Biography: Rev. R. W. Brooks – Alabama Pioneers

(Transcribed and unedited (with misspelled, capitals and grammatical errors) excerpt from a story written by WPA (Works Projects Administration) writer Annie L. Bowman, Escambia County, Alabama, January 18, 1940 information gathered from interviewing old time residents)

REV. R. W. BROOKS

BIOGRAPHY and GENEALOGY

Interviewed by

Annie L. Bowman

January 18, 1940

Rev. R. W. Brooks, of Atmore, has been in this county longer than any living man now residing here, (1940) and he knows more about the history of the county, possibly than any other person.

Rev. Brooks is now 88 years old (1940), and came to this county about the time the county was formed. His mental faculties are alert and up to the minute, and his memory which carries him back to before the civil war times are marvelous to those who meet him and hear his stories of the past.

He is not only a retired minister, but Justice of the Peace, Railroad Agent, Express Agent, Postmaster, Editor and Writer.

He has served as pastor of Baptist churches here and in Mississippi and Florida. He has always lived an active life, it being devoted to his church, his family and friends. He seems to be happiest when doing something for others, and he numbers his friends by the hundreds.

Additional Note from transcriber: Rev. Robert Warren Owen was born July 12, 1852 in Pike County, Alabama. He passed away Feb. 22, 1942 in Atmore, Alabama and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, in Atmore, Alabama. (Find A Grave Memorial# 16559520). Some stories of old days Rev. Owen shared will be posted on alabamapioneers.com in coming weeks.

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