Prof. J. H. Brooks (1837-1907)

BROOKS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/24/2015 at 22:21:26

Dubuque Daily Times-Journal, Jan. 3, 1907

PROF. J. H. BROOKS IS DEAD

Well Known Colored Musician and Resident of East Dubuque Passes Away in East Dubuque

Professor James H. Brooks, one of East Dubuque's most prominent and respected colored citizens, died Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock at Galena, Illinois, after an illness extending over a period of many months.

Mr. Brooks was born in Washington, D. C. on Aug. 16, 1837 and came to Jo Daviess county, Illinois before the Civil War. He was well known on the steamboats of properous days on the upper Mississippi and as a musician played at many dances in the small towns of southwestern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

He has been a resident of East Dubuque for the past twenty-five years and at various times resided in Dubuque. He is survived by his wife and one son, James. The funeral will be held on Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's Catholic church in East Dubuque, the deceased being a member of the Roman Catholic church.