Thomas Brooks
By Ken Davis, Yonkers, NY
Born three years apart, Frank H. Brooks (1897-1967) and Thomas P. Brooks (1900-1959) are the sons of Mr. Tolar Brooks (1869-1943) and Mrs. Amanda (Ayres) Brooks (1880-1953). Both sons offered a unique service to the citizens of Yonkers back in the day. Frank cared for the dearly departed and their family, while Thomas protected citizens’ safety and property.
Frank H. Brook attended and graduated from Public School #2 and Yonkers High School. After graduating from embalming schools, Frank and Elliott M. Pryor became partners in the funeral business, Pryor & Brooks Funeral Home. After Elliott M. Pryor died in 1961, Frank and Pauline (Wife) became the new owners of Brook’s Memorial Home, Inc.
Frank Brooks married Pauline E. Woods in March of 1922. Frank was the treasurer, trustee, and a member of the choir at the Institutional AME Zion Church, 42 Irving Place, Yonkers, NY. Frank was also a member of the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association, Inc., of New York State.
As a mason, Frank was a member of James H. Farrell Lodge #34, Free & Accepted Masons. In December 1937, the brothers of James H. Farrell Lodge #34 elected Frank H. Brooks as their Worshipful Master. At this time, the Lodge was located at 5 Cottage Place. The line officers included Carlton R. Seymour (Senior Warden), Leon H. Middleton (Junior Warden), Aldo A. Smith (Treasurer), Arthur T. Giddings (Secretary), James W. Dunn (Senior Deacon), Lester W. Kingsland (Junior Deacon), Ralph J. West (Senior Master of Ceremonies), Ernest F. Jaycox (Junior Master of Ceremonies), David Wilson (Senior Stewart), Harold J. Miller (Junior Stewart), Nathan Graham (Chaplain), William Brumskill (Tiler), and retiring Master, Charles W. Skeeter, as the Trustee.
In December of 1967, Frank H. Brooks, of 275 Warburton Avenue, passed away at St. John Hospital after a brief illness. Warren Jackson, a popular columnist for the Herald Statesman, quoted Frank as an outstanding man with an open heart for his fellow brothers. He was a leader in the sense of doing it, rather than just talking about it. Frank was definitely “All Yonkers.
Thomas P. Brooks, too, attended Public School #2 and Yonkers High School. In April of 1925, he was recruited to the Yonkers Police Department, becoming the first Black Patrolman. In May of 1925, PO Brooks was given a complimentary dinner at the New Armory. Those in attendance were Mayor Ulrich Wiesendanger (1924-1925), Police Commissioner Alfred H. Iles (1924-1925), other city officials, community members, family, and ministers. Also in attendance was Samuel J. Battle (1883-1966), the first Black Officer recruited to the New York Police Department. In January of 1928, PO Brooks responded to 404 Prescott Street. The owner, Harry Feiner, reported that several stray dogs had killed 18 of his chickens. PO Brooks attempted to locate the strays, to no avail, and reported the incident to Edward Smith, the city’s dog catcher.
In May of 1931, PO Brooks responded to Yonkers Avenue and Walnut Street on a report of a derailed one-man trolley car. The trolley car was out of service for an hour; no injuries were reported. Even though the operator refused to give his name, his badge number was put in the report. In November of 1932, PO Brooks and Freeman, of the Wells Ave Station, and PO Martin of the Central Avenue Station were honored at Memorial A.M.E. Church by past and present mayors and police commissioners, community members, and other city officials for their outstanding performance as officers.
In December of 1925, while on foot patrol, PO Brooks heard broken glass and observed suspects running towards a taxi. They attempted to steal several furs from the Fashion Shop at 10 Main Street. With the assistance of PO Daniel Quity, one of the suspects was arrested.
In December of 1947, PO Brooks assisted in apprehending two shooters. An off-duty firefighter was murdered, and an off-duty police officer was seriously wounded.
In May of 1959, PO Thomas Brooks developed a serious heart condition and died at the age of 59.
