Death Ends Long Career of Pioneer, J.H. Brooks
The death of Joseph Henry Brooks Friday morning brought to an end a long and active career by a man who was a pioneer in ranching, banking and business in the Rock Springs area. He was 86 years of age at the time of his death and had spent almost 70 years in the Rock Springs area as a prominent rancher and businessman. Mr. Brooks came to Rock Springs at the age of 18 in 1883, from Quincy, Ill. His brother William had already located here. He started in the sheep and ranch business on a small scale, and Nov. 15, 1893, married Jennie Cooper of Rock Springs. They were married in the old Commercial hotel, operated by the late Alice Keirle.
INVESTED IN BANK
Soon after, he invested money and property in a banking enterprise that late became the First Security bank.
He was elected to the board of directors and served 27 years, and was president of the bank 18 years. Mr. Brooks retired as president Jan. 14, 1952, because of his advanced age and failing health. He was succeeded by Adolph L. Magagna.
SUCCESSFUL RANCHER
Mr. Brooks’ ranch south of Rock Springs is known as one of the most successful in Wyoming, and he has been familiar in ranching circles for many years. He was president of the Sweetwater County Wool Growers association. Funeral services for Mr. Brooks will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Congregational church, Rev. Frank Blish officiating. The body will be taken to the family home Sunday at 1 p.m. where it will remain until being taken to the church at 11 a.m. Monday.
SURVIVORS
Survivors include the widow, Jennie; a son Isaac, of Rock Springs; five daughters, Mrs. John B. Dickson, Mrs. Victor Gras and Mrs. Henry Kappes of Rock Springs, Mrs. William Gnemi of Jerome, Ida., and Mrs. Dean Binning of Pinedale; a sister, Nora B. Pistole, of Hollywood, N.M., and nine grandchildren. Pallbearers will be two sons-in-law, John B. Dickson of Rock Springs and William Gnemi of Jerome, Ida., and four grandsons, W.R. Dickson and Victor Gras of Rock Springs, John Dickson of Salt Lake City, and Joseph N. Gras of Greeley, Colo.
--Rock Springs Miner, June 1, 1952
Learn more about Joseph on the Firmage Family History website:
