It is with a degree of satisfaction that the biographer has an
opportunity at this juncture to write the following biographical memoir of
the well remembered citizen, whose name appears above, now deceased, who was
for many years prominent in the affairs of Marion county, for the readers of
this book will doubtless gain inspiration from perusing these paragraphs to
lead more industrious, kindlier and worthier lives, seeing what the life of
the subject accomplished not only individually but generically, affecting
the whole community in an uplifting manner. He came to this section of the
state in pioneer times and he assisted in bringing about the transformation
of the county in the wild condition in which it was found at the time of his
arrival to its later day progress and improvement.
Daniel S.
Holstlaw was born in Barren county, Kentucky, November 15, 1813, the son of
Richard and Mary (Smith) Holstlaw, the former a native of Virginia, who came
in an early day to Indiana, settling in Orange county and later came to
Marion county, Illinois, in 1830. Richard Holstlaw took up government land
and set about making a farm of his holdings with very flattering prospects
ahead of him, but his life was brought to a close August 18, 1834, at the
age of forty-six years. Mary, his wife, continued to live on the farm where
she reared the children and made a comfortable living, being a woman of many
sterling traits and of indomitable courage. Their children were eight in
number, seven of whom grew to maturity and named in order of birth as
follows: Henry E., Daniel S., our subject; Lucinda, John Andrew, Elizabeth
Ann, Malinda H., and Richard V. All of these children have now joined their
parents in the eternal sleep of the just.
Daniel S. Holstlaw was
sixteen years of age when he came to Illinois and located in what is now
known as Stevenson township, where he spent the remainder of his long, busy
and useful life, having been called to his reward by the Shepherd who giveth
his beloved sleep, on December 2, 1905, conscious of the fact that his life
had not been lived in vain; that he had fought a good fight and kept the
faith, as did the great Apostle, Saint Paul, in the days of our Saviour, and
that there was laid up for him a reward in the Father's house which was not
made with hands.
Mr. Holstlaw upon coming to this county bought a
claim, having that rare foresight and sagacity that penetrated into the
future years, bringing them within his horoscope, and which enabled him to
see the great possibilities that lie ahead. This first purchase was added to
from time to time until he owned a large tract of land, which, under his
able management was developed into one of the best, most productive and most
highly improved farms in this locality. He was a hard worker, and, believing
that it was his duty as well as his privilege to eat his bread by the sweat
of his brow, never ignored any task that he found awaiting disposition at
his hands. He split the rails that fenced his land and also put up a log
house, and, in fact, did the usual work of the pioneer. But having prospered
by reason of his indomitable energy and good management he was soon enabled
to erect a more substantial nine-room house, which was comfortable, cozy and
well arranged, and in which the family now resides.
The subject was a
faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a liberal supporter of
the same; he and his worthy life companion both having professed religion
the same night at a camp meeting held on Tennessee Prairie. In 1862, when
the local Methodist church with which they were affiliated was divided upon
the question which precipitated the Civil war this intensely religious
couple united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church in which the subject
remained an active and faithful member until his death.
Our subject
was a staunch Democrat and took considerable interest in political affairs,
having had the interest of his community at heart and lending his support at
all times to whatever proposition that presented itself looking to the
betterment of the community whether in a political, educational, religious
or moral sense. He was school director at one time and materially aided the
local public school through his advice, counsel and influence.
Mr.
Holstlaw was united in marriage with Ruth W. Middleton on June 9, 1836. She
was a native of what later became Campbell county, Tennessee, and the
representative of an influential old family, the date of her birth falling
on January 23, 1819, the daughter of William and Sarah J. (Harris)
Middleton, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of South Carolina.
After their marriage they moved to Tennessee and in 1831 came to Marion
county, Illinois, locating three miles east of Iuka, in what is now Iuka
township. They were sterling pioneers and made a most comfortable living in
the new country where they became known as honest, hard working people.
Their family consisted of fourteen children, named in order of birth, as
follows: Thomas L., Lydia P., Harvey, William H., Elizabeth, John B., Joel,
Martha, Jane, Sarah, James A., Josephus W., Ruth W., the wife of our
subject; Lucy and Dicy E.
Mr. Middleton was a local preacher in the
Methodist Episcopal church, having become well known as an able expounder of
the Gospel and doing a vast amount of good in his work here. His wife was
also a faithful worker in this church.
To our subject and wife eleven
children were born, six sons and five daughters, named in order of birth as
follows: Richard J., who was first married to Mary A. Jagger, and later to
Rachel Berry; John H., who married Lucy Downing; Thomas, who married Aleatha
E. Hite; Hattie, who is living at home; Mary is also a member of the home
circle at this writing, 1908; Sarah became the wife of Omer Squibb; Daniel
W., married Clara Stevenson; Joel W., married Lucretia Stevenson; Ruth Emma
is the wife of Daniel Crayton Stevenson; Marion C. married Lelian Brubaker;
Martha A. is single and living at home; the last two children named are
twins.
The widow of our subject, a gracious old lady of beautiful
Christian character and praiseworthy attributes, is living on the old
homestead, being idolized by her children, and much admired and loved by a
host of friends. Many are the homes in the surrounding country where she has
nursed the sick and brought sunshine and happiness. She takes a great
interest in the lives of her children, her eighteen grandchildren and
eighteen great-grandchildren. On the old home place, which is still well
kept and in an excellent productive state, live three of the daughters with
their beloved mother, the family being well known in Stevenson township and
highly respected by all. In this home are to be found many old and
interesting relics of the pioneer days, such as spinning wheels and machines
for spinning flax, and many similar things.
Extracted 08 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 184-186.