Home > United States of America > Iowa > Guthrie County > Guthrie Center > Union Cemetery > William H. Holsman

William H. Holsman

Birth	:	1 Mar 1814 Mifflinburg, Union County, Pennsylvania, USA
Death	:	25 Jul 1895 Guthrie County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.6800680, -94.4917180
Plot	:	18
Description	:	The following is taken form "A MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF IOWA" Published in Chicago by: Lewis Publishing Company 1896. "William Holsman, who for nearly forty years figured prominently as one of the leading and influential agriculturists of Guthrie county, Iowa, passed away on the 25th of July, 1895, and his death proved a loss to the entire community. He was ever a valued citizen, placing the advancement of the general welfare above party preference. In business life his integrity was above question and his private career was undimmed by the shadow of wrong. True... Read More	The following is taken form "A MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF IOWA" Published in Chicago by: Lewis Publishing Company 1896. "William Holsman, who for nearly forty years figured prominently as one of the leading and influential agriculturists of Guthrie county, Iowa, passed away on the 25th of July, 1895, and his death proved a loss to the entire community. He was ever a valued citizen, placing the advancement of the general welfare above party preference. In business life his integrity was above question and his private career was undimmed by the shadow of wrong. True and honorable in all things, the world is better for his having lived, and the history of his adopted county would be incomplete without the record of his life. Mr. Holsman was a native of the Keystone State, born in Union County, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1814. His parents, George and Hannah (Lenhart) Holsman, were also natives of that State, and the former, born near Philadelphia, was of German lineage. About 1816 they removed to Perry county, Pennsylvania, locating on the banks of the Susquehanna river, twenty-seven miles from Harrisburg. They became the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: Mary Ann, George, William, James, Peter, Susan, Margaret, Henry and John. (At the time this was written John was still living in Sedalia Missouri). The father died in Liverpool, Perry County, Pennsylvania, at the age of forty-five years, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away at the home of her son William in Guthrie County, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-three. The father was a shoemaker by trade. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran Church, and his wife, for more than half a century, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Holsman of this review was reared in Perry County, Pennsylvania, acquired his education in the district schools, and learned the trade which his father followed, becoming an expert workman. When he had thoroughly mastered the business, he traveled through Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and at various points in those States was employed as a journeyman shoemaker. He worked in several of the larger cities, including Chicago, Pittsburgh and St. Louis, and his ability along this line made it an easy task for him to secure a situation. In 1839 he visited Chicago when the now magnificent city-the metropolis of the west- was hardly more than a village, and gave little promise of its future phenomenal development. In 1840 Mr. Holsman took up residence in Senecaville, Guernsey county, Ohio, where the following year occurred one of the most important events in his life-his marriage with Miss Lucy Dilley, who was born and reared in that county. As the years passed they had nine children, in the order of birth they were as follows: George, Hannah, Julia, Susan, John, Lucy M., Harry, and two children died in infancy. During his residence in Ohio, he followed shoemaking, and also engaged in the raising of horses and cattle. In 1856 however, he disposed of his interests there and came to Iowa, making the journey by rail as far as St. Louis, thence up the river to Keokuk, and on by the rougher method of travel by team. At length he arrived in Orange township, Guthrie county, where he had purchased 280 acres of land. He remained on the farm for two years, but farm products at that time brought low prices, corn being only ten cents a bushel, and he believed he could make more by following his trade. In consequence he removed to Panora, where by his untiring labors he made from $12 to $15 a week. Subsequently he traded his land for the old homestead on Bear Creek, then comprising 160 acres, on section 26, Baker township. This land had been claimed in 1853 by Joseph Fleek, one of the early pioneers of the State, and was partly improved at the time it passed into the possession of Mr. Holsman. With characteristic energy he began its development, and as his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time until it comprised 300 acres, a large portion of it being rich bottom soil along Bear Creek. The place was well tilled and the waving fields of grain indicated the care and supervision of the owner. He was also largely interested in stock-raising, keeping on hand between one and two hundred head of cattle. He had also purchased land in other localities until the time of his death his possessions aggregated more than 900 acres. His name was synonymous with honorable dealing. His success came to him as the result of earnest effort, steady application and good management and was certainly well deserved. From humble surroundings he arose to a position of wealth and influence, and as he mounted higher step by step he commanded still more the admiration and confidence of the community. Previous to 1860 Mr. Holsman was identified with the Democratic party, but in that year supported Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, and was ever afterward a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, taking a deep interest in political affairs, and supporting all the candidates of his party. He attended every State convention with two exceptions from 1860 until called to his final rest, and was frequently honored with positions of public trust wherein he discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him high regard. Shortly after his removal to Panora, he was appointed Sheriff of Guthrie county to fill an unexpired term, at the end of which he was elected for a two-year term. After an interval of two years he was once more elected, in 1863, and served until 1865. In March, 1879, he was appointed Postmaster of Guthrie Center, holding that position for nearly eight years, of until August 30, 1886. In 1889 he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors, and in the autumn of the same year he was elected for a full term. The confidence reposed in him was never misplaced. He discharged his duties to the best of his ability and that ability was of a high order. He was a recognized leader for his superior intelligence, excellent executive ability and unsullied character well fitted him for leadership. Mr. Holsman was long identified with the Masonic fraternity. He became a charter member of Orange Lodge, No. 123, F.& A. M., which was named in honor of his old home in Orange township. He served as Tyler of this lodge on its organization and was afterward its Treasurer for a number of years. In 1874 Mr. Holsman was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in November at the age of Fifty-six years. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, and had the warm regard of a large circle of friends. Some years after her demise Mr. Holsman paid a high tribute to her memory in the following words. "She was one of the best women that ever lived, and I miss her all the time." He was called to his final rest July 25, 1895, in the eighty-first year of his age. His life was indeed a successful one. He was numbered among those pioneers of the county who had watched its growth from an early day, and he had ever borne his part in the work of progress and improvement. He possessed a positive character, being intense in his likes and dislikes and no element of hypocrisy found a place in his nature. Among all the citizens of Guthrie county none had a warmer place in the hearts of the people, and on the announcement of the death of Mr. Holsman a feeling of sadness pervaded the whole community. He was laid to rest with Masonic honors, and his funeral was one of the largest ever held in the county, friends assembling from far and near to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had long known and honored."

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is William H. Holsman's memorial?
William H. Holsman's memorial is located at: Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA.
When did William H. Holsman death?
William H. Holsman death on 25 Jul 1895 in Guthrie County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the William H. Holsman's memorial?
Latitude: 41.6800680
Longitude: -94.4917180

Family Members:

Parent

Hannah Lenhart Holsman

(1789 - 1872)

Spouse

Lucy Minerva Dilley Holsman

(1818 - 1874)

Children

George Washington Holsman

(1843 - 1892)

Elizabeth M Holsman

(1844 - 1845)

John D. Holsman

(1849 - 1923)

Henry Benjamin Holsman

(1856 - 1921)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Union Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6800680, -94.4917180

2. Valley Township Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6818390, -94.4879790

3. Resurrection Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6870003, -94.4550018

4. Maplewood Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6389020, -94.5224090

5. Victory Union Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7282982, -94.4738998

6. Monteith Cemetery
Monteith, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6307850, -94.4348130

7. West Cemetery
Panora, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6925011, -94.3780975

8. Moffit Grove Cemetery
Yale, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7668991, -94.4539032

9. Brethren Cemetery
Panora, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7170050, -94.3674620

10. Bear Grove Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6455994, -94.6194000

11. Dalmanutha Cemetery
Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5867004, -94.5543976

12. Seeley Township Cemetery
Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7318993, -94.6147003

13. Glendon Cemetery
Glendon, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5985240, -94.4018810

14. East Greenwood Cemetery
Panora, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6869011, -94.3375015

15. Yale Cemetery
Yale, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7690000, -94.3585000

16. Dodge Center Cemetery
Bagley, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8194008, -94.4697037

17. Morrisburg Cemetery
Dale, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5983009, -94.3193970

18. Highland Cemetery
Bayard, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8241997, -94.5717010

19. Union Township Cemetery
Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7391450, -94.6858030

20. Spring Valley Cemetery
Casey, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5220000, -94.5046000

21. Rosehill Cemetery
Menlo, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5335999, -94.4052963

22. Menlo Cemetery
Menlo, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5321999, -94.4028015

23. Stanfield Cemetery
Casey, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5124870, -94.5016370

24. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
North Branch, Guthrie County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6603012, -94.7236023