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As is well known, Vernon
county has received its largest immigration during the past
20 years, and in this time many men who have become
prominent in different affairs to which their attention was
turned have removed here originally from Maryland. Among
those from that State now engaged in agricultural pursuits
is found J. F. Brooks, who came to this county in 1869. It
is an item of interest that he drew the lumber for the first
house which he built from Pleasant Hill, Cass county, and
did space but permit, other incidents might be related of
the inconveniences which he experienced in making a home
here. He is now the owner of 240 acres of good land, and a
glance at it is sufficient to show that it is thoroughly
improved and managed. Mr. Brooks was born in Washington
county, Maryland, in 1838. His father, Joseph Brooks, was a
native of England, though he came to America when young, and
afterwards worked at his trade (that of gunsmith) for the
Government at Harper’s Ferry. He married Miss Catharine
Miller, of Maryland, subsequent to which he moved with his
family to St. Louis county, Mo., in 1844. Eight children
were born to himself and wife. Of these J. F., the sixth
child, was brought up in St. Louis county, living there
until the Civil War burst forth in all its fury. In 1862 he
enlisted in the 10th Missouri infantry, taking
part in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena and others; he
was captured during his term of service, and for eight
months was confined at Alton, Ill., later spending a year in
prison at Fort Delaware. After the war was over he returned
to St. Louis in May, 1865, but four years later, or in 1869,
he took up a location in this county. In 1876 Mr. Brooks was
married to Miss Sarah Finch, a native of Buchanan county,
Mo., and an estimable lady. They have three children in
their family: Peter, Chester H., and Alexander S. |
