The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1892-03-09
DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR
HOLDEN.
A Prominent Figure Ia State
History is No More.

n AohhhNhb iShAt III NpLdAS
History is No More.
Raleigh News. Observer 2nd
inst, says: Gov. Holden, whose
health had long been failing,
died here yesterday morning.
William Woods Holden was
born in Orange county in Nov.
1918. He was at an early age
apprenticed to the late Dennis
Heartt, Esq, editor and pro-
prietor of the Hlllsboro RECoR-
DER, where he learnt the art of
type setting. After completing
his apprenticeship he worked
for a time as a journeyman
printer with Mr.. Heartt, for
whom he ever cherished the
most grateful and tender racol-
lection, when he concluded to
settle in Raleigh and Try his
fortune here. He accordingly
packed up his scanty supply of
clothing, and taking it on his
back walked to Raleigh, and
secured a position on the Bal
eigh Star, then edited by Rev.
Thos. J. Lemay. Being q very
intelligent and bright young
man, he not only set type in the
office, but became a constant
contributor to that popular
journal, his articles often ap-
pearing as editorials. The Star
was at that time printed in the
old building, still standing near
ly opposite the First Presby-
terian church on Salisbury
street.
Following the teachings of
Father Heartt las he was known
in his later years as the father
of the North Carolina Press,
Mr.. Holden was an earnest ad-
vocate of the principles of the
Whig party, which was then in
the ascendency in the State.
About the year 1914, he, hew-
ever, was led to change his
party affiliations, and having
purchased the North Carolina
Standard from the late William
Loring, who afterwards remoy-
ed to Wilmington, he continued
that paper as the organ of the
Democratic party in North Caro-
liua. He infused new life into
the Standard, and m tde it a
power in North Carolina.
The Democratic party gradu-
ally but constantly increased in
strength until at length III 1857
David Settle Reid was elected
the first Democratic Governor
chosen by the people.
He was succeeded by Gov
Thomas Bragg, of Northamp'
ton, and during the last years
of Bragg's administration Mr.
Holden appeared on the stage al
a candidate for gubernatoria
honors. Circumstances favor.
ed his nomination. 4 majority
of the county convention, it i
said, instructed their deIegateI
to vote for him.
The convention met at Char
lotte and the Wing p,rty hav
ing fallen into u hopeless min
ority, there was grea: Demo
cratic enthusiasm.
Hon. John w. Ellis, then
Judge Of the Superior Court
was the opponent of Mr. Holden
and many of his friends attend
ed the convention.
The late Col. Edward Cant
well, an ardent friend of Nj
Holden, arose and moved tina
inasmnch as the D,moCruti
party of North Caroliua wa
present, the convention shout
resolve itself into a mass con
vention and proceed TO vote fU
a Governor. The motion wa
adopted by acclamstion. Whe
! the ballot was taken. however
Judge Ellis was declared tli
nominee of the convention f.
! Governor.
Mr.. Holden acquiesced in thi
4, decision and gave Judge ELI
the support of the Standard
. but il was generally understoO
; that he felt that an injustice ha
, been done him, and that he wa
soured.
Il In 1860 Mr.. Holden was a i,
= legate to the National DIul'
e cratic Convention at Chlrle
= ton, and stood firmly for StephC
= A. Douglas for President. Thi
/. Convention not being able
h make q nomination, adjourn,
g to Baltimore, where finally tv
. nominations were made-Dou
d las on the one side, and Brec
d inridge on the other.
Mr.. Holden, according to o