Ottis Edward Brooks

The following bio was taken from page 126 of the book entitled "Rusk County History" compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

Transcribed by Shirley Koym

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Rusk County TX Coordinator

Ottis Edward Brooks was the oldest son of Eddie Preston and Annie Sadalia (Faulkner) Brooks. Eddie was the only son of Alvie Preston and Frances Josephine (Hoyle) Chapman Brooks. Eddie was born April 17, 1893 and died August 20, 1973. Annie was the daughter of Harrison and Amanda Faulkner. They married December 14, 1913.

Annie was born January 2, 1897 and died August 20, 1973. Both were raised in Rusk County.

Ottis’ three older sisters were born in Rusk County, and in 1919 they moved to Jasper, Texas, where Ottis was born March 1, 1920 and three other sisters and one brother were also born.

Ottis graduated from Jasper High School, worked for a while and then volunteered for World War II. He served as a corporal in the United States Marines for four years, and was on active duty in the South Pacific.

Ottis married Iris Hays Bridges, November 1, 1946, in the home of her parents at Chapman. She was born December 13, 1923, the only child of Willie Ross and Eula Maeomia (Gossett) Bridges. Willie’s parents were Francis and Mary Bridges. Willie was born July 15, 1897. Eula’s parents were Fredonia Lafayette and Lela Mae (Haden) Gossett. Eula was born December 6, 1901. They were married December 24, 1918 at Pine Hill, Texas. They bought land and farmed. Later, Willie started working for Texas Highway Department, where he retired after thirty-five years as engineer. Willie died October 10, 1976. Both he and his wife were members of Blossom Hill Methodist Church and very active in community and church affairs. Eula worked many years for J. C. Penney Company. She now lives with her family.

Iris Hays was named for her father’s brother, Julius Hays, who was killed in World War I. While Ottis was working and in the service, Hays attended Chapman School and graduated from Henderson High School and Stephen F. Austin Teachers College.

Ottis and Hays met while he was visiting here on leave. Hays was visiting her aunt at the time they met. Hays taught and was working at the Rusk County Library when they married. They bought land from her parents and built their home across the highway from the Bridges, and another generation settled at Chapman. Ottis worked for Delta Drilling Company, Caddo Construction and Texas Eastman from which he will retire in March, 1982. This couple had three children.

On January 10, 1953 a son was born to Ottis and Hays. He was named Edward Ross and called Eddie for both his grandfathers and his father. Eddie married Deborah Sue Peacock, on June 27, 1975. Deborah is the daughter of Lloyd and Evelyn Peacock of Houston, Texas. They have four daughters: Sabrina, Brandi, Tessa and Mikki.

Pamela Joyce, born June 4, 1956, married Gene LaVon Kelsey on November 23, 1974. Gene Kelsey, born April 21, 1954, is the son of E. V. and Melba Kelsey, Henderson, Texas. The couple have one daughter, Kristina Nicole.

Mark Alan, the third child of Ottis and Hays, was born March 1, 1960. He is named for his great uncle, Mark Camp. He is single and lives at home.

The families are very close. There are camping trips, hunting and fishing, cookouts, family birthdays, reunions, and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

The Brooks go to the Blossom Hill Methodist Church and are all active in their community. Ottis is a member of Masonic Lodge Pine Hill Number 95.

The Brooks are now looking forward to retirement, where much time will be spent looking after the land and a small herd of cattle and enjoying their grandchildren.

Five generations have made their homes in Rusk County. They are grateful for their ancestors and traditions and hope they will continue through generations to come.

Submitted by Iris Hays Brooks.