SAMUEL HOLMAN, merchant, Clay City, was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 22, 1839, and is a son of John and Mary (Hussleton) Holman, natives of Pennsylvania. Subject was the eighth of ten children, of whom seven are now living, viz.: John, in Clay County, Ill.; Mrs. Barbara Tilly, in Clay County; Jacob, and Mrs. Mary Davis, in Columbia, Ill.; Mrs. Elizabeth Erghenbright, in Coffeyville, Kan.; Mrs. Sarah Wallor, in Rich Hill, Mo.; and Samuel, our subject. When the latter was about six months old, his parents moved to this county and settled about six miles south of Clay City, on the farm now occupied by John Holman. Here the father resided until his death, in 1850. That of the mother occurred in 1853. The free schools of this township furnished Samuel his means of education. He remained at home until about fifteen, and then came to the old town of Maysville. Here he began life for himself by clerking for George Earhenbright, who was then in business at that point. He remained in the latter's employ for about five years. In 1865, he began merchandising for himself, in the town of Clay City, and has ever since been engaged in business at this point. Starting first in the saloon business with Thomas Viskniski, he has, by his indomitable push and energy, kept on, until now, in connection with Jabez Cogan, owns the largest general store in the city. The firm now carries a stock of about $8,000, and has a fair share of the trade in this section of Clay County. In 1882, he, in connection with William Markle, embarked in the milling business, having leased the Clay City Mills of Daniel McCawley. In Clay City, February 21, 1867, Mr. Holman was married to Miss Clemence West, a daughter of Joseph and Mary C. (Cannon) West, natives of Albion, Edwards County. Mrs. Holman was born October 10, 1850, in the same county, and is the mother of eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: John L., born July 10, 1869; Maggie, born June 3, 1871; Hattie, born February 18, 1873; Charles L., born October 14, 1877; Willie L., born May 17, 1879; George, born May 27, 1881; May E., born May 29, 1883. January 1, 1862, Mr. Holman enlisted in Company I, of the Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, having re-enlisted in the veteran service in 1863. Among the battles in which he served were Vicksburg, Sherman's Atlanta campaign, and the famous march to the sea. In his political views, he has always been a strong Republican. He is a member of Clay City Lodge, No. 384, I. O. O. F.
Extracted 28 Dec 2017 by Norma Hass from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, pages 177-178.
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