California Biographies

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 the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


ROBERT M. HOLTBY. While realizing the extent of the difficulties which beset his path, the 
pioneer sheep raiser of the coast stands forth as a singularly fortunate seeker for inde- 
pendence, for while his risks were great, his gains also were great, and the freedom of his 
life, its close association with the elements, and the small demand upon the conventional 
side of his nature, presents a picture of vigorous opportunity refreshing to the monotonously 
environed city dweller. Many of the early sheep raisers have indelibly impressed their services 
upon the past in Kern county, and have assured to their families a share of the opulence of 
the present. Prominent among these men was Robert M. Holtby, whose shrewd manipulation 
of crude conditions has caused his name to be identified with sheep raising in both Kern and 
Tulare counties. His death. March 7, 1892, on the anniversary of his birth, in Manchester, Canada, 
March 7, 1847, was deeply regretted, not only because he represented the typically strong per- 
sonal characteristics of the frontiersmen, but because forty-five years of existence cut short his 
happiest years. Coming to Bakersfield in 1891. he erected the comfortable house now occupied 
by his widow, and it was his intention to plant shade trees and lay out the grounds with shrubs 
and flowers. The latter part of his dream failed of realization, however, but his plans have been 
since carried out, with the result that the Holtby property is one of the most attractive in the 
city. 

Of English parentage, Mr. Holtby was reared in Canada, where his father was a large farmer 
and land owner. He received a practical education in the public schools, and when nineteen 
years of age sailed around the Horn to Oregon, and engaged in teaching school for about six 
months. Discerning the great possibilities of sheep raising, August 26. 1867, he left Oregon 
and with money given him by his father, invested in sheep along the White river, Tulare 
county, Cal., and in time was obliged to purchase additional stock and land. His operations 
finally extended into Kern county, and the extent of his operations may be imagined when it 
is known that during one winter alone he lost six thousand sheep in the deep snow. Notwith- 
standing this, he continued for many years, offsetting his losses with large gains, and becoming 
known as one of the most daring and successful raisers in this part of the state. Though his 
lands were widely scattered, he selected for his home a ranch twelve miles from Bakersfield, on 
Poso creek, where he lived for several years. One ranch, known as the Troy ranch, a fine prop- 
erty, where he resided from 1886 until his removal to the city, was one of the most valuable 
and highly cultivated in the county. This was sold in 1891. During his active life Mr. Holtby 
employed many people on his ranches, and his attitude toward them furnished perhaps the 
clearest insight into his character. He was always considerate and thoughtful, and had the 
faculty of inspiring others with his enthusiasm and love of work. As a Republican he was a 
conscientious voter, but never an office seeker, for his thoroughly honorable and straightfor- 
ward nature found much that was antagonistic in the manner of securing office. He was of a 
quiet and reserved nature, but determination and force of character were ever present. His friend- 
ships covered many years, and stood every test. May 6, 1880, Mr. Holtby was united in mar- 
riage with Celia Woodman, a member of an old New England family of English extraction, 
who was born at Paw Paw, Mich. Mrs. Holtby, who is now the manager of her husband's ex- 
tensive estate, had excellent educational advantages in her youth. She inherits the refinement 
and strength of character of ancestors who settled on the New England coast as early as 1635, 
and her high sense of honor is undoubtedly an additional gift of these religious and liberty lov- 
ing enthusiasts. One daughter, Roberta, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Holtby.