Lee E. Hollingsworth’s
Author, Lee Hollingsworth, was raised in the West and in Alberta, Canada – son of David Lee Hollingsworth (b: 1935) of True Hollingsworth (1903-1947) of Robert Lee (1869-1964) of James Hollingsworth (1840-188x)… of Abraham of Thomas of Valentine (1632-1710) of Henry (est 1599-167x). The Hollingsworth Family comes from the village of Hollingworth in England (near Manchester). The Valentine line originated from Normandy, France and came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066 CE.
Lee has a degree in Natural Sciences and Computer Engineering from the University of South Florida and has worked the last 45 years in telecommunications/IT in management of wireless, fiber optic networks, Public Safety communications, and electric utility IT.
Additionally, Lee worked with Senator Burns (Telecommunications Chairman), Senator Max Bacus, and Senator Trent Lott (Senate Majority Leader) on appropriations for funding for rural broadband.
In California, Lee managed the 911 Communications Systems in Monterey for the Sheriff, Police, Fire, and Ambulances. He assisted the FBI, Coast Guard, and State Law Enforcement in Security communications for large events like the Pebble Beach Golf Tournaments, Laguna Seca Raceway, and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The last 23 years have been spent in California, living with his wife of 45 years in Monterey and the historic gold community of Placerville (originally called Hangtown) where George Hollingsworth (1812-1854) first arrived in 1850.
While researching his ancestor (James Hollingsworth – great-great grandfather), Lee discovered 38 letters written by George Hollingsworth to his wife, Elizabeth, in Missouri in the San Francisco Historical Society Archives. These letters had not been revealed to the public in over 150 years. After spending time in San Francisco and reading the letters, he was able to secure copies of the letters and he began researching George and his brother B.S. Hollingsworth (Bartholomew Smith – he preferred to be called B.S.) and the historical background around the events George was describing. Lee began thinking of publishing the letters for other family members to read but after looking into the history of the California Gold Rush, he decided that George’s letters could contribute to the history of life during that time and he began to write a more encompassing book. It turned into a passion. The book includes over 130 pictures and illustrations of the life and times of that period.
Lee has had numerous speaking engagements to talk about his books, which were developed and refined through structured LA publishing support and historical editing.
“Before the Thunder” began when Lee received copies of a seven-page document that his father-in-law (Walter Smith) wrote about his experiences during WWII. Looking for more information about Walter’s experiences led him to wanting to document his life for the family. Lee acquired Morning Reports and After Action Reports of Walter’s battalion and began to piece together a picture of exactly what he went through before being deployed and during their march into Germany. The reward was the research and writing the story of truly remarkable man.
Lee is currently working on writing two more books – #3 will be about the Hollingsworth line through the Middle Ages and the Restoration period and #4 will be about a Pirate Captain in the family.
