From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Brooks, Thomas L.
(born: 1861 - died: 1923) Thomas L. Brooks, born in Virginia, was the son of Maria and Thomas Brooks, according to his death certificate. He lived most of his life in Kentucky and was a noted contractor in Eastern Kentucky. Brooks moved to Frankfort in 1881, where he was a highly sought after carpenter and contractor. His projects there included over half of the residences in the exclusive Watson Court area, the Columbia Theater, the auditorium and trades building at Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons [now Kentucky State University], the Odd Fellows Building for African Americans, and the Baptist Church. Brooks was the secretary of the Capital City Lodge of the Odd Fellows, a member of the Knights of Pythias, a member of the United Brothers of Friendship, and Grand Master of the B.M.C.Thomas Brooks was the husband of Mary L. Hocker Brooks; the couple shared their home on Blanton Street with Mary's parents and two nieces. Thomas L. Brooks is buried in Frankfort; his funeral was handled by Thomas K. Robb.
For more see "Prominent business man," Baltimore Afro-American, 12/12/1914, p. 5; and the Thomas L. Brooks entry in Who's Who of the Colored Race, edited by F. L. Mather, 1915.