Erastus Brooks facts for kids
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Erastus Brooks (born January 31, 1815 – died November 25, 1886) was an important American newspaper editor and politician from New York. He spent his life working in journalism and serving the public in various government roles. He was known for his strong opinions and dedication to his work.
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Early Life and Education
Erastus Brooks was born on January 31, 1815, in Portland, Maine. His father, Captain James Brooks, was a sailor who was lost at sea when Erastus was very young.
At just eight years old, Erastus started working to help support himself. He worked as a messenger and a shop clerk in Boston. Later, he learned the skill of typesetting and became a printer.
He attended Brown University for two years. He worked as a printer at the same time to pay for his studies. Even though he worked hard, he could not finish his degree because of money problems. After leaving college, he taught school in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
A Career in Journalism
In June 1835, Erastus Brooks became the editor of the Haverhill Gazette newspaper. His brother, James Brooks, helped start the New York Daily Express in 1836. Erastus wrote many articles and editorials for this newspaper.
In 1836, he went to Washington, D.C., as a special reporter. He reported on important events happening in the nation's capital. In 1840, he returned to Portland and edited the Portland Advertiser. This newspaper supported William Henry Harrison for president.
After the election, Erastus carried the electoral votes from Maine to Washington, D.C. He stayed there until 1843. That year, he traveled to Europe. On his way back, his ship, the Sheffield, was wrecked near Sandy Hook. He lost many of the special items he had collected in Europe.
On January 12, 1844, Erastus Brooks married Margaret Dawes Cranch. They had seven children together.
Entering Politics
Erastus Brooks became involved in politics. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1854 to 1857. He was first elected as a member of the Whig Party.
Serving New York State
He later joined the American Party. In 1856, he ran for Governor of New York on their ticket. However, he was defeated by John A. King, who was a Republican.
Brooks also served in the New York State Assembly for Richmond County in several years: 1878, 1879, 1881, 1882, and 1883. He was a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly as a Democrat in 1878, 1879, and 1881.
National Politics
Erastus Brooks was a delegate to important national political meetings. In 1856, he attended the American Party convention in Philadelphia. This convention chose Millard Fillmore as their presidential candidate.
In 1860, he was a delegate to the Constitutional Union Party convention in Baltimore. This party nominated John Bell for president in the 1860 election.
Supporting Education
Erastus Brooks was one of the first people chosen to be a trustee for Cornell University. Trustees are like a board of directors who help guide the university. Even though he lived far from the campus, he was very dedicated. For twenty years, he never missed a single meeting of the trustees.
Later Life and Legacy
Erastus Brooks passed away on November 25, 1886, in West New Brighton, Staten Island. He was buried at the Moravian Cemetery in New Dorp, Staten Island. He is remembered for his long career in journalism and his many years of public service in New York.
