My Genealogy Hound

William F. Brooks, pharmacist, of Siloam Springs, Ark., is a North Carolinian, and was born m 1838. He left the paternal roof at the age of fourteen years, and went to Georgia, where he began fighting the battle of life for himself. He soon after went to Chattanooga, Tenn., and began working in a commission house, where he remained two years, and then began steam-boating on the Tennessee River, afterward becoming pilot. He then spent about five years at home, and was married in Mississippi to Mary Jane Smith who was born and reared in Knoxville, Tenn. After his marriage he went to Illinois, and there remained from 1857 to 1868. At the latter date he moved to Bentonville, Ark., where he has been engaged in various occupations, but the most of his attention has been given to the furniture business. Since about 1879 he has been a resident of Siloam Springs, and since 1886 has been engaged in the drug business. Mr. Brooks is a Democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. His parents Thomas F and Mahala Brooks, were born in North Carolina, the former in 1785, and the latter about 1786, and died in 1885 and 1880, respectively. The father was a farmer and of Irish descent, his father being an Irishman who helped to fight for American independence. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks became the parents of fifteen children: George W., Isaac, Eliza (wife of Bluford Baxter), Lawrence, William F., Lucinda (nee deceased wife of Peter Clark), Riley M., Margaret (wife of William Lavin). James N., Abner, Jane, Joel, Calvin, Richard W. and Amanda.