History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 'l4S
•church and a democrat in his political beliefs. His life has always
been in close conformity with high principles and his record
is a credit to a respected and worthy name.
CLARENCE C. BROOKS.
Clarence C. Brooks is one of the younger members of the Dixon
hsiT, practicing successfully, howevei-, as junior partner in the
firm of Brooks & Brooks, his associate being his brother H. A.
Brooks. He represents one of the old families of the county, his
birth having occurred in Marion township, April 12, 1879, his
parents being Benjamin F. and Susan O. (Morris) Brooks. No
event of special importance occurred to vary for him the routine
of farm life, his youth being spent upon the old homestead. He
supplemented his public-school education by a course in Dixon
•College and was graduated with the class of 1903. Desiring to
follow the profession in which his brother had already embarked,
he took up the study of law with him and in 1906 was admitted
to the bar. He was then admitted to partnership by his brother
and the fiiTn of Brooks & Brooks, general practitioners, occupies
today a prominent position among leading lawyers of the city.
He has ever recognized the fact that industry is just as essential
to success in the professions as in commercial circles and close ap-
plication and unfaltering perseverance, therefore, have been elements
in securing his advancement. Like his brother, Mr. Brooks
is a member of the Odd Fellows and has also filled the chairs in
the local lodge, being now a past noble gi'and.
GEORGE J. DOWNING.
Success flauntingly plays before the dreamer but succumbs
when arrayed against determined effort, unfaltering perseverance,
laudable ambition and honorable purpose. An analyzation of the
life record of George J. Downing shows that these qualities have
constituted salient features in his history and brought him to his
present enviable position in mercantile and financial circles of Lee
county. He is now proprietor of one of the leading sri-ocery stores
of Dixon and also the owner of valuable business property.