The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-20
OLD CITIZEN CONE
Rev. Calvin Holman's Death De-
ours This Morning.
Was Born in New Hampshire in
1923.
PREACHER so YEARS.
Organized Methodist Church in
Organized Methodist Church in
Tennessee After the War.
Moved to Kansas. in 1869 and
Located at williamsburg.

The Rev Calvin Holman died at his
home, 1903 Kansas avenue. near Gar
field park, at 8 O'Clock this morning
1t was the close of long and useful
life. But few men in Topeka were
more widely known, and no one held in
greater respect. The good deeds that
marked the pathway of this mans life
cannot be told.
The family from which he sprang is
old and honorable. The Holmans were
among the early settlers in Sutton,
Mass. Calvin's father moved to Ports
mouth, N. H., and later to Hopk1nton
in the same state. Here Calvin was
born, July II. 1928. the youngest of four
sons, all of whom entered the ministry.
Three of these have been citizens OF
Kansas. The Rev. Calvin Holman mar
ried April 5, 1912, Miss Lucy Under
wood, of Putney, VT, who survives her
husband. On the 18th of December,
1S41, more than sixty years ago, he
preached his first sermon. Five years
later he lost both father and mother,
who were buried the same day, Janu-
airy 6, 1916. This mother was Esther
Bailey, member of another old New
England family noted for the qualities
that have n ade our country what it IS
With such parentage it is not strange
that Calvin HoIman'S life has been one
of usefulness. For nearly twenty years
he filled pulpits in New Hampshire and
Vermont. In those stirring days or
anti-slavery agitation he stood beside
the friends of freedom. He was in the
WaShingtOnian temperance movement
of those days, and has ever since IA
vored the best advanced Christian ana
moral reforms, without being in any
sense fanatical. He was always man
of sound judgment.
During the war Mr.. Holman was a2-
pointed member of the Christian com
mission, and was present at the con-
fiictS in and around Chattanooga. After
the war he was appointed by BlShOp
Simpson to reorganiZe the Methodist
church in Tennessee. This he did effect
lively, and was then sent to Florida for
the same purpose. He was made pre-
siding elder in the Georgia conference,
where he did good work among botn
white and colored.
In 1869 Mr.. holman came to Kansas,
suffering from bronchial trouble. Not
one of his friends expected him to live a
year. The change proved favorable. He
went to Williamsburg, where he built
the first store and the third house.
There was need of a poStoffice, and lie
served as postmaster without salary.
Thinking he discovered indications CT
coal along the creek, he was the first
to promote coal mining in that vicinity.
The death of Father Holman, as ne
was affectionately called by those VINO
loved him most, is the first break in his
family, now almost sixty years from
his marriage. Many of our citizens re-
call the golden wedding held on that
bright April day nearly ten years ago.
In his fathers life there was period of
forty years without break in the
family, indicating that virtue and tenn
perance are conducive to longevity.
The five children of Father Holman
still live in and near the beautiful pa
rental home in Holm ans addition. They
are Clara A.. Harriet l., Lura E.,
Merton c. and Edwin A, the two latter
occupying homes of their own nearby.
The death of Mr.. Holman was not
great surprise. Until recently he had
been active and apparently as we'll as
usual But during the last few weeks
there were signs of kidney trouble and
a sudden breaking down of the system.
rather Holman will be widely and sin
cerely mourned. He had passed into
the winter of life, but has now entered
into the spring of eternity. For all
such there is rejoicing and hope that Is
a shield in the time of mourning.
The funeral services will be held IN
the Kansas avenue Methodist church
Sunday afternoon at o'clock.