The Brooks family is one of the oldest in Massachusetts, and the old ancestral home at Medford has been occupied by one of the name for many generations. Thomas Brooks, of England, Watertown and Concord, Massachusetts; Henry, of Concord and Woburn, each founded numerous families which have spread to every part of the Union. In England the records teem with mention of their doings, while many high upon the roll of fame claim these early pilgrims as their progenitors. One branch of the family settled in Albany county, New York, where they intermarried with the best Dutch families. They were farmers of the town of New Scotland, where they were wealthy and influential citizens. Here Peter Van Wie Brooks lived and died, leaving issue to perpetuate his name. He was a farmer of considerable wealth and good business ability. He owned a fine estate in New Scotland, lying along the Normanskill, which fact added to its value and to its productiveness. He was supervisor of the town in 1855-56, serving with great usefulness. He married and left issue.
(II) James Edgar, son of Peter Van Wie Brooks, was born about 1854 at the Brooks homestead in New Scotland, Albany county, New York, died in Albany, November, 1884. He married, 1883, Esther Gansevoort Ten Eyck, born August 29, 1856, daughter of A. Cuyler and Matilda (Haswell) Ten Eyck, who survives him, a resident of Albany. Child: James Edgar, see forward.
(III) James Edgar (2), only child of James Edgar (1) and Esther Gansevoort (Ten Eyck) Brooks, was born in Normanskill, New Scotland, September 20, 1884. After graduating from the Albany Boys' Academy, he entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, class of 1907. After leaving college he was successively employed in the signal department of the New York Central railroad, the Federal Signal Company, Albany, and in the signal department of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company. In 1909 he organized the Albany Vulcanizing Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. His college fraternity is Delta Phi; his clubs, the University and Automobile of Albany. In politics he is a Democrat.