WILLAM M. BROOKS An enterprising and progressive farmer of Noble Township was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 7, 1841, and is of English lineage. He is the seventh child born to Mosley and Susanna (Geohegan) Brooks, natives of the same County, the former born in 1805, and died in 1873, the latter born 1803, died in 1871. The paternal grandfather, Zachariah Brooks, was a native of Virginia, who, at an early date, removed to Kentucky, where he died at the age of ninety years. His maternal grandfather, a native of Delaware, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Kentucky. In 1851, the family came to Rush County. Our subject received a common school education, and his occupation has always been that of a farmer. He now resides on the old Brooks homestead, and is the owner of more than 500 acres of land. In 1862, Mr. Brooks enlisted in Company I, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After serving seven months, he resigned on account of physical disability. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized October 6, 1869, to Miss Laura D. Downey, born in Warren County, Ohio, November 4, 1849. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Minnie D., born 1870; Cora D., born 1871; Harry D., born 1873; Edith E., born 1875; Ida F., born 1878; William M., Jr., born 1884, and Leslie R., born 1887. Mr. Brooks is a staunch Republican and a member of the G. A. R. For four years he was Trustee of Noble Township. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church.MELVIN W. BROOKS was born in Nicholas County, Ky., April 18, 1844; son of Mosley Brooks. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to this county, when but five years of age, and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the Fifty-second Regiment, Company G, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Wolf and Capt. Ross Guffin. He participated at the battle of Fort Donelson where he was wounded. He was a true and brave soldier and at the end of three years and eight months was honorably discharged, came home and resumed the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a farm of 175 acres of well-improved land. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized April 23, 1867, to Miss Alice A., daughter of Horatio and Nancy (Townsend) Culver, natives of New York and Ohio. Mrs. Brooks was born January 31, 1849, and is the mother of the following children; Fannie, Forrest, Charles, Sadie, Mertie, Vernon and Oliver M. Politically, Mr. Brooks is a Republican, and also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church. Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920