Obit: Brooks, George R. (1855 - 1935)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Brooks, Hartson, Hodges, Johnson

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 6 Sept. 1935

Brooks, George R. (1 June 1855 - 31 Aug. 1935)

George R. Brooks for many years a resident of Clark County and a former sheriff, died at his home near Morristown, S. D., Saturday, Aug. 31. He has been in failing health for some time.

Deceased was born in Ohio, June 1, 1855. When a small child he came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Brooks to Illinois. After a short residence there they moved to Clark County, arriving here Dec. 31, 1859. They next day they moved to Lynn, which remained their home for many years. Here George Brooks grew to manhood, attended the country school, and at an early age began to work in lumber camps.

In September 1884, he was married to Evelyn Hartson of the Town of Grant. They settled on land in the Town of Lynn. Mr. Brooks continued to follow logging, at the same time developing a fine farm.

In 1902 he was elected sheriff and served with great efficiency. About 1914 he sold the farm and after a short residence in the village of Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks moved to Morristown, where their children were already located. He bought a large tract of land near Morristown, but over the line in North Dakota. Here they continued to live until his death. Mr. Brooks was a man of such qualities as make pioneers. He was a large and powerful, possessed of great courage and enterprise and until age had weakened his frame, he did not hesitate to undertake any work. He was for many years a member of the Masonic Lodge retraining his connection with the lodge in Neillsville until his death. Masonic funeral services were held at Morristown Tuesday.

Mr. Brooks is survived by his wife, a son Earl in Idaho; a daughter, Frances, Mrs. Roy Hodges of Rapid City, S. D.; an adopted son Roy in Indiana. A daughter, Frances Mrs. Will Johnson, is deceased. He leaves six grandchildren, and one brother, Chas. F. Brooks of Fresno, Calif., now visiting in Neillsville, Wis.