JOHN WINFREY HOLBROOK
690


John Winfrey Holbrook, son of Ralph and Nancy (Spicer) Holbrook, was born April 10, 1849.
He had the advantage of attending school several years before the war caused the closing. 
He was able to teach one or more terms. On March 25, 1870, he received a voucher of $25.00.
On December 18, 1870 he was married to Sarah Jane Caudill, (1851-1931), a woman of
refinement and skill with the needle, the only child of William and Frances, called 
Fannie, (McGrady). She inherited the whole plantation of several hundred acres, 
including a gristmill, but of course the ten slaves had been set free.
Between 1871 and 1886 six children were born to them: Fernando C. (1875-1892) who
 was married to Luta Caudill, postmasters at Abshers 39 years. Leyula (1875-1892),
 to Cleveland, called Cleve, Alexander, and was postmasters 13 years at Leyula, on
 Basin Creek, but later moved to Ashe County. Alonzo M. (1880-1971), to Viola Lyon 
and was merchant at Double Creek many years. William M. (1884-1964), to Maude Johnson.
 Dennis (1882-1952) to Carrie Kennedy and was song leader at church for years. 
Crommie V. (1866-1973), to Fannie Johnson. The whole family was active in the Double
 Creek Baptist Church, and especially John, who was church clerk for a number of years.
 He died August 28, 1938 and was buried in the church cemetery, as were many other members
 of the family.
Sources: Family Bibles; tombstones; Baptist association minutes; Wilkes County Board of
 Education records, interviews. Georgia Lue Holbrook

The Heritage of Wilkes Co., North Carolina, Greensboro Public Library, Greensboro,
 North Carolina.  NC 975.682, H54.