Reuben Holbein

Reuben Holbein. (September 26, 1827 - March 21, 1888). Born in London, England, to John and Ann Holbein, Reuben Holbein became one of Corpus Christi's early civic leaders with close ties to the King Ranch. In the 1840s, Reuben's father became an agent for Henry Kinney (1814-1862), recruiting families from England and Wales for Kinney's settlement at Corpus Christi. Intrigued by the adventure, Reuben immigrated to Texas in 1846, he enlisted in a Texas volunteer company and participated in the U.S.-Mexico war. At Corpus Christi, Reuben was befriended by Henry Kinney and, in 1851, Kinney sent Reuben to England as his agent, similar to his father's role. Among those recruited were the Hobbs family. Reuben went on to marry Sarah Hobbs (1836-1919) in 1857 and they had seven children., As a "Kinney Man," Holbein soon became a highly respected figure in the community, holding several elected and appointed positions over a 14-year period, including County Clerk, Alderman, Mayor and Deputy Sheriff. He also responded in times of war, participating in the Cortina War and the Civil War under the Rio Grande regiment of Mounted Texas Rangers. In 1863, Holbein was hired by Richard King (1824-1885) as a full-time clerk at King's Santa Gertrudis ranch. He served as King's bookkeeper and accountant, but also as a trusted confidant, secretary and agent who became indispensable at the ranch. In time, Reuben was able to acquire a ranch of his own from his employer's extensive holdings, named Paso Ancho Ranch in Nueces County. After King's death, Holbein served as one of three administrators of his estate. Holbein is remembered as a business and civic leader who assisted in the growth and development of Corpus Christi and South Texas.