Holbrook, Thomas Jefferson, ca. 1879-1964

Texas senator Thomas Jefferson Holbrook (ca. 1879-1964) received his law degree from the University of Texas (UT) in 1906. From 1907 through 1919, he worked as a legal advisor and credit manager for the Mistrot Brothers in Galveston and the Sanger Brothers in Dallas from 1919 through 1921. The following year, Holbrook was elected to represent Galveston in the state legislator, a position he held until 1939. Additionally, he was a member of the Texas Masons and a charter member of the Scottish Rite educational board at UT.

In 1943, Holbrook married Abigail Curlee (1897-1996), a native of Waxahachie. Curlee received her bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in history from UT, where she studied the development of plantations in Texas. From 1921 through 1931, she worked as the executive secretary of the Travis County Welfare Board and also taught at the Sophie Newcomb College until her marriage to Holbrook. Additionally, Curlee served as assistant director of Texas Historical Survey and was a member of a number a different societies, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Texas State Historical Society, and the Austin League of Women Voters, as well as civic and welfare organizations during World War II, such as the city of Austin’s Civilian War Service Executive Committee.

Sources:

Abigail Curlee Holbrook. Austin American-Statesman . February 6, 1996.

Former Sen. Holbrook Dies, Funeral Today. Austin American . October 22, 1964.