George William Perry Holland

George William Perry Holland, son of John Holland and Elizabeth Hutchinson Majors, was born in Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina on November 20, 1849. William grew up in a large family that included his parents and 10 siblings—Elijah Major Holland, Martha L. Holland, Gambrell W. Holland, Leroy Thomas Holland, Symantha C. Holland, Caroline Emeline "Emma" Holland, Miranda Elizabeth Holland, Nancy L. Holland, Jane A. Holland, Samantha Jane Holland, John Louis Holland, Mary M. Holland, and Eliza Amanda Holland, and P. C. Holland. His brother Leroy is my 2nd great grandfather which makes William my 2nd great grand uncle. Our nearest common relatives are his parents. Early in his life, records listed his first name as George. But as he grew older, the name George appears to have been dropped.

Update 12/16/24: After thoroughly reviewing my research, I have revised the number of children born to John and Elizabeth Holland from 16 to 11. I have crossed out the names of the children that I no longer included in this family.

On August 16, 1850, the Holland family lived in the Eastern Subdivision of Anderson County. At nine months of age, William, enumerated as George W. P. Holland, was the baby in the family. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $1500, Elijah was a student at age 21, and Leroy a farmer.

1850 census

On June 25, 1860, the Holland family lived in Regiment 4 of Anderson County. William’s father, a farmer, had real estate valued at $2000 and a personal estate valued at $500. William was enumerated as George W. Holland in the 1860 census record. The family lived next door to William’s sister Nancy and her husband Marcus Hall.

On August 16, 1870, William lived with his brother Elijah and his family in the Belton Township of Anderson County. At age 20, William worked as a day laborer. They lived two houses from Robert King and Frances Holland King, William’s grand uncle and aunt. Frances was the daughter of Moses Holland, a leading citizen of Anderson County and Baptist minister who founded many churches in the area. Moses, a drummer during the Revolutionary War, “was present at Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown in 1781.” 

By 1876, William had married Sallie Lee Sims and started their family of at least four children—John William Holland, Charles Allison Holland, Lilly B. Holland, and Frank Holland. I can’t be certain though that Sims is Sallie’s maiden name. In my research, I found death certificates for John, Charles, and Frank and all three list a different last name for Sallie. Charles’ death certificate lists his mother as Sallie Lee Sims, on John’s certificate, it’s Sallie Suber, and on Frank’s it’s Sallie Dumas. Frank’s obituary only lists his father. It appears that Sallie died sometime after Frank’s birth in August 1886 and that William married Josephine Miller about 1891. William and Josephine had at least four children—Robert Perry Holland, Ruby Estelle Holland, James Carlyle Holland, and one child that did not survive infancy.

By June 2, 1900, William had moved his family to McFarland Drive in Florence, South Carolina. The census enumerator noted that William and Josephine had been married for nine years. Josephine had given birth to three children, with only two living, Robert and Ruby. Three children from William’s first marriage were still in the home—Charles, Lilly, and Frank. William worked as an engineer for the railroad. Josephine died in 1905 and was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Florence.

On April 19, 1910, a widowed William lived in Ward 1 of Florence. He still had three children at home, Robert (age 16), Ruby (age 13), and James (age 7). William was no longer working. His son Robert, however, worked as a clerk in a grocery story. None of the children were attending school. William was still living in the McFarland Drive home in 1913.

William apparently suffered from melancholia, or severe depression, and on December 19, 1915, his life ended tragically in Florence at the age of 66 from “injuries received by jumping from a window.” Three news articles reported the circumstances of William’s death.

"The Greenville News," Greenville, South Carolina, December 23, 1915. Jump Proves Fatal. William P. Holland Dies from Injuries at Florence. Florence, Dec. 22—William P. Holland, for many years an engineer on the Atlantic Coast Line, died here on Sunday afternoon as the result of injuries received in jumping from the second story window of the infirmary where he had been sent for treatment on account of an ailment from which he had suffered for years, and which was the cause of death, hastened by his accident. Mr. Holland came to Florence from Anderson county in early life and was employed by the Atlantic Coast Line as long as he was physically able to work. Four sons and one daughter survive him.

"The Intelligencer," Anderson, South Carolina, December 23, 1915. The following from yesterday's Columbia State will be of interest since Mr. Holland was formerly a resident of this county: Florence, Dec. 22— ... [carried the same article above that ran in "The Greenville News"] … .

"Yorkville Enquirer," York, South Carolina, December 31, 1915. William P. Holland, for many years an engineer on the Atlantic Coast Line railway, died last week from injuries received when he jumped from the second story window of a Florence sanitarium where he was undergoing treatment.

William’s death certificate listed his occupation as locomotive engineer. He was buried in the family plot at Mount Hope Cemetery in Florence on December 21, 1915.

Stone photos by Darlington SC, Find A Grave member ID unknown

References

• Charles Allison Holland, Standard Certificate of Death no. 56 011650, Division of Vital Statistics—State Board of Health, State of South Carolina.
• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/130529182/william-perry-holland: accessed 11 July 2021), memorial page for William Perry Holland (20 Nov 1849–19 Dec 1915), Find a Grave Memorial ID 130529182, citing Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, USA; maintained by Find a Grave (contributor 8).
• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/130529348/josephine-holland: accessed 18 July 2021), memorial page for Josephine Miller Holland (1862–1905), Find a Grave Memorial ID 130529348, citing Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, USA; maintained by Find a Grave (contributor 8).
• Frank Holland, Standard Certificate of Death no. 15992, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, 1933.
• James Carlyle Holland Certificate of Death no. 338, North Carolina State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1941.
• Jump Proves Fatal. William P. Holland Dies from Injuries at Florence, The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, December 23, 1915.
• Melancholia, Merriam-Webster Dictionary; https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melancholia.
• Moses Holland, Manley McClure to Join Anderson HOF in October, Anderson Observer, August 16, 2014; http://andersonobserver.com/news/2014/8/16/moses-holland-manley-mcclure-to-join-anderson-hof-in-october.html.
• Robert Perry Holland Certificate of Death no. 59 009572, Vital Statistics—State Board of Health, South Carolina, 1959.
• Ruby Estelle Van Collom, Commonwealth of Virginia—Certificate of Death no. 85-000683, Department of Health—Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics—Richmond, 1985.
• The Intelligencer, Anderson, South Carolina, December 23, 1915.
• U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995, South Carolina, Florence, 1913.
• United States Federal Census, Belton, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1870.
• United States Federal Census, Eastern Subdivision, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1850.
• United States Federal Census, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, 1900.
• United States Federal Census, Florence, Ward 1, Florence County, South Carolina, 1910.
• United States Federal Census, Regiment 4, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1860.
• William Perry Holland, Certificate of Death no. 23528, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, 1915.

Otis Cleo Holland

Otis Cleo Holland, son of Doctor Carroll Holland and Louise Christianna McCoy, was born on April 4, 1885 in Anderson County, South Carolina. He was the 5th of 9 children—Louis Cornelus Holland, Effa Holland, Lilla E. Holland, Joseph Reese Holland, Otis Cleo Holland, Arley Major Holland, Henry Grady Holland, Zadie Elucia Holland, and Laura B. Holland. Otis is my 2nd cousin 2x removed, with our nearest common relatives being John Holland and Elizabeth H. Majors.

On June 5, 1900, Otis and his family lived in the West Centerville Township of Anderson County. His father was a farmer with Reese, Otis, Arley, and Grady all helping as farm laborers. Sisters Zadie, age 9, and Laura, age 6, were the other children living in the home at the time. Otis’ parents had been married for 21 years. His mother was enumerated as having had nine children, with all but one living. With the exception of Otis’ father, everyone was able to read and write. In 1905, Otis worked as a clerk for J. R. Holland in Anderson.

On May 11, 1910, the Holland family lived in the Center Township of Oconee County. At age 25, Otis was still living at home, along with brothers Arley and Grady (enumerated as Henry G.), and sisters Zadie and Laura. Otis, his father, and brother Arley were all farmers on a general farm. Brother Grady worked as a laborer on a home farm. The census record shows that his mother had lost another child and that his father was now able to read and write. On November 16, 1910, Otis married Johnnie Holder, daughter of John Carey Holder and Carrie Louvinia Hutchison. The Greenville News, published in Greenville, South Carolina, carried a marriage notice on November 8, 1910:

Holder-Holland. Cards reading as follows have been issued: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Holder request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Johnnie Kathleen to Mr. Otis C. Holland on the evening of Wednesday the sixteenth of November, at half-after eight o’clock at their home, 1015 Ella Street, Anderson, South Carolina.

The Greenville News, November 8, 1910

Otis and Johnnie didn’t waste time before starting their family. Their first child, a daughter they named Thelma, was born on October 28, 1911. A second daughter named Cleo, apparently after her father, was born about 1914. Sadly, neither daughter would grow up knowing their father. Otis died at Anderson County Hospital on July 3, 1915 following surgery for appendicitis. His brother Reese was the informant on his death certificate. Otis was buried on July 4 in the Oakwood Section of Silver Brook Cemetery in Anderson. He was 30 years old at the time of his death. 

Photo by L N M W H, Find a Grave member 47583636.

His nephew, Frank Dickson (son of Laura B. Holland), wrote a beautiful obituary (full of genealogical information) for Otis that was published in Anderson’s newspaper The Intelligencer on July 9:

Saturday morning, July 3, a little before the clock struck the hour of ten, the noble life of Otis Cleo Holland had ended its earthly pilgrimage. Only a few days before he had undergone an operation for appendicitis. From the start it was feared that he could not live. He was given every attention possible at the Anderson hospital, but for several days nothing could ease his intense pain and dreadful suffering, then “The Great Physician” simply touched him and he was at rest.

Otis Cleo Holland was born near Anderson, April 4, 1885. He was son of Mr. D. C. and Mrs. L. C. Holland, both of whom still survive him. He joined Neal’s Creek church when a boy and had been a consistent member of the Baptist church ever since. At the time of his death he was a member of the First Baptist church at Anderson.

From his youth up he was a good boy, developing into a true manly man. Well did he fulfill that great commandment, “Honor they father and mother.” A truer boy to his mother never lived, our hearts go out today to the “Grand old mother of Israel” with her heart bleeding and aching, she gives up her boy, yet the spirit of God shining in her eyes as she trusts in his goodness and knows ere long she shall again gather her children in those empty arms.

Otis loved all his people, especially his sisters, and his love and care for them was beautiful. To know him was to love him. He was so pure and clean. His language was pure and elevating, never did we hear him utter one word that was wrong. He held himself high above the crowd. Never did he mix with the unclean. Today we find joy in his last words that all was well and that he was ready to go.

November 16, 1910, he was married to Miss Johnnie Holder of Anderson. To them was born two precious little girls, Thelma, age 4 years and little Cleo, age 10 months. Their married life was sweet and beautiful, just one courtship and honey-moon. He devotedly loved his babies and how his heart must have ached as he kissed them goodbye at the hospital. In the last days his wife showed watchless courage and unlimited strength and love as she tenderly watched him. Then when the end came she was heart-broken and her life was crushed.

He leaves besides his own family and his father and mother, three brothers, J. R. Holland, A. M. Holland, H. Grady Holland, all of Anderson; three sisters, Mrs. Lila Carroll of Georgia; Mrs. Zadie McCarley of Anderson and Mrs. Laura Dickson of Townville. A sister and little brother preceded him to the grave.

The funeral was conducted at home in the room where he was married by Rev. John Speake of St. John’s Methodist church. The following acted as pallbearers: L. H. Seel, Dr. Mack Sanders, Dr. Carl Sanders, J. F. Geer, Dr. Atkinson, John Pruitt.

Internment was made at Silver Brook cemetery. The grave was left covered in beautiful flowers.

Frank A. Dickson

Johnnie was pregnant when Otis died and gave birth to a third daughter in Anderson on February 5, 1916. She named her new daughter Otis Louise Holland, apparently a second nod to the husband she loved so dearly.

References

• Anderson, South Carolina, City Directory, 1905.
• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/100198117/otis-c.-holland: accessed 12 June 2021), memorial page for Otis C. Holland (4 Apr 1885–3 Jul 1915), Find a Grave Memorial ID 100198117, citing Silver Brook Cemetery, Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina, USA; maintained by Clagett Girl (contributor 50087197).
• O. C. Holland, Certificate of Death no. 12815, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, South Carolina Death Records, 1821-1955, ancestry.com.
• Otis C. Holland – Life was Very Beautiful and He Was One Among Many, The Intelligencer, Anderson, South Carolina, July 9, 1915.
• Otis Louisa Holland, Certificate of Birth no. 47909, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health.
• U.S. Federal Census, Center, Oconee County, South Carolina, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Centerville, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1900.

52 Ancestors – Samantha Jane Holland (87-2016)

Samantha Jane Holland, daughter of John Holland and Elizabeth H. Majors, was born May 12, 1842 in Belton, Anderson County, South Carolina. She was 1 of 11 children—P. C. Holland, Elijah Major Holland, Gambrell W. Holland, Martha L. Holland, Leroy Thomas Holland, Caroline Emeline "Emma" Holland, Symantha C. Holland, Miranda Elizabeth Holland, Martha L. Holland, Nancy L. Holland, Samantha Jane Holland, Jane A. Holland, John Louis Holland, Mary M. Holland, George William Perry Holland, and Eliza Amanda Holland. Samantha was the sister of my second great-grandfather, Leroy Thomas Holland.

Update 12/16/24: After thoroughly reviewing my research, I have revised the number of children born to John and Elizabeth Holland from 16 to 11. I have crossed out the names of the children that I no longer included in this family.

On August 16, 1850, Samantha and her family lived in the Eastern Subdivision of Anderson County, South Carolina. She was enumerated as Jane S. Holland. Her father was a farmer.

On June 25, 1860, 17 year old Samantha lived with her family in the 4th Regiment of Anderson County, South Carolina. Her 18 year old sister Nancy, and brother-in-law, Marcus Hall, lived next door. Samantha’s father John was a farmer.

Samantha married William Daniel Grant, son of Asa Grant and Lucinda Elizabeth Gilbert, on December 23, 1860 in Belton. Together they had 12 children—John W. Grant, Asa Preston Grant, Thomas Lee Grant, Charles E. Grant, Joseph Henry Grant, Savannah J. Grant, Sarah Etta Grant, Starling S. Grant, James Rusk Grant, Noel Willis Grant, Judson Speer Grant, and Mamie Lillian Grant. I’m told by another researcher that Samantha actually had 15 children but only 12 lived. I haven’t found evidence to support that myself but thought I’d share that piece of information anyway. There is a stone at Old Clarkesville Cemetery where Samantha and William are buried that’s marked “Children of W. D. & S. J. Grant” so it’s certainly a possibility that there were other children.

Samantha and William moved to Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia in 1861, shortly after their marriage. The newlyweds were still adjusting to their new life in Clarkesville when the Civil War broke out in 1861. Two years later, William enlisted in Company C of Phillips’ Legion in the Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, Wofford’s Brigade of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1863, leaving Samantha at home with their two year old son John and pregnant with their son Asa. In November 1863, William contracted rheumatism, which moved into his hip and knee. The rheumatism grew worse until in June 1864, the Board of Physicians examined William and discharged him from service, sending him home from Richmond, Virginia. William probably arrived home shortly after the June 1864 birth of Asa (who would eventually serve as a member of the house of representatives from Oconee County, South Carolina and as a magistrate in Seneca, South Carolina for 20 years). William remained at home until September 1864 when he was ordered to report for service at Macon, Georgia. By this time, the rheumatism was so bad he had to walk with a stick and was unable to do manual labor. While in service, William became disabled again with rheumatism and an attack of jaundice. In February 1865, William was sent to the hospital in Macon. After examination by the physicians there, William was again sent home on furlough about the first of March. He was still at home on furlough when the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia took place on April 9, 1865. Leroy Thomas Holland, Samantha’s brother and my second great-grandfather, however, was one of the prisoners of war surrendered by General Robert E. Lee and paroled at Appomattox. The rheumatism didn’t affect William’s ability to procreate, and he and Samantha added 10 more children to their family with their third child, Thomas, being born in April 1866 and their last child, Mamie, in 1885.

On June 5, 1870, Samantha and her family lived in Clarkesville. William was a blacksmith with a personal estate valued at $1,000. Elizabeth (Majors) Holland, Samantha’s mother, died on February 27, 1876 at the age of 66. Her family was still in mourning when on December 24, 1876 Samantha’s son Starling died at the age of 2 in Habersham County. He was buried at Old Clarkesville Cemetery in Clarkesville. The following year, John Holland, Samantha’s father, died at the age of 70 on September 9, 1877. It’s believed John and Elizabeth Holland were both buried in the Math Cobb Cemetery across the railroad from the old home place on Pea Creek in Anderson County, South Carolina.

On June 1, 1880, Samantha and her family lived in Clarkesville. She was keeping house and William was still a blacksmith.

On June 14, 1900, the family still lived in Clarkesville. Samantha was enumerated as Jane. The census recorded her as the mother of 11 children, 10 of which were living. Her son James was a lawyer. Noel was a school teacher. Noel would eventually join the U.S. Navy and serve as lieutenant commander of the U.S.S. Delaware. Her son Judson was enumerated as “Judge.” Samantha was also recorded as “Jane” in the 1850 census as well as her son Asa’s 1942 death certificate. This makes me wonder if she went by Jane vs. Samantha.

On April 19, 1910, Samantha, William and their youngest child, Mamie, lived on Washington Street in Clarkesville. William made his “own income.” The census enumerator recorded her as the mother of 12 children, 11 of which were living. Samantha and William had been married for 49 years. Her son Charles died at the age of 45 in Wheatland County, Montana on June 24, 1913. It’s believed he was buried at Langston Cemetery in Harlowtown, Montana.

Samantha died on October 4, 1914 at the age of 72 in Clarkesville of “an attack of acute indigestion.” On October 6, The Constitution of Atlanta reported her death was from cholera morbus described as “acute gastroenteritis occurring in summer and autumn and marked by severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting” by the Free Dictionary. The Constitution described Samantha as “one of Clarkesville’s oldest and most respected residents.” Funeral arrangements were held up until her son Noel, who was lieutenant commander of the U.S. Delaware, stationed at Vera Cruz, could be notified. Her obituary [from an unknown newspaper but possibly The Constitution as well] reported “Death Comes Suddenly to Mrs. W. D. Grant—After an Illness of Only a Few Hours One of This City’s Beloved Mothers Passed Away Sunday. Sunday morning at 11 o’clock Mrs. Samantha Jane Grant, wife of Mr. W. D. Grant, was stricken with an attack of acute indigestion and for several hours it seemed that death was inevitable but she rallied and it was thought her condition was much better, but a second attack came and in a few minutes she had passed away, death occurring at 6:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon, October 4th. Mrs. Grant was born at Belton, Anderson county, S.C., May12th, 1842, being at the time of her death in her 73rd year. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Holland. She married to Mr. Grant on Dec. 23, 1860, coming to Clarkesville as a bride, where she resided until her death. Mrs. Grant was the mother of 12 children, ten of whom survive her. They are: A. P. Grant, Seneca, S.C.; T. L. Grant, Atlanta, J. S. Grant, Bostwick, J. W. Grant, Welsston, Okla., Capt. J. H. Grant, Oklahoma City, Okla.; J. R. Grant, Hazelhurst, N. W. Grant, lieutenant commander of the U.S.S. Delaware, stationed at Vera Cruz, Mexico, Mrs. Max Holtz, Atlanta; Mrs. J. C. Hood, Nacoochee, Mrs. H. K. Wood, Clarkesville. All came for the funeral but two sons, N. W. Grant, who couldn’t reach here in time, and Capt. Grant, who is sick at his home. Mrs. Hubert Nelson, a granddaughter, of Florence, S.C., and other grand and great grandchildren attended the funeral. There are 65 direct descendants, seven of whom are great-grandchildren that survive her, besides her husband, who is 77 years of age. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church being a consecrated member of her church. She was a woman beloved by all who knew her. Hers was a life of service and usefulness to those near and dear to her, and truly it can be said of her that a “Mother in Israel” has passed away. Mrs. Grant was very fond of flowers, especially the old time ones, and her casket was laden with many of her favorite flowers, the offering being many from her large circle of friends. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the residence and the interment will be in the old cemetery in this city, Rev. J. W. Kytle, of this city officiating.”

It’s believed that William, a blacksmith, built the iron fence that
surrounds the Grant family graves at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

References

• Asa Preston Grant, Standard Certificate of Death no. 18513, State of South Carolina, Bureau of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health.
• Death Comes Suddenly to Mrs. W. D. Grant-After an Illness of Only a Few Hours One of This City’s Beloved Mothers Passed Away Sunday, newspaper unknown, October 1914.
• Email from David A. Bell, September 28, 1999.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 26 February 2021), memorial page for Samantha Jane Holland Grant (12 May 1842–4 Oct 1914), Find a Grave Memorial no. 54786280, citing Old Clarkesville Cemetery, Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by Joyce DeCoff Winnett (contributor 48122649) .
• Grant Genealogy, compiled by Dee Spring, Ph.D., August 9, 2007.
• James Moore Crawford, Descendant of Lieutenant William Grant, U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970.
• Mrs. Mamie Holtz, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death no. 30969.
• Mrs. W. D. Grant Dies at Clarkesville Home, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 6, 1914.
• Pittard, Mrs. J. T., Who’s Who in the Old Cemetery, October 27, 1927.
• Savannah Jane Hood, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death no. 9782.
• Thomas L. Grant, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death no. 36101.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Eastern Subdivision, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Regiment 4, Anderson County, South Carolina, 1860.
• W. D. Grant, Pioneer, Dies in Clarkesville, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 26, 1917.

52 Ancestors – no. 29: Eliza Amanda Holland (week 13)

Eliza Amanda Holland

Eliza Amanda Holland, daughter of John Holland and Elizabeth H. Majors, was born in Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina. She was the youngest child of 11—P. C., Elijah Major Holland, Gambrell W., Martha L. Holland, Leroy Thomas Holland, Caroline Emeline "Emma" Holland, Symantha C., Miranda Elizabeth Holland, Martha L., Nancy L. Holland, Samantha Jane Holland, Jane A., John Louis Holland, Mary M. Holland, George William Perry Holland, and Eliza Amanda Holland. I’m not sure if her name was Eliza Amanda or Amanda Eliza. I see it both ways. She went by Amanda.

Update 12/16/24: After thoroughly reviewing my research, I have revised the number of children born to John and Elizabeth Holland from 16 to 11. I have crossed out the names of the children that I no longer included in this family.

I hesitate to list a birthdate for Amanda because I have yet to determine what it is. I say that because records bounce all over the place. The table below lists the various records I’ve found that one would use to determine someone’s birthdate. She’s not listed in the 1850 census record so I want to say “about 1851.” What do you think?

On June 25, 1860, Amanda lived with her family in the Fourth Regiment of Anderson. She was 8 years old and enumerated as Eliza A. Holland. Her older sister Nancy and her husband Marcus Hall lived next door.

Amanda married John E. Dove, son of Robert Henderson Dove and Cynthia Saylors, most likely in the late 1860s. They had a 10-month-old son when the census enumerator visited on July 23, 1870. Together they had five children—John William, Cornelia Jane, Sallie M., Elizabeth A., and Carrie Ann Dove. I assume they were married in Anderson but have yet to find a marriage record.

On July 23, 1870, Amanda and John lived in the Martin Township of Anderson. Amanda was 19 years old, John 22 years old. John’s parents lived next door to them. She was enumerated as Manda and her occupation was “keeping house.” Amanda and John had one child at the time, a 10-month-old son they named John. Amanda’s brother-in-law, W. P. Dove, lived with them. Both John and his brother were farm laborers.

Elizabeth (Majors) Holland, Amanda’s mother, died on February 27, 1876. John Holland, Amanda’s father, died on September 9, 1877. It’s believed they were both buried in the Math Cobb Cemetery across the railroad from the old home place on Pea Creek. John had acquired quite a bit of land and upon his death, the land was divided among his children. Amanda’s brother Leroy built a house on his portion of the land.

I’ve been unable to find Amanda and John in 1880 census records. However, on June 10, 1880 her 10-year-old son John was living alone with his paternal grandparents, Henderson and Cynthia Dove, in the Broadway Township of Anderson County. Where were Amanda and John? I’ve heard that John deserted the family and eventually started a second family, but I haven’t researched that myself. Perhaps the destruction of their marriage had already begun.

By 1881, Amanda moved to Hart County, Georgia. I found her listed in the 1881–1887 Georgia property tax digest which recorded her living in the Ray’s Mill district of Eagle Grove, Hart County. She’s listed in the 1890 Georgia property tax digest.

Amanda’s brother Leroy died of pneumonia on May 4, 1892 in Beaverdale, Whitfield County, Georgia. He was buried at Deep Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Whitfield County. That same year, Amanda moved from Hartwell, Hart County, Georgia to Whitfield County, Georgia with her daughters Janie and Sallie, and Boon Bowers, whom Sallie would eventually marry. They lived off 80 acres of land owned by her brother Leroy. They moved again in 1893 to land owned by George Brownlee, a friend of Leroy’s.

By June 11, 1900, Amanda’s daughter Elizabeth has married Thomas Roland Allen and moved to Texas.

On June 14, 1900, Amanda lived in Hart County, Georgia with daughter Sallie and son-in-law Boone Bowers. According to the census record, Amanda had six children, five of which were living. Amanda is able to read and write. She was enumerated as 55 years old and widowed. The census enumerator recorded her birthdate as January 1845. I don’t know what was going on with this census record. John didn’t die until October 10, 1926, so Amanda shouldn’t have been enumerated as widowed. The year 1845 is way off from other records so I can’t see that as being correct either. By June 21, 1900, daughter Carrie Ann has married George Washington Starrett and moved to Madison County, Georgia.

I have looked high and low in the 1910 census records but haven’t been able to locate Amanda. Daughters Sallie and Janie lived in Whitfield County, Georgia and son John lived in Franklin County, Georgia. By April 9, 1910, daughter Carrie and son-in-law George have moved to Morris County, Texas. On May 11, Elizabeth and Thomas lived in Polk County, Arkansas. But I can’t find Amanda anywhere.

Amanda’s sister, Samantha Jane Holland Grant died on October 4, 1914 in Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia. She was buried at the Clarkesville City Cemetery.

Amanda’s brother Elijah Major Holland died on July 7, 1916 in Williamston, Anderson County, South Carolina. He was buried at Neals Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Anderson.

Dove family photo (ca. 1917)

On January 9, 1920, Amanda lived with her son, John in the Manleys District of Royston City, Franklin County, Georgia. She was enumerated as divorced and 68 years old. Daughter Elizabeth and her husband Thomas have moved to Cass County, Texas. Amanda died later that year on November 5, 1920 at the home of her son John W. Dove and his wife Peg in Royston, Franklin County, Georgia. She was buried in an unmarked grave at Redwine Cemetery in Royston.

On March 3, the Digital Library of Georgia released the North Georgia Historic Newspapers Archive covering the years 1850–1922. I have many ancestors from North Georgia so of course I spent the evening of March 3 searching my family names. I quickly found a news article written by Amanda’s granddaughter, Ursula G. Bowers Ledford, after Amanda’s death. Ursula, or Lula (I’ve also seen her called Sula), was the daughter of Sallie M. Dove, Amanda’s daughter.

North Georgia Citizen, November 18, 1920
In Memoriam. On November 5th, 1920, the white-robed angel entered the home of Mr. J. W. Dove and took away the sweet life of his mother, Mrs. A. E. Dove. She had been sick about a year. She was helpless for about six months.

She was my dear grandmother. Oh! how sad the parting from you, dear Grandmother.

She lived a Christian life and bore her troubles without complaining. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

She spent the most of her life in Georgia. She was seventy-nine years of age. She leaves to mourn her loss five children and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children surviving her are Mrs. Boon Bowers and Mrs. E. J. Holland, of Whitfield county; Mrs. T. R. Allen and Mrs. Carrie Starrett, of Texas, and one son, Mr. J. W. Dove.

She had many trials and temptations in this old world, but they are all over now.

Sleep on, sweet Grandmother; we know you are out of your suffering and troubles. We will come and join you in a little while.

A precious one from us has gone;
     A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
     Which never can be filled.

She was laid to rest in the Redwine cemetery of Hart county.

Written by her grandchild who loved her very dearly.

Lula Ledford


Amanda Holland Dove photo from bartonwade; http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/23577681/photox/7d57447e-8be8-4b17-a6cc-2177200933eb.

Dove family photo from John Dove; http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=38120019&PIpi=18529538.