Howard Benton Brooks (abt. 1883 - abt. 1954)

Born about 24 Aug 1883 in Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa, USA

Ancestors

Husband of Elvira Julianna (Johnson) Brooks — married about 16 Sep 1906 (to 13 Jul 1954) in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota, USA

Descendants

Died about 13 Jul 1954 at about age 70 in Ramsey Co, MInnesota, USA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Cathryn Hondros [send private message]

Biography

Some of the sources I have say Howard Benton Brooks was born in 1881 and some say 1885. His draft card says 1883. Based on the birthdates of his siblings, I believe 1885 is the correct date, but at this time, don't have proof of either.

Have two marriage dates one is 8/16/1906 and one is 9/16/1906.

"Family" Bio

On August 16, 1906 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Howard married Elvira Julianna Johnson. She had emigrated to America from her home in Småland, Växjö, Sweden. They were married by a Lutheran clergyman. The witness to this union were a Mr. D. Lawor and Hulda Johnson, Elvira's sister.

Following available employment with the railroad, the family moved back and forth from Iowa to Minnesota, finally to settle in Brainerd. There Howard worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, as a boilermaker and then a welder.

In time they bought land and built a lovely two story home on 824 10th Avenue NE. Howard was also a politician, being an Alderman for the city of Brainerd. Howard, in life, was either absolutely for or absolutely against; he was one that never straddled the fence.

Because of this love of the outdoors, he truly was an early environmentalist, realizing the lakes, streams and the eearth should not be violated, but cared for.

Howard and Elvira were the parents of five children: William, Ella, Charlotte, Raymond and Floyd. Even though, as a child he attended the Baptist church, it was his young son Floyd, along with Charlotte's husband John Fremling, and much prayer, in that, they were used by God to show and gently lead Howard to open his heart and accept out wonderful Saviour as his very own.

Employment Record

Howard B. Brooks Record of Employment

• Illinois Central Railroad Company, Apprentice, Locomotive Department, June 1900 - January 1905
• Chicago Great Western Railroad Company, Boilermaker, January 1905 - March 1905
• Waterloo Cedar Falls and Northern Railroad Company, Boilermaker, March 1905 - April 1906
• Great Northern Railroad Company, Boilermaker, April 1906 - June 1906
• Minneapolis and St. Paul Railroad Company, Boilermaker, June 1906 - August 1913
• Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company, Boilermaker, September 1913 - December 1913
• Northern Pacific Railroad Company, Boilermaker and Acelylene Welder, August 1914 - July 1922; Acetylene Welder, October 1923

Retired in 1946

Sources

Census

"United States Census, 1940," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KSKX-5G7 : accessed 20 Aug 2013), Howard B Brooks, 1940.

"United States Census, 1930," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3Z9-8Q6 : accessed 20 Aug 2013), Howard B Brooks, 1930.

"United States Census, 1920," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWY7-CHS : accessed 20 Aug 2013), Howard B Brooks, 1920.

"United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9KS-X4H : accessed 20 Aug 2013), Howard Brooks in entry for Thos Brooks, 1900.

"United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9KS-6FN : accessed 20 Aug 2013), Howard B Brooks in entry for Henry Warneka, 1900.

Draft Card

"United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K876-6TT : accessed 21 Aug 2013), Howard Benton Brooks, 1917-1918. <The address shown on the draft card is 824 10th NE Brainerd, Minnesota. Medium height and build. Brown eyes. Black hair.>

Marriage

MARRIAGE LICENSE - Howard Brooks and Elvira Johnson^[1]

Death

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=73644618

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota, USA, Plot: Block 44 Lot 154

1. ↑ The Minnesota Journal, page 21, August 16, 1906, http://www.newspapers.com/clip/1471829//