Henry Edward Brookes b. c 1820

[sueappleton]

This is a photograph of Henry Edward Brookes taken in South Australia in 1872.  Also a drawing of a man who may or may not be related to him, date unknown, possibly c. 1815.  I am looking for opinions as to whether people think these two men could be related, based on facial features. Facial hair does not help, but no other pictures are available.  An opinion from an expert would be invaluable, but opinions from anyone who has one would also be most welcome.

[Treetotal]

There are similarities but it's difficult to be sure.
Carol

[McGroger]

What Carol said.
Peter

[sueappleton]

Thank you Carol and Peter! And thank you Peter for your "transition" sequence.  Food for thought.  This could be very helpful in solving a long-standing problem on our family tree!

[Treetotal]

Hi Sue...I can't find an exact example of the uniform but the nearest was a " Royal Navy Post Captain's Uniform". Could this be it:

http://www.militaryheritage.com/navyuniforms.htm

What is the back story surrounding the sketch?

Carol

[Treetotal]

It is a lovely, well executed sketch that deserves to be preserved in an antique frame. I have smartened it up a little for you.
Carol

[sueappleton]

Hi Carol,

Yes you are exactly right, the presumed subject of the drawing was in fact a Royal Navy captain!

Thank you so much for upgrading the drawing, it looks great!  And if things work out as we think they might, it most certainly will be framed!

The back story is long and complicated, I will try to give a quick summary.  Henry Brookes was not actually a blood relation of mine, I am  doing the research in order to help out my 4th cousin who is his great-great grandson. He has been trying to find out more about Henry for years.  There is a lot of evidence, most but not all circumstantial, that the captain could well be Henry's father.  When I first found the drawing and looked at it side by side with the photograph, I felt sure I could see a resemblance.  But of course I am biased, so I thought I would seek further opinions from people with expertise!

Thanks again,
Sue.

[sueappleton]

Two more pictures of Henry, one at taken in older age in about 1900.

[Treetotal]

Hi Sue...you are welcome...I love it and would happily have it on my wall. That's an interesting story, perhaps you might want to start a post on the appropriate county where Henry was born outlining what you think to be his life. People on here love a challenge and would, i'm sure leave no stone unturned. It could prove very interesting. I must admit that I thought the could be Father and Son.
Carol