I’m interested in obtaining information on the ancestors and descendents of Howard and Sarah (nee. HENDERSON) BROOKS. Howard BROOKS was born 1830 in Kentucky. He married Sarah HENDERSON who was born 1848 in Kentucky. The family lived in Ballard County, Kentucky in the 1870 census. Their children were Charles BROOKS, died East St. Louis, Illinois, Mary BROOKS, born 1861 in Kentucky, Ella BROOKS, born 1865 in Kentucky, Franklin BROOKS, born 1868, Kentucky; died December 04, 1935, Pulaski County, Illinois; married (1) Annie Lee FOREE, November 14, 1889, Grand Chain, Illinois; born. February 1872, Illinois; died 1931; married Julia second, Marriah BROOKS, born 1870 in Kentucky, Minor BROOKS, born January 1871, Kentucky; died East St. Louis, Illinois; married Serilda A. YOUNG, February 05, 1899, New Grand Chain, Illinois; born February 1878, Illinois.

Frank is the only ancestor I have been able to trace. I would like any information that may lead to finding the remainder of this family. I would love to hear from anyone with information. You can find more on my families as well as links to other BROOKS researchers at http://members.xoom.com/debdavis/index.html.

Hi Deb Davis, I knew a Brooks family in Hinkleville, Ballard Co Ky. If you think they fit please let me know.
Ira Love Brooks, b. abt 1870. Married Ruby Evetts
Son, Roy Brooks 2/28/1906, M Pairlee E. Ross
Gdau Mary Lee Brooks, Married Mr. Hodges.

Hi,

Thanks for responding Yes, I am sure I am related to the La Center Henderson's and Brooks. And also many who are buried in Henderson cemetery. I don't think I know any of them and would appreciate additional info if you can help.

I have made approximately 10 trips this year to Ballard county to research and I'm still hunting. You speak as though you may also be researching the area. A copy of my family history has been placed in the Ballard county Library. It includes Barefield, Clay, Claypool, Henderson, McClelland, O'Neal and Woolfolk. All have ties to Kentucky

Saw your post in Ballard Co query. Are your Hendersons and Brooks black? If so, I am sure that you are acquainted with the family members that live in LaCenter. Have you checked the Henderson Cemetary? There are a lot of unmarked graves, but maybe you could find something.

When I was a teenager, my neighbor in Hinkleville, Ballard County, had a hired hand named Hobert (Hobart) Brooks. He was killed in a pedestrian/car crash in Paducah, McCracken Co, KY sometime around the early to mid 60's. I don't have any other info on him, except I worked with him when I was a teen doing farm work for Fred Armstrong. Fred's son, Don, lives close to Hinkleville, and you may contact him. He may have some info for you.

Hi,
I am also researching the African-American Brooks family
of Ballard County, Kentucky. I am descended from Minor
Brooks(b.1871). He was Frank Brooks'(b.1868) brother. I
think his son Herman(Howard?) Brooks(b.1903) in St. Clair
County, IL. is my Grandfather. He married Viola Freeman
(b.1906) in Illinois in 1921. I know little about her
except that she is descended from Richmond Freeman
(b.1794)in Virginia. Their son(my Father) Delois Brooks
(b.1928) in East St. Louis, IL. is also a mystery to
me. Any help would be appreciated.

God Bless,
KennyB