William H. Brooks Family Papers (Ms.Brooks)

Biographical/Historical note

Little is known about the Brooks Family of Little Falls, New Jersey. William H. Brooks was evidently the son of Henry and Mary Brooks, and brother of Abram Brooks. It is unclear what relationship Jesse S. Comac had to the Brooks family. His father James lived in Philadelphia; Jesse's letters, and those of his father, indicate a lower level of literacy than those of William to his own parents. Jesse's letters refer to William Brooks as a friend, and to Mrs. Brooks alternately as a dear friend, "Mother" and "Aunt Mary." Evidently, the bonds between Jesse and the Brooks family, whatever the biological connections, were grounded in deep affection. The letters indicate that the connections were close and involved mutual affection and responsibility.

The fate of William H. Brooks, Jesse S. Comac and other soldiers who wrote letters to members of the Brooks Family is unknown. There are no materials in the collection which give any indication of their lives after the Civil War ended.