The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1906-02-15
Frederick Holbrook Of Brat
tIeboro SO Years Old Today
HAS A PROUD RECORD
He Is Sale to Be Oldest Living Governor
or Ex-Governor in the United States
Showers of cOngratuIatory
Messages

Brattleboro, Feb. -Ex-Governor
Frederick Holbrook, who is said to be
the oldest living governor or ex-governor
in the United States, today observed the
93rd anniversary of his birth, at. his
home in this village. Because OF his ad.
vanced years no attempt was made to
have celebration but the Ex-Governor
wSs deluged with congratulatory mes
sages hoth from Vermont and from
many outsiGs the state
Governor Holbrook was Of Connect
cut extraction, having been born in East
Windsor on Feb. 10, 1913. At the age
Of twenty he went to BrattIeboro. He
was married on January 10, 1885, to
Harriet, daughter Of Joseph and Sarah
Goodhue Of this place. Three sons were
born to them, Franklin, William and
John. Governor Holbrook's first public
service was as register of probate for
4 the district of Marlboro in IS4T. For
eight years lie was president Of the
Vermont State Agricultural society, OF
which he was one of the founders. In
4 1s49 and 1850 he was in the state sen
ate, and in 1861, Just at the outbreak
Of the Civil war he was chosen governor
of the state, being the thirteenth in or
der.
AS war governor he gained great dis,
tinction for his initiative. Under his
guidance Vermont was the first state
in the Union to provide hospitals for
its soldiers. Since retiring from the
goyernorship he has never sought pub
lie Office and has often refused offers OF
positions of prominence, preferring the
quiet of private life.
I Today he is quite well preserved mad
his mental vigor is still strong,
! Among the tributes received today
were from fifteen governors throughout
the United States. Governor Bell and
the ex4governors Of Vermont wrote per.
sonal letters Of congratulation and con
tributed basket Of Vermont roses,
The tributes from the governors of other
states are as follows
Governor Elrod OF South Dakota says;
cit is certainly very fitting for you
to celebrate the ninety-third birthday OF
your War Governor, Hon. Frederick Hol-
brook. On the day Of the anniversary
please give the Ex-Governor my hearty
Congratulations
Governor Stokes of New Jersey says:
Il would be delighted to have you ex.
press to the Hon. Frederick HolbrooE
my hearty congratulations on the occa-
sion Of his ninety.third anniversary OF
his birth. trust he may have many
happy returns Of the dav."
Governor Pardee of California says;
please present my compliments to
Governor Holbrook upon the occasion
of his coming anniversary"
Governor Adams of Colorado says;
Our compliments and congratulations
TO Governor Holbrok. A Vermont con
science and Vermont climate will surely
carry the Governor to a hundred. When
his Centennial comes we will 20 down
and help him celebrate"
Governor Deneen of Illinois says:
1T would please me to have YOU con
vey to the Hon. Frederick Holbrook my
congratulations upon his ripe and serene
old age, and | wish TO extend my best
wishes for his health"
Governor Higgins Of New York says;
u wish You to extend to Ex-Governor
Holbrook on the occasion OF his nipety.
third birthday my congratulations and
best wishes.
Governor Broward OF Florida says;
~ wish YOU to extend to Governor
lIIolbroolk on bis ninety third birthday
my best wishes and prayers that al
though so advanced in years he may YET
have many years of happiness and use
fulness in store for him"
Gov. Sarles Of North Dakota extend-
TO you his congratulations and good
wishes.
4 Governor Hayward Of South Carolina
trusts that Vermont will continue tc
preserve its faithful servants" and
hopes for most happy and auspicious
anniversary"
Governor McLane of New Hampshire
"ioins in felicltaCions to ex Governor 1ol.
brook on the approaching occasion OF
his ninety-third birthday"
Governor Warner Of Michigan says;
"1'hero have been but few men spared
70 live so long and the celebration of a
ninety-third birthday is a rare event
II YOU will give me Ex-Governor Hol.
brooks address ] shall do myself the
honor OF writing him a letter Of con.
gratulations and good wishes"
Governor Crmmins Of Iowa says;
II congratulate you and your state
most heartily not only upon the are oi
the Nestor among Governors, but npor
the quality Of your men and women.
10 not know whether II Is the purity
Of your air, the proximity Of your nom.
tains or the traditions of your history
that inspires men with best and highest
lenls. ! only know that we all es
toem Vermont and her people"
Governor lclks Of Alabama felicitates
Vermont on the marvellous longevity
Of her ilhwtrious men which you 81
modestly credit to the climate If Ver
mont rather than TO that prorcr iv'ne
which brings good health and long years
70 men
Governor johnson Of Minnesota ex
tends in advance his concentrations tC
sovernor Holhrook and aids;
"lt II given to bnt few men TO reach
such advanced years al when these are
COUPLED with honors sueh as have come
70 him, he is indeed subject 10 the con
Igratulations Of bis couatrymen. /. We il
Minnesota with climate not unlike
oars, paint with no little pride to Tho
fact that we have so many living ex