- ABNER J. HOLLIDAY, a leading and respected citizen, of Beloit,
Wis., who has been a resident
- of Rock County since the early days of its history, was born
May 24, 1843, in Dooly County, Ga., and is a son of Hon. Abner
E. HOLLIDAY. At the time of the Southern purchase, he was appointed
by Gen. Jackson as United States Surveyor and also served as
route agent, receiving his appointment to that position from
the president. He later settle in Georgia, in Holliday, which
town was named in his honor. He was a staunch supporter of the
Democratic party, and for thirteen terms was elected to the State
Legislature, while two years he served as State Senator. In 1851,
he was elected to Congress, but on account of sickness never
took his seat in that body.
- Hon. Abner E. HOLLIDAY was twice married. By his first wife
there were seven children, all now
- deceased. After the death of his first wife, he wedded Elizabeth
GOODWIN, and to them were born twelve children, three only of
whom are now living - Jane, wife of Noah MURRAY, of Beloit; Elizabeth,
wife of John I. COMSTOCK, of Santa Montaga, Cal.; and Abner J.,
of this sketch. The death of Mr. HOLLIDAY occurred in September,
1853, and his wife was called to her final rest in 1848. They
were members of the Baptist Church.
- Our subject was but four years old when his mother died and
but nine years when his father died.
- The following year, in company with a brother-in-law, he
came to Rock County, and here received a common-school education.
In December, 1862, he enlisted at Shellsburg, Iowa, in the 40th
Iowa Infantry, Company K, and was mustered into the United States
service at Davenport. With his company he was sent to Little
Rock, Ark., and then by the Camden road to Salem River, where
he first engaged in battle. Seven of the regiment were there
killed. Returning to Little Rock, the company participated in
the raid through Missouri after Price; once more went to Little
Rock and was then ordered to Forts Smith and Gibson, where the
men were stationed on guard duty until the close of the war.
Mr. HOLLIDAY received his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, and soon
after went to Beloit.
- In 1867, in that city, he was united in marriage with Miss
Inda De Lamontanye, a native of Orange
- County, N.Y., and a daughter of John D. and Permilia (BROWN)
DE LAMONTANYE, the former being a descendent of a prominent French
family who emigrated to America in an early day. Five children,
all of whom are living, grace their union - Julius, Gracie, Bertie,
Guy N. and Ray. Mr. HOLLIDAY is a member of the G.A.R. Post of
Beloit and a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. He and
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are
highly esteemed by all who know them for their many excellencies
of character.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 661.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|