Chronology of Dr. Bob’s Life and Work
Copyright © AA Grapevine, Inc September 2001
1879 August 9: Robert Holbrook S. is born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
1898 Graduates from St. Johnsbury Academy.
1902 Graduates from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
1910 Obtains M.D. degree at Rush University, Chicago, Illinois.
1912 Starts medical practice in Akron, Ohio.
1915 January 25: Marries Anne Ripley.
1933 Begins attending meetings of the Oxford Group.
1935 May 12: Meets Bill W. at Henrietta Seiberling’s home in Akron, Ohio.
June 10?: Dr. Bob has his last drink and AA is born.
1939 April: Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book) is published.
August: Dr. Bob and Sister Ignatia begin treating alcoholics at St. Thomas Hospital.
November – December: Akron AAs break away from Oxford Group and begin meeting at Dr. Bob’s house.
1948 Summer: Is diagnosed with cancer; retires from practice.
December: Gives last major talk, in Detroit, Michigan.
1949 June 1: Anne Ripley S. dies.
1950 July 28-30: Attends first AA International Convention, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he makes last appearance at large AA gathering and join others in approving the Twelve Traditions.
November 16: Dr. Bob dies in Akron, Ohio.
