Career
Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Brooks read law to enter the Bar in 1846. Brooks received a recess appointment from Andrew Johnson on August 19, 1865, as a Judge of the United States District Courts, Albemarle, Cape Fear & Pamptico Districts of North Carolina, which had been vacated by Asa Biggs at the beginning of the Civil War. Johnson nominated Brooks on December 20, 1865.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 22, 1866, and received his commission the same day.
Brooks"s service was terminated on June 4, 1872, due to assignment to another court, the new United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He served until his death on January 6, 1882 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
