Darius H. Brooks 1835-1929

BROOKS, BUSH, KENNEY

Posted By: Shirley
Date: 8/2/2010 at 21:26:27

Darius H. Brooks was born in Rutland, Vt., Dec. 22, 1835, and at his death was 92 years 11 months and nine days old. He died Dec. 9, 1929.

He was the last of a family of eight children, seven of whom lived to be three score years and 10. His oldest brother, Cyrus, daied a year ago at Galva, IL, at the age of 93.

Mr. Brooks, when 6 years old, went to southern Illinois with his parents and the family lived in a log house that winter with a dirt floor and all the crude appliances of pioneer hardships. Later the family moved to Henry county, IL., near Galva, where Mr. Brooks married Miss Marion V. Bush, then a school teacher of that vicinity, who together reached their golden wedding day and most of their life was spent in and near Creston. Mrs. Brooks was a devoted wife, an able assistant and a wonderful mother.

They both having affiliated with the Congregational church before marriage continued on in the same church of Creston after moving here in the spring of 1875 and Mr. Brooks was one of the honorary deacons after active continuous stewardship of more than 40 years.

He was a farmer by occupation, having owned the quarter section two miles west of the fair grounds until a short time after the death of his wife 18 years ago.

He often said that he believed it was owing to his chosen occupation the health giving sun and nature's element that gave to him the strength and will to enjoy such ripe old age.

His mind was somewhat impaired in latter years but his body was strong and vigorous until he met with an accident which, ultimately resulted in hastening his death, only living 10 days.

In his eighty-sixth year, Mr. Brooks married Miss Loretta Kenney of Creston and at the age of 90 adopted little Betty, 4 years old, both of whom survive him.

Thus a sturdy oak, left standing for many years surrounded by a younger generation until he was laid away to rest in beautiful Graceland.