1870 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia [transcribed by William I. Brooks]:
Dwelling 396, Family 396
Brooks, Beverly, 56, male, white, farmer, $500 real estate, $275 personal estate, unable to read or write, eligible to vote
Brooks, Lucy Ann, 56, female, white, keeping house, unable to read or write
Brooks, George, 21, male, white, farm laborer, unable to read or write
Brooks, Lucinda P., 19, female, white, without occupation, unable to read or write
Brooks, Susan M., 16, female, white, without occupation
Brooks, Amanda, 15, female, white, without occupation
Brooks, Alexander, 13, male, white, farm laborer, unable to read or write
Brooks, Henry E., 10 male, white, farm laborer, unable to read or write
Hill David, 15, male, black, farm laborer, unable to read or write

Henry E. Brooks married Lily H. Beazley on 22 December 1881 in Essex County, Virginia. He was 22 and a farmer. She was 21. Both were single, born in Essex County and residing there. The parents were Beverly Brooks and Lucy Ann Atkins, and James B. Beazley and Jane (sic) C. Boughan. [Essex County Marriage Register Book 1, page 62.]

On 1 February 1894 a deed was made between Henry E. Brooks and Lillie his wife, Warner L. Beazley and Fannie his wife, Jennet C. Beazley, Vestilla F. Beazley, and James B. Beazley of the first part, and A. G. Courtney of the second part, all of Essex County. The parties of the first part sell land of James Beazley deceased. James B. Beazley is a minor and therefore cannot formally convey his share until he reaches the age of 21. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 57, pages 313–314.]