Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-04-01
For the spv.
For the Spy.
RccolIectfOns of the late SiIas Brooks.
ESQ.


Esq.
few days since, we were summoned to attend
the funeral obsequies of Silas Brooks, ESQ. Many
in that concourse of people, would recognize in
the deceased, that staid, respectable old gentle
man, daily seen for years past, with measured
step and slow, passing along on the sidewalks
greeting his friends, land who not his friend)
with the old, familiar salutation of show fare
you?' while few, comparatively, would remember
the active, energetic Silas Brooks of 1910 and
1920.
Mr.. Brooks's career in Worcester was long,
pleasant, prosperous. Commencing active life
here, whence he removed from Barre, with his pa
rents, near the close of the last century, he bore
prominent part in the business of the town, over
forty years and lived to pass from earth near
ly all his early associates Ebenezer Mower, vii.
liam Eaton, Jonathan Harrington, and James
Barber are of the number, and are ALL or nearly
all, that remain to the present time.
Hon. William Eaton known and reyered by
all, was his early associate, competitor, rival,
friend. They We're Deputy Sheriffs, side by side,
many years. This an open field for hopora-
BILE competition, where both might win. And both
did win dollars and distinction, by a faithful and
efficient discharge of duty. When placed in com
potion at a municipal election for some town Of
fee, which neither wanted Mr.. Eaton possessed
one advantage: and one, quite essential to sue
cess He could poll larger number of votes, his
party, in the town, being decidedly the most nu
merous. When State election came round, es-
pecially one of those exciting and sharply con-
tested elections preceding and during tn war Of
1872, Mr. Brooks could in turn, afford to be ex-
ultant. But, while divided in opinion, and active
in promoting success, he maintained his
wonted equanimity of mind, in victory and de-
feat. Hence, when the state of political fairs in
1924, the g era of good feeling" found us I" all
Federalists, all Republicans" there was nothing
in his antecedents to prevent cordial harmony
with his new confederates, but whilom opponents
nothing in the record to be expunged. no bitter
words to be forgotten.
Mr.. Brooks engaged in trade, several years,
and kept grocery store, either alone, or in con-
nection with his younger brother, James, from
about 1876 to 1914. His place Of business was at
the corner Of Main and Front Streets, in that
long, low building, as it was before being remod
eled and cut up into shops and offices, IN 1915
As merchant he sustained fair and honorable
reputation. One year he represented the town,
in part. in the General Court; and as most peo-
pie can recolleet, was a long time Crier of the
Courts.
Mr.. Brooks possessed several valuable points
OF character. His flial feelings were strong.
After his father who lived three or fourmiles ont
became partially deaf and otherwise infrn, by
reason of old age, and business or necessity in
duced him to ride into town, Silas might be seen
promptly at his side, to help him from his car
riage, and attend him from place to place if at
town meeting, supporting him to the ballot box,
and, with mouth TO ear explaining questions be-
fore the meeting. His sensbilites were acute,
and his sympathy with suffering, in whatever form
it was witnessed, quick and tender. Nearly op.
posite to his place of business, Mr.. Jonas Bush
kept valuable horse, of handsome carriage and
proud bearing. Having been left out, one morn
ing, to enjoy the liberty Of the yard and espying
gate partly open, he essayed to enlarge his LID.
erty by passing into the highway After exhibit
ing himself by few graceful turns on the street,
he attempted to return through the same open.
ing; but in darting in, carried The gate with him
WI a ron ar ID 80 H.
etrating his heart, he uttered long death groan
and fell. Mr.. Brooks. who had witnessed his
movements and gyrations was SO overcome by the
painful scene as to sink to the earth through
taintness, and was borne into his store by Others
On the other hand, in the discharge of official
duty, he discovered much firmness and strongres-
olntion. He could brave the bully, OF grapple
the desperate with his strong arm. Soon after
his appointment, by Sheriff Caldwell, a man by
the name of lnman was convicted of horse-steal
ing, and sentenced to /" stand on the pillory two
hours and receive thirty-nine lashes on the bare
back, The high sheriff laid on the first ten
lashes himself, rather leebly, it is said, and
assigned the remaining twenty-nine to deputies
Brooks and Black. Mr.. Brooks had the credit of
doing up his part coolly and vigorously This
was the last legal whipping perpetrated in this
county.
His kindness of heart was practical, and MANY
young men received generous aid Of him, as well
asjudicious counsel After retiring from the
uutSe VI sHeIiu, new hppOlntee came to him for
information and instruction, which were patient
ly and cheerfuly given, with the remark, that all
pecuniary failures of sherffs might be traced to
one OF two causes, namely using moneys collect
ed for others, or habits Of ntemperance. "And
now, john" he proceeded "you may succeed
and prosper by taking my advice, by neglecting
it, your ruin is certain. Pay over funds as soon
as collected, ndshun
" That fountain Of soda in sykes's bar room
Aud the other one too"
Eschtw entirely the use Of all strong drinks,
while holding office" This timely advice, though
intended for the meridian OF Worcester, some for
~ years ago, will serve, like the Farmers calen-
dar without essential variation, for other periods
and localities.
Mr.. Brooks was an estimable citizen, In most
respects yet in one thing he lacked in regard
to one duty, he was delinquent He pelsistingly
remained single, when lie should have been plural.
" y is not good for man to be alone,' and for
such man, with his genial spirit and all the ele-
ments and requisites for domestic happiness to
avoid the responsibilities and lorego the blessed
ness Of the family relation, is not exactly obey.
ing the law Of love. HEnMiT,