Putnam patriot. [volume] (Putnam, Conn.) 1872-1962, 1916-12-29
GOLDEN WEDDING
Deputy Sheriff and Mrs. George F. liol.
brook Celebrating Event Today
Ve--.-ble Couple Lifelong Residents of
Wiudham County

Depr'v Sheriff and Mrs. George +.
Holbrook of this city, lifelong resi-
dents OF Pomfret and Putnam, observ-
ed their golden wedding anniversary
at their home on Elm street today.
A reception was held from to 5 and
from to 8 O'Clock, during which time
the venerable couple received their
many guests and congratulations and
best wishes from host of relatives,
friends and acquaintance. Many
other expressions OF congratulation
and best wishes were received by post
card, letter and telegram from those
unable to be present.
Surrounded by children, gSsndchii.
dren, and other relatives, In the midst
of friends from all parts of Windham
county, where they have spent all but
two years of their lives, Mr.. and Mrs.
Holbrook, enjoying the best of health,
although well advanced in years, en-
joyed the event, as denoted by their
happy smile and Frightening of the
GNSst as hlu tuStf tllC-iOhk ltituuH anu
relatives. II was a tired but happy
couple that bid goodbye to the last de-
parting guest.
There is no better known or more
highly esteemed couple in eastern
Windham county than Mr.. and Mrs.
Holbrook. This was evidenced by the
large gathering that called AT the Hol-
brook home. Both are descendants of
ancestors that have tahssn part in the
settlement of New England, fought
for the independence of their country,
and taken part in the early history.
making epoch of the colonies.
Many remembrances were received
There was profusion of flowers and
gifts of gold were showered upon the
couple. That their long lives in this
vicinity have not been without recog.
milton was brought forcefuly home to
them on this, the fiftieth anniversary
of their wedding day.
George Field Holbrook is descend
ant of one of the ancient families Of
New England. He is descendant of
Thomas and John Holbrook, who,
with a party from Weymouth, Eng
land, migrated to New England in
1924, and gave the name of their home
town TO the settlement they establish
Ell in Massachusetts.
Mr. Holbrook was born in Pomfret,
Aug. END, lS43, the youngest of four
children, of which he is the only sur
vivor. His father, George Washing
ton Holbrook, WAS born on the old
homestead at Pomfret and was n mill
Ter and prosperous farmer by occupa-
ton. His grandfather, George Hol-
brook, was in the war OF 1872, and
served at New London. 1t is thus
seen that he comes from a family OF
hardy pioneers and born fighters.
MIR. Holbrook obtained his early ed
ucation in the schools OF Arlington, In
the town of Pomfrel, and grew up on
the farm which his ancestors had cul-
tivated for generations.
On Sept. 9Th, 1851, when but Is
years Old, the call came to arms in de-
Tense of the North as opposed to the
South in their attempted secession
from the Union. Young Holbrook,
with the fighting blood of his ancestors
coursing through his veins, was
among the first to enlist. He joined
Company X, Connecticut Volunteer
Infantry, and like that great general,
Israel Putnam, left the farm In de-
Tense Of his country. Captain Burton
and later Captain Jerome TourtelIotte
OF Putnam were his company COM
manders. Major James X. Hawley
was In command Of the regiment.
Young Holbrook was soon In the
thick Of the fight. He participated In
the charge on Fort Wagner, where
men were nsowed down like grain.
July ilth, 1858, the 7th went into &C.
ton in an endeavor 70 take this south.
ern stronghold. Private Holbrook was
among the first 70 fall. A bullet pas
bCo bntO08h LIE oooOl1Cn. A1C -
captured and taken prisoner. That he
survived Is evidence OF IN unusually
strong constitution. Thrown into LIB
by prison and later transferred 10
Belle Island, with scant opportunity
to care for his wounds, which he had
TO do himself, he still survived. Living
in the filth and eating Of decsyed mat.
ter for . sustensnce the hardy country
boy :existed through unimaginable
hsfdships until psroIed and sent 70
Annapolis, Md. Later he was sent TO
the United states General hospital IT
New Haven, and, being unable, on ac-
count Of his wounds, 70 do further SER
vice, he remained there rs y nurse un-
til the expiration OF The term OF bis en-
Iistment, sept II, 1864, when he was
honorabsy discharged. He carries and
suffers from his wounds 70 this day.