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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HON. W. E. BROOKINGS, who is Mayor of Du Quoin, and one of the leading and wealthy business men of this city, was born in Fayette County, Pa., on the 4th of February, 1849. His father, Richard Brookings, was a native of Maryland, born in 1802, in Cecil County. Removing to Fayette County, Pa., he there engaged in the coal and coke business until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated westward and took up his residence on a farm near Du Quoin. His time and attention, however, were devoted to mercantile pursuits, which he carried on successfully for a number of years, accumulating a considerable property. His death here occurred on the 28th of April, 1885. His father, Charles G. Brookings, was the son of Charles Brookings, Sr., a native of England, and the founder of the family in America. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Susan E. Stevens. She was born in Fayette County, Pa., and her progenitors were genuine Highland Scotch. She died in Du Quoin on the 1st of June, 1891, and her loss was deeply mourned. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brookings were prominent people, and were held in high regard by all.

Mayor Brookings was the youngest in a family of six children, but has only one brother now living, A. C., a leading druggist of Du Quoin. Our subject was only eight years of age when with his parents he came to Du Quoin, where he acquired his education in the public schools. His business training was received in his father’s store, where he continued as an employe until he succeeded to the business about 1874. At his death the father left a large estate, and with the share which our subject received he began business operations, and by his well directed efforts has accumulated much valuable property, and is regarded as one of the wealthy citizens of the county. In connection with his brother he owns the Brookings Block, on Main Street, which is the finest business block in the city. He has also been connected with the Heat, Light and Power Company of Du Quoin, but disposed of his interest ere entering upon his duties as Mayor of the city.

On the 17th of February, 1881, Mr. Brookings was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia Dry, of Du Quoin. Ten years later she was called to her final rest, departing this life March 20, 1891. In 1893 Mr. Brookings was elected Mayor of Du Quoin, and is proving one of the best and most popular mayors in the state, ever watchful of the city’s interest and anxious to promote its best enterprises. With the same fidelity he also served as Alderman for two terms. He is a man of generous and kindly impulses, liberal to a fault, and is regarded as a whole-souled, broad-gauged gentleman, who by an honorable, straightforward career has won the confidence and warm regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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