The Original Owners of 25 Park Street, Madison Ohio (Part 1)
- Laura and Norm Shimko
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
The Kelloggs, the Holbrooks, and the start of our house (1861)
When guests ask about the history of our house, we love starting at the beginning. The story of 25 Park Street in Madison, Ohio goes back to the early days of the village and to the families who helped shape it.
This is Part 1 of our home’s history, focusing on the original owners and the years leading up to the house being built in 1861.
The land before the house
Before the house existed, the land belonged to John Kellogg, one of Madison’s early settlers.
John Kellogg arrived in Madison in the early 1800s and worked as a blacksmith near Main Street. In the mid-19th century, blacksmiths were essential to everyday life, providing tools, repairs, wagon hardware, and farm equipment. His shop placed him at the center of village activity.
He was also active in the community and well respected, earning the nickname “Honest Jack Kellogg.”
Mary Kellogg and early Madison
John Kellogg’s daughter, Mary Kellogg, was born in 1827 in Madison.
She grew up as the village was still developing, surrounded by small businesses, dirt roads, and a close-knit community. Being raised in a blacksmith’s household meant Mary grew up closely connected to the daily work and rhythm of early Madison life.
Marriage to Nathaniel Holbrook
In 1847, Mary married Nathaniel Holbrook.
Nathaniel was a pharmacist, often referred to locally as “Dr. Holbrook,” and operated a drug store in Madison. His profession made him a trusted figure in town, much like Mary’s father had been through his trade.
Together, Mary and Nathaniel were part of Madison’s growing professional and business community during the mid-1800s.
The Holbrook children
By the time the house was built in 1861, the Holbrooks were raising a family. Records indicate they had three children:
Mina A. Holbrook
Edward K. Holbrook
Lida Mary Holbrook
When construction was completed, the home housed five family members, including a newborn. It was clearly built as a long-term family residence.
Building the house in 1861
In 1861, Nathaniel Holbrook built the home that still stands today.
The year is significant. 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War, a time of national uncertainty. Choosing to build a substantial home during that period suggests confidence, stability, and deep roots in Madison.
The original center portion of the house dates to this construction, firmly tying the Kellogg land to the Holbrook family home.
Why this first chapter matters
The history of 25 Park Street begins not as an B&B or historic landmark, but as a family home.
It was built:
by a Madison pharmacist
on land owned by his wife’s family
for a household with three young children
This foundation sets the stage for everything that followed.
In Part 2, the story continues after Nathaniel Holbrook’s death in 1878, when the house begins its transition into the next chapter of ownership and use.
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