Brooks, Thomas F.

From Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, volume 2, p. 320.
Submitted by Mike Miller

Thomas Frank1in Brooks, deceased, was a resident of Houma from 1855 to his death October 24, 1889. He was born in the town of Henniker, New Hampshire, in 1830. His parents, Dr. Pascal P. and Elmira (Adams) Brooks, were also natives of the "Granite state" and his grandfather, Dr. Thomas Brooks passed his life there. Dr. Pascal Brooks was born in 1802, studied medicine in the colleges of Vermont and New York, practiced medicine in New Hampshire for a quarter of a century, and then established himself in New York state, where he died in 1866. The correspondent of the "Picayune," writing on the death of T. P. Brooks, says: "He was first known as the urbane clerk in Frizzell's drug store, where by close attention to business be made many friends and soon became a proprietor of the establishment. The Houma drug store, now owned by Dr. Goux, was built by him, where for several years he did a fine business. At his store in the good old times gone by could be seen a Cage, a Minor, a McCollam, a Bisland, a Butler, a Gueno, a Connelly, a Pelton, and a Shaffer, all his friends, many of whom went long before him.

Selling out the drug business he engaged in the dry goods trade in a building that used to stand where the Bazet hotel now stands. In the year 1859 he married Miss L. H. Shaffer, eldest daughter of the late W. A. Shaffer. Not long afterward, the War between the states was declared, and when the manhood and chivalry of the South were going to the front Brooks was found enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. J. J. Shaffer's company, afterward known as Company F, of the Twenty-sixth Louisiana regiment. He was placed in one of the most responsible positions, that of regimental druggist, and was always at his post, serving the sick or wounded, whether in camp or on the field of battle. After the war he started out as a clerk for Lieutenant Perry, but Mr. Thomas J. Shaffer bought out Lieutenant Perry, when he, Mr. Brooks and Charlie Tennent, another of the old "landmarks," who has crossed over the river long ago, became partners, which partnership lasted a year, when Mr. Shaffer withdrew, and the firm was known as Brooks & Tennent. This was the most popular and thrifty firm in Houma for several years, until from causes over which they had no control they went into liquidation. Not being able to make collections, they of course were involved to a large amount in New Orleans.

Contrary to advice, Mr. Brooks refused to take advantage of the bankrupt act, and declared he would pay all he owed. With undaunted courage he rented the La Carpe plantation on Grand Calliou and for several years he engaged in sugar planting, in which he was successful enough to enable him to pay up his old debts. After this be engaged in what is known as the Bull Run plantation, on Bayou Chackahoula; but again bad luck followed him in the shape of a terrible overflow. Almost discouraged, he returned to Houma somewhat despondent; but cheered on and aided by his noble and self sacrificing wife, he next became owner of the old Perche place on Bayou Black, now known as "Belle Farm," which for the four years ending October 24. 1889, he made bloom and flourish like a garden returning rich harvests.