The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Benjamin Brooks was born in Genesee County, New York in 1818. His parents were early settlers of Henderson County on land near Carman.
He married Miss Eliza Curts in 1846 and they were the parents of six children.
After his marriage Mr. Brooks engaged in farming until 1853 when he moved to Oquawka and entered the lumber trade which he followed until his death in 1862 at Hannibal, Missouri.
He had gone there with a view of entering in the lumber business and was busily engaged in starting a steam saw-mill when the boiler exploded with terrific force.
He was struck with a piece of flying timber and died the same day.
1882 History of Henderson County