From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 604

William Brooks, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Steuben County, was born in Derbyshire, England, April 8, 1822, a son of George and Elizabeth Brooks. He was eight years of age when his parents came to the United States and settled in Ontario County, N. Y., and fourteen when they removed to Steuben County, and since that time he has been identified with York Township and has witnessed its growth from a wilderness to its present condition of prosperity and thrift. He has been successful in his pursuits and has a fine farm of 133 acres on section 36, which was the old homestead of his father. He was married May 31, 1848, to Mary Richmond, a native of Wayne County, N. Y., born Dec. 24, 1824, daughter of Isaac S. and Sarah Richmond. When she was a child her parents moved to Ontario County, N. Y., and thence in October, 1841, to Steuben County, Ind., locating in York Township. Their eldest son, Lysander, preceded them by two years, and died here in 1855. Seven children accompanied the parents to their new home-- George, (deceased); Mrs. Maria Butler, of Scott Township; Mrs. Brooks; Mrs. Diana Croy, of Metz; Mrs. Orpha Jackman, also of Metz; Mrs. Jennette Wolcott, of York Township, and Charles P., of Scott Township. They settled on section 25 of York Township, entering 160 acres of land. The mother died Oct. 18, 1864, aged seventy-three years, and the father May 6, 1874, lacking only eleven days of eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had five children, but three of whom are living-- Frank E., Luretta, wife of Alonzo Kellogg, and Sarah E. Lorenzo died at the age of five years and Lurana aged two years. In politics Mr. Brooks is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com