Phoebe "Pheby" Ann Hayden Brooks (1827-1908)
(Mrs. Emory L. Brooks)
("Pheby" is the spelling of name copied from her tombstone in the cemetery index at the Lowell Public Library.)
The following unidentified newspaper article appeared in a collection owned by Lowell Town Historian Richard Schmal:
Phebe A. (Hayden) Brooks was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 15, 1827, and died at the home of her grand-daughter, Mrs. Orville Hayden, February 21, 1908, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 6 days. In 1836 she came with her parents, Nehemiah and Harriet Hayden, to Lake county, Indiana, in which she lived until her death. December 22, 1848, she was united in marriage to Emory L. Brooks. To this union five children were born, all of whom preceded her to the spirit world. September 26, 1886, her husband was called from earth to heaven, thus leaving her to tread the rough path of life alone. Her life has been one of toil and suffering, though uncomplaining. She was a patient sufferer until at last the Great Father in Heaven has said, "Come home and rest." She was one of a family of 14, of which only four are left to mourn her loss, three brothers and one sister -- Jacob and Elizabeth, of Lowell, and Cyrus and William, of West Creek. She also leaves one daughter-in-law in Grant Park, Illinois, three grand-children and a large circle of friends and neighbors to mourn her loss. She was a true and faithful wife and mother, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. All was done that loving hands could do, but to no avail, the Death Angel had claimed her as his.
Her funeral occurred from the West Creek church at 1 p.m., Sunday. Rev. T.F. Drake preached the funeral discourse. The West Creek church choir furnished the music. Funeral director, John Castle, had charge . . . [The article was cut off at this point.]