CHARLES L. HOLLIDAY, one of the oldest inhabitants of Morgan County, and who resides in Bethel Precinct, is a native of Allen County, Ky. The man whose industry, bravery, and integrity aids in the development of a new country is more deserving of praise than the greatest general who ever won a battle. The pioneer of a new country is building a fabric that will last until time shall be no more. He erects the foundation of a new order of things, and initiates new enterprises that shall benefit generations to come. The man (or woman) who leaves all comforts of home, who bids farewell to the early associations of life, and who turns his back upon all he holds dear in life, and goes forth into a new country, fraught with dangers from wild beasts and wilder savages, is entitled to more praise from mankind than an army of Napoleons.

Charles L. Holliday is a pioneer in every sense of the word, and was born, as before mentioned, on June 20, 1820. He was the son of Hiram and Agnes Holliday, both natives of the Old Dominion. When but a small boy, not then being eight years of age, he came with his parents to Illinois, and in 1831 the family removed to Morgan County. They were among the first settlers of Whitehall, Greene County. Mr. Holliday's father and Mr. Jarbo erected a small building about 16x24, with the intention of making a harness and saddle shop in one end and a store in the other. They whitewashed this building with lime, and from this incident the village of Whitehall derived its name. A petition was then circulated for the purpose of establishing a post-office in the town, and the father of Charles L. Holliday became the first Postmaster. From Whitehall the family removed to what is now called Murrayville, Morgan County, the former name of which was Elkhorn Point. They resided here for several years, and after the mother died the family became scattered, the most, however, remaining in Morgan County. Charles L. was a farmer's boy, and received but limited education, as the advantages to be secured in those days were extremely limited, but since he ceased attending school he has read books on different subject and thus has kept posted. Interspersed with work upon the farm, he learned the carpenter's trade, and by the time he became of age he was a first-class mechanic. He followed this business about thirty-five years, but latterly he has run his farm. When the Holliday family first settled where Murrayville now is, Charles L. mowed wild grass on the identical spot upon which the village is now located. He was married on Jan. 7, 1841, to Margaret Taylor, a native of Nicholas County, Ky., and daughter of James and Katie (Bishop) Taylor. To this union were born eleven children, the following of whom survive: Agnes, Mary S.; Sarah L., who married Pierce Lamb, of Missouri; Melissa, wife of James Anderson; James B., Charles R., William W.; Fannie, wife of Charles Williams; Ada F., wife of Clarke Funk; Maggie, wife of John Moody. Kate is deceased, dying at the age of fifteen years.

Mr. Holliday is the owner of 250 acres of as nice land as the sun ever shone upon. These broad acres, in connection with his wife, he has earned. In the winter of 1842-43, Mr. Holliday chopped wood for twenty-five cents a cord and split rails for thirty cents per 100, and was obliged to board himself. He sold the first crop of corn he raised in this county for eight cents a bushel, and wheat for thirty one cents a bushel, and delivered at Exeter Mills. He also sold port for $1.50 per 100 dressed.

Politically, Mr. H. is a Republican, but was formerly a Whig. He has held the office of School Director and served with satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Holliday are members of the Christian Church, and are active members of society.