George Washington Brooks

Who was George Washington Brooks?

George Washington Brooks was a United States federal judge.

Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Brooks read law to enter the Bar in 1846. He was then in private practice in Elizabeth City until 1865, also serving as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons in 1852 and from 1865 to 1866.

Brooks received a recess appointment from Andrew Johnson on August 19, 1865, as a Judge of the U. S. District Courts, Albemarle, Cape Fear & Pamptico Districts of North Carolina, which had been vacated by Asa Biggs at the beginning of the Civil War. Johnson nominated Brooks on December 20, 1865; he was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 22, 1866, and received his commission the same day. Brooks's service was terminated on June 4, 1872, due to assignment to another court, the new United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He served until his death on January 6, 1882 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.