WILLIAM BROOKS III

Of Temple, Carroll Co, GA

Born 5 Feb 1812 to William Brooks II and Mary Burleson, either in Montgomery Co, NC (the part that would later become Stanly Co, NC) or in Anson Co, NC (the part that later becomes Union Co, NC), he likely grew up on the Mecklenburg Co, NC border that was later incorporated into Union Co, NC. His father owned land on Rocky River and near Polk Mountain in Union County (may have been the land on Taylor's Creek). His brother Davidson Brooks is said to have been born near Watson Primitive Baptist Church, not far from Polk Mountain. Being near Mecklenburg Co, NC, William Brooks III became aquaintanted with and married Catherine Matilda Clontz (b. 7 Nov 1817 Mecklenburg Co, NC), daughter of Jacob Clontz and Elizabeth "Betsy" Shelby. Six years after his marriage on 21 Nov 1833 to Miss Clontz, William Brooks III removed his family from Anson Co, NC and settled in Carroll Co, GA. William was a Methodist Minister who preached at Concord Methodist Church and Asbury Methodist Church; the latter located in Temple, GA. He was noted for his contributions in establishing Methodist churches in the surrounding areas, most notably Carroll, Haralson and Douglas counties. Following his move in 1839, he continued to build a large family, finally settling in the town of Temple which his son James helped form in 1882. William died not long after, on 15 Jul 1887 in Carroll Co, GA. Catherine died 20 Sep 1897 in Carroll Co, GA. They are buried along with many of their children in Asbury Cemetery in Temple, Carroll Co, GA.

Sarah F. Brooks b. 20 Dec 1834 d. 1916
Mary J. Brooks b. 20 Dec 1834 d. 20 Aug 1901
Catherine Matilda Brooks b. 1837 d. Oct 1901
Janie E. Brooks b. 13 Mar 1839 d. 7 Dec 1923
John Wesley Brooks b. 1841 d. 1911
William J. Brooks b. 24 Dec 1843 d. 5 Nov 1883
Lucerie F. Brooks b. 29 July 1847 d.12 Dec 1865
Thomas S. Brooks b. 19 Jan 1850 d. 17 Mar 1876
James F. Brooks b. 23 Apr 1853 d.31 July 1893

William Brooks III and Catherine Matilda Clontz married November 21, 1833 in Mecklinburg County, North Carolina Moved to Carroll County, Georgia in 1839 Settled in Temple upon its formation in 1882 Methodist Minister responsible for formation of several churches in Carroll, Haralson and Paulding Counties, GA in mid-1800's

John Wesley Brooks 1840-1911 Son of Rev. William and Catherine Brooks

Builder of beautiful home on Cown Rd. in Temple, GA in 1870's that still stands proud today... occupied by his descendants.

John Wesley Brooks house.. in 1997

John Wesley Brooks built a beautiful home in the l870's that still stands today on Cown Rd. in Temple, GA. The home is still occupied by descendants of his.
John's brother James F. Brooks was a physician living in nearby Simsville who, with Dr. Richard Rowe (his father-in-law) and James P. Griffin, began construction in early 1882 of the first store on side of proposed GA Pacific Railroad tracks that began the town of Temple, GA. He also served as city councilman and was co-owner of the Brooks-Rowe Drug Store.

Dr. James F. Brooks 1853-1893 Co-Founder of Temple, GA and co-owner of Brooks-Rowe Drug Store and another son of Rev. William and Catherine Brooks

Catherine M. Clontz (b. 7 Nov 1817, Anson Co, NC ; d. 20 Sep 1897 Carroll Co, GA) was the daughter of Jacob Clontz of Anson Co, NC and the grand-daughter of Jeremiah Clontz who emigrated to America from Holland. His father was also named Jeremiah. A large number of Clontz's settled in nearby Paulding Co, GA.