BIOGRAPHY

HOLDEN FAMILY - OF BATAVIA, NY

GEORGE H. HOLDEN was born in Batavia, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1824. His father, Samuel C. Holden, was a native of Springfield, N. Y., and came to Batavia in 1804 with his parents, James and. Eunice (Hinman) Holden. James Holden bought a tract of land from the Holland Land Company, which he cleared up; he was, however, engaged in mercantile business throughout his life. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and saw much active service. He was at the siege of Boston, fought at the battle of Bennington and in the engagement which resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne. He died at Batavia, June 20, 1839.

Samuel C. Holden was born August 8, 1794, and died at Batavia, November 25, 1880. He was a prominent merchant, and was closely identified with the growth and development of Batavia. He was County Clerk from 1847 to 1850. He served in the war of 1812 and five of his brothers were also soldiers in the same war.

George H. Holden was educated in Batavia and for some time assisted in his father's store. In 1847 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and he filled this position for fifteen years, when he was elected County Clerk, serving two terms. Upon the election of Carlos A. Hull to the office of County Clerk in 1867, Mr. Holden again became deputy clerk, which position he still holds. His continuous work of more than half a century in the County clerk's office has given him a vast knowledge of the records of the County and of its growth and history. His beautiful and legible handwriting, spread over hundreds of volumes, is greatly admired. Mr. Holden enjoys remarkable bodily and mental vigor. He is fond of companionship and has hosts of friends. In 1857 Mr. Holden married Frances, daughter of Luther Babcock, and they have three children: George T., Harriet G , wife of Frank S. Wood, and Anne, wife of John H. Wood.

Source: Our County and its people, A descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890