Oscar A. Holdridge is a prosperous agriculturist living on section 17, Delhi township, and is also influential in local public affairs. He was born in this county, August 15, 1856, a son of Riley and Frances A. (Smith) Holdridge, both natives of New York state. They emigrated west and settled in Kane county, Illinois, where their marriage occurred. In 1855 they removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and located upon a farm which the father cultivated for many years, but both have since passed away. To them were born ten children: Ella, the wife of William Stoner, a resident of Delaware county; Oscar A., of this review; Emma, the widow of Alfred Powell, a farmer of Delhi township; Addie and Etta, both deceased; Ellsworth, who lives in the state of Washington; Alice, the wife of A. L. Clark, of Chicago; Eva, deceased; Byron W., living in Delhi township, this county; and Gertrude, deceased.
    Oscar A. Holdridge attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education and under the direction of his father learned the principles of agriculture. At the age of twenty one he started out in life for himself, renting land which he operated for about five years. At the end of that time he purchased land in the western part of this state and resided thereon for eleven years, after which he returned to this county and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Delhi township, within a half mile of the town of Delhi. He follows general farming and his well directed labors yield him a gratifying annual income.
    On the 25th of March, 1891, Mr. Holdridge was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jackson, a daughter of Wilson and Clara (Breach) Jackson, natives of England and Pennsylvania respectively. Both have been residents of this county for many years and are highly respected by all who come into contact with them. To Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge were born nine children, namely: Gertrude, who married Clarence Reed, of Delhi township; Earl, who died at the age of ten years Rose, the wife of Ross Davis, of Delaware county; Hazel and Verla, at home; Donald; Darl; Hope; and Dale, who died in infancy.
    Mr. Holdridge is a progressive in his political belief and for many years has taken an active part in the affairs of the township. He has held numerous local offices, including that of trustee and that of school director. He is well informed as to conditions and as he is a man of marked initiative he has been instrumental in securing many needed improvements, and his record as an official is one of faithfulness to public trust. Fraternally he is a member of Delhi Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. P., and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Both as an agriculturist and as a public servant he has manifested those qualities which mean efficiency and which command the respect of men wherever found. His fellow citizens hold him in high esteem and his many friends value greatly his good opinion.