He was a leading figure in the business and social life of the area around Dunkirk, and western New York state.

[2][3] He started with the Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M) at their shops in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1846, and worked his way up to become a fireman in 1848 and an engineer in May 1849.

[1][3] He moved west in 1856 at the request of his friend from the B&M, Charles Minot, who was superintendent of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, where Brooks became master mechanic of the line.

[12] Horatio Brooks's wife Julia died in 1896, leaving many shares of company stock and large amounts of cash to their descendants and family.

"[18] Brooks was one of a few men nominated to be included in the Hall of Fame for New York State's exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair.