John J. Brooks facts for kids

John J. Brooks was an American lawman, which means he helped keep the peace and enforce laws. He worked as a lieutenant for the Arizona Rangers from 1904 to 1905.

John J. Brooks: A Lawman's Life

Brooks was born in Texas. He started his career in law enforcement with the Texas Ranger Division in 1903. Later, he joined the Arizona Rangers.

Joining the Arizona Rangers

After serving as a private in the Texas Rangers, Brooks became an Arizona Ranger. In April 1904, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant within the Arizona Rangers. This was an important role, showing his leadership skills.

Tracking Down Wanted People

In 1904, Lieutenant Brooks worked with Sergeant Stanford. They received information about a wanted man named Charles Douglas, who was using a fake name. Brooks and Stanford successfully found Douglas at Silica Station. They also captured a prisoner in a jail located in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.

Working at the El Tigre Mine

In 1905, Brooks took on a new role as a "Special Officer" at the El Tigre mine. This job likely involved keeping order and protecting the mine's operations. During his time there, he, along with B. F. Graham and Superintendent Wylie, were held under guard in Montezuma, Arizona.

Life in Arizona

Brooks owned a ranch with Doc Moore in Montezuma, Arizona. For safety, Brooks and his family later moved to Douglas, Arizona. This move was due to concerns about outlaws and Yaquis in the area.

In 1907, there was a false report that Brooks had been killed by outlaws in Chihuahua, Arizona. However, this was not true! He was still alive and well in Naco, Arizona. Harry C. Wheeler, who was the third captain of the Arizona Rangers, heard about this false report.