Rediscovering War of 1812 Hero John Brooks Jr.
There were many individuals who played a role in Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, but one War of 1812 hero had largely been forgotten by history – until now. This discussion will reveal the significant contributions made by First Lieutenant Marine John Brooks Jr., the only commissioned U.S. Officer to be killed in the Battle of Lake Erie, whose gallant service and sacrifice to the most historical moment in Erie’s history has been neglected, untold, and unrecognized for 204 years.
Christopher Baldwin, B.S., is a retired business owner of Baldwin Brothers of and an avid historian. In June of 2015, Chris acquired a rare war medal at the Sotheby Auction House and has since dedicated more than two years to the extensive historical research of this unique Battle of Lake Erie artifact, which serves as the subject of a forthcoming article in the Journal of Erie Studies. Mr. Baldwin resides in Erie with his wife Cheryl.
