A leading jeweler and silversmith of Madison, Frederick Brooks was born circa 1829, a native of Massachusetts. Brooks came to Indiana about 1853, but is not known to have been in business for himself until 1864, at which time his name was listed in the ISG as a jeweler working in Madison. By 1866, Frederick Brooks had entered into a partnership with Godfried Dold, who had been a jeweler in Madison since about 1854, the firm being known as Brooks & Dold. That partnership lasted until about 1874, and apparently flourished, for it was the leading jewelry establishment in Madison during most of the years. More than a few silver spoons have been seen bearing the mark of Brooks & Dold, likely they were manufactured in their own shop. From 1877 to 1880, Frederick Brooks advertised alone, but about 1880 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Frevert, which lasted for several years. Before 1890, however, Brooks had again become associated with his old partner, Godfried Dold, and the firm of Brooks & Dold was again established. That business was still in operation in 1896.