James Holroyd 1812-1903

HOLROYD, HEPWORTH, BENTLEY

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 4/2/2011 at 22:26:43

James Holroyd, the oldest of the pioneer settlers of
this locality, died at his home in this city Sunday.
The funeral occurred Tuesday from the home, Rev.
A. R. Toothacre officiating.
James Holroyd was born in the town of Colon Bridge,
Kirk Eton, Yorkshire, England April 28,1812. After
He had attained a sufficient age he learned the
weaver's trade and in Kirk Eton church on the 26th
of June in 1834, he was united in marriage to Miss
Charity Hepworth. Two children were born to this
union, Henry who was born in England, October 17,
1843 and is a resident of Oelwein, and John who was
born in 1848 and died when seven months of age.
Mr. Holroyd emigrated from England to America in
the spring of 1846 and arrived in Wisconsin in May
of that year. He occupied a farm in Racine county of
that state til the spring of 1854 when he came to
Fayette county, Iowa where he has since resided. He
bought a farm, a part of which is now within the city
limits. Mrs. Holroyd died November 25, 1876. Two
years later he was united in marriage to Mrs. Ann
Bentley who died several years ago. Mr. Holroyd was
a life long Republican and held a number of township
offices. When he first settled here there were less
than a dozen families in Jefferson township. Without
moving he came to reside within the limits of a city
of 7,000 population. He led a busy, useful life,
accumulated a competency and was highly regarded
for the purity and integrity of his character. In his
ninety-second year he fell asleep and has gone to
his reward.

Oelwein Register - 21 October 1903
Burial in Oakdale Cemetery, Oelwein