Obit: Brooks, Alonzo E. #3 (1832 - 1910)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Brooks, Colf, Burrows

----Source: The Granton News (Granton, Clark Co., WI.) April 1, 1910

Brooks, Alonzo E. (27 February 1832 - 28 March 1910)

Alonzo E. Brooks, one of the oldest and best known citizens of this locality died at his home in this city March 28, 1910, aged 78 years, one month and one day.  His death was due to heart failure.  Although advanced in years he had kept the use of all his faculties and was able to be about town till within a few days of his death.

Deceased was born February 27, 1832 in the Town of Newfield, Tompkins County, New York, being the oldest son of Bartimeous and Elizabeth D. Brooks.  When three years old, he moved with his parents to Lorain County, Ohio; There he grew to manhood and was married June 4, 1854 to Jane E. Colf who survives him.  Early in 1855 they moved to Carroll County, Ill., where they lived for five years.  Then they moved to Clark County, Wis., arriving here Jan. 1, 1860.  They located on a farm in the Town of Lynn, being among the earliest settlers.  There he and his family developed a fine farm, clearing it out of the heavy timber.  Mr. Brooks took a prominent part in the public affairs of his neighborhood, being active in the interests of the school, town and county.  He was one of the founders of the Lynn Mutual Fire Insurance Co., being a director all through the long years of its early growth.  He was a type of good citizenship, honest and industrious, and public spirited.  In 1900 the farm was sold and he and his wife moved into Neillsville. 

He is survived by two sons, Chas. E., and Geo. R. Brooks, both well known citizens; a daughter, Jennie I. died in 1881. 

The funeral was held Wed., under the auspices of the Odd Fellow Lodge of which he was long a prominent member. Rev. W. B. Burrows preached the funeral sermon, burial taking place at Lynn. - Rep. & Press