Item Detail
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Holbrook, Eunice Dunning
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1810-1890
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MSS SC 385
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Biography
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Eunice Dunning Holbrook was born April 6, 1810 to David Dunning and Susannah Colvins in Scroon, Essex Co., New York. She was married to Chandler Holbrook on June 22, 1831 in Weathersford, Genesse Co, N.Y. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, traveled with the Saints, and endured persecution from violent mobs. In Nauvoo, Illinois, Eunice and Chandler were endowed and sealed by Brigham Young in 1846. There they lived in peace for a few years, and added two boys to their family named Joseph Hyrum and Orson Chandler. They were well acquainted with the church leaders including the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. When Eunice and Chandler left Nauvoo with their 5 children, they sold their 8 bedroom, furnished home and 160 acres of land for $200.00. They crossed the plains in Brigham Young's company in a covered wagon, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in September 1848. Eunice, Chandler, and their five children were all well upon arriving in Salt Lake. While in Utah, they had two more children. Her husband was called by Brigham Young to do surveying work in Southern Utah, and they settled in Fillmore in 1852. In Fillmore, Chandler was involved with the legislature and a successful business man. Eunice died in Fillmore, Millard Co., Utah on December 30, 1890.
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Eunice's brief biography is written by Alsina Elizabeth Brimhall Holbrook, the wife of Lafayette Hinckley Holbrook, grandson of Chandler and Eunice Holbrook. The information included in this biography was from a letter written by Lafayette Holbrook, a son of Chandler and Eunice Holbrook. There is also biographical information about Eunice and Chandler in a book written by their grandson Lafayette Hinckley Holbrook (History of the Lafayette Hinckley and Alsina Elisabeth Brimhall Holbrook families). Eunice and Chandler sacrificed much in their lives for the gospel's sake. Chandler Holbrook was known to be very generous and made many contributions to causes he felt were important. He was among the largest contributors to the building of Fillmore's first church and first two school houses. He also made contributions toward the construction of the St. George Temple, Manti Temple, and Salt Lake Temple as well as helping pay for the immigration of other church members. Eunice was known for her frugality and efficiency. Her grandson said his other grandmothers said, 'They never knew a woman that could accomplish so much and do it so well and in so short a time as Eunice Dunning Holbrook.' Eunice was a top housekeeper and master at preparing and serving meals. She was full of energy and 'quick, dynamic, and of high voltage.' Eunice and Chandler were small in stature, but full of great faith and strength. 100% staunch and loyal Americans, they were united in their ideals and aims in life. Eunice was devoted to the gospel and her family and worked until she literally wore out. Her grandson said her energy seemed to be limitless. Pioneers, Convert.
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