Thomas Franklin Brooks deceased was a resident of Houma from 1855 to his death 24 1889 He was born in the town of Henniker New Hampshire in 1830 His parents Dr Pascal P and Elmira Adams Brooks were also natives of the Granite state and his grandfather Dr Thomas Brooks passed his life there Dr Pascal Brooks was born in 1802 studied medicine the colleges of Vermont and New York practiced medicine in New Hampshire for a quarter of century and then established himself in New York state where he died in 1866 The of the Picayune writing on the death of TF Brooks says He was first known as the clerk in Frizzell's drug store where by close attention to business he made many friends and became a proprietor of the establishment The Houma drug store now owned by Dr Goux built by him where for several years he did a fine business At his store in the good old times by could be seen a Cage a Minor a McCollam a Bisland a Butler a Gueno a Connelly a Pelton and a Shaffer all his friends many of whom went long before him Selling out the drug he engaged in the dry goods trade in a building that used to stand where the Bazet hotel now stands In the year 1859 he married Miss LH Shaffer eldest daughter of the late WA Shafier Not long afterward the war between the states was declared and when the manhood and chivalry of the South were going to the front Brooks was found enlisted as a private soldier in Capt JJ Shaffer's company afterward known as Company F of the Twenty sixth Louisiana regiment He was placed in one of the most responsible positions that of regimental druggist and was always his post serving the sick or wounded whether in camp or on the field of battle After the war started out as a clerk for Lieutenant Perry but Mr Thomas J Shaffer bought out Lieutenant Perry when he Mr Brooks and Charlie Tennent another of the old landmarks who has crossed the river long ago became partners which partnership lasted a year when Mr Shaffer withdrew and the firm was known as Brooks & Tennent This was the most popular and thrifty firm in Houma for several years until from causes over which they had no control they went into liquidation Not being able to make collections they of course were involved to a large amount in New Orleans Contrary to advice Mr Brooks refused to take advantage of the bankrupt act and he would pay all he owed With undaunted courage be rented the La Carpe plantation on Grand Calliou and for several years he engaged in sugar planting in which he was successful enough enable him to pay up his old debts After this he engaged in what is known as the Bull Run plantation on Bayou Chackahoula but again had luck followed him in the shape of a terrible overflow Almost discouraged he returned to Houma somewhat despondent but cheered on and aided by his noble and self sacrificing wife he next became owner of the old Perche place on Bayou Black now known as Belle Farm which for the four years ending October 24 1889 he made bloom and flourish like a garden returning rich harvests.
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