Mexico weekly ledger., 1897-02-11

DIR. Brooks illness covered several
months. lii health was the cause
of his return from London, forcing
him to give up his labors as pastor of
the West End Tabernacle of that
place. He left this city In April in
answer to a call from the congrega-
ton of the West End Tabernacle to
serve as their pastor. 1t was the third
time they had called him, and he COM
piled with their wishes. On Novem-
Der 2 he arrived in Memphis, being
forced to give up his pastoral duties in
London on account of continued bad
health. DIR. Brooks malady was
heart trouble. He has been sufferer
from complication of this character
for years. 1t reached an acute stage
some months ago, and caused him to
return home. The change, however,
brought about no good results, as he
had been sick ever since his return to
Memphis. This constant suffering
terminated Monday in the paralytic
stroke, the end of which was death.
His wife, three daughters, one of
whom is Mrs. Frank Davis, and his
son and SON. in law have been by him
since his troubles reached the acute
stage. They were at his bedside when
the messenger of death came.
The remains will be prepared for
shipment to Kansas City, Mo-, where
they will be inferred. The church at
that place, of which he was pastor for
seven years, has donated him 2 lot in
the cemetery wherein he will be laid
TO rest.
DIR. Brooks life was one of unusual
activity and achievement in the pro-
fession which he chose. He rose to
the front rank of divines. He was
born in Mason county, Kentucky,
June 1886, and spent his early years
on his faths-'s farm, going to the
winter schools. In 1858 he entered
Bethany College, near Richmond, Va,
and graduated in 1856, receiving the
degree of master of arts. He began
the Christian ministry Immediately
upon leaving school. After preaching
for several years he was called to the
presidency Of the FIemingsburg Col
lege in Kentucky, and for two years
was at the head of that institution.
Alexander Campbell, the founder of
the Christian Church, was at the time
of young Brooks matriculation presi-
dent of Bethany College, and this
great man made lasting impression
on his mind. To that admiration he
frequently ascribed all of his success
in life.
Up to the war DIR. Brooks was, in
politics, a Wing. After the war he
became a Democrat. He preached
prohibition In the Democratic ranks,
but, seeing that there was no ikeli-
hood of that party ever recognizing
the principles he SO earnestly wished
to promote, ne went over to the Pro-
hibition party. In the ranks of this
party he found at least more congen-
ial co-workers if not greater success.
In 1854 he was nominated for Gov
ernor by the Prohibition party of Mis-
souri,, and was only defeated by a
fusion of other parties. He made such
a vigorous fight that the legislature
was made up of Prohibitionists, who
were pledged to vote Prohibition
amendment 10 the constitution. Two
successive legislatures were Prohibi-
ton, but each time lobby undid what
the party had accomplished before
the people, and measures advocated
by them were defeated. DR.. Brooks
was worked against by Senator Vest
and other powerful politicians of Mis-
souri,, and it took their combined ef-
forts to keep him out of the Govern
or's chair. He polled the largest vote
by half ever received by Prohibition
candidate.
Four years later, In 1883, the Ma
tional Prohibition convention at In
dianapolis further honored DR.. Brooks
by making him the running mate Of
Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, candidate fol
President. That was the first cam
paign, Brysn's being the second
where a can6 idate for such high Office
canvassed the whole country. He
made speeches in all of the principal
cities of the United States. Before
the campaign was over the Prohibi-
ton ticket was known as Brooks and
Fisk, his prominent part in the can
vass giving his name first place In
general comraent. 1t Is the opinion
of his near relatives and friends that
the heart affliction which ultimately
brought about his death was superin-
tended by the canvass Of 1883, as DR..
Brooks made many speeches, and was
going constantly for some time. His
running mate, Clinton B. Fisk, died in
New York City in 1894.
DIR. Brooks married in 1853, Miss
Sue Robertson, of Bath county, KY,
being his bride. He at that time was
pastor of q church in Bath county,
During his career as a minister he
served churches In st. Louis, Kansas
City, several parts of Kentucky, Mem.
phis and latterly in London, England
He was pastor Of the Prospect Avenue
Church in Kansas City seven years
DIR. Brooks fiIst came to Memphis tc
take charge of the Christian church
here in Novomber, 1892. He served
until June, 1895. He then accepted
4 the call from the West End TaDer-
nacle of London, England, 1t being the
third time that congregation had cali
4 ed him. He was forced, as already
stated, to resign his pastorste on &C.
count Of bad health and returned tc
this country. DIR. Brooks has, It ID
essamatsd, cenverted 10000 souls tc
, the OhristiAn church faith In his time,
: He enioysd ne distinction Of beins
{. one Of the only two Christian ehurci
J ministers whose Nance appear In ,
history Of the Uaiesd st.ses. IN,