BROOKS, Clarence Elliott 1874 – 1946

BROOKS, DUNTON, MILLER, VIRTURE, TRACY

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/19/2013 at 07:04:19

C. E. Brooks Rites Held Wednesday

Long Illness Fatal To Brooklyn Mayor and Civil Leader

Last rites for C. E. Brooks, who was mayor of Brooklyn at the time of his death, were conducted from Grace Methodist church here Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Rev. Clarence E. Thiele, pastor of the church was in charge. Mrs. C. H. Manatt was at the organ during the service.

Interment in the I.O.O.F. cemetery followed the church service with the following serving as pallbearers: Roscoe Ormiston, Harley Burch, Elmer Dappen, L. H. Van Zee, J. G. Cronk and Ray Holland.

Mr. Brooks died early Monday morning at University hospital in Iowa City where he had been taken two weeks before. He had been in ill health for several years.

Clarence Elliott Brooks, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Brooks was born at New Windsor, Ill., Sept. 24, 1874. He was one of a family of eight children, three of whom have preceeded him in death.

He came to Brooklyn, Iowa in 1904 and operated a poultry business over a period of years. He served as postmaster for a twelve year period, establishing for himself a host of friends.

On July 16, 1907 he was united in marriage to Minnie Dunton. These two built a home which commanded the admiration of all who knew them.

Mr. Brooks has served his community in varying capacities. He was elected to the school board, several times serving as its president. While serving on the board the new addition was added to the school equipment. He also served as the president of the Telephone Company. He was active in the Democratic party and served for many years as township committeeman. He also sought county office on the Democratic ticket.

For ten years and more the voters of the town of Brooklyn showed their esteem by electing Mr. Brooks as their Mayor again and again. He also served on the town council during the years of his residence here. He served in the council or as mayor for at least 25 years. During his administration as mayor the principal major improvement in the town was the construction and operation of the municipal light plant. He has always taken an interest in the welfare of the community and was a public official who was above reproach.

Following the amputation of his right leg nine years ago he has not had very good health. However he continued working. Two years ago his health became much worse. In September 1945 he went to Iowa City for examination, but received very little relief. Two weeks ago he returned to the hospital. The last week he slipped into unconsciousness most of the time. He died at the University hospital Monday morning, Feb. 4, 1946.

Mr. Brooks was a member of the Brethren church.

Surviving are his widow, their daughter, Mrs. Helen Miller of Beaman, Iowa, and seven grandchildren, Max, Marilyn, Donna, Marvin, Joan, Marian and Janice; two sisters and two brothers; Mrs. Geneva Virture of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Eunice Tracy of Alpha, Ill., R. W. Brooks of Newton, Iowa and Frank Brooks of Brooklyn, Iowa.

Source: Unknown newspaper clipping found in scrapbook belonging to my great grandmother, Edith (Kann) Newton.