BROOKS, Lewis, philanthropist, born in New Milford, Connecticut, in 1793; died in Rochester, New York, 9 August, 1877. He received a common-school education, settled in Rochester when he was twenty-nine years old, and first engaged in the manufacture of woollen cloth, and later in mercantile business. In 1837 he retired, and devoted his time chiefly to investing his money and looking after his real estate, he made various charitable bequests, among which was $10,000 to the Rochester City hospital, a like sum to St. Mary's hospital, and $5,000 each to the industrial school and the female charitable society, He also bequeathed $120,000 to the University of Virginia, $31,000 alone being expended on the work of collecting a cabinet. Numerous other gifts were made to several societies, and in no case was the name of the giver known.