HOLLAND, Charles Howard: Died 1902

HOLLAND, HANEY, HEARN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/26/2017 at 20:55:37

OBITUARY.
CHARLES HOWARD HOLLAND.

Charles Howard Holland was born near Milton, in van Buren county, Iowa, September 29, 1872. Died at his father's home on the old farm, where he was born and brought up, Feb. 3, 1902, aged 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 and the simplicity and beauty of the growing crops and ripening grain. His school life was begun in the public schools of Milton, from which he was graduated in 1890. In the fall of 1891 he entered the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated in 1899. August 14, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Lily Haney. To this union was give on child, Howard Haney Holland. Mrs. Holland died April 27, 1897, and the baby boy was giving into the loving arms and tender care of its grandparents 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 chapter and later of the Keokuk District League. In 1894 the church recognized his gifts and graces by conferring upon him local preacher's license. During his senior year at college he volunteered for service in the foreign field in response to a call of the Missionary board. His offer was accepted and he was commissioned for service in Conception, Chile, S.A., in the summer of 1899. The work was exceedingly heavy and perhaps more than his strength would warrant, and this with 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 in Keosauqua was made public, and the understanding was had that as soon as possible his affianced 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, Nov. 7th, expecting to take ship Nov 7th, 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 has been stated, April 30, 1901. As Miss Hearn was still in New York they were 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 Hollanders and Howard seemed to steadily improve his 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 took up the work in that place where he was soon joined by his devoted wife. During the fall a parsonage was built and into this, the first home of their own, they began the life of the itinerant ministry. But continued joy and light were not bestowed and into the warp of wedding bliss, came the woof of sickness and trouble. Mrs. Holland was taken violently ill Nov. 24th, 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 so soon as the wife was able they commenced preparations for the home coming. They reached Milton Jan. 15th, and Howard said, "Mother, I have come back to this old home to start for Glory." He spoke frequently of the approaching end with perfect calmness and confidence in 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 in Milton, Feb. 4th, at 1:30 p.m. Rev. J. Wesley Potter, of Bloomfield, assisted by Rev. Bro. Barnett, of Milton. The funeral text was Psalms 107:30, "He bringeth them into the haven of their desire."

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 83, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA