Born in New Lisbon, Ohio, Brooks graduated 46th of 52 from West Point in 1841, infantry being his branch of service. His class included twenty future Civil War generals. After serving against the Seminoles in Florida and in the Mexican War, where he was brevetted captain and major for gallantry. Brooks served as a staff officer and on frontier duty until the Civil War.

On September 28, 1861, Brooks received an appointment as Brigadier General of volunteers, assuming command of a division a few days later. In March, 1862, he commanded a brigade in General William F. Smith's division of the IV Corps, leading it in action at Williamsburg, before the division was transferred to the VI Corps. Brooks led a brigade of Vermont regiments during the Seven Days' Campaign.

At Allen's Farm on June 29, his brigade counter-attacked on the Union left, suffering heavy casualties. Brooks received a leg wound, but remained on the field.

During the Antietam Campaign, Brooks and his brigade saw limited action at Crampton's Gap and Antietam. In the latter battle, he was again wounded as his brigade repulsed a brief Confederate counter attack later in the day. Promoted to command of a division, Brooks led it through Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

The most controversial aspect of Brooks' military career occurred between these two Union defeats. In the wake of the decisive loss at Fredericksburg, General Ambrose E. Burnside held several officers, including Brooks, responsible for the debacle. Burnside accused Brooks of complaining about government policy and using language that tended to demoralize his command. The commanding general tried to dismiss Brooks from the service, but lacked the authority. Brooks stayed, but his career suffered.

On June 10, 1863, he was promoted to Major General, commanding the Department of the Monongahela, headquartered in Pittsburgh. His association with the anti-Burnside clique, however, resulted in the revocation of his commission on April 6, 1864. From April through July 1864, he commanded a division in the XVIII Corps and then one in the X Corps in operations at Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Throughout his career, he was plagued by poor health and with his condition worsening, he resigned July 14, 1864.

After the war, he bought a farm near Huntsville, Alabama. He soon won the respect of his former enemies for his "amiable disposition, simplicity of character, and sound common sense." He died on July 19, 1870. His grave bears a Confederate emblem.

Also:

The Not as Famous: Gen. James Edward Rains

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