The Van Buren press., 1869-03-23
COL. WILLIAN Il. BROOKS.
We are called upon 10 announce

death or this eStImaNc gentleman anC
warm friend OF thehome Of his adoption
We are sincerely grieved To make this an
nouncement, and feel that nothing we car
say will add to the high esteem felt by al
who knew Col Books Born, we believe
in Michigan he sought a home in oui
State some time in 1859, locating at Fay
vile where he commenced the study Of
the law. He secured hosts of friends 10y
his manliness, and urbanity. He had but
fairly entered upon his professional ca
reer when the tocsin of war called him
from his desk TO the field. Approaching
the feelings and sentiments Of his South.
crn friends, he warmly cspoused Their
cause, lie entered the service as pri
vate soldier, but his abilities soon eleya
ted him to the position of Adjutant Of
the Post at Camp Walker near Maysville,
in Benton county, Arkansas, The duties
of this position he discharged with credit
and daily gained favor in the estimation
of all. Soon after this he became Colon
ell of a regiment Of State troops. These
being mustered out Of service, Colonel
Brooks soon raised battalion Of mount.
ell men and took part in the battle of
Elk Horn or Pea Ridge. Here he distin.
guished himself and his battalion, by a
hand hand sabre charge and the cap
ure ola Federal battery. Amer the un.
fortunate repulsc of Van Dorm at this
place, Colonel B. became a Colonel Of a
fine regiment Of infantry and took an ac-
tive part in the famous battle of Prairie
Grove. His distinguished and gallant
conduct induced his many friends to en-
deayor to secure for him the commission
of a Brigadier General. But for some
reason or other, probably known to the
authorities at Richmond, his claims were
overlooked---and he remained a Colonel:
this was in the winter of '62-3 Soon after
the army moved OF Helena, and being
repulsed was soon compelled to evacuate
the Capitol of the State. In 1864 came
the battle of Jenkins Ferry, on Saline
river, and the other engagements in the
vicinity of Camden, Arkansas, which re-
suited in the disastrous defeat of the
Federal army under Gen. Steele. At
jenkins Ferry, while gallantly leading
his men, Colonel b. received a painful
gun shot wound in the face, which for
babe active duty on his part for some
time. Colonel b. with small squad of
men captured the steamer Chippewa on
the Arkansas river, and burned her to
prevent her being retakcn by the enemy.
After the war ended an uncalled for and
vexatious persecution was commenced at
against him at Little Rock, out of which
he came with honor, leaving injustice to
its merited reflections. Col Brooks was
elected by the people of Washington
county to the Legislature of 1867, and
there displayed talents that promised soon
to place him among the leaders of the
State But alas death had marked him
f,r bic own, ana the insidious disease
that has finally taken him from us was,
even then making fearful ravages upon
his constitution TO try the effect Of
change Of climate he soon after the ad
journmcnt of the Legislature, returned to
the home of his childhood, but this failed
TO benefit him and he soon returned to
Fort Smith, where he continued to reside
in the family Of his brothcr-in- law, Mr..
J. {. W. SEYMOUR, until his death. He
breathed his last on the morning of the
10th Of March, inst. He leaves host OF
friends to mourn his mtimely end. Death
truly has selected shining mark.
The funeral of Col. Brooks was attend
cd on Sunday afternoon, at Fort Smith
from the Episcopal Church, by one OF
the largest assemblies and procession
ever witnessed in that city. The Masonic
Fraternity, headed by the Garrison Band
led the procession to the grave. A large
number of the Masonic Order and citizens
Of Van Buren,, went over and paid thei
tribute of respect to the dead.