William Robert Brooks (June 11, 1844 – May 3, 1921) was a British-born American astronomer, mainly noted as being one of the most prolific discoverers of new comets of all time, second only to Jean-Louis Pons.

[1] He developed his interest in astronomy during a boyhood voyage to Australia, when he observed a navigator making measurements with a sextant.

[3] Brooks had a good knowledge of lens construction, and was able to design and make his own telescopes, taking years to grind and polish the necessary lenses and reflectors.

A brief anecdote of his time in Phelps is found on pages 261–262 of "Country Lawyer" written by Bellamy Partridge, who gives him the pseudonym, Billy Bob Rivers.

[2] Smith had a strong desire to bring astronomy to Geneva to not only further his own academic pursuits, but to also expose his townsmen to a greater understanding of the universe.

In an effort to become his patron, Smith offered to construct Brooks his own observatory, as well as a house nearby for his family.

Eventually, Brooks agreed and in 1888, The Smith Observatory was constructed at Geneva in Ontario County, New York.

Brooks used The Smith Observatory to primarily make observations and further his research, but it also served as a teaching location.

Brooks was even known to publish educational pamphlets explaining and describing the solar system for nearby locals.