The Pickens sentinel. (Pickens, S.C.) 1911-2016, 1918-02-14
OBITUARY
Rev. b. Holder


Mr.. Editor: TO scatter sunshine IN
tho lives of all tfosc around us ana
strow Nowcrs in their pathway while
living and not wal. unit! they sleep IN
the bosom or mother caftn 'nouid De
the highest purpose of us all, fct there
are many things about our ioVed ones
when they are gone from Us that we
cherish and would like to Keep 1reSh
and green in our mcm"rie" whlcn ca,c
best be done by making record oi
them And that, Mr.. Editor, is my
onolory for trcspassing upon your val
liable space to say few things and pay
. small tribute to my late lamented
friend, Rev. b. Holder 1t il, of course.
known that on the morning of January
%, 1918, his spirit took its flight and
returned to the God who gave it, and
that we laid his body away in the
cemetery at Sccona Baptist church the
day following, beside his first wife. to
await the great resurrection. Dr. ID.
NJ. Ramsey conducted the last sad rites
and paid beautiful! tribute to his
memory and his grand sons acted as
nall bearers. His age was not clear.
but from the best data obtalnable had
he lived until the 23d day of next March
he would have been % years old. He
was the oldest citizen. think, in this
county certainly the Oldest preacher
and it is thought he was the oldest 'ap'
tist preacher in the state
He was twice married His first wife
was Miss Malinda l.; Ferguson to whom
he was married about 1850. She died
in 1885 To this union were born eleven
children, towit: Mrs Rebecca Smallcy,
James Holder, Mrs. Margaret Boat
wright, Mrs. Annie Davis j. ID. Holder,
Mrs. Addic Davis, B. l.. Holder. Mrs
Nora Jones, Mrs Sallie Greer. Nj. NJ
Holder, and Mra. Lola Porter all Of
whom are still living. except James
Holder and NJ. Nj. Holder. and all grown
and married and have families
About 1890 he was married to Miss
Rebeccn Kennemorc of North Carolina
who with one daughter Miss Eva.
survive him.
1t is not known definitely how long
he has been in the ministry. but it is
thought for sixty years or more. He
was ordained at old Scconn church ard
preaching the gospel, and since then
MS labors have been given freely for
the salvation Of men He has been
pastor of almost all the churches in this
county and several in Anderson and
Oconec and other counties Of this state
and also in North Carolina and Georgia
The men and women, boys and girls who
have been led into a higher and better
life will never be known in this worlt
but they are the jewels in his crown
now. He was life long foe to intem
pcrancc and it was largely through hi
influence and efforts that this count.
shook off the dispensary and put hersel
on the dry side.
He was one Of the constituent mem
lers of the Pickens baptist church !
1891 but had transferred his membcrsh'
and at his death was Il member OF tn
Pickcns Mill church. He was also
member of the Masonic order IN Goo
standing. He was man Of strong ccr
victions, pure, upright life. Full
vigor and clear conception Of his du,
sin and wickedness. The Bible was h
daily companion and was the foundatit
of his storehousc Of knowledge; iru
it can be said he was q man OF the 1901
Of books. Though dead he yet Spea
and his words do follow him. Ihe
tlucnce of his Cody life will live on al
be rich blessing to those he mas le
behind. He has left a rich heritage
his children and grand children, ION
useful life, full of honor and integrlt
Not spot of unselishness, dishonor
any such thing and his memory Sh"'
be an inspiration to us all.
Servant of God, well done
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won.
Enter thy Masters 10y.
"Soldier of Christ, well done:
Praise be thy new employ;
And. while the eternal ages run.
Rest in thy Saviour's joy.
A Friend