The story of this family has been told,
That James Reed Brooks went to take care of his mother Nancy Marie McClure, who was sick with fever..When James Reed returned home he brought the fever back to his family and these three children also died from that fever at their home on Clear Fork, near Pine Grove church;

Children of Deacon James Reed Brooks

The oldest son, John R. Brooks, died Feb. 5th 1895,
being at the time of his death twenty years old.
Zur Henderson Brooks, the second son, died January
20th, 1895. He being eighteen years old.
Sarah Brooks, the third in age died February 4th,
sixteen years old.

John and Sarah were burried at the same time. There were only a few hours between their death.
John R. Brooks has been a member of the Pine Grove Baptist church for several years and was the clerk of this body at the time of his death. Promptness and efficency, is his record.

Zur and his lovely Sister Sarah, gave their young hearts to Christ a little more than two years ago. All three having been baptized by Rev. W.H.H. Cook their pastor.

This was a model family. The parents brought their children up in "The fear and admonition of the Lord" Brother Brooks is a model man in his family discipline as well as in his neighborhood and church relationship.

Sarah was a lovely little Christian lady, so tender in years, yet so firm in her Saviours love. She seemed to be an embodiment of virtue and prudence; in all her daily walks in life she reflected the careful and exemplary training of a good, Christian mother.

To know these young folks, was to love them. They were second to none in Sunday-School, literary, and religious enterprises. All that has the good of man for its objects, was received and cordially supported by this model family.

Parents "Weep not as those that have no hope." God's ways are not our ways. God gave you those dear boys and girls and it is the Spirit power that made them so lovely in the home circle and Christians while they were young. Keep aboard the ship dear brother and sister and where John, Zur, Sarah and Edna are ye shall be also.

Up to the beautiful Giver of Life, Gathering Home, gathering home, up to the dwelling, where comethin no strife.

The dear one's are gathering home:
written by: Dan Gunnoe