The Casper Tribune-Herald
Friday, February 6, 1948
Front Page & Page 2
Widow of Governor Brooks Dies Here
Helped Husband To Build Career
Shared Hardships Of Pioneer Life
Mrs. Mary N. Brooks, widow of the late former Governor Bryant B. Brooks, died early Friday morning in her 83rd year, in the brick mansion on South Center which had been the family home for the last quarter century.
A leading clubwoman in pioneer circles for many years, Mrs. Brooks had declined steadily in health since the death of her husband Dec. 8, 1944. She had never fully recovered from an accident about eight years ago, when she fell from a moving car as the door sprung open. She fractured her hip in the fall.
Since the death of the governor, Mrs. Brooks continued to make her home in the family residence, living with a daughter, Mrs. Jean Lathrop, widow of a onetime prominent Casper physician.
Her death marked the passing of an era, the colorful early-day period encompassed by the governor's career. In his lifetime, starting as a cowpuncher and trapper, he accumulated vast holdings in ranch and range lands, livestock interests, oil properties, and branched into politics and later, banking.
Mrs. Brooks, who gave up school teaching to join the former governor in building his fortunes in the west, lived to see the break-up of the large ranch estate, after his death. The Brooks ranch on Muddy mountain, southeast of Casper, was sold to Dr. H. E. Stuckenhoff, of Casper. The famous Buzzard ranch on Sweetwater was sold more recently to LeRoy Moore of Ross, Wyo.
In her earlier married live, Mrs. Brooks was a typical Wyoming ranch woman, sharing the hardships and rugged living conditions of the ranch home. Later, when the family established residence in Casper, she took a leading part in the Women's club, the city's pioneer women's organization, and other clubs. She retained that rugged spirit of frankness and independence characteristic of pioneers, but also was a gracious and friendly hostess, attracting a wide circle of friends. She was extremely active, also, in the work of St. Mark's Episcopal church for many years.
Mrs. Brooks was known for her friendly, western hospitality. Both contributed generously to the cause of the Republican party for several decades, and Mrs. Brooks served ably as a national Republican committeewoman from Wyoming for several years.
The body was removed to the Horstman-gay mortuary, where funeral services will be announced shortly. The funeral service is certain to be one of the largest conducted here in several years.
Mrs. brooks was a well-known resident of Wyoming for more than 60 years. She was prominent in the political life of the state, as the wife of the governor, and she served a number of years as Republican national committeewoman from Wyoming, a posiition she resigned in 1937 because of advancing years. She was active in many types of civic work and was a charming hostess.
With a philosophy of "doing the thing at hand and not worrying about tomorrow," Mrs. Brooks brought to her life in Wyoming the courage and resourcefulness of a pioneer heritage, and although the family prospered and the Brooks holdings were extensive, she never turned from the democratic ways which were deeply rooted in her life.
She was born Mary Naomi Willard, at Washington Court House, Ohio, June 10, 1864, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. Lockhart D. Willard. The family moved to Mercer county, Ill., when she was a year old, and it was there that her mother died in 1873. Mary Naomi attended the public schools of Mercer county, and later went to Riverside institute, an Episcopal school at Lyons, Ia., from which she was graduated at the age of 16. The family moved to Thayer county, Neb., and she taught school there for three years.
Mrs. Willard and Bryant Butler Brooks, who was to become governor of Wyoming and a prominent banker and stockman of Casper, were married March 11, 1886, at the home of the bride's father at Alexandria, Neb. Judge Willard was a cousin of the bridgegroom's father, and it was while Bryant B. Brooks was working on the Nebraska farm in the summer of 1879 that he met his future bride.
After that first meeting, Mr. Brooks had come on to Wyoming where he established his ranch on the Muddy in central Wyoming. Governor Brooks afterwards wrote in his memoirs that Wyoming was still a territory with only one railroad across the southern part, "and the highways through our section consisted of a few buffalo and Indian tepee trails across the unfenced range. I did not realize how crude and primitive the place was until I saw it through the eyes of my bride."
The newlyweds traveled on the Union Pacific as far as Rock Creek, the nearest railroad station to the Brooks ranch. They traved from Rock Creek by stage, and this was a difficult journey because of the snow which completely obliterated markers in some places and which nearly tipped over on several occasions going through the mountains. Stage stations were operated every 20 miles, and at the first of these the passengers were transferred to an open sled for the next 40 miles of the journey. Then they were again transferred to a coach to complete the journey to Fort Fetterman, the nearest settlement and postoffice to the V-V outfit, the Brooks home ranch. After staying all night at the fort, they went on to the ranch by buckboard.
The Brooks cabin was somewhat primitive but comfortable and spacious for a ranch cabin of that day. Mrs. Brooks, although the ways of the west were new to her, immediately proved her resourcefulness in many situations connected with frontier life. In 1898 a new house was constructed on the home ranch, which still is outstanding as a ranch home in Wyoming. It has 11 rooms with bath, and all modern conveniences.
In commenting on the growth of the ranch, Governor Brooks noted in his memoirs that in the same year that the new home was built, he cut 200 tons of hay, all of which had been raised by irrigation. This, he said, gave some indication of the progress on the V-V since he had traded six beaver traps and a sack of flour for the original cabin 17 years before.
Mr. Brooks was elected governor of Wyoming in 1904 and took the oath of office Jan. 7, 1905. The family moved from the ranch house to Cheyenne, where they were the first occupants of the governor's mansion. At the end of his term, Governor Brooks was re-elected, and served until the expiration of his second term, Jan. 2, 1911.
Mrs. brooks had accompanied her husband to Cheyenne on a few occasions while he was serving in the state legislature. She was surprised ot note the absence of the wifes of other legislators. When she became first lady of Wyoming, Mrs. Brooks gave a dinner and some parties in honor of the legislators, and this resulted in many of the lawmakers sending for their wives to join them in attending these affairs. During the following session of the legislature, two years hence, a large number of women accompanied their husbands to the capital.
Many years afterwards Mrs. Brooks told a reporter for the Tribune-Herald that she had hoped to help created an interest on the part of the women of Wyoming in the affairs of state governement and that this was one of her chief aspierations when she accepted her duties as first lady.
"I felt that as citizens the women should be better informed on what was taking place in the state's affairs, and that they should be interested in teh activities of the state," she said at that time, expressing the belief that it is important that women perform duties of citizenship the same as men accept similar obligations.
She felt that the executive mansion belonged to the people of Wyoming, and for this reason entertained a great deal. She enjoyed meeting large numbers of the state's citizens and formed many friendships which continued through the years. Entertaining important guests who were national leaders also was a privilige of her position. Among these was Theodore Roosevelt, in 1907, when he was a visitor at Frontier Days.
During the intervening years Mrs. Brooks was a leader in social, cultural and political activites of her community and state. She was elected president of the Wyoming State Federation of Women's clubs in 1909, serving until 1913, and served the organization as custodian of the educational loan fund for 24 years. From 1913, to 1923 she was a trustee of the University of Wyoming, and she was state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1918 to 1922. In the following year she was appointed an associate member of the national Republican comittee and in 1924 she was elected national Republican committeewoman. She was also one of the organizers of and served as president of the Casper Women's Deparmental club, 1932-33.
Mrs. Brooks was present at the organization of the State Federation of Women's clubs at Cheyenne in 1903.
In the year 1900 she became a member at large of the Daughters of the American Revolution, affiliating with the Cheyenne chapter during her residence there and later, in 1914, assisting in the organization of the Fort Caspar chapter at Casper, which she served for a time as regent. She also was regent of the D.A.R. from 1918 to 1922.
During World War I Mrs. Brooks was active in Red Cross work and was first president of the Mothers League. She also helped organize the American Legion Auxiliary after the war.
During her work as Republican national committeewoman, Mrs. Brooks attneded four national Republican conventions. Both the first and the last of those in which she particpated were at Cleveland, Ohio.
"I attended my first Republican convention at Cleveland, and it is fitting that I wind up my convention activities in the same city," she remarked before her departure for the 1936 session, indicating her intention to resign the position following the campaign. Although her resignation had been tendered as early as a year previous, it was not accepted, and she agreed to servee the balance of her term. She was renamed to the post early in 1937, but resigned in March of that year.
The Wyoming Federation of Women's Clubs paid high honor to Mrs. Brooks in 1943 when its board of directors at a meeting in Caspesr named its education loan fund for the Natrona county pioneer. It has been perpetuated as the Mary N. brooks Educational Loan fund in recognition of Mrs. Brooks' many years of service as its custodian.
The loan fund was established in 1909 to exted aid to Wyoming boys and girls to help them finance their higher education. Loans are on a revovling basis, and as the money is paid back it is loaned to others. Up to the time that the fund was named for Mrs. Brooks, 352 young persons had received this assistance.
In 1925, shortly before starting a trip to Europe, Governor and Mrs. Brooks approved plans and signed a contract for construction of a spacious house in Casper. Although their children were all married, they wanted the home to be large enough to be headquarters for the family and out-of-town friends.
Every year since its construction, this home was the scene of an annual homecoming for all descendants and their families at Thanksgiving. From time to time various organizations accepted the use of the home for their headquarters when convening in Casper, among them being the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Federation of Women's Clubs.
Governor and Mrs. Brooks were members of the Order of Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Brooks was a past matron and Governor Brooks a past patron. Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Order of Beauceant, an auxiliary of the Knights Templar. She was a past regent of both the state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also was a member of the Casper chapter of American War Mothers.
Governor Brooks died in Casper Dec. 8, 1944. Following his death, Mrs. Brooks served as a director of the Wyoming National bank, taking his place on the board.
Mrs. Brooks is survived by three children, Mrs. Jean Brooks Lathrop of the family home; Mrs. Lena McCleary and Mrs. Melissa Spurlock, who live on ranches near casper. She was preceded in death by her husband and only son, Silas, and a daughter, Mrs. Abby Nichols.
The grandchildren surviving include Mrs. Gerald Nicolaysen, Homer Latrhop, Bryant Brooks Nichols, Mrs. Ivor Bowen, Bryant McCleary, Miss Abby Brooks, all of Casper, and Mrs. Frank E. Henderson of Dwyer, Wyo., Mrs. Dale Squibb of Glenrock, Mrs. Robert Buchanan of Laramie, Miss Virginia Brooks of Red Oak, Ia., and Richard and Jim Spurlick of the Buzzard ranch. There are also 16 great-grandchildren surviving.
Friday, February 6, 1948
Front Page & Page 2
Widow of Governor Brooks Dies Here
Helped Husband To Build Career
Shared Hardships Of Pioneer Life
Mrs. Mary N. Brooks, widow of the late former Governor Bryant B. Brooks, died early Friday morning in her 83rd year, in the brick mansion on South Center which had been the family home for the last quarter century.
A leading clubwoman in pioneer circles for many years, Mrs. Brooks had declined steadily in health since the death of her husband Dec. 8, 1944. She had never fully recovered from an accident about eight years ago, when she fell from a moving car as the door sprung open. She fractured her hip in the fall.
Since the death of the governor, Mrs. Brooks continued to make her home in the family residence, living with a daughter, Mrs. Jean Lathrop, widow of a onetime prominent Casper physician.
Her death marked the passing of an era, the colorful early-day period encompassed by the governor's career. In his lifetime, starting as a cowpuncher and trapper, he accumulated vast holdings in ranch and range lands, livestock interests, oil properties, and branched into politics and later, banking.
Mrs. Brooks, who gave up school teaching to join the former governor in building his fortunes in the west, lived to see the break-up of the large ranch estate, after his death. The Brooks ranch on Muddy mountain, southeast of Casper, was sold to Dr. H. E. Stuckenhoff, of Casper. The famous Buzzard ranch on Sweetwater was sold more recently to LeRoy Moore of Ross, Wyo.
In her earlier married live, Mrs. Brooks was a typical Wyoming ranch woman, sharing the hardships and rugged living conditions of the ranch home. Later, when the family established residence in Casper, she took a leading part in the Women's club, the city's pioneer women's organization, and other clubs. She retained that rugged spirit of frankness and independence characteristic of pioneers, but also was a gracious and friendly hostess, attracting a wide circle of friends. She was extremely active, also, in the work of St. Mark's Episcopal church for many years.
Mrs. Brooks was known for her friendly, western hospitality. Both contributed generously to the cause of the Republican party for several decades, and Mrs. Brooks served ably as a national Republican committeewoman from Wyoming for several years.
The body was removed to the Horstman-gay mortuary, where funeral services will be announced shortly. The funeral service is certain to be one of the largest conducted here in several years.
Mrs. brooks was a well-known resident of Wyoming for more than 60 years. She was prominent in the political life of the state, as the wife of the governor, and she served a number of years as Republican national committeewoman from Wyoming, a posiition she resigned in 1937 because of advancing years. She was active in many types of civic work and was a charming hostess.
With a philosophy of "doing the thing at hand and not worrying about tomorrow," Mrs. Brooks brought to her life in Wyoming the courage and resourcefulness of a pioneer heritage, and although the family prospered and the Brooks holdings were extensive, she never turned from the democratic ways which were deeply rooted in her life.
She was born Mary Naomi Willard, at Washington Court House, Ohio, June 10, 1864, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. Lockhart D. Willard. The family moved to Mercer county, Ill., when she was a year old, and it was there that her mother died in 1873. Mary Naomi attended the public schools of Mercer county, and later went to Riverside institute, an Episcopal school at Lyons, Ia., from which she was graduated at the age of 16. The family moved to Thayer county, Neb., and she taught school there for three years.
Mrs. Willard and Bryant Butler Brooks, who was to become governor of Wyoming and a prominent banker and stockman of Casper, were married March 11, 1886, at the home of the bride's father at Alexandria, Neb. Judge Willard was a cousin of the bridgegroom's father, and it was while Bryant B. Brooks was working on the Nebraska farm in the summer of 1879 that he met his future bride.
After that first meeting, Mr. Brooks had come on to Wyoming where he established his ranch on the Muddy in central Wyoming. Governor Brooks afterwards wrote in his memoirs that Wyoming was still a territory with only one railroad across the southern part, "and the highways through our section consisted of a few buffalo and Indian tepee trails across the unfenced range. I did not realize how crude and primitive the place was until I saw it through the eyes of my bride."
The newlyweds traveled on the Union Pacific as far as Rock Creek, the nearest railroad station to the Brooks ranch. They traved from Rock Creek by stage, and this was a difficult journey because of the snow which completely obliterated markers in some places and which nearly tipped over on several occasions going through the mountains. Stage stations were operated every 20 miles, and at the first of these the passengers were transferred to an open sled for the next 40 miles of the journey. Then they were again transferred to a coach to complete the journey to Fort Fetterman, the nearest settlement and postoffice to the V-V outfit, the Brooks home ranch. After staying all night at the fort, they went on to the ranch by buckboard.
The Brooks cabin was somewhat primitive but comfortable and spacious for a ranch cabin of that day. Mrs. Brooks, although the ways of the west were new to her, immediately proved her resourcefulness in many situations connected with frontier life. In 1898 a new house was constructed on the home ranch, which still is outstanding as a ranch home in Wyoming. It has 11 rooms with bath, and all modern conveniences.
In commenting on the growth of the ranch, Governor Brooks noted in his memoirs that in the same year that the new home was built, he cut 200 tons of hay, all of which had been raised by irrigation. This, he said, gave some indication of the progress on the V-V since he had traded six beaver traps and a sack of flour for the original cabin 17 years before.
Mr. Brooks was elected governor of Wyoming in 1904 and took the oath of office Jan. 7, 1905. The family moved from the ranch house to Cheyenne, where they were the first occupants of the governor's mansion. At the end of his term, Governor Brooks was re-elected, and served until the expiration of his second term, Jan. 2, 1911.
Mrs. brooks had accompanied her husband to Cheyenne on a few occasions while he was serving in the state legislature. She was surprised ot note the absence of the wifes of other legislators. When she became first lady of Wyoming, Mrs. Brooks gave a dinner and some parties in honor of the legislators, and this resulted in many of the lawmakers sending for their wives to join them in attending these affairs. During the following session of the legislature, two years hence, a large number of women accompanied their husbands to the capital.
Many years afterwards Mrs. Brooks told a reporter for the Tribune-Herald that she had hoped to help created an interest on the part of the women of Wyoming in the affairs of state governement and that this was one of her chief aspierations when she accepted her duties as first lady.
"I felt that as citizens the women should be better informed on what was taking place in the state's affairs, and that they should be interested in teh activities of the state," she said at that time, expressing the belief that it is important that women perform duties of citizenship the same as men accept similar obligations.
She felt that the executive mansion belonged to the people of Wyoming, and for this reason entertained a great deal. She enjoyed meeting large numbers of the state's citizens and formed many friendships which continued through the years. Entertaining important guests who were national leaders also was a privilige of her position. Among these was Theodore Roosevelt, in 1907, when he was a visitor at Frontier Days.
During the intervening years Mrs. Brooks was a leader in social, cultural and political activites of her community and state. She was elected president of the Wyoming State Federation of Women's clubs in 1909, serving until 1913, and served the organization as custodian of the educational loan fund for 24 years. From 1913, to 1923 she was a trustee of the University of Wyoming, and she was state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1918 to 1922. In the following year she was appointed an associate member of the national Republican comittee and in 1924 she was elected national Republican committeewoman. She was also one of the organizers of and served as president of the Casper Women's Deparmental club, 1932-33.
Mrs. Brooks was present at the organization of the State Federation of Women's clubs at Cheyenne in 1903.
In the year 1900 she became a member at large of the Daughters of the American Revolution, affiliating with the Cheyenne chapter during her residence there and later, in 1914, assisting in the organization of the Fort Caspar chapter at Casper, which she served for a time as regent. She also was regent of the D.A.R. from 1918 to 1922.
During World War I Mrs. Brooks was active in Red Cross work and was first president of the Mothers League. She also helped organize the American Legion Auxiliary after the war.
During her work as Republican national committeewoman, Mrs. Brooks attneded four national Republican conventions. Both the first and the last of those in which she particpated were at Cleveland, Ohio.
"I attended my first Republican convention at Cleveland, and it is fitting that I wind up my convention activities in the same city," she remarked before her departure for the 1936 session, indicating her intention to resign the position following the campaign. Although her resignation had been tendered as early as a year previous, it was not accepted, and she agreed to servee the balance of her term. She was renamed to the post early in 1937, but resigned in March of that year.
The Wyoming Federation of Women's Clubs paid high honor to Mrs. Brooks in 1943 when its board of directors at a meeting in Caspesr named its education loan fund for the Natrona county pioneer. It has been perpetuated as the Mary N. brooks Educational Loan fund in recognition of Mrs. Brooks' many years of service as its custodian.
The loan fund was established in 1909 to exted aid to Wyoming boys and girls to help them finance their higher education. Loans are on a revovling basis, and as the money is paid back it is loaned to others. Up to the time that the fund was named for Mrs. Brooks, 352 young persons had received this assistance.
In 1925, shortly before starting a trip to Europe, Governor and Mrs. Brooks approved plans and signed a contract for construction of a spacious house in Casper. Although their children were all married, they wanted the home to be large enough to be headquarters for the family and out-of-town friends.
Every year since its construction, this home was the scene of an annual homecoming for all descendants and their families at Thanksgiving. From time to time various organizations accepted the use of the home for their headquarters when convening in Casper, among them being the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Federation of Women's Clubs.
Governor and Mrs. Brooks were members of the Order of Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Brooks was a past matron and Governor Brooks a past patron. Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Order of Beauceant, an auxiliary of the Knights Templar. She was a past regent of both the state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also was a member of the Casper chapter of American War Mothers.
Governor Brooks died in Casper Dec. 8, 1944. Following his death, Mrs. Brooks served as a director of the Wyoming National bank, taking his place on the board.
Mrs. Brooks is survived by three children, Mrs. Jean Brooks Lathrop of the family home; Mrs. Lena McCleary and Mrs. Melissa Spurlock, who live on ranches near casper. She was preceded in death by her husband and only son, Silas, and a daughter, Mrs. Abby Nichols.
The grandchildren surviving include Mrs. Gerald Nicolaysen, Homer Latrhop, Bryant Brooks Nichols, Mrs. Ivor Bowen, Bryant McCleary, Miss Abby Brooks, all of Casper, and Mrs. Frank E. Henderson of Dwyer, Wyo., Mrs. Dale Squibb of Glenrock, Mrs. Robert Buchanan of Laramie, Miss Virginia Brooks of Red Oak, Ia., and Richard and Jim Spurlick of the Buzzard ranch. There are also 16 great-grandchildren surviving.
The Casper Tribune-Herald
Friday, February 6, 1948
Front Page & Page 2
Widow of Governor Brooks Dies Here
Helped Husband To Build Career
Shared Hardships Of Pioneer Life
Mrs. Mary N. Brooks, widow of the late former Governor Bryant B. Brooks, died early Friday morning in her 83rd year, in the brick mansion on South Center which had been the family home for the last quarter century.
A leading clubwoman in pioneer circles for many years, Mrs. Brooks had declined steadily in health since the death of her husband Dec. 8, 1944. She had never fully recovered from an accident about eight years ago, when she fell from a moving car as the door sprung open. She fractured her hip in the fall.
Since the death of the governor, Mrs. Brooks continued to make her home in the family residence, living with a daughter, Mrs. Jean Lathrop, widow of a onetime prominent Casper physician.
Her death marked the passing of an era, the colorful early-day period encompassed by the governor's career. In his lifetime, starting as a cowpuncher and trapper, he accumulated vast holdings in ranch and range lands, livestock interests, oil properties, and branched into politics and later, banking.
Mrs. Brooks, who gave up school teaching to join the former governor in building his fortunes in the west, lived to see the break-up of the large ranch estate, after his death. The Brooks ranch on Muddy mountain, southeast of Casper, was sold to Dr. H. E. Stuckenhoff, of Casper. The famous Buzzard ranch on Sweetwater was sold more recently to LeRoy Moore of Ross, Wyo.
In her earlier married live, Mrs. Brooks was a typical Wyoming ranch woman, sharing the hardships and rugged living conditions of the ranch home. Later, when the family established residence in Casper, she took a leading part in the Women's club, the city's pioneer women's organization, and other clubs. She retained that rugged spirit of frankness and independence characteristic of pioneers, but also was a gracious and friendly hostess, attracting a wide circle of friends. She was extremely active, also, in the work of St. Mark's Episcopal church for many years.
Mrs. Brooks was known for her friendly, western hospitality. Both contributed generously to the cause of the Republican party for several decades, and Mrs. Brooks served ably as a national Republican committeewoman from Wyoming for several years.
The body was removed to the Horstman-gay mortuary, where funeral services will be announced shortly. The funeral service is certain to be one of the largest conducted here in several years.
Mrs. brooks was a well-known resident of Wyoming for more than 60 years. She was prominent in the political life of the state, as the wife of the governor, and she served a number of years as Republican national committeewoman from Wyoming, a posiition she resigned in 1937 because of advancing years. She was active in many types of civic work and was a charming hostess.
With a philosophy of "doing the thing at hand and not worrying about tomorrow," Mrs. Brooks brought to her life in Wyoming the courage and resourcefulness of a pioneer heritage, and although the family prospered and the Brooks holdings were extensive, she never turned from the democratic ways which were deeply rooted in her life.
She was born Mary Naomi Willard, at Washington Court House, Ohio, June 10, 1864, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. Lockhart D. Willard. The family moved to Mercer county, Ill., when she was a year old, and it was there that her mother died in 1873. Mary Naomi attended the public schools of Mercer county, and later went to Riverside institute, an Episcopal school at Lyons, Ia., from which she was graduated at the age of 16. The family moved to Thayer county, Neb., and she taught school there for three years.
Mrs. Willard and Bryant Butler Brooks, who was to become governor of Wyoming and a prominent banker and stockman of Casper, were married March 11, 1886, at the home of the bride's father at Alexandria, Neb. Judge Willard was a cousin of the bridgegroom's father, and it was while Bryant B. Brooks was working on the Nebraska farm in the summer of 1879 that he met his future bride.
After that first meeting, Mr. Brooks had come on to Wyoming where he established his ranch on the Muddy in central Wyoming. Governor Brooks afterwards wrote in his memoirs that Wyoming was still a territory with only one railroad across the southern part, "and the highways through our section consisted of a few buffalo and Indian tepee trails across the unfenced range. I did not realize how crude and primitive the place was until I saw it through the eyes of my bride."
The newlyweds traveled on the Union Pacific as far as Rock Creek, the nearest railroad station to the Brooks ranch. They traved from Rock Creek by stage, and this was a difficult journey because of the snow which completely obliterated markers in some places and which nearly tipped over on several occasions going through the mountains. Stage stations were operated every 20 miles, and at the first of these the passengers were transferred to an open sled for the next 40 miles of the journey. Then they were again transferred to a coach to complete the journey to Fort Fetterman, the nearest settlement and postoffice to the V-V outfit, the Brooks home ranch. After staying all night at the fort, they went on to the ranch by buckboard.
The Brooks cabin was somewhat primitive but comfortable and spacious for a ranch cabin of that day. Mrs. Brooks, although the ways of the west were new to her, immediately proved her resourcefulness in many situations connected with frontier life. In 1898 a new house was constructed on the home ranch, which still is outstanding as a ranch home in Wyoming. It has 11 rooms with bath, and all modern conveniences.
In commenting on the growth of the ranch, Governor Brooks noted in his memoirs that in the same year that the new home was built, he cut 200 tons of hay, all of which had been raised by irrigation. This, he said, gave some indication of the progress on the V-V since he had traded six beaver traps and a sack of flour for the original cabin 17 years before.
Mr. Brooks was elected governor of Wyoming in 1904 and took the oath of office Jan. 7, 1905. The family moved from the ranch house to Cheyenne, where they were the first occupants of the governor's mansion. At the end of his term, Governor Brooks was re-elected, and served until the expiration of his second term, Jan. 2, 1911.
Mrs. brooks had accompanied her husband to Cheyenne on a few occasions while he was serving in the state legislature. She was surprised ot note the absence of the wifes of other legislators. When she became first lady of Wyoming, Mrs. Brooks gave a dinner and some parties in honor of the legislators, and this resulted in many of the lawmakers sending for their wives to join them in attending these affairs. During the following session of the legislature, two years hence, a large number of women accompanied their husbands to the capital.
Many years afterwards Mrs. Brooks told a reporter for the Tribune-Herald that she had hoped to help created an interest on the part of the women of Wyoming in the affairs of state governement and that this was one of her chief aspierations when she accepted her duties as first lady.
"I felt that as citizens the women should be better informed on what was taking place in the state's affairs, and that they should be interested in teh activities of the state," she said at that time, expressing the belief that it is important that women perform duties of citizenship the same as men accept similar obligations.
She felt that the executive mansion belonged to the people of Wyoming, and for this reason entertained a great deal. She enjoyed meeting large numbers of the state's citizens and formed many friendships which continued through the years. Entertaining important guests who were national leaders also was a privilige of her position. Among these was Theodore Roosevelt, in 1907, when he was a visitor at Frontier Days.
During the intervening years Mrs. Brooks was a leader in social, cultural and political activites of her community and state. She was elected president of the Wyoming State Federation of Women's clubs in 1909, serving until 1913, and served the organization as custodian of the educational loan fund for 24 years. From 1913, to 1923 she was a trustee of the University of Wyoming, and she was state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1918 to 1922. In the following year she was appointed an associate member of the national Republican comittee and in 1924 she was elected national Republican committeewoman. She was also one of the organizers of and served as president of the Casper Women's Deparmental club, 1932-33.
Mrs. Brooks was present at the organization of the State Federation of Women's clubs at Cheyenne in 1903.
In the year 1900 she became a member at large of the Daughters of the American Revolution, affiliating with the Cheyenne chapter during her residence there and later, in 1914, assisting in the organization of the Fort Caspar chapter at Casper, which she served for a time as regent. She also was regent of the D.A.R. from 1918 to 1922.
During World War I Mrs. Brooks was active in Red Cross work and was first president of the Mothers League. She also helped organize the American Legion Auxiliary after the war.
During her work as Republican national committeewoman, Mrs. Brooks attneded four national Republican conventions. Both the first and the last of those in which she particpated were at Cleveland, Ohio.
"I attended my first Republican convention at Cleveland, and it is fitting that I wind up my convention activities in the same city," she remarked before her departure for the 1936 session, indicating her intention to resign the position following the campaign. Although her resignation had been tendered as early as a year previous, it was not accepted, and she agreed to servee the balance of her term. She was renamed to the post early in 1937, but resigned in March of that year.
The Wyoming Federation of Women's Clubs paid high honor to Mrs. Brooks in 1943 when its board of directors at a meeting in Caspesr named its education loan fund for the Natrona county pioneer. It has been perpetuated as the Mary N. brooks Educational Loan fund in recognition of Mrs. Brooks' many years of service as its custodian.
The loan fund was established in 1909 to exted aid to Wyoming boys and girls to help them finance their higher education. Loans are on a revovling basis, and as the money is paid back it is loaned to others. Up to the time that the fund was named for Mrs. Brooks, 352 young persons had received this assistance.
In 1925, shortly before starting a trip to Europe, Governor and Mrs. Brooks approved plans and signed a contract for construction of a spacious house in Casper. Although their children were all married, they wanted the home to be large enough to be headquarters for the family and out-of-town friends.
Every year since its construction, this home was the scene of an annual homecoming for all descendants and their families at Thanksgiving. From time to time various organizations accepted the use of the home for their headquarters when convening in Casper, among them being the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Federation of Women's Clubs.
Governor and Mrs. Brooks were members of the Order of Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Brooks was a past matron and Governor Brooks a past patron. Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Order of Beauceant, an auxiliary of the Knights Templar. She was a past regent of both the state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also was a member of the Casper chapter of American War Mothers.
Governor Brooks died in Casper Dec. 8, 1944. Following his death, Mrs. Brooks served as a director of the Wyoming National bank, taking his place on the board.
Mrs. Brooks is survived by three children, Mrs. Jean Brooks Lathrop of the family home; Mrs. Lena McCleary and Mrs. Melissa Spurlock, who live on ranches near casper. She was preceded in death by her husband and only son, Silas, and a daughter, Mrs. Abby Nichols.
The grandchildren surviving include Mrs. Gerald Nicolaysen, Homer Latrhop, Bryant Brooks Nichols, Mrs. Ivor Bowen, Bryant McCleary, Miss Abby Brooks, all of Casper, and Mrs. Frank E. Henderson of Dwyer, Wyo., Mrs. Dale Squibb of Glenrock, Mrs. Robert Buchanan of Laramie, Miss Virginia Brooks of Red Oak, Ia., and Richard and Jim Spurlick of the Buzzard ranch. There are also 16 great-grandchildren surviving.
Friday, February 6, 1948
Front Page & Page 2
Widow of Governor Brooks Dies Here
Helped Husband To Build Career
Shared Hardships Of Pioneer Life
Mrs. Mary N. Brooks, widow of the late former Governor Bryant B. Brooks, died early Friday morning in her 83rd year, in the brick mansion on South Center which had been the family home for the last quarter century.
A leading clubwoman in pioneer circles for many years, Mrs. Brooks had declined steadily in health since the death of her husband Dec. 8, 1944. She had never fully recovered from an accident about eight years ago, when she fell from a moving car as the door sprung open. She fractured her hip in the fall.
Since the death of the governor, Mrs. Brooks continued to make her home in the family residence, living with a daughter, Mrs. Jean Lathrop, widow of a onetime prominent Casper physician.
Her death marked the passing of an era, the colorful early-day period encompassed by the governor's career. In his lifetime, starting as a cowpuncher and trapper, he accumulated vast holdings in ranch and range lands, livestock interests, oil properties, and branched into politics and later, banking.
Mrs. Brooks, who gave up school teaching to join the former governor in building his fortunes in the west, lived to see the break-up of the large ranch estate, after his death. The Brooks ranch on Muddy mountain, southeast of Casper, was sold to Dr. H. E. Stuckenhoff, of Casper. The famous Buzzard ranch on Sweetwater was sold more recently to LeRoy Moore of Ross, Wyo.
In her earlier married live, Mrs. Brooks was a typical Wyoming ranch woman, sharing the hardships and rugged living conditions of the ranch home. Later, when the family established residence in Casper, she took a leading part in the Women's club, the city's pioneer women's organization, and other clubs. She retained that rugged spirit of frankness and independence characteristic of pioneers, but also was a gracious and friendly hostess, attracting a wide circle of friends. She was extremely active, also, in the work of St. Mark's Episcopal church for many years.
Mrs. Brooks was known for her friendly, western hospitality. Both contributed generously to the cause of the Republican party for several decades, and Mrs. Brooks served ably as a national Republican committeewoman from Wyoming for several years.
The body was removed to the Horstman-gay mortuary, where funeral services will be announced shortly. The funeral service is certain to be one of the largest conducted here in several years.
Mrs. brooks was a well-known resident of Wyoming for more than 60 years. She was prominent in the political life of the state, as the wife of the governor, and she served a number of years as Republican national committeewoman from Wyoming, a posiition she resigned in 1937 because of advancing years. She was active in many types of civic work and was a charming hostess.
With a philosophy of "doing the thing at hand and not worrying about tomorrow," Mrs. Brooks brought to her life in Wyoming the courage and resourcefulness of a pioneer heritage, and although the family prospered and the Brooks holdings were extensive, she never turned from the democratic ways which were deeply rooted in her life.
She was born Mary Naomi Willard, at Washington Court House, Ohio, June 10, 1864, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. Lockhart D. Willard. The family moved to Mercer county, Ill., when she was a year old, and it was there that her mother died in 1873. Mary Naomi attended the public schools of Mercer county, and later went to Riverside institute, an Episcopal school at Lyons, Ia., from which she was graduated at the age of 16. The family moved to Thayer county, Neb., and she taught school there for three years.
Mrs. Willard and Bryant Butler Brooks, who was to become governor of Wyoming and a prominent banker and stockman of Casper, were married March 11, 1886, at the home of the bride's father at Alexandria, Neb. Judge Willard was a cousin of the bridgegroom's father, and it was while Bryant B. Brooks was working on the Nebraska farm in the summer of 1879 that he met his future bride.
After that first meeting, Mr. Brooks had come on to Wyoming where he established his ranch on the Muddy in central Wyoming. Governor Brooks afterwards wrote in his memoirs that Wyoming was still a territory with only one railroad across the southern part, "and the highways through our section consisted of a few buffalo and Indian tepee trails across the unfenced range. I did not realize how crude and primitive the place was until I saw it through the eyes of my bride."
The newlyweds traveled on the Union Pacific as far as Rock Creek, the nearest railroad station to the Brooks ranch. They traved from Rock Creek by stage, and this was a difficult journey because of the snow which completely obliterated markers in some places and which nearly tipped over on several occasions going through the mountains. Stage stations were operated every 20 miles, and at the first of these the passengers were transferred to an open sled for the next 40 miles of the journey. Then they were again transferred to a coach to complete the journey to Fort Fetterman, the nearest settlement and postoffice to the V-V outfit, the Brooks home ranch. After staying all night at the fort, they went on to the ranch by buckboard.
The Brooks cabin was somewhat primitive but comfortable and spacious for a ranch cabin of that day. Mrs. Brooks, although the ways of the west were new to her, immediately proved her resourcefulness in many situations connected with frontier life. In 1898 a new house was constructed on the home ranch, which still is outstanding as a ranch home in Wyoming. It has 11 rooms with bath, and all modern conveniences.
In commenting on the growth of the ranch, Governor Brooks noted in his memoirs that in the same year that the new home was built, he cut 200 tons of hay, all of which had been raised by irrigation. This, he said, gave some indication of the progress on the V-V since he had traded six beaver traps and a sack of flour for the original cabin 17 years before.
Mr. Brooks was elected governor of Wyoming in 1904 and took the oath of office Jan. 7, 1905. The family moved from the ranch house to Cheyenne, where they were the first occupants of the governor's mansion. At the end of his term, Governor Brooks was re-elected, and served until the expiration of his second term, Jan. 2, 1911.
Mrs. brooks had accompanied her husband to Cheyenne on a few occasions while he was serving in the state legislature. She was surprised ot note the absence of the wifes of other legislators. When she became first lady of Wyoming, Mrs. Brooks gave a dinner and some parties in honor of the legislators, and this resulted in many of the lawmakers sending for their wives to join them in attending these affairs. During the following session of the legislature, two years hence, a large number of women accompanied their husbands to the capital.
Many years afterwards Mrs. Brooks told a reporter for the Tribune-Herald that she had hoped to help created an interest on the part of the women of Wyoming in the affairs of state governement and that this was one of her chief aspierations when she accepted her duties as first lady.
"I felt that as citizens the women should be better informed on what was taking place in the state's affairs, and that they should be interested in teh activities of the state," she said at that time, expressing the belief that it is important that women perform duties of citizenship the same as men accept similar obligations.
She felt that the executive mansion belonged to the people of Wyoming, and for this reason entertained a great deal. She enjoyed meeting large numbers of the state's citizens and formed many friendships which continued through the years. Entertaining important guests who were national leaders also was a privilige of her position. Among these was Theodore Roosevelt, in 1907, when he was a visitor at Frontier Days.
During the intervening years Mrs. Brooks was a leader in social, cultural and political activites of her community and state. She was elected president of the Wyoming State Federation of Women's clubs in 1909, serving until 1913, and served the organization as custodian of the educational loan fund for 24 years. From 1913, to 1923 she was a trustee of the University of Wyoming, and she was state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1918 to 1922. In the following year she was appointed an associate member of the national Republican comittee and in 1924 she was elected national Republican committeewoman. She was also one of the organizers of and served as president of the Casper Women's Deparmental club, 1932-33.
Mrs. Brooks was present at the organization of the State Federation of Women's clubs at Cheyenne in 1903.
In the year 1900 she became a member at large of the Daughters of the American Revolution, affiliating with the Cheyenne chapter during her residence there and later, in 1914, assisting in the organization of the Fort Caspar chapter at Casper, which she served for a time as regent. She also was regent of the D.A.R. from 1918 to 1922.
During World War I Mrs. Brooks was active in Red Cross work and was first president of the Mothers League. She also helped organize the American Legion Auxiliary after the war.
During her work as Republican national committeewoman, Mrs. Brooks attneded four national Republican conventions. Both the first and the last of those in which she particpated were at Cleveland, Ohio.
"I attended my first Republican convention at Cleveland, and it is fitting that I wind up my convention activities in the same city," she remarked before her departure for the 1936 session, indicating her intention to resign the position following the campaign. Although her resignation had been tendered as early as a year previous, it was not accepted, and she agreed to servee the balance of her term. She was renamed to the post early in 1937, but resigned in March of that year.
The Wyoming Federation of Women's Clubs paid high honor to Mrs. Brooks in 1943 when its board of directors at a meeting in Caspesr named its education loan fund for the Natrona county pioneer. It has been perpetuated as the Mary N. brooks Educational Loan fund in recognition of Mrs. Brooks' many years of service as its custodian.
The loan fund was established in 1909 to exted aid to Wyoming boys and girls to help them finance their higher education. Loans are on a revovling basis, and as the money is paid back it is loaned to others. Up to the time that the fund was named for Mrs. Brooks, 352 young persons had received this assistance.
In 1925, shortly before starting a trip to Europe, Governor and Mrs. Brooks approved plans and signed a contract for construction of a spacious house in Casper. Although their children were all married, they wanted the home to be large enough to be headquarters for the family and out-of-town friends.
Every year since its construction, this home was the scene of an annual homecoming for all descendants and their families at Thanksgiving. From time to time various organizations accepted the use of the home for their headquarters when convening in Casper, among them being the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Federation of Women's Clubs.
Governor and Mrs. Brooks were members of the Order of Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Brooks was a past matron and Governor Brooks a past patron. Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Order of Beauceant, an auxiliary of the Knights Templar. She was a past regent of both the state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also was a member of the Casper chapter of American War Mothers.
Governor Brooks died in Casper Dec. 8, 1944. Following his death, Mrs. Brooks served as a director of the Wyoming National bank, taking his place on the board.
Mrs. Brooks is survived by three children, Mrs. Jean Brooks Lathrop of the family home; Mrs. Lena McCleary and Mrs. Melissa Spurlock, who live on ranches near casper. She was preceded in death by her husband and only son, Silas, and a daughter, Mrs. Abby Nichols.
The grandchildren surviving include Mrs. Gerald Nicolaysen, Homer Latrhop, Bryant Brooks Nichols, Mrs. Ivor Bowen, Bryant McCleary, Miss Abby Brooks, all of Casper, and Mrs. Frank E. Henderson of Dwyer, Wyo., Mrs. Dale Squibb of Glenrock, Mrs. Robert Buchanan of Laramie, Miss Virginia Brooks of Red Oak, Ia., and Richard and Jim Spurlick of the Buzzard ranch. There are also 16 great-grandchildren surviving.
Family Members
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