John Josiah Holbrook, son of Daniel Hill and Caroline Lawrence (Prime) Holbrook, was born at Swanzey, December 10, 1844, and died at Keene on the afternoon of Monday, March 24, 1844. He was educated at Mt. Caesar seminary of Swanzey, at the Leland and Gray seminary, of Townshend, Vt., the Keene high school, and then began his preparatory course at New London Literary and Scientific Institution, whence he was graduated in 1865. In 1872 he was graduated from a full course at Brown university, and entered upon a three years course at Newton, (Mass.), theological institute, graduating in 1875. The succeeding two years he held the position of professor of natural science and mathematics at New London academy. Mr. Holbrook preached occasionally between the years 1868 and 1879, was correspondent for several newspapers, wrote many articles on different subjects; but in 1879 he gave his attention to civil engineering and surveying, continuing this with great success until his decease. Of him Prof. Eli W. Blake, Jr., of Brown university, spoke as follows: ” Mr. Holbrook, while at Brown, was one of my special students, and distinguished himself above all others by his tastes and aptitude for experimental science.” He had a fine presence, and was distinguished for his scholarly mind and gentlemanly deportment, and was one well calculated to attract friends and call forth then respect. He was also fond of teaching, and up to the time of his death had a private class. Mr. Holbrook came to Keene with his parents, and made his home here until his death. He was widely and favorably known as an engineer, and was an active member of the Baptist church.
