John Jefferson Holbrook

          Neighbors were few and far between, roads an unknown convenience, and security of life not a certainty when William Holbrook and wife, grandparents of the subject of this sketch, left their home in North Carolina, and came to Indiana. One of their sons, John, father of John Jefferson, was eleven years old upon their removal to Indiana. He became a farmer and devoted his days to that calling, living in Union township, Shelby county, the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Baptist church of Union township, and was an active worker. He did much to promote the usefulness of the church and exerted a wholesome influence upon the life in the community. He died April 3, 1900. He was married to Mary Ann Brown (Husrt), and the following children were born to them: Barbara, who married Sampson Meiks; Robert, William E., John Jefferson, Mary Jane and James, both deceased; George W. and Levi.
          John had no chance for education, but he received first hand discipline in the daily duties on the farm, and this fitted him for the arduous labors that confronted him as a man. He remained at the parental homestead during the life of his parents and managed the affairs of the home.
          In 1895 Mr. Holbrook married Eva May (Jerold) Smith, who was born in Liberty township, this county, February 24, 1862. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jerold.  She had two children by her first husband, James W. Smith, viz: Jessie L., born January 25, 1885, and Ernest A., born March 22, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook are the parents of two children --- Carrie Dennis, born January 23, 1896, and Albert A., born November 29, 1899.
          Mr. Holbrook has a well-ordered farm and a comfortable home, well supplied with the conveniences of modern farm life. The farm has been his home since the time of his birth, and he takes great delight in giving the work of the place his personal attention. He is a progressive farmer and devotes his attention to some extent to live stock. His methods of stock raising and agriculture are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times, and his prosperity is a monument to his thrift and ably directed efforts. He has never sought public office, but takes a keen interest in the general affairs of world-wide importance, and also of the minor affairs that go to make up the varied and often complicated problems of local community life. He is a member of the Chrisitan Union church of Ray's Crossing.
Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, by Edward H. Chadwick, B.A., assisted by well known local talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, pages 632-633.

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