BIO: Jasper N. BROOKS, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ 476 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. JASPER N. BROOKS, U.S. storekeeper and gauger at Pleasant Gap, Centre county, is one of the native sons of that locality, and has spent his entire life there. He is both widely and favorably known, and the acquaintances of his boyhood are now numbered among his staunchest friends - a fact which indicates a well-spent life. He was born in Spring township, May 26, 1845, a son of Richardson and Jane E. (Ralston) Brooks, highly respected citizens of the locality. The former was born in Centre county, and his father was a native of Chester county, Penn. Throughout his life Richardson Brooks followed the occupation of farming, and in 1894 he passed from earth. His wife was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and her father was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. R. Brooks had a family of ten children, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth. The others are (1) James R., who married Sarah Evey, by whom he had four children; after her death he wedded Sarah Caldwell, by whom he also had four children; his home is in Spring township, Centre county. (3) Elmira is the wife of Henry Twitmyer, of Pleasant Gap. (4) Rebecca is the wife of Dr. John Bilger, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery; they have six children. (5) William S. resides in Pleasant Gap; he married Mary Gross, and they have seven children. (6) Lillie D. is the wife of John Showers. (7) Samuel is engaged in school teaching. (8) Annie is the wife of Coke Bell, of Bellefonte, Penn. (9) Lemuel married Annie Bell, and is employed as a traveling salesman. (10) Fanny died in infancy. Jasper N. Brooks obtained his education in the public schools of Spring township, and has always lived in that locality. He belongs to one of the old families of the county, and for fifty-one years he has been identified with its interests. In his early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and for a number of years followed that vocation, many evidences of his handiwork and skill being seen in his section of the county. Recently he has established a planing-mill and carpenter shop in Pleasant Gap, and in his business efforts is meeting with good success, having now a liberal patronage. He is also serving as U.S. storekeeper and gauger. In 1872 Mr. Brooks was married to Miss Sarah Watson, and they have three children: Anna, Paul P. and Helen. In his political adherency Mr. Brooks is a Democrat, giving his support to the men and measures of that party. In religious belief he is an Adventist, and all who know him regard him as a worthy citizen and straightforward business man, well meriting the respect in which he is held.