The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1911-01-27
HERBERT +. BROOKS.
Death Of Former Well-known Local
Rasident In Athol. Mass.


Herbert Il. Brooks 90 one of the
best known travelling statesmen in New
England and for over 40 years q resi-
dent of Brattleboro, died at the home
of his nephew, Ralph o. Brooks, in
Athol, Mass, Friday afternoon from a
complication of Bright's disease and
heart trouble. Mr.. Brooks had been IN
poor health for several years, being
Obliged I, give up work in the fall OF
1908 on account of failing eyesight
After the death of his wife in June,
1909, he continued TO live ut his home
on Canal street until about n year ago
when he went TO Athol. Since then ne
had visited Brattleboro frequently,
coming here for the last time early IN
the fall For several weeks previous
to his death his condition was serious
Mr.. Brooks was born in Wendell,
Mass, in 1912, son Of Capt. Thomas
and Mary Ann Sawyer Brooks. lie
received his education in the public
schools of his native town and at New
salem academy. Afterward he entered
the general store of his father in Wen
dell. where he remained until he enlist
ed at the outbreak of the Civil war IN
Company G., 10th Massachusetts, regi'
ment. Mr.. Brooks began his career as
n travelling salesman in 1865, being AT
first associated with the Thomas Dana
company of Boston Of which firm he
afterward became q member. He was
next associated with the William H..
RAYMOND Grocery company OF Boston
and about Is years ago began travehnp
through Massachusetts, and Vermont ioi
the Martin Il. Hall company OF the
same city. At the time of his death nc
was still an employe of this concern,
a in nj ha
was obliged to give up active work, be-
ing refused by the company.
Mr.. Brooks married Georgianna Bar
rett of this town Nov. 10, 1867, coming
TO Bratteboro TO live at that time
Mrs. Brooks died in June, 1909. lie Is
survived by two brothers, Oscar i.
Brooks, the veteran grocer of Athol
and Charles C. Brooks of Orange.
Mass, who is also in the grocery bust;
ness. Mr.. Brooks was member OF
the Greenfield lodge of Masons, Sedg
wick post, G. A. r., of this town, the
local Universalist church, the Vermont
Wheel club, and the Pequoig club OF
"Hub" Brooks, as he was known all
over New England, had remarkable
capacity for making enduring friend
ships. His genial disposition and
yorite among all with whom he was
associated either socially or in bust
ness. and his optimistic outlook on
things in general helped him to bear
cheerfully the trials that came to him
in the last few years of his life; The
fact that his "A years on the road were
spent in the service of but three firms
testifies to his ability as n salesman;
and that this ability was recognized
is shown by the refusal of his last EN-
ployers to consider his resignation even
after he was unable to work for them
Mr.. Brooks was an active worker IN be-
half of the Valley fair, and was large
ly responsible for the success OF the
coaching parade of former years. HIS
wide acquaintance throughout TINS sec.
ton of New England enabled HIM 10
extoll the merits of the fair in a way
that brought it large amount of vaiu'
able patronage. He was an enthusias:
tie member of the Vermont Wheel
club. in whose social functions he for
merly took an active part, and pa
thetic feature of the clubs 25th ami
versary celebration last November was
the reading of a letter Of regret be-
cause of his inability to be present. MI
Brooks was conscientious member
and supporter of the Universalist
church, and a valued worker IN the loeaI
Grand Army post.
Funeral services were held IN the
Universalst church in Brattle6oro
Monday afternoon at $50 0 clock. Inc
body was brought here on the 2.07 train
from Athol that afternoon. Rev. d. Z.
Trout officiated, and the burial was
In the family lot In Prospect Hill
cemetery. A profusion Of flowers
from friends In many cities IN
Massachusetts and former neighbors
In Brattleboro testified to the esteem
In which Mr.. Brooks was held by VIDE
nresent at the funeral from out of town
were Mr.. and Mrs. Oscar 7. Brooks
Miss Anna Brooks. Mr.. and Mrs. Ralph
Brooks of Athol. Charles G. Brooks OF
Orange, Mass, Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
D. Barrett Of Springfield, Mass, and
Mr.. Flanders of Boston.