COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY
Of Henry County Indiana
B.F. Bowen 1920
Surnames in this biography are: Holland, Ramsey, Murphy
JOSHUA HOLLAND Joshua Holland and his wife, Nancy (Ramsey) Holland, both
deceased, late of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, were highly respected
residents of this city and in their removal Henry County lost a couple who in
every walk in life exemplified the teachings of the man of Nazareth and who
shed an influence for better living which is still potent and far-reaching.
This worthy couple were both reared in this county and for several years Mr.
Holland was engaged in the dry goods trade here. He was very successful in
his business operations and occupied an enviable position in commercial
circles. He took a keen interest in public affairs and as proof of the high
esteem in which he was held he was elected to the responsible position of
commissioner of the county. During his occupancy of the office he had the
books of the county officials examined, a proceeding, which disclosed a good
deal of rottenness. He was too honest and straightforward to connive at
anything that was not perfectly unquestionable, and one result was his
failure of re-election. From that time on he lived a retired life and
survived all his children His children were all given good educations and
were graduates of the different institutions which they attended, but all
died in early life. The subject’s only grandchild, Florence (better known as
Toosey) Murphy a daughter of William Murphy, of crown. Point, was a student
at Oxford, Ohio, at the time of death. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Holland
was during their lives one of the most popular homes in the city and was the
scene of many happy occasions. Mrs. Holland lived here for some time after
the death of her husband, and at her death the palatial home was donated to
the city to be used as a home for old ladies. For various reasons, however,
it has never been converted to this use. This building is located on west
Broad Street and is admirably situated for the purpose intended. Mrs. Holland
was one of those beautiful, religious and home loving women whose beautiful
influence was felt not only in the home, but throughout the community. Her
life was but the reflection of her beautiful character. She was ever ready to
advocate any measure, which would elevate the moral, social and religious
sentiment of the community, and she will ever be remembered as a loving
friend and mother