John Reese King (AKA JRK) Brooks was born November 16, 1831 in Cedartown, Greene County, GA and died August 8, 1916 in Rusk Co., Texas. He is buried at the New Prospect Cemetery, Rusk Co., Texas. It is said that JRK received the "King" in his name from a maternal uncle. His parents were William Wilson Brooks and Martha Wilson of Greene County, GA.

It is believed that JRK came to Texas in 1854 when a "Mr. Arnold and Mr. Lewis came to Texas". He came hoping to marry a Celia Lewis. Arch Watkins Brooks, son of JRK, said the Mr. Arnold was Tom Arnold, father of Marshall, Charlie and Will Arnold of Rusk Co., Texas and a uncle to JRK. It is said that in 1856, JRK returned to GA, but never unpacked. He soon returned to Texas.

On April 6, 1858, JRK married Celia Lewis in Rusk Co., Texas. To the union was born one son, Alva Preston Brooks. Celia, born in 1835, was the daughter of Freeman and A[enith Lewis.

After the death of Celia, JRK married Caroline Cassandra Blackstock daughter of Daniel Blackstock and Malinda Deason. Caroline was born March 10, 1844 in GA and died June 7, 1873. She is buried in Upshur Co., TX. The union produced 5 childred: W. Joseph Brooks; Lula Malissa Brooks; Mary Ida Brooks, Arch Watkins Brooks and Nettie Emily Brooks.

When Caroline died, the children went to live with the Blackstock Family in Minden, TX. Living with the Blackstocks was an orphaned niece, Louisianna Pierce. Louisiana helped to care for the children and felt sorry for JRK because of his misfortunes. She married him to take care of him and his children. He married Louisiana on January 8, 1874 and five more children were born to the union. Louisiana was born June 16, 1857 and died October 25, 1891. She is buried in Liberty Cemetery (AKA Frog Pond), Rusk Co., Tx. Children of this union are Frances Mae Brooks; John T. Brooks; Brutus Bedford Brooks; Paul DeWitt Brooks; and Chester Brooks.

After the 1891 death of Louisiana, JRK married for this 4th and final time. He married Mollie Nelson, a widow, on September 28, 1892. The two are buried side-by-side at the New Prospect Cemetery, Rusk Co., TX.

In appearance, JRK was about 5'11" and weighed about 160 pounds. He was fair complexioned with brilliant blue eyes and heavy auburn hair whick greyed prematurely. He was a sober and honest man, never had anything above a good living and was highly respected by all who knew him. He seemed to have been a jack-of-all-trades. He was a surveyor, farmer, carpenter and school teacher. It is reported that he built a fine two-story house ar Minden for his father-in-law, Freeman Lewis. Mr. Lewis, as a owner of may slaves, gave 2 slaves to JRK and Celia as a wedding gift.

JRK served in the Civil War between 1860- 1865. He enrolled on May 10, 1862 as a 3rd Lt. of Company B. Wallace 19th Texas Infantry, commanded by Capt. Harvey A. Wallace. Sometime between May 10 and July 1, 1862, he was promoted to 2nd Lt. The 19th Infantry left for the front on July 28th, 1862. On November 29th, 1862, he had been promoted to 1st Lt. In May, 1863, JRK signs the roll as commanding officer of the company. He also appears on the Roll of Prisoners of War, captured at Ft. DeRussy, LA, March 14, 1864 and was received at Baton Rouge, LA on March 17, 1864. He was later tranferred to New Orleans, La and was exchanged at Red River Landing on July 22, 1864. His service record says that while serving as Prisoner of War, he was confined at 21 Rampart St., New Orleans, La. On April 2, 1865, he returned from a leave of absence to a station near Hempstead, TX. He received his Parole of Honor, July 12, 1865, at Henderson, Rusk Co., Texas. ( Capt Wallace kept a journal of the 19th Infantry and much is recorded regarding their war experiences).

On August 8, 1916, a family member came to the home of Alva Preston to tell him that his father, JRK had died. When the family member went to awaken Preston, he also was dead. Father and son were buried the same day but in different cemeteries.

The family has gathered yearly for a Brooks Reunion. There is a picture dated 1914. The family continues to join together each year on the second Saturday of June to share the love of family that JRK has instilled in each of us.

Obituary: Father and Son Die Same Day

Friday evening at six o'clock the father, Mr. J. R. K. Brooks, died at his home in the New Prospect community of apoplexy, and the son, Mr. Preston Brooks, after an illness of some three years passed away at the family home in Liberty, at 11 o’clock the same evening.

Mr. JRK Brooks was born in Greene County, Georgia, in 1831 and came to Ruck County and located in the New Prospect community in 1856, where he has since resided. He was county surveyor for a number of years and a man of sturdy character, a good citizen, one who used his influence for the betterment of his community, always taking an active interest in the local affairs. His remains were interred in the New Prospect Cemetery, Saturday afternoon, services bing conducted by Rev. E. R. McLaughlin.

Mr. Preston Brooks was a native of Rusk County, being fifty-six years of age, was born and reared in the Prospect community. He had been an intense sufferer of Bright’s disease for a number of years, being confined to a his bed the greater part of the time. He was a man who enjoyed the esteem and close friendship of the entire community in which he lived. He was kind, considerate and charitable and a man who wielded a good influence in his community. His remains were laid to rest in the Liberty graveyard Saturday afternoon, funeral services being conducted by Rev. Johnnie Stone.