bought a property in Osborne village that became “The Brooks House” – a hotel that he managed until the mid-1890s, when Malissa was terminally ill. A postcard shows Osborne as it appeared in the 1880s.
By 1885 James did carpentry work around Osborne. Sadly, James and Malissa were to lose their beloved youngest sons much too early. Both were victims of tuberculosis – Charley died in 1886 and George in 1891. Both are buried at Osborne Cemetery.
The 1895 Kansas state census finds the elderly couple, James and Malissa Brooks, in the village of Osborne. Like her sons, Malissa had contracted tuberculosis – “consumption.” As a result, James leased “The Brooks House” to W.F. Swigart in March 1896. Malissa died at her house in Osborne on Jan. 20, 1897, and was buried at Osborne Cemetery next to her boys.
That summer, James set out for Nebraska to visit his only remaining family: son Will, daughter-in-law Anna, and granddaughter Genevieve Brooks of Elgin, Nebraska. He told the folks at the Osborne County Farmer that he intended to go to North Dakota and further still, until the weather was too cold. Perhaps he spoke of North Dakota because he planned to visit his older brother, Gilbert Brooks, who lived at Cogswell.
When the 1900 census was written, James lodged in the home of a widow, Margaret J. Houck. She and several of her children lived at Bloomfield township in Sheridan County, Kansas. James’s occupation was listed as “free salesman.”
As his health faltered, James returned to Will’s home at Elgin. James Stewart Brooks died there on February 28, 1903, and was buried next to his wife and sons in Osborne Cemetery. James was 74.
[NOTE: James’s obituary, on the front page of the Osborne County News on March 5, 1903, contains at least two errors. The Brookses came to Wisconsin from New York in the late 1830s, according to the 1840 census. Also, James married Melissa on January 1, 1854, according to Iowa marriage records. Finally, James’s grave marker gives an incorrect 1831 birthdate – he was born in 1828.]
Obituary.
Osborne County News (Osborne, Kansas)
March 5, 1903
Page 1
"Death of J.S. Brooks. James S. Brooks died at the home of his son, W.E. Brooks, at Elgin, Neb., on Saturday, Feb. 28, and the remains were brought here for burial Tuesday evening accompanied by W.E. Brooks and Chas Trump. Mr. Brooks was born near Oswego, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1828, and with his parents moved to Wisconsin in the early forties. On January 1, 1853, he was married to Malissa Jones at Blue Grass, Iowa. Mr. Brooks moved to this county, locating on Covert creek in 1873. After living there a few years he moved to Lawrence township and remained there until 1880 when he came to Osborne and engaged in the hotel business. He made this his home for some time after his wife died in 1897 and later went to live with his son at Elgin. Of their five children, W.E. Brooks is the only survivor. Charley died here in 1885, George's death occurred in 1891; one brother is buried at Dubuque and a sister at Mr. Vernon, Iowa. In answer to President Lincoln's call for three years volunteers he joined Co. A, 13th Iowa Infantry at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh after which he was discharged. After he recovered he re-enlisted in Co. A., 9th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, November 21, 1865. He joined the M.E. church in Osborne by letter in 1883 and was still a member at the time of death. In his home he was kind, considerate and gentle, guiding by kindness. To his neighbors he was true, to his country loyal and to his friends faithful. He was in all a good man and all who knew him will miss him. A God of justice and love could not fail to take note of one such of His children."
Osborne County News (Osborne City, Kansas)
March 12, 1903
Page 4
"Resolutions. Whereas, The Supreme Commander has called James S. Brooks, our comrade in arms, from service here below to a higher and better service above, therefore Be it resolved, By O.M. Mitchell Post No. 60, Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, be it Resolved, That while we grieve because of the taking of our comrade from our earthly fellowship, we glory in the assurance that he has joined a more grand and blessed fellowship above, where wounds, cares, sorrows and partings are unknown. Resolved, That to his son, W.E. Brooks, the only surviving member of our comrade's family, we extend our heart felt sympathy and point him to the God of his father as the only source of consolation and comfort. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Post and that a copy be sent to W.E. Brooks at Elgin, Nebraska. Unanimously adopted. J.J. Hayes, Adjt., B.F. Hilton, Post Commander."
James Stewart Brooks was the eighth of nine children born to Stephen Brooks and Hannah Bennett. He arrived September 1, 1828, when the family lived at New Hartford, New York. The family Bible refers to him as “Stewart.”
The Brookses moved to Wisconsin Territory during the late 1830s. In 1840 they lived at Clifton in Calumet County along Lake Winnebago’s eastern shoreline. Soon, however, the family permanently relocated on the other side of the big lake, in the townships around Oshkosh city in Winnebago County.
By 1850 Stewart – known from then on as James S. (or J.S.) on all censuses and public documents – lodged at Winneconne, west of Oshkosh. He was called a sawyer on that year’s census. Indeed, lumbering was a booming business along the lakes and rivers of the primitive territory. Not long afterward, he left his parents and many siblings and headed south for Iowa.
James S. Brooks married Ohio-born Malissa A. Jones at Tipton, in Cedar County, Iowa, on New Year's Day 1854. The 1856 Iowa state census shows J.S. (26) and M.A. (24), with their one-year-old son H.F. Brooks. Sadly, the little boy didn’t survive. The 1860 census shows James and Malissa at Mt. Vernon in Linn County, Iowa, with sons Willie E. (2) and Albert A. (Charles Albert; 5 months). James worked as a miller.
Five months into the Civil War, James joined the Union Army. The 32-year-old carpenter enlisted on September 12, 1861, and on October 18 took his place in Company A of the 13th Iowa Infantry. Corporal Brooks fought alongside his comrades at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. A surprise Confederate attack on Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's unprepared troops along the Tennessee River resulted in a bitter struggle. Over the days, 13,000 Union troops and 10,000 Confederate soldiers were killed and wounded – more men than in all previous American wars combined. On April 6, the first day of battle, James suffered a serious gunshot wound to his hand. One of his fingers was amputated that day. He was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, on September 5. By July 1863 his hand had sufficiently healed, and James again volunteered. This time, as a Private, he joined Company A of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. Two years later, the war ended. James was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, on November 21, 1865, and returned to his family. During the war, another son was born. Although his name is not known, he was born in May 1862, and died April 12, 1863. The infant was buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
By the time the 1870 census was written, son George had been born, bringing the total number of boys in the Brooks household to three: Willie (11), Ally (Charles Albert; 9), and George (2). James was a carpenter in Mt. Vernon.
The Brookses left Iowa in 1873, their wagon arriving at Winfield township in Osborne County, Kansas. In the 1875 state census the parents are listed along with their younger sons, Charles (14) and George (6). Their eldest, William, had left the household by that time but had come with them to Kansas. James was called a farmer in the report.
The family was on their farm when the 1880 census was taken. Charles (20) and George (10) were there, helping as farmhands. Newspaper accounts remind us that James was a masterful carpenter. In 1883 he bought a property in Osborne village that became “The Brooks House” – a hotel that he managed until the mid-1890s, when Malissa was terminally ill. A postcard shows Osborne as it appeared in the 1880s.
By 1885 James did carpentry work around Osborne. Sadly, James and Malissa were to lose their beloved youngest sons much too early. Both were victims of tuberculosis – Charley died in 1886 and George in 1891. Both are buried at Osborne Cemetery.
The 1895 Kansas state census finds the elderly couple, James and Malissa Brooks, in the village of Osborne. Like her sons, Malissa had contracted tuberculosis – “consumption.” As a result, James leased “The Brooks House” to W.F. Swigart in March 1896. Malissa died at her house in Osborne on Jan. 20, 1897, and was buried at Osborne Cemetery next to her boys.
That summer, James set out for Nebraska to visit his only remaining family: son Will, daughter-in-law Anna, and granddaughter Genevieve Brooks of Elgin, Nebraska. He told the folks at the Osborne County Farmer that he intended to go to North Dakota and further still, until the weather was too cold. Perhaps he spoke of North Dakota because he planned to visit his older brother, Gilbert Brooks, who lived at Cogswell.
When the 1900 census was written, James lodged in the home of a widow, Margaret J. Houck. She and several of her children lived at Bloomfield township in Sheridan County, Kansas. James’s occupation was listed as “free salesman.”
As his health faltered, James returned to Will’s home at Elgin. James Stewart Brooks died there on February 28, 1903, and was buried next to his wife and sons in Osborne Cemetery. James was 74.
[NOTE: James’s obituary, on the front page of the Osborne County News on March 5, 1903, contains at least two errors. The Brookses came to Wisconsin from New York in the late 1830s, according to the 1840 census. Also, James married Melissa on January 1, 1854, according to Iowa marriage records. Finally, James’s grave marker gives an incorrect 1831 birthdate – he was born in 1828.]
Obituary.
Osborne County News (Osborne, Kansas)
March 5, 1903
Page 1
"Death of J.S. Brooks. James S. Brooks died at the home of his son, W.E. Brooks, at Elgin, Neb., on Saturday, Feb. 28, and the remains were brought here for burial Tuesday evening accompanied by W.E. Brooks and Chas Trump. Mr. Brooks was born near Oswego, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1828, and with his parents moved to Wisconsin in the early forties. On January 1, 1853, he was married to Malissa Jones at Blue Grass, Iowa. Mr. Brooks moved to this county, locating on Covert creek in 1873. After living there a few years he moved to Lawrence township and remained there until 1880 when he came to Osborne and engaged in the hotel business. He made this his home for some time after his wife died in 1897 and later went to live with his son at Elgin. Of their five children, W.E. Brooks is the only survivor. Charley died here in 1885, George's death occurred in 1891; one brother is buried at Dubuque and a sister at Mr. Vernon, Iowa. In answer to President Lincoln's call for three years volunteers he joined Co. A, 13th Iowa Infantry at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh after which he was discharged. After he recovered he re-enlisted in Co. A., 9th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, November 21, 1865. He joined the M.E. church in Osborne by letter in 1883 and was still a member at the time of death. In his home he was kind, considerate and gentle, guiding by kindness. To his neighbors he was true, to his country loyal and to his friends faithful. He was in all a good man and all who knew him will miss him. A God of justice and love could not fail to take note of one such of His children."
Osborne County News (Osborne City, Kansas)
March 12, 1903
Page 4
"Resolutions. Whereas, The Supreme Commander has called James S. Brooks, our comrade in arms, from service here below to a higher and better service above, therefore Be it resolved, By O.M. Mitchell Post No. 60, Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, be it Resolved, That while we grieve because of the taking of our comrade from our earthly fellowship, we glory in the assurance that he has joined a more grand and blessed fellowship above, where wounds, cares, sorrows and partings are unknown. Resolved, That to his son, W.E. Brooks, the only surviving member of our comrade's family, we extend our heart felt sympathy and point him to the God of his father as the only source of consolation and comfort. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Post and that a copy be sent to W.E. Brooks at Elgin, Nebraska. Unanimously adopted. J.J. Hayes, Adjt., B.F. Hilton, Post Commander."
The Brookses moved to Wisconsin Territory during the late 1830s. In 1840 they lived at Clifton in Calumet County along Lake Winnebago’s eastern shoreline. Soon, however, the family permanently relocated on the other side of the big lake, in the townships around Oshkosh city in Winnebago County.
By 1850 Stewart – known from then on as James S. (or J.S.) on all censuses and public documents – lodged at Winneconne, west of Oshkosh. He was called a sawyer on that year’s census. Indeed, lumbering was a booming business along the lakes and rivers of the primitive territory. Not long afterward, he left his parents and many siblings and headed south for Iowa.
James S. Brooks married Ohio-born Malissa A. Jones at Tipton, in Cedar County, Iowa, on New Year's Day 1854. The 1856 Iowa state census shows J.S. (26) and M.A. (24), with their one-year-old son H.F. Brooks. Sadly, the little boy didn’t survive. The 1860 census shows James and Malissa at Mt. Vernon in Linn County, Iowa, with sons Willie E. (2) and Albert A. (Charles Albert; 5 months). James worked as a miller.
Five months into the Civil War, James joined the Union Army. The 32-year-old carpenter enlisted on September 12, 1861, and on October 18 took his place in Company A of the 13th Iowa Infantry. Corporal Brooks fought alongside his comrades at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. A surprise Confederate attack on Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's unprepared troops along the Tennessee River resulted in a bitter struggle. Over the days, 13,000 Union troops and 10,000 Confederate soldiers were killed and wounded – more men than in all previous American wars combined. On April 6, the first day of battle, James suffered a serious gunshot wound to his hand. One of his fingers was amputated that day. He was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, on September 5. By July 1863 his hand had sufficiently healed, and James again volunteered. This time, as a Private, he joined Company A of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. Two years later, the war ended. James was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, on November 21, 1865, and returned to his family. During the war, another son was born. Although his name is not known, he was born in May 1862, and died April 12, 1863. The infant was buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
By the time the 1870 census was written, son George had been born, bringing the total number of boys in the Brooks household to three: Willie (11), Ally (Charles Albert; 9), and George (2). James was a carpenter in Mt. Vernon.
The Brookses left Iowa in 1873, their wagon arriving at Winfield township in Osborne County, Kansas. In the 1875 state census the parents are listed along with their younger sons, Charles (14) and George (6). Their eldest, William, had left the household by that time but had come with them to Kansas. James was called a farmer in the report.
The family was on their farm when the 1880 census was taken. Charles (20) and George (10) were there, helping as farmhands. Newspaper accounts remind us that James was a masterful carpenter. In 1883 he bought a property in Osborne village that became “The Brooks House” – a hotel that he managed until the mid-1890s, when Malissa was terminally ill. A postcard shows Osborne as it appeared in the 1880s.
By 1885 James did carpentry work around Osborne. Sadly, James and Malissa were to lose their beloved youngest sons much too early. Both were victims of tuberculosis – Charley died in 1886 and George in 1891. Both are buried at Osborne Cemetery.
The 1895 Kansas state census finds the elderly couple, James and Malissa Brooks, in the village of Osborne. Like her sons, Malissa had contracted tuberculosis – “consumption.” As a result, James leased “The Brooks House” to W.F. Swigart in March 1896. Malissa died at her house in Osborne on Jan. 20, 1897, and was buried at Osborne Cemetery next to her boys.
That summer, James set out for Nebraska to visit his only remaining family: son Will, daughter-in-law Anna, and granddaughter Genevieve Brooks of Elgin, Nebraska. He told the folks at the Osborne County Farmer that he intended to go to North Dakota and further still, until the weather was too cold. Perhaps he spoke of North Dakota because he planned to visit his older brother, Gilbert Brooks, who lived at Cogswell.
When the 1900 census was written, James lodged in the home of a widow, Margaret J. Houck. She and several of her children lived at Bloomfield township in Sheridan County, Kansas. James’s occupation was listed as “free salesman.”
As his health faltered, James returned to Will’s home at Elgin. James Stewart Brooks died there on February 28, 1903, and was buried next to his wife and sons in Osborne Cemetery. James was 74.
[NOTE: James’s obituary, on the front page of the Osborne County News on March 5, 1903, contains at least two errors. The Brookses came to Wisconsin from New York in the late 1830s, according to the 1840 census. Also, James married Melissa on January 1, 1854, according to Iowa marriage records. Finally, James’s grave marker gives an incorrect 1831 birthdate – he was born in 1828.]
Obituary.
Osborne County News (Osborne, Kansas)
March 5, 1903
Page 1
"Death of J.S. Brooks. James S. Brooks died at the home of his son, W.E. Brooks, at Elgin, Neb., on Saturday, Feb. 28, and the remains were brought here for burial Tuesday evening accompanied by W.E. Brooks and Chas Trump. Mr. Brooks was born near Oswego, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1828, and with his parents moved to Wisconsin in the early forties. On January 1, 1853, he was married to Malissa Jones at Blue Grass, Iowa. Mr. Brooks moved to this county, locating on Covert creek in 1873. After living there a few years he moved to Lawrence township and remained there until 1880 when he came to Osborne and engaged in the hotel business. He made this his home for some time after his wife died in 1897 and later went to live with his son at Elgin. Of their five children, W.E. Brooks is the only survivor. Charley died here in 1885, George's death occurred in 1891; one brother is buried at Dubuque and a sister at Mr. Vernon, Iowa. In answer to President Lincoln's call for three years volunteers he joined Co. A, 13th Iowa Infantry at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh after which he was discharged. After he recovered he re-enlisted in Co. A., 9th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, November 21, 1865. He joined the M.E. church in Osborne by letter in 1883 and was still a member at the time of death. In his home he was kind, considerate and gentle, guiding by kindness. To his neighbors he was true, to his country loyal and to his friends faithful. He was in all a good man and all who knew him will miss him. A God of justice and love could not fail to take note of one such of His children."
Osborne County News (Osborne City, Kansas)
March 12, 1903
Page 4
"Resolutions. Whereas, The Supreme Commander has called James S. Brooks, our comrade in arms, from service here below to a higher and better service above, therefore Be it resolved, By O.M. Mitchell Post No. 60, Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, be it Resolved, That while we grieve because of the taking of our comrade from our earthly fellowship, we glory in the assurance that he has joined a more grand and blessed fellowship above, where wounds, cares, sorrows and partings are unknown. Resolved, That to his son, W.E. Brooks, the only surviving member of our comrade's family, we extend our heart felt sympathy and point him to the God of his father as the only source of consolation and comfort. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Post and that a copy be sent to W.E. Brooks at Elgin, Nebraska. Unanimously adopted. J.J. Hayes, Adjt., B.F. Hilton, Post Commander."
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