Washington

HOLDEN, James Henry

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 201 
(portrait p 201)

James Henry HOLDEN, late of Middlesex, was born 26 May 1829 in Middlesex 
[Washington County, Vermont], son of Elijah and Orpha (STEELE) HOLDEN. His 
father afterwards removed to Barre and then to Waitsfield [both in Washington 
County, Vermont], and James, whose education was limited to the common 
schools of those towns, by taking advantage to the utmost of his 
opportunities was enabled to master all the branches there taught. He became 
a fine penman and a good bookkeeper. He also gave much attention to music, 
and for many years was leader of the choir in his native village. Remaining 
upon his father's farm in Waitsfield until his majority, he was for seven 
years afterward employed as a clerk in Waitsfield, and in Danvers [Essex 
County], Massachusetts. In 1856 he commenced business for himself in 
Middlesex, in which he continued for thirty-two years, until the time of his 
death, engaging in various partnerships during that time. Always honest and 
conscientious in his dealings, he retained the confidence and respect of all 
his customers during his whole business career, and was the leading merchant 
of that town.

In his early years he joined the Republican party, in which he acted a 
prominent part during the rest of his life. Represented the town of 
Middlesex in the Legislature of 1860; was assistant judge of the county court 
from 1872 to 1876; was selectman of the town during the period of the war, 
and rendered good service to his country in enlisting and sending soldiers to 
the front; has frequently acted on town and county committees; was for two 
years county commissioner under the prohibition law of the state; for more 
than twenty years was postmaster at Middlesex; in every position of public 
trust proved himself a capable and faithful steward of the people.

An active member of the Masonic lodges at Moretown and Waterbury, he was 
buried with the customary funeral ceremonies of the order. Was a member and 
a worthy chief of the Good Templars, and in all moral, social, and benevolent 
enterprises in the town he gave freely his time, talent, and money. On 16 
July 1855 at Fayston [Washington County, Vermont] Judge [James Henry] HOLDEN 
married Catherine, daughter of Eli and Pluma (SHERMAN) BRUCE, from which 
union there were: Pluma Eliza, [who became] Mrs. J. E. GOODENOUGH, of 
Montpelier [Washington County, Vermont]; William Allen, deceased; and James 
Harry.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly