I'm looking for information on my GG Grandmother Mary Caroline BROOKS, who came to Newport, Herkimer Co. about 1839 as a teacher. She appears on the 1840 census and her household includes her three younger sisters: Nancy, Elizabeth, and Catharine Brooks. Two of the sisters were married at Newport: Mary Caroline in 1841 to Jesse SMITH; Catharine in 1844 to Linus YALE, Jr. The other two sisters may have remained in Newport a few more years, possibly living with Catharine & Linus Yale.

The 1840 census indicates that Mary Caroline's home was a primary school with "100 scholars." Does anyone know anything about area schools in the 1840s? Does anyone have any connection with Brooks, Smith, or Yale families in Herkimer? If so, please get in touch!