Holbrook, Charles H.

HOLBROOK, CONNELLY, FAIRCHILDS, SPRAGUE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/5/2008 at 23:09:11

Source: History of Monona County, Iowa 1890
Pub: Chicago National Com

Charles H. Holbrook, of the firm of Holbrook & Bros., banker, at Onawa, was born at Somerset, Somerset County, Pa., June 21, 1830, and is the son of Henry L. and Mary (Connelly) Holbrook, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Reared to manhood in his native county, our subject laid the foundation of his education in its common schools, and while helping his father in the labors attendant upon farm life, studied civil engineering and for several winters taught in the district schools. In the spring of 1853 he came to Iowa and taught a school in Johnson County during the summer. In the fall of the same year he became one a party of surveyors employed by the Iowa Central Air Line Railroad Company, with whom he remained until May, 1854. Returning to Iowa City he spent a short time in locating settlers and then moved to Cedar County where he was employed by the County Surveyor. In November of the same year he moved to Marengo, Iowa County, and on his arrival there was appointed to the office of County Surveyor to fill a vacancy caused by death and in August, 1855, was elected to the same position.

In April, 1857, Mr. Holbrook resigned the office and came to Monona County, arriving at Ashton, May 10. He was a member of the Monona Land Company and to him and his brother, Bernard D., was awarded the contract for surveying and platting the site of the Village of Onawa. Forming a partnership with his brother in the real estate and loan business in 1857, they have continued in that connection ever since, as is shown in the history of their banking establishment in the historical part of this work. Mr. Holbrook was appointed Deputy Treasurer of Monona County, in 1858, and served until his election to the office of Treasurer in 1859. Twice was he re-elected his own successor and twice was he chosen to fill the position of County Surveyor, serving in the latter office during the years 1865 and 1876. As a member of the City Council he has done much to further the interest of the place and enjoys a high standing in the community. He is a member of the Onawa Improvement Company and in politics is a Democrat.

Mr. Holbrook was united in marriage June 14, 1861, with Miss Jane Fairchilds, a native of Oneida County, N.Y., who was born January 1, 1835.By this union they have been the parents of five children: Henry S., who was born June 14, 1862, and who died April 5, 1886: Paul, born October 1, 1863, died October 1, 1864: an infant unnamed died October 1, 1864 : Glennie, born September 17, 1865, died January , 1877, and Lawrence, born February 5, 1868. On April 19, 1869, Mrs. Holbrook was taken from her family by death, and February 11, 1871, Mr. Holbrook again entered the marriage state, wedding Miss Catherine Sprague, a native of Knox County, Ohio, who was born May 1, 1836, and unto them have been born three children: John, January 19, 1875, who died October 11, 1876: Charles E., born October 27, 1879, and Bruce M., February 2, 1882.

Mr. Holbrook came to Monona County in but limited circumstances, his earthly possessions embracing but about $500 and he has been the sole architect of his own fortune, and is now ranked among the most wealthy and affluent people of Western Iowa. His elegant residence on West Broadway, is one of the finest in the county and an ornament to the city.