Bio: Brooks, Henry L. (1923)

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----Surnames: Brooks, Reynolds, Cole, Morgan, Bell, Raymond, Finney

----Source: History of Wood County, Wis. (1923) page 568

Henry L. Brooks, well known retired farmer and mill superintendent making his home in Cameron Township, was born March 21, 1847 in Erie County, Pennsylvania, son of Alvin and Sarah June (Reynolds) Brooks, who were farmers and natives of that state. After finishing the public schools near his home

Mr. Brooks remained with his father, assisting in the operation of the farm, until Sept. 2, 1863, when he enlisted in Company F of the 211th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served during the remainder of the Civil War. After his discharge he again made his home on his father's farm, for six months, and in 1866 came to Mills Center, Brown County, Wis., where he entered the employ of a lumber company.

In 1873 he was married at Mills Center to Harriet E. Cole, daughter of Washington and Theresa (Morgan) Cole. Mrs. Brooks' parents both now deceased, were natives of New York State who, after their arrival in Wis., operated a hotel at Mills Center. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Brooks entered the employ of the Upham Manufacturing Company in Brown County, where he remained five years; in 1878 he came to Marshfield for the same company, and worked for them here for 28 years, being superintendent of their saw mill for 19 years, the mill employing at that time from 45 to 55 men. After leaving the employ of the Upham Company Mr. Brooks bought 40 acres of partly improved land in Cameron Township, built a good barn on it, and built it up into a fully improved farm. He now has rented the tillable land and is living retired, keeping only a few cows, chickens, and hogs to occupy a part of his time. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have been the parents of three children: Bertha Bell, Alvin L., and Emma Maud. Bertha Bell, born March 21, 1874 at Mill Center, passed away April 7, 1881. Alvin L., born Nov. 4, 1877, married Anna Raymond, and is now residing at Phillips, Wis.; Emma Maud, born April 1, 1883 at Marshfield, is now Mrs. Arthur B. Finney, living at Newport on the Menomonie Indian Reservation, and is the mother of two children: Arthur Brooks Finney, born Oct. 2, 1911, at Marshfield, Harriet Louise, born Aug. 23, 1913, at Marshfield. Mr. Brooks, occupying as he did a prominent position in the great lumbering industry which flourished in this region, is very widely known throughout the community and is one of its most highly respected members. He is affiliated fraternally with the M. W. A. and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Marshfield.