The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Virginia Ross
Benjamin Franklin Brooks was born in Genesee County, New York in 1818.
In the very early settlement of this county his parents entered land and settled near Carman where he received what education pioneer life offered.
In 1846 he married Miss Eliza Curts and the couple farmed until 1853 when they moved to Oquawka so Mr. Brooks could trade in lumber.
He was busily engaged in starting a steam saw-mill when the boiler exploded and he was stuck by a piece of flying timber; he died that same day. He left a wife and six children.
1882 History of Henderson County