George St. Pierre Brooks

George St. Pierre Brooks (c. 1844 – May 6, 1948), also known as George Semperius Brooks, was an American-born storyteller, and a local personality in Winnipeg, Canada. Brooks was Black and born enslaved. He worked served in the military in both the United States and Canada as a minstrel performer and singer.

Early life and Civil War George St. Pierre Brooks was born enslaved in Kentucky. When he was a teen, he was forced serve with the Confederacy during the American Civil War, until he was captured. He switched sides, and fought for the Union Army.

Brooks worked with the 10th U.S. Cavalry as a cook for five years. He served in World War I for Great Britain in Canada, and was ranked a private in the Army. and is buried at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg.

He had syphilis and was hospitalized. He was photographed.