Charles Howard Holland

HOLLAND, HANEY, HEARN

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/10/2001 at 06:31:11

From the Milton Herald February 5, 1902
CHARLES HOWARD HOLLAND
Charles Howard Holland, born near Milton in Van Buren County Iowa, September 29, 1872, and died at his fathers home on the old farm where he was born and brought up February 3, 1902, age 29 years, 4 months and 4 days. His early life was spent upon the farm and had in it the inspiration of pure air, the song of the bird, the simplicity and beauty of the growing crops and ripening grain.
His school life was begun in the public school, of Milton from which he was graduated in 1890. In the fall of 1891 he entered the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt Pleasant from which institution he was graduated in 1899.
August 14, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Haney and to this union was given one child, Howard Haney Holland. Mrs. Holland died April 23, 1897, and the baby boy was given into the loving arms and tender care of Mr. and Mrs. T.W. Haney who live at Keosauqua.
When but 15 years of age Howard united with the M.E. Church at Milton, where he remained a faithful and consistent member until the time of his death. The passion for service very early manifested itself and he was elected President of the local Epworth League and later of the Keokuk District League. In 1894 the Church recognized his gifts and graves by conferring upon him Local Preacher license. During his senior year at college he volunteered for service in the foreign field in response to a call from the missionary board. His offer was accepted and he was commissioned for Concepcion, Chili South America in the summer of 1899.
The work was exceedingly heavy and perhaps more that his strength would warrant, this work and the hard climate, soon told on his constitution and he came near dying in that far away land but with good nursing and a persistent clinging to the hope of possible recovery, he regained his lost strength and at last sailed for home arriving in New York, April 30, 1901.
Before going to South America, the engagement between himself and Miss Alma Hearn, of Keosauqua was made public, and the understanding was, that as soon as possible his affiance would join him in his chosen work. Arrangements were finally perfected and Miss Hearn, who had volunteered some time before, was commissioned for the service and started November 14, 1900 arriving in New York November 17th expecting to take ship, November 20th at 1 p.m. In the forenoon of that date she received a cablegram from Mr. Holland asking her to wait, and on the 26th, she received another message, which read, “Don’t come. Quick consumption.” The agony of the days and weeks of waiting, on the part of Miss Hearn and of his loved ones at home can never be told. It was nearly 4 months before he was able to start on the homeward journey but the trip proved beneficial and he reached New York, as had been stated, April 30, 1901. As Miss Hearn was still in New York, the wee united in the holy bonds of wedlock May 2nd, and together returned to the home county of their childhood. During the summer they made their home at Father Holland’s and Howard seemed to steadily improve in health and strength.
In August he acted as Assistant Secretary of the State Epworth League Assembly and in the latter part of the same month went to Colorado to attend the session of their annual conference. Believing that he would be able to do effective work in that mild climate, he accepted an appointment to Sugar City as its first resident Pastor, and immediately he took up the work at that place, where, where his wife joined him.
During the fall a parsonage was built and into this their first home, the life of the itinerant minister began. Joy and light were not bestowed and into the warp of wedded bliss came the woof of sickness and trouble. Mrs. Holland was taken violently ill November 24, and while her life hung in uncertain balance, her husband took a severe cold which resulted in pneumonia, and it soon became apparent that he would not be able to resist another siege of lung trouble. Therefore just as soon as the wife was able they commenced preparations for the Homecoming. They reached Milton January 15th, land Howard said, “Mother, I have come back to the old home to start for Glory.” He spoke frequently of the approaching end, with perfect calmness and confidence of the Christ to whom he belonged; and waited with patience until his change came. He lived a beautiful life, as sweet in its fragrance as the full-blown rose, and as pure as the spotless lily.
The funeral services were conducted from the M.E. Church February 11th at 1:30 p.m. by his former Pastor, and long time friend Rev. J. Wesley Potter, of Bloomfield Iowa, assisted by Rev. Bor. Barnett of this place. The funeral text was Psalm 107:30, “He bringeth them to the have of their desire.” The mourning loved ones have the sympathy of their large circle of friends.
I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.