HENRY BROOKS 1591-1683

[Ancestral Link: Lura Minnie Parker (Stagge), daughter of Minnie May Elmer (Parker), daughter of Mark Alfred Elmer, son of Hannah Polina Child (Elmer), daughter of Alfred Bosworth Child, son of Hannah Benedict (Child), daughter of Hannah Carter (Benedict), daughter of John Carter, son of Ebenezer Carter, son of Mercy Brooks (Carter), daughter of William Brooks, son of Henry Brooks.]

Henry Brooks - His Mark

This is his mark (or signature), dated in the year of his death. Photo from http://www.tributaries.us/

Bio
Henry Brooks was born about 1592, place and parents unknown, which is known from a December 1658 suit in which he testified he was then "about 66" years of age. He married (1), say 1620 in England, an unnamed wife with whom he had 6 children. (Here is included Hannah Brooks, who, while sometimes ascribed to Thomas Brooks of Concord, Massachusetts, was probably the daughter of Henry. Threlfall, examining Hannah's parentage, concludes that Thomas and Henry Brooks "most likely were brothers," as have Shattuck, Blake and several others.)

Henry Brooks first appears in Massachusetts Bay Colony on 14 March 1639, when, of Concord, he was admitted freeman. He appears as a property owner on the Woburn tax list between 1649 and 1657. On 20 December 1650 William Brackenbury of Charlestown conveyed to Henry Brooks six parcels of land in Woburn (178 acres) at a place commonly called Horn Pond, together with a house frame. Henry's homestead, described in Woburn records of 1678, was located on South Street (present lower Main Street), and as late as 1789 was owned by a direct descendant, Capt. Nathaniel Brooks.

Henry married (2), before 27 March 1651, Susanna Bradford, widow of Ezekiel Richardson of Woburn, with whom he had no children. Described by a contemporary authority as "an ancient and skilful woman, living at Woburn," famous for her attainments in medical science, she died at Woburn 15 September 1681. He was selectman of Woburn in 1667, 1671 and 1672. "Henry Brooks and wife Susanna conveyed property to Theophilus Richardson, the son of Ezekiel, which stands as a confirmation of this relationship."

He married (3), 12 July 1682, Annis Jordan, widow of Abraham Jacquith, and made his will six days later.

"In his will, dated July 18, 1682 (six days after his last marriage), he names wife Annes; son-in-law, John Mousall; sons John, Timothy and Isaac; and daughters, Sarah and Lestor [Hannah2 (Brooks) Lester]; also grandchildren, Isaac and Henry, sons of his son Isaac, and Miriam, their sister†. An abstract of the will of Henry Brooks is published in the Hon. Edward F. Johnson's Abstracts of Early Woburn Deeds, p. 31. He described himself in the will as a clothier, and as 'stricken in years,' his age being then about 91 years. "The will of Henry Brooks describes his lands with some particularity; to his daughter, Lester, or Lestor, he gives and bequeaths 5 shillings, and no more, because 'she hath received her portion already'; to his 'Rev. pastors, Mr. Thomas Carter and Mr. Jabez Fox,' he gives 20 shillings apiece. Isaac, his son, was his sole executor, and his trusted friend, Lieut. William Johnson, he desired should be overseer, and he gave him 20 shillings. He made his executor his residuary legatee, and desired that his two grandchildren should not alienate any of the land he gave them during their father's life. "The inventory discloses about 20 acres of upland on the east side of the highway; 7 acres of meadow, adjoining to said land; 8 acres of meadow in Forty Pound Meadow, given to the children of Isaac Brooks; about 80 acres of upland on west side of the highway on both sides of the river, given to the two sons of Isaac Brooks; the great lot in Woburn Common [meaning not the present Woburn Common, now a square in Woburn Centre, but lots in Woburn common lands or land], given to Miriam, daughter of Isaac Brooks, 42 acres; 3 small lots in Woburn Common, amounting to about 15 acres; for a division of woodland in Woburn Common land, the half given to the two sons of Isaac Brooks; 6 acres of meadow land in Shred Pine Meadow; for the town privilege in herbage, the half given to the two sons of Isaac Brooks; 5¼ acres of swamp bottom; and 15 acres of land by Mount Discovery. "These lands can be traced by deeds for three generations. (See Early Woburn Deeds, by Hon. Edward F. Johnson.)."

Henry Brooks died 12 April 1683 at Woburn, Massachusetts.
found on ancestry.com

Henry Brooks - Biographical Sketch
The following information is quoted from: Timothy Brooks of Massachusetts and His Descendants, By Robert Peacock Brooks, Limited Edition 1927, THE BIBLIO COMPANY Publishers, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

"HENRY BROOKS, THE COLONIAL ANCESTOR

Authorities differ as to who is the first member of the large family bearing the name of BROOKS to come to America. Several writers state, with great positiveness, that the progenitor of the Brooks family on this side of the Atlantic was one Thomas Brooks who came in the ship "Susan and Ellen" in 1635 when about 18 years of age. Thomas Brooks is the ancestor of a very large family, among whom are many that became very notable.

The founder of the Brooks family in America arrived in August 1699) in the Delaware (River)," says Frank Willing Leach. Mr. Leach goes on to state that this immigrant, John Brooks with his wife and six children, Jonathan, Elizabeth, George, Abigal, James and Matthew settled in Salem, N.J. John Brooks' lineage was traced as far back as 1535 to Yorkshire, England. Shortly after the arrival of this family, the father died and was buried in the old Friends' Burying Ground at Salem. A few years after the death of John Brooks, the eldest sons, James and Matthew went over to Pennsylvania and settled on land near the Delaware River which their father had purchased from William Penn. There are today a great many descendants of these two brothers in eastern Pennsylvania.

Extensive researches have been carried on to establish relationship among these two early founders of the Brooks family in America but to date there appears to be no relationship between Thomas Brooks and John Brooks or Henry Brooks, of New England.

It is my opinion, and this opinion is held by several others who have made a study of this subject, that the first Brooks to come to America was not Thomas nor John but Henry. Mackenzie, in his "Colonial Families of the United States" says the ancestor of the Brooks family was Henry Brooks who came to America in 1615 apparently from Scotland since the coat of arms indicated that he is of Scotch ancestry. A writer in the Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Genealogy (vol. 2, page 652) says, "Henry Brooks came from Scotland and landed in Boston in the year 1630." Unfortunately, neither the date of Henry's arrival nor the place whence he came can be verified as there appears to be no record of either. The first record of Henry Brooks is of March 14, 1638, made in Concord, Massachusetts and is the date when he was given the rights of a freeman. His next appearance on the colonial records is in Woburn, Massachusetts where in 1699 he appeared on the tax lists and on subsequent tax lists there until 1657.

We have abundant documentary proof that Henry Brooks was one of the first settlers of Concord. He lived there with his wife, whose name is unknown, four sons and two daughters until about 1648, when he moved to Woburn.

While in Woburn, his wife died. This was prior to 1651 for on March 27, of that year Henry Brooks married Susannah, the widow of Ezekial Richardson of that place. The Brooks home in Woburn was on a tract containing six parcels of land of 178 acres at a section known as "Horn Pond." This tract, with a frame farm house, was purchased from William Brackenburg of Charlestown, December 20, 1650. In later days, this house stood on what was known as South Street now Main Street and stood there until 1789 when it was torn down by Captain Nathaniel Brooks, a descendant.

Henry Brooks was not only a farmer but a clothier as well. During the years 1669, 1671 and 1672, he served his town as a selectman. There are no records of the date of his birth and our best clue to this date is given in a record of a suit which was instituted in December 1658 wherein he describes himself as being aged 66 years. This places the date of his birth 1591-1592.

We may be satisfied, in spite of faulty records, that Henry Brooks was one of those who left Great Britain in pursuit of religious freedom. The exact date of his arrival will perhaps always be conjecture and the place whence he embarked unknown but the story of Henry Brooks and his descendants will forever be linked with the great history story of America. He and his descendants are closely connected with the various phases of American history -- its early New England settlements, the organization of new towns, churches and early colonial government. His children and grandchildren took active part in the Indian wars, especially King Philip's and the French and Indian. In the Revolution there fought many of his descendants. Some participated in the War of 1812, and they contributed their share in the development of the Nation through their agricultural pursuits, for most all of the descendants of Timothy were farmers. The first Western Reserve Bank had the assistance of two of his descendants in its founding. The Baptist Church of America has claimed many of Henry Brooks' descendants not only as members but as ministers.
found on ancestry.com

Turner Family Ancestral History Book 1600's, Woburn,Massachusetts.

I. Henry Brooks

Henry Brooks was a proprietor of lands (178 Acres) at a place commonly called "Horn Pond",in 1650.The homestead estate of Henry Brooks is described in Woburn,Massachusetts.

Records in 1678,the buildings then were located on what was called South Street (later lower Main Street),and as late as 1798 was still owned by a descendant.

An abstract of his Last Will and Testament is published in Hon. Edward F .Johnson "Abstracts of Early Woburn Deeds"Page 31 Dated July 18,1682. It describes his lands in detail, and mentions his wife, children, grandchildren, and son-in-law.
found on ancestry.com

Turner Family Ancestral History Book Reads
1600' , Woburn,Massachusetts.
Turner Family Book
There are numerous references to the early American pioneers of the Brooks Family in America.Some of them are:
New England Genealogical and Historical Register Vol.58 Page 48 Vital Records of Woburn, Massachusetts.
The Brooks Family of Woburn, Mass."-Cutter and Loring of Woburn Genealogy of Central New York State Vol.III
**************************************************************
The Brooks family is one of the oldest Massachusetts families. Many of the Brooks family papers are now in the library of Woburn, Massachusetts. As many as ten immigrants of this name came to America before 1650.
I-Henry Brooks-Born About 1600 in England
Died-April 12,1683 at Woburn, Massachusetts.
Last Will and Testament Dated-July 18,1682

Carolyn Springer added this on 3 Mar 2010
I-Henry Brooks,"Yeoman"Settled first in Concord, Massachusetts. He was a clothier by trade. He was admitted a "Freeman" March 14,1639. He soon after moved to Woburn, Massachusetts. In this town he became a prominent citizen, serving as "selectman"in 1649-1669-1671-1672.

found on ancestry.com

Children
Gilbert (1621-1695) William (1622-1688) John (1624-1691) Hannah (Anna) (1628-1658) Gersham (1632-1686) Sarah (1632-1686) Caleb (1632-1696) Timothy (1634-1711) Martha (1634-1665) Joshua (1636-1698) Thomas (1636-) Hugh (1638-) Samuel (1640-) Joseph (1641-1642) Isaac (1643-1688)

found on ancestry.com

better info in notes
Henry Brooks. Born ca 1592 in Suffolk. Henry died on 12 April 1683 in Woburn, Massachusetts. Occupation: farmer and clothier.

The mother of Henry’s children is unknown. His children were born close enough to each other so that they could easily all have the same mother, but perhaps the older ones were the children one of Henry’s wives, and the the younger ones by a later wife. In any case Henry married Susannah, widow of Ezekiel Richardson, by 1651, and he married Anne, widow of Abraham Jaquith, in 1682.

Henry was in Concord by 14 March 1639, when he was admitted freeman.

Children:

i. Hannah Brooks (ca 1620-1692)

ii. John Brooks (ca 1623-29 September 1691)

iii. Martha Brooks (ca 1626-3 August 1665)

iv. Mary Brooks (say 1630-24 February 1672)

v. Sarah Brooks (ca 1633-before 1706)

vi. Capt. Timothy Brooks (ca 1635-7 October 1712)

vii. Joseph Brooks (12 April 1641-before 16 July 1682)

viii. Isaac Brooks (1 January 1642-8 September 1686) before 27 March 1651

Henry second married Susannah [Richardson] in Woburn, Massachusetts. Susannah died on 15 September 1681 in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Susannah first married Ezekiel Richardson, second Henry Brooks. Susannah’s surname is sometimes given as Bradford, but there seems to be no reason ever mentioned why it should be Bradford.

On 12 July 1682 Henry third married Anne Jordan, daughter of James Jordan (ca 1592-29 March 1655) and [____] [Jordan], in Woburn, Massachusetts. Born ca 1622. Religion: admitted to the First Church of Charlestown 13 February 1642/3.

found on ancestry.com

First Emigrant BROOKS.
First Brooks Emigrant To The Massachusetts Colony.
Descendants: Miss Fanny Appleton (Mrs. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), Boston Arts Patron: Thomas Appleton, Rev. Horace Holley: (President of Transylvania University), Poet: e. e. Cummings, Playwright: Tennessee Williams, and Actress: Carole Lombard.

EMIGRANT: 1631.

FREEMAN: 1636."The first of the Brooks name in New England, came, it is supposed, from Suffolk, England, and settled in Watertown, where he had a lot assigned to him, on the main road, in 1631. He was made a Freeman, in 1636, and two years afterwards, his name, which had disappeared from the Watertown Records, is to be seen on those of Concord, where he was made a Constable, in 1638."He settled in this latter town and owned large estates there. Being highly regarded, he was appointed to many Town-Offices. In 1660, he, along with his Son-in-law, Timothy Wheeler, bought four hundred Acres of Land in Medford, for 404 Sterling. He owned this land until the time of his death. His land in Medford, was bought of Edward Collins and thus was probably part of the great Craddock Estate. He sold his Farm in Concord, on 22 October 1664, he died; 21 May 1667. His wife was Grace _ _ _ _ _ _, who died 12 May 1664." --Charles Brooks, History of Medford.

In his Will, dated August 23, 1726, probated December 03, 1733, are mentioned Wife: Mary; Sons: John, Timothy and Nathan; Daughters: Mary and Sarah; Granddaughter, Margaret Richardson; and Son-in-law, Timothy Winn, and two Grandchildren, Timothy and Elizabeth Winn, Children of the deceased Daughter: Elizabeth. _NEHGR_, 1875, p. 153.
NOTE: There is speculation, this Thomas Brooks is the brother of Henry Brooks, but it has not been proven.

Birthdates vary widely for Thomas."Yesterday, I stumbled onto the WILL of Thomas Fox of Concord, who was married to Hannah Brooks, (d/o Henry Brooks and his unknown first wife). The WILL was dated January 25, 1657, and states in part: Also, I appoint and Constitute my Loveing Uncle Thomas Brookes, my Loving brethren Moses Wheate and Thomas Batman ....the overseer of this my will and Testament.? Thomas Batman is most likely the Thomas Bateman that married Martha Brooks another d/o of Henry Brooks. It is only one Record, but it does tie Thomas and Henry together as brothers." --Kent De Geer"Most of the early authorities expressed the opinion that the first Thomas Brooks to arrive in New England came from Suffolk, England, but there does not appear to be any hard evidence cited to confirm this information." --Kent De Geer"According to three Historians who compiled Lists of the Early Passengers to the British Colonies in North America, (Banks, John Camden Hotten and Michael Tepper), a Thomas Brooke, aged 18, arrived with a Richard Brooke, age 24, on board the SUSAN and ELLEN in 1635. However, Banks reported, Thomas and Richard first settled in Lynn, Massachusetts. It appears that the early authorities may have mixed up the first Thomas Brooks (1631) of Watertown and Concord, with the Thomas Brooke that arrived in 1635, on board the "SUSAN and ELLEN" and initially settled in Lynn, Massachusetts" --Kent De Geer

Sources:1) Steve Davis Database, 12 May 2004,http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED &db=:2875065&id=I1244632) "THE BROOKS BOYS OF MASSACHUSETTS IN THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY", by Kent De Geer, Kdegeer@cs.com, Feb 2005.3) Virkus, Frederick A. - "A List of 2,500 Immigrants to the American Colonies before 1750", courtesy of Kent De Geer.4) "History of Medford" written by Charles Brooks, Boston, 1855, p. 506, courtesy of Kent De Geer.5) William R. Ferris, Jr. Database, 26 Jul 2003.http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET &db=bferris&id=I12065
Research Of
UID: 6C63C8413A284FF0B59563430F0F761F1C90
Research of Patricia McMahan Chambers.Marriage 1: Grace WHEELER, b: 1605, in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England.
Married: 1621.
Children:
Captain Joshua BROOKS, b: 23 Sep 1636, in Concord, Middlesex, Massachusetts.
THE COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM
The Court
During the early years of Plymouth Colony, the leadership comprised two courts: the Court of Assistants and the General Court.

The Court of Assistants consisted of the Governor and his Assistants and acted as the judicial and executive authority between meetings of the General Court. From 1633 there were seven Assistants; in 1679 one of the Assistants formally became a Deputy Governor. In 1636 it was decided to have annual elections for a court clerk (or secretary), a coroner and a constable. An Assistant or other qualified person was chosen Treasurer. There was also an appointed position, called Marshall after 1645, for someone to serve warrants, act as jailer, executioner and keeper of the standard weights and measures. Other appointed positions included grand jurors, trial jurors, highway surveyors and military officers. The highway surveyors and military officers were eventually selected by the towns; the latter requiring the approval of the court.
The General Court orginally met quarterly; later it met three times a year.

The charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony required a Governor, Deputy Governor and 18 Assistants, all elected annually.
Reference:
Stratton, Euguene Aubrey, Plymouth Colony: Its History and People: 1620 - 1601, Ancestry Publishing Co., Salt Lake City, c. 1986.

Freemen
Before a man could vote, he was required to be made a Freeman by the general or quarterly court. The first General Court in Massachusetts, was held on 19 October 1630. It was decided that the freemen should choose the Assistants and the Assistants should chosse the Governor and Deputy Governor. One hundred and nine freemen were admitted at this court; many were not church members. The freemen resolved to choose the Governor and the Deputy Governor. All magistrates, officers and jurymen were required to be freemen. In 1631, it was required that all freemen be Church members. In 1639, the 'Freemen's Oath' was the first paper printed in New England.

Reference:
'Notices Concerning The Early "Freemen" in New England,' New England Historical and Genealogical Register 03, 1849, pps. 41-45.
Research Of Patricia McMahan-Chambers.
found on ancestry.com

Parents shown for Henry Brooks
Thomas Brooke Birth:1561 Norwich, Norfolk, England Death:13 September 1612 Whitechurch, Hampshire, England

Susanna Bradford Birth:1570 Norwich, Norfolk, England Death:1592 Concord, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States
found on ancestry.com