This dynasty began with the arrival of Richard Brooks, a Devon-born sailor and merchant, and his wife Christiana, at New South Wales in 1814. They settled permanently in New South Wales and Richard soon distinguished himself as a member of the New South Wales Agricultural Society, the Benevolent Society and the Bible Society as well as a supporter of various Christian charities. Of his seven children, several became prominent settlers in the Monaro region. These included his son Richard Henry and his daughters Christiana Blomfield and Honoria Riley. |
