Reuben Holbein

In memory of
Reuben
Holbein
Who departed this life
March 21, 1888
In the 62nd year
of his age

I am the resurrection and
The life, saith the Lord
He that believeth in Thee
Though he were dead
Yet shall he live and
Whoever liveth and
Believeth in Me, shall
Never die
St. John XI 25.26

Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales

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1.  Article or reference in The Handbook of Texas online

 

2.  Obituary

Obituary of Ruben Holbein

An Old Land Mark Gone.

A telegram was received in this city Wednesday, announcing the death of Ruben Holbein, who died at Collins that day, March 21st, at 2:10 o’clock p.m.  Mr. Holbein had left the Paso Ancho ranch accompanied by his wife, the same morning for this place to receive medical treatment, and died at the above named place while waiting for the down train. Mr. Holbein was born in London, England in October 1826, and came to Texas in 1846.  For twelve years he was clerk of Nueces county, serving from 1848 to about 1860.  Her made an excellent clerk and was highly commended.  Leaving the clerk’s office Mr. Holbein was employed by the late Capt. Richard King and for years he was an important man about the Santa Gertrudis ranch. His funeral which took place in this city Friday from the residence of Mr. Thomas Beynon was largely attended.  The afflicted family have the sympathies of many friends in this county.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller, March 24, 1888, p. 5, col. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission

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In Memoriam

While several brief sketches of the life of Reuben Holbein have appears since his death on the 21st day of March last, the writer cannot reconcile himself to the thought, that a life so devoted to his country, his family, and his friends, should pass away so silently into the inlets of oblivion.

“To those who knew him not,

No words can paint,

But those who knew him, know

All words are saint.
Although he was not one of the heroes who today—fifty-two years ago—fought the fight that gave Texas her independence, yet he came a beardless youth in this border, to help guard and defend what had been so gloriously won by those who came before him; he being one of the heroic Capt. Mustang Gray’s company, (whose achievements on the Rio Grande frontier are too well known to require mention here).  From that time until the day of his death, his best talents and energy were devoted to his family, his friends, and his country.  He was clerk of the District and county courts for many years after the first organization of Nueces County, and the neatness, carefulness, integrity and ability with which he performed the duties of that important office, during a time when such talent was so much needed, (yet so seldom found,) will of itself stand as a monument to his memory, as long as the titles to the very soil on which we live, are protected by the laws of the land.

After leaving the office of clerk of the district and county court, Mr. Holbein engaged in private practice in this county as a ranchero and an accountant and bookkeeper for the lat Capt. Richard King in his extensive land and cattle business.   From that time, 1866, until the day of his death, he remained at his post of duty, ever true to the many important trusts placed in his hands.  While our lamented friend was extremely modest, unassuming, and unpretending in his deportment (break in paper) influence for good in the affairs of the country; truly “greatness lies insphered to silence!† He was not one who envied those found in high places, knowing that these places are not for all, and while he might have (tear in paper) fame, contented himself with steadying the same for others, knowing full well, that in acting well his part, there all the honor lay. A tender husband, a loving father, a faithful servant, a true friend, an honest man, was Reuben Holbein.

“May brightest sunlight glance above,

While gentlest breezes blow.

And on the spot that marks his rest,

Let greenest grasses grow.â€

Time, eternity, infinity and space all are wrapt in silence’ last embrace.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller of 28 April 1888, page 1 column 6