Theodore Brooks was a multi-talented man who resided in Mentz at the home of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Erity on Mintline Road. He later lived with their daughter, Luella Denman, in Montezuma, which is now Lavender Patch Retreat and B&B.

According to several Port Byron Chronicle articles saved in a scrapbook found in the family home, Theo was gifted with a rare musical talent. He would play two violins handling two bows as well as most players could handle one and made very fine music. He also played the banjo using both his hands and feet.

There are several articles of reported inventions that he worked on including a machine to remove snow from railroad tracks at depots and crossings. It was composed of a blower placed upon the top of any ordinary box car and received its motive power from a connection with the car axle, a system of belts and wheels being employed.

Still another invention known at the patent office as the “automatic, electric railway train controlling device or system” was an electric apparatus to prevent railway accidents. This ingenious automatic alarm system notified the engineer of any danger which a moving train was exposed.

A creamer, patented by Brooks, had the capacity from one to 15 cows, using ice or cold water was reported to be one of the best in use, cheap and quite unique.

An electro medicatorium was also perfected by Brooks with the backing of M. Warner of Syracuse and Amos Jackson of Jordan. The use of this machine was for self administering electric shocks controlled by a nickel. The trouble with many medical batteries was the failure of the vibrator to perform its functions. This vibrator ensured its patrons receptions of currents in perfect accordance with the slot selected.

A hay, grain and stock barn built on the Erity Farm was invented, patented and completed by Brooks entirely unlike any building ever built. There were no beams or braces, mortices, tenons or pins, built entirely of elm timber, it was the only barn of its kind in existence.

Theodore Brooks is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with his gravestone marked as “Publisher - Inventor - Author.”

Penny Helzer is historian for the village of Port Byron. She can be reached at 776-5300 or e-mail CraftyPenny@tds.net