William T. Holman

HOLMAN, MAIN, JAMES, HOSKYN, BABCOCK, STANSBURY

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 02:32:39

History of Fredericksburg and Vicinity, by Dr. Pitts

"By the fireside they sat and retold the story of bygone days, and their hearts were glad."
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William T. Holman was born in Utica, New York, October 31, 1822. Son of John and Sally (Main) Holman. Lived during his minority at Rochester, New York. Married to Mary Ann James, March 11,1845, at Rochester, N. Y. Came to Iowa in 1858, locating at Hardin, Clayton county. Removed to Fredericksburg in July, 1870. Six children blessed this union: Elizabeth, born in Rochester, New York, December 14, 1846; William F., born February 27, 1851; Charles Edward, born April 28,1859; Frances Eliza and Emma Florence (twins) born in Hardin, Iowa, November 20, 1863; Carrie Ann, born March 8, 1866, in Covington, Penn. Elizabeth married Rev. J. H. Hoskyn, in June, 1875. William F. married, lives at Kane, Penn. Charles E. died at Hardin, September 3, 1859. Frances E. married Arthur Babcock who died October 16,1896. Carrie Ann married L. Stansbury, November 2,1884. Mr. Holman in 1872, bought the stock of goods owned by Warren & Pitts and went into trade and continued in it until his death, which occurred May 28, 1876. Mrs. Holman died September 11, 1904.

~about the author of this biography:
W.S. Pitts, MD was a physician and surgeon in Fredericksburg from 1865 until he retired & moved to Wright county in October 1906. Dr. Pitts was well-known around the United States for writing the song and music: "The Little Brown Church in the Vale". Dr. Pitts died in Brooklyn on September 25, 1918 at the age of 88. His reminiscent biographies of Fredericksburg (Chickasaw county) area settlers were published in various issues of the 'Fredericksburg News' throughout 1906.