Benjamin Brooks was born in 1765 in CT (his son Elisha's death record claimed that both of his parents were born there).
At the age of 21, he took part in Shay's Rebellion (Aug 1786-Feb 1787); this occurred during the severe economic depression which followed the Revolutionary War. It was an uprising of Massachusetts farmers over the failure of the state to issue money and reform the debtor laws. Armed bands forced the closing of several courts to prevent execution of foreclosures and debt processes. In Sep 1786 Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, led several hundred men in forcing the Supreme Court in Springfield to adjourn. He led a force of 1200 men in an attack (Jan 1787) on the federal arsenal at Springfield, which was repulsed. As a result of the rebellion, the legislature enacted laws easing the economic condition of debtors. Many Shay's refugees fled to VT which is just north of Williamstown. Perhaps that's how Benjamin came to be in the Williamstown area.
Benjamin had to sign a penitence oath, whereupon he was granted absolution. (Berkshire Atheneum (public library in Pittsfield MA), Local History Dept., Knurow Collection, Vol 15, p.818).
Benjamin was a whiskey distiller, an inventory of his estate contained still equipment of some value. He died insolvent; his Insolvent Probate (#5220) names these children, besides Elisha (executor) –
• Hannah (wife of Levi Goodale)
• Polly (wife of H. Quackenbush)
• Betsey (wife of Peter Goodale)
• Lois (wife of Philo Newton)
• Electa (wife of Jos. Thurber)
• Maria
• Benjamin
• Nathan
• Thankful (wife of David Hodge)
At the age of 21, he took part in Shay's Rebellion (Aug 1786-Feb 1787); this occurred during the severe economic depression which followed the Revolutionary War. It was an uprising of Massachusetts farmers over the failure of the state to issue money and reform the debtor laws. Armed bands forced the closing of several courts to prevent execution of foreclosures and debt processes. In Sep 1786 Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, led several hundred men in forcing the Supreme Court in Springfield to adjourn. He led a force of 1200 men in an attack (Jan 1787) on the federal arsenal at Springfield, which was repulsed. As a result of the rebellion, the legislature enacted laws easing the economic condition of debtors. Many Shay's refugees fled to VT which is just north of Williamstown. Perhaps that's how Benjamin came to be in the Williamstown area.
Benjamin had to sign a penitence oath, whereupon he was granted absolution. (Berkshire Atheneum (public library in Pittsfield MA), Local History Dept., Knurow Collection, Vol 15, p.818).
Benjamin was a whiskey distiller, an inventory of his estate contained still equipment of some value. He died insolvent; his Insolvent Probate (#5220) names these children, besides Elisha (executor) –
• Hannah (wife of Levi Goodale)
• Polly (wife of H. Quackenbush)
• Betsey (wife of Peter Goodale)
• Lois (wife of Philo Newton)
• Electa (wife of Jos. Thurber)
• Maria
• Benjamin
• Nathan
• Thankful (wife of David Hodge)
Benjamin Brooks was born in 1765 in CT (his son Elisha's death record claimed that both of his parents were born there).
At the age of 21, he took part in Shay's Rebellion (Aug 1786-Feb 1787); this occurred during the severe economic depression which followed the Revolutionary War. It was an uprising of Massachusetts farmers over the failure of the state to issue money and reform the debtor laws. Armed bands forced the closing of several courts to prevent execution of foreclosures and debt processes. In Sep 1786 Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, led several hundred men in forcing the Supreme Court in Springfield to adjourn. He led a force of 1200 men in an attack (Jan 1787) on the federal arsenal at Springfield, which was repulsed. As a result of the rebellion, the legislature enacted laws easing the economic condition of debtors. Many Shay's refugees fled to VT which is just north of Williamstown. Perhaps that's how Benjamin came to be in the Williamstown area.
Benjamin had to sign a penitence oath, whereupon he was granted absolution. (Berkshire Atheneum (public library in Pittsfield MA), Local History Dept., Knurow Collection, Vol 15, p.818).
Benjamin was a whiskey distiller, an inventory of his estate contained still equipment of some value. He died insolvent; his Insolvent Probate (#5220) names these children, besides Elisha (executor) –
• Hannah (wife of Levi Goodale)
• Polly (wife of H. Quackenbush)
• Betsey (wife of Peter Goodale)
• Lois (wife of Philo Newton)
• Electa (wife of Jos. Thurber)
• Maria
• Benjamin
• Nathan
• Thankful (wife of David Hodge)
At the age of 21, he took part in Shay's Rebellion (Aug 1786-Feb 1787); this occurred during the severe economic depression which followed the Revolutionary War. It was an uprising of Massachusetts farmers over the failure of the state to issue money and reform the debtor laws. Armed bands forced the closing of several courts to prevent execution of foreclosures and debt processes. In Sep 1786 Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, led several hundred men in forcing the Supreme Court in Springfield to adjourn. He led a force of 1200 men in an attack (Jan 1787) on the federal arsenal at Springfield, which was repulsed. As a result of the rebellion, the legislature enacted laws easing the economic condition of debtors. Many Shay's refugees fled to VT which is just north of Williamstown. Perhaps that's how Benjamin came to be in the Williamstown area.
Benjamin had to sign a penitence oath, whereupon he was granted absolution. (Berkshire Atheneum (public library in Pittsfield MA), Local History Dept., Knurow Collection, Vol 15, p.818).
Benjamin was a whiskey distiller, an inventory of his estate contained still equipment of some value. He died insolvent; his Insolvent Probate (#5220) names these children, besides Elisha (executor) –
• Hannah (wife of Levi Goodale)
• Polly (wife of H. Quackenbush)
• Betsey (wife of Peter Goodale)
• Lois (wife of Philo Newton)
• Electa (wife of Jos. Thurber)
• Maria
• Benjamin
• Nathan
• Thankful (wife of David Hodge)
Family Members
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