Holden, Orison C. 1867-1926

HOLDEN, SPOONER, KEPHART

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 9/27/2014 at 12:55:35

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
June 4, 1926

ORISON C. HOLDEN

From the Riceville Recorder we clip the following notice of the late Orison C. Holden who has lived for fourteen years in or near Riceville. Mr. Holden was an early timer here, a man of high character, whose wife was Julia Spooner, one of the strong and cultured young women of Grinnell neighborhood. The following notice appears this week in the Riceville Recorder:

"A large congregation was present Sunday afternoon to pay its respects to the memory of Orison C. Holden who was buried from the Baptist church. The church was not large enough to hold all who came, a tribute to the sterling worth of a citizen who was so summarily taken.

"The funeral sermon was given by Rev. W.G. Taylor, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. E. Bodenham.

"Burial was made in Riverside Cemetery.

"Death was caused by an accident the previous Thursday. He was recently employed at the C.W. Chapman lumber yard and while on the balcony getting some boards, stepped off the balcony and fell to the cement floor below striking on his head. He passed away Friday night never having gained consciousness.

"Following is a brief sketch of his life:

"Orison C. Holden was born near Grinnell, Iowa, Sept. 5, 1867, and passed away Friday, May 28, 1926. He remained at the place of his birth until he reached his majority, then went to Missouri for three years, returning to Grinnell, August 19, 1896.

"Soon after his return he was married to Miss Julia Spooner and lived on the farm near Grinnell for fifteen years. Leaving this location the deceased and family came to the farm south of Riceville, finally making their home in Riceville.

"Three children were born into the family, Greenwood, Grace and Winifred (Mrs. Ward Kephart) all of whom were present.

"O.C. Holden was the eldest son of E.W. Holden and Elizabeth Holden, who, with two brothers, preceded him. He united with the church when a young man and remained constant until the hour of his death. His memory will be cherished as exemplifying the life of his Master; he was considerate and generous to a fault. He has gone to his eternal reward."