James O. Brookbank, merchant, Driftwood, was born in Ebensburg, Cambria Co., Penn., March 8, 1843, and is a son of John and Hannah (Davis) Brookbank. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1866 located in Driftwood, where he engaged as a clerk with O. J. Spafford, in general merchandise, with whom he remained two years. Two years later he again engaged with Mr. Spafford, in whose employ he continued until the latter sold out to Coryell & Bates, and was in their employ one year. Then Col. J. S. Bates purchased his partner's interest, and Mr. Brookbank continued with Mr. Bates in the store until 1873, when he embarked in the lumber business with the Colonel. The partnership existed one year, when he sold his interest to Col. Bates. He then returned to the store for Col. Bates, remaining in his employ until January, 1875. In June, 1875, Rothrock, DeWitt & Co. purchased the business. In June, 1876, he became a partner, and the firm was re-organized under the firm name of J. O. Brookbank & Co., which comprised Mr. Brookbank, Joseph W. and J. Henry Cochran and Robert Rothrock. In 1881 Mr. Rothrock sold his interest in both stores to J. O. Brookbank & Co., and the later company sold their interest in the Spafford store to Torbert Bros. Since 1881 the present establishment has been conducted by Mr. Brookbank and the two Cochrans, and is the largest and principal store in Driftwood, and also in Cameron county. Mr. Brookbank has been twice married. His first wife was Mary E., daughter of Hezekiah and Alma (Overturf) Mix, by whom he had two children—Maud and James. His present wife, nee Clara L. Mix, is a sister of the first wife, and they have one daughter—Rachel. Mr. Brookbank participated in the Civil war, being mustered in the service August 8, 1862, as sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged May 26, 1863, at the expiration of his term of service. He re-enlisted and was enrolled February 28, 1865, in Capt. Daniel Schock's company, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged, March 26, 1865, to accept the promotion of second lieutenant and quartermaster of regiment, and was finally discharged December 6, 1865. Mr. Brookbank was postmaster of Driftwood from October 24, 1872, to November 9, 1887. He is a member of the G. A. R., F. & A. M., and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has filled positions of quartermaster, adjutant and commander of Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post, No. 241 (Driftwood), Lodge No. 352, F. & A. M. He has held the office of school director and councilman of Driftwood a greater part of the time since residing there. Politically he is a Republican.

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