California Biographies Mendocino and Lake Counties, California Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California With Biographical Sketches History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry Illustrated, Complete In One Volume Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914 EUGENE EVERETT HOLBROOK.� The distinction of being the first Republican recorder ever elected in Mendocino county belongs to Eugene E. Holbrook, who in 1906 was selected by the Republican party as their candidate for the office and who, entering upon the campaign with an enthu- siasm and confidence surprising in view of the usual Democratic victories, won the election by a majority of more than six hundred votes, a striking tribute to the popularity of the man. A victory so important and noteworthy proved gratifying to members of the party as well as his personal friends. Nor was the success of his service less gratifying, for it brought about his re-election in 1910, and his second term happily has exhibited the same accuracy in de- tail, the same promptness in work and the same exactness in all records char- acteristic of the first term. The people have found him vigilant, tactful and politic, ready to use his business and official experience for the good of the county, interested in the promotion of worthy enterprises for the upbuilding of the county and in every respect a desirable citizen and able official. The father of our subject, also Eugene E. Holbrook, was born in Smelsers Grove, Grant county, Wis., and later in life was a merchant and farmer at Alden, Iowa. After a severe attack of pneumonia he was compelled in 1871 to come to California for his health. Leaving his family to settle up his affairs he came to Potter valley in May of that year, but he had waited too long before coming, for he died August 10, following, two days after the birth of the son who was named for him. The father of E. E. Holbrook, Sr., was Dr. Ora L. Holbrook, a practicing physician in Smelsers Grove, Wis., and his wife was Louise Hayes, the daughter of ex-President Rutherford B. Hayes. Mrs. Holbrook was before her marriage Susie Nash, a native of Illinois. As soon as it was possible to dispose of her affairs after the death of her hus- band, she brought her family to Potter valley, in May, 1873, that being the home of her mother and step-father. Life Farmer. Mrs. Holbrook's father, Robert Nash, served in the Civil war as a captain in an Illinois regiment and lost his life in service. His widow subsequently became the wife of Life Farmer; she passed away at Cloverdale. Mrs. Holbrook resided with Mr. and Mrs. Farmer until her second marriage, to William Wilson, after which they engaged in the merchandise business in Potter valley until their retire- ment to Ukiah, where they now live. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook, Sr., and of these our subject is the only one living. He was born in Alden, Iowa, August 8, 1871, and has lived in California since 1873, his earliest recollections being of Mendocino county. During boyhood he attended the district schools in Potter valley, completing his education by a course in the Ukiah Business College. His step-father, Mr. Wilson, owned one of the leading general stores in the valley and during vacations he assisted as a clerk, later giving his entire time to such work. For three years he clerked in the store of J. P. Hoffman in Ukiah, and meanwhile made many friends by his courteous attention to the needs of customers. A service of eight years as town treasurer of Potter valley increased his popularity and also gave him a knowledge of official duties, qualifying him for his present task as county recorder. Mr. Holbrook has again become interested in the business life of Potter valley, where with a partner, George P. Anderson, he owns a general merchandise store. While he owns valuable ranch land in the valley, he now makes his home at No. 508 North State street, Ukiah, where the comfortable residence is presided over with gracious dignity by his wife, formerly Miss Frances A. Busch. Her father, J. G. Busch, was one of the most highly honored and esteemed pioneers of Potter valley and she lived there prior to her marriage in 1896, as well as a number of years afterward. Three children bless the union, viz.: Nina B., Helene L. and Eugene E., Jr. Fraternally Mr. Holbrook is past chancellor of Ukiah Lodge, No. 213, K. of P. : past captain of Schaffner Co., No. 26. U. R. K. P., and is acting adjutant of the Fifth Regiment, U. R. K. P. of California. He is a member of Ukiah Lodge No. 174, I. O. O. F., the Re- bekahs and the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he is a past officer. With his wife he is a member of the First Christian Church of Ukiah and a member of its board of trustees. The history of the Holbrook family can be traced back to the early settlement of Pennsylvania, while the Nash fam- ily came from New England.