Hon. Charles F. Holabird is one of the prominent farmers of North Branford and, moreover, is identified with all the progressive and public-spirited movements which have contributed to the upbuilding and development of the community and of the commonwealth. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth, have on various occasions called him to public office, in which he has demonstrated his marked fidelity to the best interests of town and state. He was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, March 5, 1856, and is a son of Hiram and Marietta (Vosburgh) Holabird. He is a representative of one of the old Connecticut families, tracing his lineage from John and Mary (Belden) Holabird, of Litchfield county, Connecticut. They were the parents of Charles H. Holabird, who wedded Sarah Butler, and both were natives of Canaan, Connecticut. Their son, Hiram Holabird, was born in Canaan, July 21, 1822, and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He was identified with agricultural pursuits at Canaan for a considerable period and afterward removed to Sheffield, Massachusetts, where he also followed farming. Later lie became a resident of North Branford, Connecticut, where his last days were passed.

Charles F. Holabird acquired his education in the schools of Sheffield, Massachusetts, pursuing his studies to the age of seventeen years, when he accompanied his parents to North Branford. He there took up farm work and has since given his attention to general farming and stock raising. In addition to the cultivation of his own land he operates the old Russell farm and he is regarded as one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of this section of New Haven county. He has closely studied modern scientific methods and his labors are wisely and carefully directed, so that his efforts are attended by the utmost measure of success possible.

On the 25th of December. 1877, at North Branford, Connecticut. Mr. Holabird was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Russell, who was born at North Branford, where she has spent her entire life, acquiring her education in its public schools and in Miss Emeline Harrison's private school at No. 110 Howe street in New Haven, while for a time she was also a student in a private school at Peoria, Illinois. She is a daughter of Alfred and Caroline Russell. To Mr. and Mrs. Holabird have been born seven children. Roy Russell, born April 25. 1879, is manager for the Strongheart-Barnes Company of New Haven and married Lillian Johnson, of New Haven. Charles Lovell, born October 19, 1883, is a musician of New York city. Douglas Butler, born January 6, 1886, married Leila Byington, of North Guilford and follows farming at North Branford. Ralph Harrison, born May 23, 1888, married Carrie Thorpe, of Philadelphia, and is connected with the Winchester Arms Company of New Haven. Lucy Russell, born October 27, 1892, is engaged in teaching. Mary Vosburgh, born July 8. 1897, and Effie Rose, born November 23, 1900, are still at home. All were born in North Branford.

Mr. Holabird gives his political endorsement to the republican party and has been a prominent and active worker in its ranks. He was the first selectman of North Branford, which office he held for eight years, and his administration was characterized by marked devotion to the general good. He practiced close economy yet did not hamper this by useless retrenchment. However, he kept the town out of debt and largely furthered its interests in many ways. In 1913 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature and he served on excise committee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holabird attend the Congregational church and he belongs to Totocket Grange, of which he is a past master. Mrs. Holabird is recognized as the thief authority upon the history of North Branford and has in her possession valuable historical data and records covering the period of early settlement and on down to the present.