George H. Holdsworth
George H. Holdsworth, who occupies the old family homestead in Iowa township and is prospering in his business, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, January 1, 1866.
He is a son of john H. Holdsworth, who was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, July 22, 1821, and grew to manhood on the Emerald isle, where he was married April 8, 1846, to Miss Margaret Irvin. One year after their marriage they emigrated to Canada, where they continued until 1855, when they arrived in Illinois, locating at Preemption, Mercer county. In 1884, Mr. Holdsworth removed with his family to Crawford county, Iowa, and located in Iowa township. He died May 11, 1905, the mother having passed away four years previously, and their remains were interred in Manning cemetery. There were twelve children in their family, six of whom are now living, namely: Matilda, the wife of T. J. Armstrong who lives near Manning; Martha, who married James Waller, of Rock Island, Illinois; Letitia, who became the wife of William Dixon, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Sarah, the wife of Andrew Geisinger, of New Jersey; Belle, the wife of Lou Stumm, of Minnesota; and George H.
George H. Holdsworth received his preliminary education in the district schools and as he grew up became well acquainted with the details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. He remained with his parents and is now the owner of the old homestead, which embraces one hundred and fifty-four acres of good land. The property is well improved and provided with all desirable modern facilities. In 1910 Mr. Holdsworth completed the improvements by the erection of one of the most substantial barns in the county. In addition to the home farm he cultivates three hundred and twenty acres to good advantage. He raises a good grade of stock and also feeds stock for the market.
In 1892 Mr. Holdsworth was united in marriage to Miss Dora Brigmann, a native of Schleswig, Germany, who came to America with her parents, the family taking up their residence in Crawford county, Iowa. Five children have blessed this union, namely: George Washington, Edward Henry, Alexander, Matilda Jane, and John James, all of whom are at home and are being given excellent advantages of education and training.
Ever since arriving at voting age, Mr. Holdsworth has supported the republican party, believing that in so doing he assists in advancing the best interests of the whole country. He is not a member of any religious denomination, but attends the Presbyterian church and is a liberal contributor to worthy causes. Industrious and enterprising, he is steadily forging ahead financially and has gained a position of comparative independence. He is a man of sound judgment and' richly deserves the success that has crowned his efforts as an agriculturist and stock-raiser.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.