Oliver Kingsley Brooks was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1845. His art studies in Cleveland and New York City were interrupted by the Civil War, when Brooks joined the 150th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serivng as a corporal in 1864, during which time he took part in the defense of Washington, D.C. After contracting malaria, he returned to Cleveland and entered into business with his father's firm, Huntington and Brooks. Brooks became a prominent Cleveland businessman. He maintained a lifelong interest in art, serving as vice president of the Cleveland Art Club. He was also a book collector, leading to membership in the Rowfant Club. Other organizations to which he belonged included the Western Reserve Society, Sons of the American Revolution; the Union Club; and Troop A, Ohio National Guard. He married Harriet Ellen Gill in 1884. They had two daughters. Brooks died in 1914.
From the description of Oliver Kingsley Brooks sketches, 1861-1995 (1861-1887). (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 42282837
