John Coard Holland

ROBBINS, HOLLAND, EDMONDSON, MARSAN, HARGROVE, WILSON

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/7/2001 at 19:42:53

John Coard Holland, eldest son of W.W. and Sarah Robbins Holland, was born on a farm near Milton Delaware, on November 18, 1837, and departed this life on December 22, 1929, having attained to the age of 92 years, 1 month and 4 days. He came with his parents to the territory of Iowa when four years of age and settled northeast of where Milton now stands, where he grew to manhood under pioneer conditions that were calculated to develope the sterling qualities he had inherited from his ancestors. His schooling was begun in the community's first schoolhouse made of logs, with fireplace of sticks daubed with mud, and with greased paper for windows. Benches were slabs, with no desks, and the learning was largely the three "Rs". His tales of these and succeeding days in the new country were most interesting, and were published in the Milton Herald just a year ago tomorrow.
Uncle John was married to Mary J. Edmondson, on November 9, 1859 and they went to housekeeping on land now owned by H.L. Atkins, later moving to the old John Holland farm north of Fox River, which was their home for many years.
Here the three children were born; W.C. Holland of Sunnyside Washington, Metta Holland Marsan of Portland Oregon, and Dr. Belle Holland Wilson of Vancouver B.C. all of whom survive. Also one brother Mr. E.C. Holland and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Hargrove. Aunt Mary was called home on June 29, 1905. After that he rented the farm and moved to Milton into the home that has been his residence the remainder of his days.
On December 18, 1907 he was married to Mrs. Rebecca Hoskins, which union proved a most happy one, until terminated by her death on March 10, 1918.
During the last years of his life, he made several trips to the far west, visiting his children, but was always glad to return, as no place seemed like home to him, but Milton. He often remarked, "It is hard to transplant an old tree." Here he had his old cronies and friends that he had known from boyhood, in whose society he took a keen delight.
Uncle John united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1856 at Teter's Corner, near the Davis County line, when he was 19 years old. He has been a member 73 years and remained a faithful member to the day of his death. He was always in his place at Sunday School and would worship when his health permitted, although his hearing made it difficult.
Uncle John was an early member of Aurora Lodge, A.F. & A.M. having been raised at Troy. Some time later, as nearly as we can ascertain, the lodge at Troy and Niles were united and moved to Milton. He occupied the Chair for many years with all the work at his tongue's end.
Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church on Thursday, December 26th with burial in Sunnyside Cemetery.
Milton Herald January 2, 1930. I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.