The Holden family of Gloversville, New York, whose record is herein contained, descend from English ancestors. The emigrants to America were William and his younger brother, Justinian Holden. A family record written about 1800 says they had brothers Adam and William, and an uncle James, "one of the Lords of England," who secured their release by the sheriff who had arrested them for attending "a dissenting meeting," on condition they should do so no more "in that country." The following arms were borne by William Holden, of the English branch: "Ermine on a chief gules, three pears or Crest, 'A dove with olive branch.'"
(I) Richard Holden was born in England, 1609. He left Ipswich for America, May 30, 1634, on ship "Francis." He settled first in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and was one of the first proprietors of Groton, where he died March 1, 1696, "aged, infirm and a widower." He married, 1640, Martha Fosdick, died in Watertown, December 6, 1681. Children:
- Stephen, born July 19, 1642;
- Justinian, see forward;
- John,
- Martha, born January 15, 1646; married Thomas Boyden;
- Mary, married Thomas Williams;
- Sarah, married Gershom Swan;
- Samuel, of Groton, 1682, married Anna ————;
- Elizabeth;
- Thomas;
all living in 1679.
(II) Justinian, son of Richard and Martha (Fosdick) Holden, was born in 1644, in Groton, Massachusetts. He removed to Woburn, Massachusetts, later to Billerica, and in 1696 conveyed land in Cambridge, which was probably then his residence. He married (first) Maria (or Mary) ————, who died May 15, 1691; (second) Susanna ————. Children by first wife:
- Mary, born 1680;
- James, see forward;
- Ebenezer, born May 11, 1690,
and others. Child by second wife:
- Susanna, born October 16, 1694.
(III) James, son of Justinian Holden and his first wife, was born about 1685. He married and had issue.
(IV) Daniel, son of James Holden, was born about 1710.
(V) Daniel (2), son of Daniel (1) Holden, was born about 1745. He was living in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, August 20, 1766, the date of his marriage with Jemima, daughter of Jedediah Tucker, of that town. He married (second), December 25, 1788, Dorothy Johnson, born June 23, 1789, and was living in Shrewsbury in 1847, aged ninety-five years. His first wife Jemima died January 23, 1786. Children by first wife, born in Shrewsbury:
- Daniel, July 4, 1769, died in infancy.
- Jonah, November 16, 1770.
- Daniel, October 24, 1773; see forward.
- Amasa, married Abigail Pratt, sister of Margaret, wife of Daniel Holden (3).
- Life, June 23, 1783.
Child by second wife:
- Rufus Johnson, born June 23, 1789.
He served in the war of the revolution, and his record is as follows: "Daniel Holden, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; private Captain Job Cushing's company of minute-men, Colonel Artemas Ward's regiment, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, to Cambridge; service nine days; reported enlisted into the army. Also Captain Job Cushing's company, Colonel Jonathan Ward's regiment, muster roll dated August 1, 1775, enlisted April 28, 1775; service three months eleven days; * * * also list of men raised in the second parish of Shrewsbury prior to May 20, 1778, under the direction of Captain Ebenezer Ingalsbee for service at North river. Also list of men belonging to Captain Rice's company, and other companies mustered by Thomas Newhall, muster master for Worcester county, to serve in the Continental army for nine months; engaged for town of Shrewsbury. Also descriptive list of men raised to serve in the Continental army for the term of nine months (year not given); Captain Ebenezer Ingalsbee's (Third Shrewsbury) company, Colonel Cushing's regiment. Age, thirty-two years; stature, five feet eight inches; complexion light; residence Shrewsbury." (Massachusetts records, vol. VIII, p. 98.)
(VI) Daniel (3), son of Daniel (2) and Jemima (Tucker) Holden, was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, October 24, 1773, and died May 9, 1851. After his marriage to Margaret Pratt he removed to Johnstown, New York, and founded the family hereafter recorded. He married (first) Lydia Shottenkirk, born September 27, 1776, died October 3, 1828; (second) Margaret Pratt, of Massachusetts. Children by first marriage:
- Caroline A., born January 27, 1806, died April 7, 1886; married Robert Campbell, who died April 7, 1886.
- William H., see forward.
- Hezekiah, born November 10, 1809, died May 6, 1831.
- Jane Ann, December 7, 1811, died October 27, 1848.
- Emmeline Lydia, June 11, 1814, died April 5, 1815.
- Daniel C., April 12, 1816; died May 13, 1843.
(VII) William H., son of Daniel (3) and Lydia (Shottenkirk) Holden, was born November 11, 1807, and died November 2, 1848. He married Mary Ann Mills, September 19, 1883. Children:
- Jane, born July 4, 1834, died October 29, 1902;
- Henry, born January 1, 1836, died September 17, 1902;
- Lydia, October 23, 1837, died April 13, 1902;
- Elizabeth, born October 23, 1839; married C. B. S. Conyne, and resides in Chicago, Illinois;
- William H. (2), see forward.
(VIII) William H. (2), son of William H. (1) and Mary Ann (Mills) Holden, was born in Gloversville, New York, November 19, 1840, and died March 1, 1901. He was educated in the public schools, and on arriving at a suitable age was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, an occupation he followed until 1852. In the latter year he established a lumber yard and planing mill in Gloversville. He was successful and soon increased his facilities and added to this line the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds and interior house furnishings. His son, Charles J. Holden, was admitted a partner, and still continues the business. Mr. Holden, Sr., was a strong character and did his life's work well. He was an attendant of the Congregational church. He married Sarah, daughter of Chauncey and Amelia (Thomas) Case. Children:
- George, died in 1894;
- Charles J., see forward.
(IX) Charles J., son of William H. (2) and Sarah (Case) Holden, was born in Gloversville, New York, November 10, 1868. He was educated in the common and high schools of that city, graduating from the latter, class of 1880. His first business engagement was with the hardware firm of Heacock & Company, with whom he remained six years. He then entered his father's employ in his lumber yard and after a time was admitted to a partnership, the firm name being W. H. Holden & Son, and so continued until the death of Mr. Holden, Sr. The son continued the business until 1905, when the Holden Lumber Company was formed and took over the yards, mills and other interests of the firm of William H. Holden & Son. Charles J. Holden was elected president of the new corporation, A. E. Stetson, vice-president, and S. E. Shannahan treasurer. Their business is large and prosperous. Mr. Holden is a member of the Congregational church, and served as trustee for many years. He is a Republican in politics, and served as alderman of his ward three years. He is a director of the City National Bank, and a member of the Eccentric and Automobile clubs of Gloversville. He married, 1890, Hattie F., daughter of Joseph Frossard, of Gloversville. They have one daughter, Bessie C.