A Family History of Alvin Brooks: Articles and Documents
Biography of Benjamin Franklin Brooks
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BROOKS
From Biographical History of Whiteside County, 1900, page 206.BENJAMIN F. BROOKS, whose well-kept farm lies in section 29, Portland township, in Spring Hill, is a man of good business capacity, and great intelligence. On the old homestead about two miles from his present home he was born August 17, 1837, in the log cabin reared by his father, the late Alphonso Brooks, and it is historically interesting to know that he is said to be the oldest white child born in this county that is still a resident. The cabin in which he first opened his eyes to the light was rudely constructed of unhewn logs, and as there was but a dirt floor he actually took his first steps on his native soil.
Alphonso Brooks, a native of New York state, lived there until 1833, when he joined the procession marching westward in search of cheaper and better homes. Taking up a claim in Du Page county, Illinois, he spent one season there, but in 1834 returned to New York where he soon married Miss Eliza Teats, who was born and reared in that state. In 1835, accompanied by his young wife, he again came to Illinois, and crossing the state located in Whiteside county. From one of the original settlers of Portland township he purchased a claim of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he reared the log house before mentioned. After placing a portion of his land in a good state of cultivation, he disposed of that property and took a claim at Spring Hill, where he erected the first building used as a house of public entertainment in this locality, and there for many years kept a hotel, and engaged in farming.
Benjamin F. Brooks attended the district school in his youthful days, and as an able assistant in the general work. of the home farm obtained a thorough knowledge of agriculture, which he has made his life occupation. On settling in life he bought the parental homestead, but later traded that for his present estate, in the improvement of which he has labored with unremitting industry, and has met with richly deserved success. He has spent his entire life in this vicinity, and during the three score and more of years has witnessed wonderful changes, with many of which he has been actively identified. In his boyhood days there were neither large schoolhouses, magnificent churches, costly residences, nor substantial barns; neither railways, telegraph or telephone lines crossed these broad acres, and the evidences of civilization were but few. Now flourishing towns and cities abound, and broad, well cultivated farms yield abundantly of the products of the soil; in this grand transformation Mr. Brooks has performed his share of labor, spending many of the best years of the busy life in redeeming from its primitive condition a portion of this beautiful country.
On April 19, 1859, Mr. Brooks married Miss Mary Lanphere, who was born in New York state, but who grew to womanhood in Illinois. She passed to the life beyond April 5, 1886, leaving six children, as follows: Frederic, a farmer, is married and resides in Henry county; Emmett, also a farmer, is married and lives in Henry county; Cora; Bert, engaged in farming in Portland township, is married; Alice, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, and Roy, who assists in the care of the home farm. On August 28, 1889, Mr. Brooks married Miss Electra L. Brown, who was born and reared in Rock Island county, Illinois. One son has been born of this union, Marion, now a pupil in the public schools.
Mr. Brooks cast his first ballot in 1860, voting for Abraham Lincoln for president, and has ever since been conspicuously identified with the Republican party. Taking an active interest in local affairs, he has served honorably and well in various official positions, wherever placed striving to do his best. He was deputy sheriff four years; a member of the school board many terms; has served as township collector; is present chairman of the township committee; has been assessor the past eight or ten years, and has attended county conventions as a delegate almost continuously since 1860. He has served one term as super-visor and road commissioner. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being past master of Spring Hill lodge, No. 412. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are both members of the Sharon Methodist Episcopal Church, he being one of the charter members of the organization, and at the present time one of the churches trustees.
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