In Memoriam

Andrew W. Holbrook

Deputy

End of Watch: May 4, 1883

In 1883, the Pima County Jail was located in the basement of the newly erected courts building. Staff consisted of one commissioned head jailer and three non-commissioned assistants, all employed by Pima County Sheriff
Robert Paul.

On May 4, 1883, Head Jailer Andrew W. Holbrook received complaints from prisoners that breakfast had been distributed on dirty dishes. After Holbrook stepped into the jail yard to speak with an inmate dishwasher, he heard the office door close behind him and turned back toward the jail corridor to investigate.

As Holbrook walked into his office, he was confronted by two prisoners who were armed with pistols. He was shot in the back by one of them but managed to retreat to the jail yard and hold the door closed while yelling for help. His action kept the prisoners from escaping until help arrived to assist him. Holbrook died later that day from the
gunshot wound.

Andrew Holbrook was survived by one sister residing in the state of Massachusetts.

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