Holmes County
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1. JONATHAN1 BROOKS Was Born Abt. 1786 In GA, And Died January 19, 1858.
He Married (1) NANCY MONK September 21, 1806 In Columbia Co, GA, Daughter
of JOHN MONK And PIETY ANN. She Was Born Abt. 1790 In GA, And Died Abt. 1815.
He Married (2) SIDNEY UNKNOWN Abt. 1815. She Was Born Abt. 1800.
More About JONATHAN BROOKS:
Burial: Attala Co, MS
More About NANCY MONK:
Burial: Barbour Co, AL
Children Of JONATHAN BROOKS And NANCY MONK Are:
2 i. REVEREND MIDDLETON2 BROOKS, B. January 26, 1812, Eatonton,
Putnam Co, GA (Or Pike Co, GA); D. February 28, 1893, Elba, Coffee Co, AL.
ii. BEN BROOKS, B. Abt. 1814, GA.
3 iii. JANE BROOKS, B. Abt. 1817.
Children Of JONATHAN BROOKS And SIDNEY UNKNOWN Are:
4 iv. REVEREND ELIJAH MOSES2 BROOKS, B. November 14, 1816, GA;
D. October 1892.
v. SAMUEL BROOKS BROOKS, B. Abt. 1829.
vi. MATILDA BROOKS, B. Abt. 1830.
vii. SARAH (SALLIE) BROOKS, B. Abt. 1832.
viii. ANN BROOKS, B. Abt. 1834.
ix. LOUISA BROOKS, B. Abt. 1835.
x. GEORGIANNE BROOKS, B. Abt. 1836.
xi. MARY A. BROOKS, B. February 22, 1836.
xii. CAROLINE BROOKS, B. Abt. 1837.
xiii. LUCY HUDSON BROOKS, B. September 12, 1842.
2. REVEREND MIDDLETON2 BROOKS (JONATHAN1) was born January 26, 1812 in
Eatonton, Putnam Co, GA (or Pike Co, GA), and died February 28, 1893 in
Elba, Coffee Co, AL. He married MARY SUSAN WILKES August 29, 1833 in
Perry, Houston Co, GA, daughter of ELIAS WILK(E)S and HANNAH USHER. She
was born December 20, 1807 in Marlborough Dist., South Carolina, and died
April 10, 1893 in Elba, Coffee Co, AL.
Notes for REVEREND MIDDLETON BROOKS:
From the book "Coffee County Baptists - History of the Coffee County
Baptist Association of Alabama and of the Forty Five Member Churches of
the Body" by Albert Strozier:
CHAPTER 1 - BEGINNING OF BAPTIST WORK IN THE AREA
(quote) "Middleton Brooks was appointed missionary of the Judson
Association in 1857 and 'Took the field about the first of March.' In his
first report to the association he gave the following information of his
activities. 'Baptized forty-six people, constituted two churches, ordained
three deacons, and sold two hundred and eighty-nine volumes...' His report
for 1860 shows the following service. 'Worked two hundred and fifteen days,
received twenty-eight by baptism, and eight by letter. Assisted in the
ordination of two ministers, and re-organized one church, and preached one
hundred and fifty-nine sermons'. "
"Lamar Stewart of the Dorcas Church in the Coffee Association is a
descendent of Elijah Brooks a brother of Middleton, and also a Baptist
minister in the area, gives the following information. Middleton Brooks
was born in Georgia on January 26, 1812. His brother Elijah was also born
in that state on November 14, 1816. Around the middle of the last century
both had moved to Southeast Alabama. While not as well known as Middleton,
Elijah was also active in the Lord's work in the area."
"Middleton Brooks had eleven children. Three of his sons also became
Baptist ministers. They were Thomas Jefferson Brooks, James Washington Brooks,
and Adoniram Judson Brooks, all of which served churches in Coffee County and
in surrounding areas."
"Middleton Brooks was the third moderator of the Pea River Association from
1879 to 1885. One of his sons, J.W. Brooks also served as moderator of the
association."
"Coffee County was considered as part of the Judson Association, and when
Shiloh Church was organized on may 23, 1857, as missionary of that association
Middleton Brooks presided over the council. Brooks was instrumental in organizing
a number of churches in the area."
"Middleton Brooks died the following year on February 28, 1893 and was buried
at Victoria in Coffee County." (end quote)
Some of the towns in Coffee County where Middleton Brooks preached are:
Victoria, New Hope, Woodland Grove, Whitewater, Elba First, Shiloh, Damascus, Alberton.
Middleton Brooks was a Mason.
Volunteered in Creek Indian War, Dale Co. 18 May 1836, 3 months, honorably
discharged in Irwinton, Barbour Co. Aug 1836. Military: Creek Indian War 1836,
Blair's Batt., Pouncey's Co., AL Volunteers
Volunteered and served in the Creek Indian War, Dale Co., AL - 18 May, 1836.
He was honorably discharged in Irwinton, AL three months later, Aug 1836,
Barbour Co., AL
Listed in the following Coffee Co., AL census reports: 1850, 1870, 1880
Listed in the following Barbour Co, AL census report: 1850
Excerpts from autobiography titled "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman,
descendent of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son John F. Hartman):
"About this time I became interested in my ancestry, and asked a lot of
questions. Just wish I could remember all those sad or delightful things I
was told. I was very impressed with my father's grandparents and their family.
They had four sons and seven daughters. My Suzy Ma was the eleventh and youngest.
Their father was Reverend Middleton Brooks. He and his four sons were all preachers.
They were "circuit riders," rode horses all around to preach in different towns.
"I have seen all four sons, and seven daughters. The girls names were: Martha
(Aunt Marth), Catherine Elizabeth (Aunt Liz), Mary Ann, Hanna (Aunt Han), Sara
(Aunt Sally), Nancy Jane and Susan Rebecca (Suzy Ma) My Suzy Ma was the youngest
of them all. The boys names were: Thomas Jefferson, Jonathan Franklin, James
Washington (Uncle Jim), and Adoniram Judson (Uncle Jud).
"All four sons fought in the Civil War, some directly under General Robert E.
Lee. When General Lee was going to surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant, his men
had to stand aside and clear a path through the ranks for him to walk (very slowly)
through. One of my great uncles reached out and touched Lee's hand. There were
tears in every man's eyes, Northerners and Southerners alike. Lee took his sword
out of it's sheath and held it out to General Grant. He said 'No, General Lee,
you're too brave and honorable a man to be without your sword. You keep it'.
"The four sons began coming home. One was missing a little toe, shot off at
Shiloh. The family would hear a yell (rebel yell, I guess), and they'd know another
son was home, safe and sound, half starved and louse ridden. The poor soldier would
wait in the barn and someone would take hot water and homemade lye soap and some kind
of clothes to cover his nakedness, then his old clothes would be burned. Only then
would the soldier go into the house for his joyful and prayerful welcome home."
From notes of Anne Wise Hood, descendent of Sarah Frances Brooks and A.J Wise:
"Middleton Brooks was ordained as a Baptist minister at Mt. Zion Church in Barbour
County, Alabama 14 April 1849 (recorded in Barbour County marriage book). In 1853,
he was pastor of Peniel and Mt. Pizgah Churches in Barbour County.
"He was the first Baptist missionary appointed by the Judson Association (Barbour
County) to start churches in the new territory (which included Coffee County) in 1856.
He (along with three of his sons) was instrumental in starting many of the area
churches, probably the first being Shiloh, just south of Elba. He became moderator
of the Pea River Baptist Association in 1879.
"He was in the Barbour County, AL 1850 census, however, I have not yet located him
in the 1860 census, but I feel that he was living in the area around Shiloh Church.
Many of his children married people from the Shiloh area in the time just prior to the
Civil War."
More About REVEREND MIDDLETON BROOKS:
Burial: Baptist Cemetery, Victoria, Coffee Co, AL
Military service: Creek Indian War bet. May-Aug 1836, Blair's Batt., Pouncey's Co,
AL Volunteers
Occupation: Baptist Minister (Reverend), third moderator of the Pea River Baptist
Association
Notes for MARY SUSAN WILKES:
Photo of
Mary Susan Wilkes
According to a copy of the draft of her epitaph for her funeral, Mary Susan spent the
last three years of her life in a coma.
Excerpts from the autobiography "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman, descendent
of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son John F. Hartman):
"Reverend Middleton Brooks' wife was named Mary Susan Wilkes. She was from Georgia.
Her family were prominent, wealthy plantation owners. The family had owned slaves, but
Mary's fathers had freed them, but they wouldn't go anywhere. They wanted to stay on,
even before the Civil War started. A few of them wanted to live with "Miss Mary" when
she married Middleton and moved to Alabama."
From notes of Anne Wise Hood, descendent of Sarah Frances Brook and A.J. Wise, written
by Ethel Holloway, daughter of Mary Clara Halstead (daughter of Mary A. Brooks and
Newton Jasper Halstead, granddaughter of Mary Susan Wilkes and Middleton Brooks):
"Polly (Mary Susan) is described as 'about medium height, slender, with blue-gray
eyes in a long narry face.' She was a cherished first daughter of a traditionally
church-minded family who lived by a completely different set of standards. The parents
'did not sanction this marriage' and experienced a severe traumatic shock that Mary had
'fallen in love with this comely young man.' They felt that she was marrying beneath
herself and had discouraged the affair. She, however, was 24 or 25 (about five years
older than Middleton) and could marry without parental consent. Middleton, the lonely,
adventuresome young blade, and Mary, five years older than he and undoubtedly burdened
with responsibilities accruing to first daughters and maybe a bit frantic at being an
old maid, were drawn like magnets to each other. As it worked out, it was a rich
fulfillment for each. Incidentally, this is the first recorded instance of a strong
family characteristic which is significant 150 years later... you marry in--not out--
in this family...family loyalty.
"At the time of this marriage, Mama thought Middleton was more or less illiterate,
for Mary 'taught him to read, write, and cipher.' This gives some credence to the
family heresay that 'he ran away at an early age.' She also 'taught him the Bible,
inspired him to repentance and conversion to the Christian religion.' She must have
been one of nature's own psychologists and Middleton must have had genuine native
ability, because he became quite a student and preacher. All the zest and energy he
once put into horse racing, he now put into educating himself and leading a Christian life."
More About MARY SUSAN WILKES:
Burial: Baptist Cemetery, Victoria, Coffee Co, AL
Children of MIDDLETON BROOKS and MARY WILKES are:
5 i. MARTHA ELIZABETH3 BROOKS, b. June 02, 1834, AL; d. Geneva, Geneva Co, AL.
ii. CATHERINE ELIZABETH BROOKS, b. July 20, 1835, Geneva, Geneva Co, AL;
m. WASHINGTON ANDERSON, Abt. 1895, Elba, Coffee Co, AL; b. Abt. 1825.
More About CATHERINE ELIZABETH BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva, Geneva Co., AL
Marriage Notes for CATHERINE BROOKS and WASHINGTON ANDERSON:
Excerpts from the autobiography titled "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman,
descendent of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son John F. Hartman):
"One of Suzy Ma's sisters, my great Aunt, 'Miss Lizzie' (Catherine Elizabeth) Brooks,
never got married until she was sixty. She married a widower who was seventy, known to
our relatives as Uncle Wash Anderson. Wash's previous wife got sick and became bedridden.
Aunt Liz went to live with them (across the field from home) and helped nurse Wash's wife.
Finally, the wife died, and Aunt Liz went back home.
"A good while later, all of a sudden, she decided she didn't like the taste of the water
at home, so she started going over to Wash's to get 'good tasting' water from his well.
"Next they became engaged, and he went to get the marriage license in Elba, Alabama, I
think. The court clerk asked his and Lizzie's age. Wash had a harelip, couldn't talk plain,
and told the clerk 'sixtee and seventee.' The clerk thought he was saying sixteen and
seventeen. The clerk replied, 'Look old man, I know you are more than seventeen. You mean to
tell me you are marrying a sixteen year old girl? That can't be.' Wash finally had to hold
up fingers, sixty for her and seventy for him.
"They had a perfect and happy marriage for ten years, and Aunt Lizzie had all the 'good
tasting' water she wanted, plus a husband who was good to her."
6 iii. MARY ANN BROOKS, b. July 26, 1836, Henry Co, AL; d. January 20, 1917, Opp,
Covington Co, AL.
7 iv. REVEREND THOMAS JEFFERSON BROOKS, b. September 02, 1838, Louisville,
Barbour Co., AL; d. February 18, 1925, Geneva, Geneva Co, AL.
v. HANNAH BROOKS, b. January 1840, Coffee Co, AL; d. 1923, Columbus,
Muscogee Co, GA.
Notes for HANNAH BROOKS:
Excerpts from the autobiography "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Thelma Brooks Hartman,
descendent of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son John F. Hartman):
"Hannah (Aunt Han) died in her eighties and was never married. She loved and was
engaged to marry a young man who was killed in the Civil War. She never loved another
man again, in that way. She was an angel on this earth, if there's ever been one. He
gave her a little keepsake, I can't remember what it was, before he left for the war,
and she kept it all her life. She lived with us when she died."
More About HANNAH BROOKS:
Burial: Victoria, Coffee Co, AL
vi. JONATHAN FRANKLIN BROOKS, b. February 27, 1842, AL.
Notes for JONATHAN FRANKLIN BROOKS:
Jonathan never married
More About JONATHAN FRANKLIN BROOKS:
Military service: Civil War
8 vii. REVEREND JAMES WASHINGTON BROOKS, b. March 09, 1844, Barbour Co, AL;
d. April 29, 1928, Geneva Co, AL.
9 viii. SARAH FRANCES BROOKS, b. December 18, 1846, Dale Co, AL;
d. February 18, 1929, Victoria, Coffee Co, AL.
10 ix. NANCY JANE BROOKS, b. March 22, 1848, AL.
11 x. REVEREND ADONIRAM JUDSON BROOKS, b. August 28, 1850, Elba, Coffee Co, AL;
d. July 28, 1933, Black, Geneva Co, Alabama.
12 xi. SUSAN REBEKAH BROOKS, b. May 09, 1856, AL; d. May 11, 1933, Cloverdale,
Lauderdale Co, AL.
3. JANE2 BROOKS (JONATHAN1) was born Abt. 1817. She married THOMAS PARRAMORE March 15,
1835 in Houston Co, GA. He was born January 29, 1799 in NC, and died November 16, 1878
in Thomas Co, GA.
Children of JANE BROOKS and THOMAS PARRAMORE are:
i. JAMES APPLETON3 PARRAMORE, b. December 16, 1835, Montgomery Co, GA;
d. April 27, 1910, Thomas Co, GA.
ii. AMOS PARRAMORE, b. Abt. 1837, Thomas Co, GA; d. December 10, 1863,
Adams River, SC.
iii. JOHN WILLIAM PARRAMORE, b. October 28, 1840, Tattnal Co, GA;
d. April 09, 1894, Thomas Co, GA.
4. REVEREND ELIJAH MOSES2 BROOKS (JONATHAN1) was born November 14, 1816 in GA,
and died October 1892. He married ELIZABETH J. GRANGER May 12, 1844.
Notes for REVEREND ELIJAH MOSES BROOKS:
From the book "Coffee County Baptists - History of the Coffee County Baptist
Association of Alabama and of the Forty Five Member Churches of the Body" by
Albert Strozier:
CHAPTER 1 - BEGINNING OF BAPTIST WORK IN THE AREA
"Lamar Stewart of the Dorcas Church in the Coffee Association is a descendent
of Elijah Brooks a brother of Middleton, and also a Baptist minister in the area,
gives the following information. Middleton Brooks was born in Georgia on January
26, 1812. His brother Elijah was also born in that state on November 14, 1816.
Around the middle of the last century both had moved to Southeast Alabama. While
not as well known as Middleton, Elijah was also active in the Lord's work in the area.
"Elijah had six daughters, and only one son, who also became a Baptist Preacher.
His name was James P. Brooks. One of Elijah's daughters married David Crockett Allen,
an early pastor of several Coffee County churches. Another daughter, Alice, married
Alfred Grooms, and was said to have been instrumental in the beginning of the Goodman
Church of Coffee County.
"Elijah Brooks died in October of 1892 and was buried in Pike County."
More About REVEREND ELIJAH MOSES BROOKS:
Burial: Shady Grove Cemetery, Pike Co, AL
Children of ELIJAH BROOKS and ELIZABETH GRANGER are:
13 i. JAMES P.3 BROOKS, b. December 1848, Georgia.
ii. ALICE BROOKS, m. ALFRED GROOMS.
5. MARTHA ELIZABETH3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born June 02, 1834 in AL,
and died in Geneva, Geneva Co, AL. She married (1) SHERROD THOMAS Abt. 1855 in
Dale Co, AL. He was born Abt. 1820 in Georgia, and died August 14, 1864 in Richmond,
Henrico Co, VA. She married (2) ALF DAVIS Aft. 1865. He was born Abt. 1829.
Notes for MARTHA ELIZABETH BROOKS:
Excerpts from the autobiography "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman, descendent
of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son John F. Hartman):
"I remember another sister, Aunt Marth (Martha), but I can't remember anything
about her. I guess she didn't live near us."
From Widow's Pension applications, Alabama, per Deborah Miller, descendent:
S929.3761, Roll 244, Al Conf. Pension Appl., Applications for Widows Pension.
For Relief by Widows of Confederate Soldiers, under Act approved 24 Feb 1887
The State of Alabama County of Coffee:
Personally appeared before me, B.M. Stevenson Judge of Probate in and for said
County, Mrs. Martha E. Thomas, who, being duly sworn, upon oath, says that her
husband, Sherrod Thomas, was a Private in Company E of 59 Regiment of Ala. Vol.;
that he came to his death occurred during the late war or within one year thereafter,
that she has not since remarried; that she was a resident of Alabama on the 25th day
of February, 1887, and is a resident at the date of this application; and that her
taxable property does not exceed one thousand dollars in value.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 6th day of June, 1887
Martha E. Thomas applicant
B.M. Stevens Judge of Probate of Coffee County.
The State of Alabama County of Coffee; I hereby certify that satisfactory proof has
been made before me of the truth of the allegations set forth in the above affidavit,
and that I believe Mrs. Martha E. Thomas is entitled to relief under the Act approved
February 25th 1887; and that the duplicate of the foregoing application and affidavit
is on file in my office.
Given under my hand this the 6th day of June, 1887.
B.M. Stevens Judge of Probate of Coffee County
More applications were found: 1887 Coffee, 1889 Geneva, 1891 Geneva, and 1892 Geneva.
More About MARTHA ELIZABETH BROOKS:
Burial: Eden Church Cemetery, Geneva, Coffee Co, AL
Children of MARTHA BROOKS and SHERROD THOMAS are:
i. JAMES H.4 THOMAS, b. 1856.
ii. LUTHER J. THOMAS, b. 1858.
iii. HARRISON MIDDLETON THOMAS, b. 1859.
iv. FRANKLIN THOMAS, b. 1862.
14 v. SHERROD WASHINGTON THOMAS, b. August 1863, Coffee Co, AL (buried Baptist
Cemetery, Victoria, AL); d. Abt. 1945, Thomaston, Upson Co, GA.
6. MARY ANN3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born July 26, 1836 in Henry Co, AL, and
died January 20, 1917 in Opp, Covington Co, AL. She married NEWTON JASPER HALSTEAD
July 14, 1859 in Coffee Co, AL. He was born March 22, 1838, and died February 22, 1864
in Camp Cedar Point, AL.
More About MARY ANN BROOKS:
Burial: 1917, Beulah Church Cemetery, Opp, Covington Co., AL
Children of MARY BROOKS and NEWTON HALSTEAD are:
i. WALTER B.4 HALSTEAD, b. Abt. 1860; m. S.N. CHANCEY, 1879, Coffee Co, AL.
15 ii. MARY CLARA HALSTEAD, b. Abt. 1862.
iii. VIOLA E. HALSTEAD, b. September 07, 1863, Coffee Co, AL;
d. March 12, 1872, Coffee Co, AL.
7. REVEREND THOMAS JEFFERSON3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born September 02,
1838 in Louisville, Barbour Co., AL, and died February 18, 1925 in Geneva, Geneva Co, AL.
He married MARY ELIZABETH HALSTEAD THOMAS, daughter of WILLIAM HALSTEAD and CLARA MINSHEW.
She was born March 1837 in GA, and died Abt. 1923 in Coffee Co. ,AL.
Notes for REVEREND THOMAS JEFFERSON BROOKS:
Thomas Jefferson Brooks enlisted CSA, 4 Jul 1861 at Skipperville, AL, Co H,
15th ALA Regmt., CSA
Leg wound Virginia Oct 1864 at the battle of Suffolk, Virginia. Paroled 9 Apr 1865 at
Appomaddox Court House, Va.
Baptist Minister. Twice elected moderator of the Pea River Baptist Association,
1900-1901 and again in 1903.
More About REVEREND THOMAS JEFFERSON BROOKS:
Burial: Sardis Methodist Church Cemetery, Geneva, AL
Military service: Confederate Soldiers Census 1907, Coffee Co., AL, Company H,
15th AL Infantry
Notes for MARY ELIZABETH HALSTEAD THOMAS:
Mary was the widow of Mr. Thomas. According to 1900 Census, Mary had 14/11 children,
9 by Mr. Thomas?
More About MARY ELIZABETH HALSTEAD THOMAS:
Burial: Victoria Baptist Cemetery, Coffee Co, AL
Children of THOMAS BROOKS and MARY THOMAS are:
16 i. JULIAN F.4 BROOKS, b. February 27, 1867, AL; d. August 11, 1938,
Coffee Co, AL.
17 ii. ARNOLD BERNARD BROOKS, b. September 22, 1868, Louisville, Barbour
Co., AL; d. August 09, 1935, Coffee Co, AL.
iii. EMMA L. BROOKS, b. April 1871.
18 iv. VERNON N. BROOKS, b. August 1874, Coffee Co, AL; d. 1959, Coffee Co, AL.
19 v. HOWARD C. BROOKS, b. April 07, 1876, Coffee Co, AL; d. May 24, 1954,
Coffee Co, AL.
8. REVEREND JAMES WASHINGTON3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born March 09, 1844
in Barbour Co, AL, and died April 29, 1928 in Geneva Co, AL. He married TALITHA JANE
HELMS July 27, 1865 in Coffee Co, AL, daughter of HIRAM HELMS and PHAREBY HIGLER.
She was born October 01, 1849 in Dale Co, AL, and died July 03, 1918.
Notes for REVEREND JAMES WASHINGTON BROOKS:
Served in Civil War in Tennessee.
Listed in the following Coffee Co, AL censuses: 1870, and 1880.
More About REVEREND JAMES WASHINGTON BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
Military service: Co A, 33rd Alabama Infantry Regiment, CSA
More About TALITHA JANE HELMS:
Burial: July 04, 1918, Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
Marriage Notes for JAMES BROOKS and TALITHA HELMS:
James & Talitha were members of Eden (?) Baptist Church in 1909
Children of JAMES BROOKS and TALITHA HELMS are:
i. FLAVIUS FRANKLIN4 BROOKS, b. November 05, 1866; d. February 02, 1925;
m. FRANCES UNKNOWN; b. November 17, 1871; d. June 20, 1905.
More About FRANCES UNKNOWN:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
ii. FLORENCE ALABAMA BROOKS, b. March 02, 1869, Coffee Co, AL;
d. March 14, 1869, Coffee Co, AL.
20 iii. ANNA ELIZABETH BROOKS, b. March 10, 1870, Geneva, Geneva Co, AL;
d. May 11, 1933, Cloverdale, Lauderdale Co, AL.
iv. MARY ELLA BROOKS, b. August 11, 1872, Coffee Co, AL; m. DEMPSEY SPEARS.
21 v. ELIE ESTELLE BROOKS, b. October 06, 1876, Coffee Co, AL;
d. December 03, 1963, Samson, Geneva Co, AL.
vi. LUCY ULALIA BROOKS, b. January 16, 1879; m. WALLACE MCDOUGALD.
vii. ALGERNON DEWITT BROOKS, b. November 26, 1880, Coffee Co, AL;
d. March 15, 1943, Geneva Co, AL; m. NANNY FOREMAN.
More About ALGERNON DEWITT BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
viii. OSCAR LAFAYETTE BROOKS, b. April 04, 1882, AL;
d. March 02, 1940, Geneva, Geneva Co, AL; m. JESSIE LENORE BATCHELOR;
b. March 03, 1888; d. March 30, 1966, Pensacola, Escambia Co, FL.
More About OSCAR LAFAYETTE BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery , Geneva, Geneva Co., AL
22 ix. LUTHER CLEVELAND BROOKS, b. March 20, 1885, AL; d. June 09, 1959, AL.
x. FOX BROOKS, b. July 21, 1887.
Notes for FOX BROOKS:
Killed - never married
xi. HORACE MILTON BROOKS, b. March 25, 1891, AL; d. August 14, 1956;
m. IDA GRIFFIN; b. April 01, 1891; d. March 31, 1930.
More About HORACE MILTON BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
More About IDA GRIFFIN:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
9. SARAH FRANCES3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born December 18, 1846 in
Dale Co, AL, and died February 18, 1929 in Victoria, Coffee Co, AL. She married
ANDREW JACKSON WISE, JR. February 18, 1868 in Coffee Co, AL, son of ANDREW WISE
and SARAH PRESCOTT. He was born May 18, 1852 in Coffee Co, AL, and died September
11, 1940 in Coffee Co, AL.
Notes for SARAH FRANCES BROOKS:
Excerpts from the autobiography "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman,
descendent of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son, John F. Hartman):
"Then there was Aunt Sal (Sarah Frances), who married A.J. (Jack Wise).
When Aunt Sally died, my brother's wife, Anne (Betty Jean's mother) and I went
from Thomaston, Georgia to Victoria, with Uncle Morgan, to the funeral. It rained
so much, and so long, the roads were flooded and impassable. Something had to be
done with the body, so the coffin was loaded into a wagon. The family cemetery
was up on a high hill, so the wagon and four men started out for the cemetery, to
get the body buried. There had been a nice service at the house. Uncle Jack was
sitting by the window with his sightless eyes turned toward the hill. The mules
and wagon were sliding all over the red clay road. The coffin slid out the back
of the wagon and onto that muddy road. The poor old fellow never knew it though,
because he couldn't see, and it was raining too hard for him to hear."
Notes by Ann Wise Hood, descendent of Sarah Frances Brooks and A.J. Wise:
1910 census says she was the mother of 10 children and all 10 are still living
in 1910!"
More About SARAH FRANCES BROOKS:
Burial: Victoria Baptist Cemetery, Coffee Co, AL
Notes for ANDREW JACKSON WISE, JR.:
A.J. Wise, Jr. was a Mason.
Baptist Minister. First clerk of the Pea River Baptist Association (1874),
served 21 years in that position. Later elected moderator in 1895. A long time
leader of Baptists in Coffee County and surrounding areas.
Excerpts from the autobiography titled "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Brooks Hartman,
descendent of Susan Rebecca Brooks (recorded by son, John F. Hartman):
"Uncle Jack was in medical school before he was married, and Oh! the chilly
thrills I would have hearing him tell about the medical students robbing the
graves at midnight. Someone had died with something a little odd. They wanted
to study the body, so they took shovels the first night the man was buried.
They dug and dug, and finally got down to the coffin. Some were standing up
above to take the coffin, when those down in the grave lifted it up to them.
They were working by moonlight. Just as the coffin was being passed up to those
above, the moon went behind a cloud, and they all fell into the grave, casket
and all - scared to death. They were so scared they had to help each other out
of the grave, and count themselves two or three times to make sure.
"Uncle Jack Wise was blind twenty years before he died, but he wanted to keep
his stock, a couple mules and horses. They stretched a rope from the house to
the barn to guide him to go feed them. He soon got so that he didn't need the
rope, so they took it down. I remember, he always had, and took good care of
this mules and horses.
"I later heard that a Post Office had been named 'Jack, Alabama' after him.
I don't know that for sure."
Notes by Ann Wise Hood, descendent of Sarah Frances Brooks and A.J. Wise:
"Andrew Jackson Wise, Jr. was born in Coffee County, May 18, 1852. Shortly
before his 16th birthday, he married Sarah Frances Brooks who was almost 23 years
old! They were the parents of six boys and four girls.
"A.J. Wise Jr.'s father was of the Primitive Baptist faith, as was his brother,
Elder G.W.C. Wise. I'm not sure when A.J. changed to Southern Baptist, but he was
first clerk of the Pea River Baptist Association when it was organized in 1877 and
remained clerk until 1898 when he became moderator. He is said to have attended
every annual meeting of his association for 63 years (1877-1940). (Information
from 'Coffee County Baptists' by Albert Strozier)
"Sometime after 1880, A.J. moved his family to the Victoria Community (in 1880
census he was living 'next house' to his father near Elba). In 1889 his name was
on the membership roll for the Pea River Masonic Lodge which was located in Victoria.
He was a leader in that lodge for many years.
"A.J. was a Justice of the Peace for his area and his name is found on many of
the legal documents and pension applications for the people of the Victoria Community.
He had a flair for writing and was the author of many memorials and obituaries for his
friends and family members, including one written for his granddaughter, Clara Wise
Dismukes, who died after childbirth at the age of 17.
"Like his father before him, A.J. was blind before his time. I'm not sure when the
blindness occurred, but the quality of handwriting in the notes he was taking as church
clerk became noticably poorer in 1916 and he resigned his position shortly thereafter.
He died in 1940 at the age of 88."
More About ANDREW JACKSON WISE, JR.:
Burial: Shiloh Cemetery, Coffee Co, AL
Children of SARAH BROOKS and ANDREW WISE are:
23 i. LAURA BROUGHTON4 WISE, b. February 09, 1869, Coffee Co, AL;
d. August 26, 1938, Enterprise, Coffee Co, AL.
24 ii. MORGAN L. WISE, b. September 28, 1870, Coffee Co, AL;
d. August 30, 1958, Columbus, Muscogee Co, GA.
25 iii. SARAH VIOLA WISE, b. May 28, 1872, Coffee Co, AL;
d. July 10, 1960, Coffee Co, AL.
26 iv. WALTER WILLIAM WISE, b. December 22, 1873, Coffee Co, AL;
d. April 25, 1955, Dothan, Houston Co, AL.
27 v. JESSE VIRGIL WISE, b. February 23, 1875, Elba, Coffee Co, AL;
d. September 14, 1967, Coffee Co, AL.
28 vi. EDNA GERTRUDE WISE, b. February 12, 1877, Coffee Co, AL;
d. July 23, 1958, Coffee Co, AL.
29 vii. ALTON EUGENE WISE, b. January 22, 1879, Coffee Co, AL;
d. February 01, 1970, Dothan, Houston Co, AL.
30 viii. MIDDLETON MACON WISE, b. January 11, 1880, Coffee Co, AL;
d. May 22, 1944, Pollok, TX.
31 ix. HOMER ALLEN WISE, b. April 08, 1883, Coffee Co, AL;
d. February 21, 1964, Coffee Co, AL.
32 x. CLEONE WISE, b. March 28, 1887, Coffee Co, AL;
d. March 08, 1976, Dothan, Houston Co, AL.
10. NANCY JANE3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born March 22, 1848 in AL.
She married MILTON A. HELMS. He was born December 23, 1843, and died May 07, 1926.
Notes for NANCY JANE BROOKS:
Baptist Minister
Children of NANCY BROOKS and MILTON HELMS are:
i. CHARLES O.4 HELMS, b. Abt. 1868.
ii. JAMES H. HELMS, b. Abt. 1869.
iii. AUGUSTUS MIDDLETON HELMS, b. Abt. 1873.
iv. C.A. HELMS, b. Abt. 1875.
v. SAMUEL T. HELMS, b. Abt. 1876.
vi. JOHN A. HELMS, b. Abt. 1879.
vii. LULA M. HELMS, b. Abt. 1887.
11. REVEREND ADONIRAM JUDSON3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born August 28,
1850 in Elba, Coffee Co, AL, and died July 28, 1933 in Black, Geneva Co, Alabama.
He married EMMA A. FLEMING Abt. 1871. She was born October 13, 1850 in Elba,
Coffee Co, AL, and died May 05, 1924 in Black, Geneva Co, Alabama.
Notes for REVEREND ADONIRAM JUDSON BROOKS:
Photo of
Rev Adoniram Judson Brooks
Baptist minister, called into ministry after 1880 census. Served as the first
minister of Adoniram Baptist Church.
More About REVEREND ADONIRAM JUDSON BROOKS:
Burial: Black Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
Military service: Served in the Civil War
More About EMMA A. FLEMING:
Burial: Black Cemetery, Geneva Co, AL
Children of ADONIRAM BROOKS and EMMA FLEMING are:
Photo of
children of Adoniram Brooks and Emma Fleming
i. FLORENCE L.4 BROOKS, b. December 14, 1871;
d. February 02, 1953, Ft. Meyers, FL;
m. LAWRENCE FRANCIS PRIEST, Abt. 1892.
More About FLORENCE L. BROOKS:
Burial: Piney Grove Cemetery, Geneva, Geneva Co., AL
33 ii. PAUL MIDDLETON BROOKS, b. October 10, 1873;
d. November 05, 1961, Black, Geneva Co, AL.
34 iii. HARLAN CLAUDIUS BROOKS, b. March 21, 1875;
d. February 05, 1957, Holmes County, FL.
iv. MARGARET MARY BROOKS, b. November 28, 1876;
d. August 16, 1969; m. JOHN W. DAVIS, 1895, Coffee Co, AL.
v. RAMON J. BROOKS, b. January 23, 1879; d. January 23, 1887.
Notes for RAMON J. BROOKS:
Date of death not definite - could have been in 1880
35 vi. JACKSON WASHINGTON BROOKS, b. August 17, 1880;
d. January 1971, Hartford, Geneva Co, AL.
vii. JAMES EMMITT BROOKS, b. July 24, 1882; d. April 01, 1950;
m. SALLY ELIZABETH MALLOY; d. January 23, 1929.
More About JAMES EMMITT BROOKS:
Burial: Black Cemetery, Black , Geneva Co, AL
36 viii. MARTHA RUTH BROOKS, b. September 28, 1884.
37 ix. JOHN HORTON BROOKS, b. July 04, 1889;
d. February 22, 1976, Black, Geneva Co, Alabama.
38 x. ILENE ELLA BROOKS, b. August 23, 1893; d. 1966.
39 xi. ONIE OREE BROOKS, b. September 19, 1902; d. October 19, 1968.
12. SUSAN REBEKAH3 BROOKS (MIDDLETON2, JONATHAN1) was born May 09, 1856 in AL,
and died May 11, 1933 in Cloverdale, Lauderdale Co, AL.
Notes for SUSAN REBEKAH BROOKS:
Excerpts from the autobiography titled "Mom's Ramblings" by Bonnie Thelma Brooks
Hartman, granddaughter of Susan Rebekah Brooks (recorded by John F. Hartman):
Photo of
Susan Rebekah Brooks
"Susie Ma was a highly educated woman. She taught school and was the only
teacher Dad ever had. Except one year she was sick and a man taught in her place.
He was a kleptomaniac and would steal his pupils slate and books, even the chalk
they used to write on their slates. He would hide it all under the school house
front door steps. If they missed something, that's where they would look to find
it. Outside of that, he was a good teacher. It was a disease with him."
Post Mistress in Victoria, Alabama. Lived in the back area of the Post Office.
More About SUSAN REBEKAH BROOKS:
Burial: Murphy's Chapel, Lauderdale Co, AL
Child of SUSAN REBEKAH BROOKS is:
40 i. JOHN ZADOK4 BROOKS, b. May 19, 1876, AL;
d. September 22, 1943, Norfolk, VA.
13. JAMES P.3 BROOKS (ELIJAH MOSES2, JONATHAN1) was born December 1848 in Georgia.
He married SUSAN J. (UNKNOWN) Abt. 1881. She was born June 1855 in AL.
Children of JAMES BROOKS and SUSAN (UNKNOWN) are:
i. JOHN H.4 BROOKS, b. August 1877, AL.
ii. FANNIE BROOKS, b. March 1887, AL.
iii. MARTHA A. BROOKS, b. September 1889, AL.
iv. JAMES B. BROOKS, b. February 1891, AL.
v. AARON A. BROOKS, b. May 1893, AL.
vi. FLETCHER M. BROOKS, b. January 1883, AL.
Submitted Nov 2002 by Ray Brooks, John Hartman, and Susan Hoover
Holmes County FLGenWeb Copyright
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This page was last updated
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