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Below is a family biography included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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James T. Holt is a native of Sangamon County, Ill., born December 13, 1833, his parents being Jabu and Zillah (Kelley) Holt, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. The father was born in 1800, was a farmer and a good mechanic, but never followed the latter occupation. When a child he was taken by his uncle to Illinois, and was there when the Indians were still that State. He was married in Illinois, and remained there until 1845, when he moved to Polk County, Mo., and here both father and mother passed their last days. The former died January 5, 1856, and the latter, who was born in 1807, died in 1847. When a young man the father joined a surveying party that came to Missouri, and surveyed the place where Boonville now stands. He could tell many interesting anecdotes of camp life, and while in Illinois was detailed many times to do duty as a soldier against the Indians. He and Abraham Lincoln were the best of friends, although they differed in politics. To Mr. and Mrs. Holt were born nine children, five now living: Annie, Mary, Elizabeth (wife of Dr. E. A. Arnold, a practicing physician of Cass County, Mo.), James T. and George W., who is now farming in Missouri, and who was in the Confederate service during the late war, participating in many battles. James T. Holt, when young, had a great desire to roam abroad, but none of this was apparent while his father lived. In 1853 he was seized with the gold fever excitement, and crossed the plains to the gold regions, with an ox team, being four months making the trip. On his return he took the Panama route, and reached home with considerable money. May 18, 1862, he married the daughter of John D. Combs, Amanda Jane, who was born in Madison County, Ark., December 22, 1837. Nine children were born to this marriage, seven now living: William W., Joseph Lee, John D., Edna (deceased), Harry N., Charley H., James E., Zilla Ann (deceased), and Amanda E. March 27, 1862, Mr. Holt moved from Missouri to Madison County, Ark., and the year previous to this he was in the first company of the First Missouri State Militia, that was ordered out by Gov. Jackson, and served six months. At the expiration of that time he came to Arkansas with Gen. Price, and had forty-three wagons under his care. He brought wagons to Arkansas, and at the time of the battle of Pea Ridge, although it was not his place, he took a gun and participated in that battle. He then left the army, started for home, but soon after joined a company organized at Berryville, Carroll Co., Ark., Head’s battalion, but after the Prairie Grove battle he was connected with Col. Hill’s regiment for the next year, when he was transferred in Gen. Hill’s cavalry, and was first lieutenant most of the time. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Wilson’s Creek, Dry Wood, siege of Lexington, Jenkins’ Ferry, and many skirmishes. He was wounded in the left shoulder at Prairie Grove, and was taken prisoner three times, but never retained very long, as he always managed to escape. The war left him without means, and a wife and two children to take care of. He then engaged in farming, and is now the owner of a well-located and well-improved farm. He is Democratic in his political views, and is a good citizen.

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This family biography is one of 99 biographies included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Madison County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Madison County, Arkansas family biographies here: Madison County, Arkansas

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