Hon. A. B. Holbert 1853-1916

HOLBERT, BAKER, DITTMER, CARPENTER, SAWYER

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 8/25/2019 at 19:04:52

Breeder & seller of registered horses.
Son of Joseph Holbert & Margaret Foster.

Hon. A. B. Holbert of Greeley, one of the most prominent men of eastern Iowa and representative for this county in the General Assembly, died in Chicago Wednesday night, December 6th, 1916. He suffered a stroke of paralysis Wednesday afternoon while attending the live stock exposition and a few hours later passed quietly into everlasting sleep.

Mr. Holbert suffered a slight stroke of paralysis in April of this years. After a few weeks of careful treatment his condition was very much improved and he was able to give his time and attention to his affairs as usual. He did not however apply himself so closely to his business as formerly but gave much of his time tin the interest of various organizations of which he was a member. Politics was his recreation and he was elected member of the General Assembly from this county at the last general election. He was president of German Coach Horse Breeders Association of America and was presiding at a meeting of the association in Chicago when he was stricken with his last illness. At first his condition did not appear to be serious. He beckoned to his son, Fred Holbert who was near him and asked him to request the -vice-president to take the chair. Mr. Holbert then left the room and was taken to Englewood hospital where his strength failed him rapidly and he passed away a few hours later. The body was brought to Greeley Thursday night.

Mr. Holbert lived in Delaware county practically all of his life. He was born in Luzerne county, Pa., on September 29th, 1853, and came here with his parents soon after. They located near Colesburg and it was in that vicinity that he grew to manhood. He received his education in the schools of this county and Lenox college. He early became interested in thoroughbred stock and his attention soon became directed to the handling of imported horses. He imported many thousand horses to this country from France and Belgium and his stables had a nation wide reputation. His animals have taken scores of prizes at the stock expositions of recent years. It will be remembered that because of his personal acquaintance with high German officials the horses which the German government sent to the World's fair at Chicago were intrusted to his supervision. His keen and discerning judgment and untiring energy brought his success and place him at the head of the horse importers of America. Starting with little capital but with willing hands and a clear mind he accumulated a fortune far exceeding a million dollars. He was accounted the wealthiest man in Delaware county at the time of his death.

On February 2, 1881, he married Elma D. Baker, He often said his success was in a large measure due to her business judgment and active co-operation during all of the years of his very busy life.

He is survived by his wife and the following children; Thomas R., Fred., Benjamin jr., Charmion, Warren Louis, and Marjorie. Three sisters, Mrs. H. A. Dittmer of this city, Mrs. Adaline Carpenter of Arlington and Mrs. Charles Sawyer of Pomona California, also survive Mr. Holbert.

The death of Ben. Holbert, as he was familiarly known, marks the passing of a man whose restless energy would have brought success in any line he might have chosen. He was a genial companion and always had a cheering word for his friends. He was a frequent visitor in Manchester and enjoyed a very large circle of close friends here who deeply mourn his death. Mr. Holbert was a public spirited man. When some new project was launched or some worthy cause needed assistance he was always one of the first to generously respond. He was naturally a broad and liberal minded man; but nature hopeful and optimistic.

In his death this county and the state loses a leading citizen and this community a good friend. The members of his family his nearest companions in life and the ones he so tenderly loved have the sincere sympathy of their many friends in the great loss they are now called upon to sustain.

Manchester Democrat - Manchester, Iowa - December 13, 1916