Laura J. Brooks

Obit: Brooks, Laura Jane (1838 - 1925)

Brooks, Laura Jane (2 Feb. 1838 - 2 Nov. 1925)

Mrs. Laura J. Brooks died on Monday, Nov. 2, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hebert J. Brooks in Neillsville. Her maiden name was Laura Jane Fenton. She was the daughter of Rosman and Elvira Snell Fenton, and was born in Port Franklin, Vermont February 2, 1838. So, she was eighty-seven years and nine months old at the time of her death.

When a girl, she with her parents moved to North Hudson, Essex County, New York. She attended the common schools at the place and later taught school. In 1861 she married Geo. Hewett, a brother of James Hewett, who was a lumberman and merchant in the early days in Neillsville. She came to Clark County, Wisconsin with her husband in 1866. Mr. Hewett died the same year and then Mrs. Hewett returned to Essex Co., New York where she taught school. She was married to Jonathan H. Brooks of Crown Point, New York in 1869. Mr. Brooks died in 1904. Mrs. Brooks then came to Neillsville where she has since made her home except for visits made to her son in the West.

She leaves two children, Ed. Hewett of Everett, Washington and Mrs. Mary Brooks of this city by the first marriage and two sons by the second marriage, Rosman P. and Robert Brooks both living at Crown Point, New York. There are seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Two sisters and a brother live at Woonsocket, R. I., Mrs. T. H. Buell, Mrs. Henry W. Pickering and Fred P. Fenton.

Mrs. Brooks was a woman of noble character admired and lived by all who knew her. She had an excellent education and had experience as a teacher. Her friends recognized her intellectual superiority. She was a great reader of the best literature. She kept herself informed of the world’s events. Lately she had read the volumes "The Life and Letters of Walker Hines Page" who was the American Ambassador to England during the World War. The writer of this obituary visited with Mrs. Brooks only a few days before her death and was pleased to see how well she remembered the events described in this wonderful work. She read the magazines and was well informed as to what was going on in the world. Her memory will be cherished by a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Hewett of Everette, Washington arrived here on Thursday and were present at the funeral which was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Brooks last Friday. Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Eastern Star, which order conducted the funeral services.