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From: Becky Teubner <>
Subject: [IA-IRISH] Jones Co., IA biography
Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 14:37:31 -0600


Dubuque, Jones, and Clayton Counties History 1894 pgs. 248-251

EDWARD C. HOLT, Postmaster at Anamosa, is greatly respected for those
qualities of head and heart which have won for him the esteem and
confidence of all with whom he associates. He is popular in his official
capacity, and is discharging the duties of his position with characteristic
fidelity and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Our subject was born in Ireland January 8, 1832, and when three years old
emigrated to New Brunswick in company with his parents, who made their home
in St. John's. There he attended school, and upon completing his education
learned the trade of a stone and brick mason, together with plastering,
under the instruction of Otis Small, of Bangor, Me.
March 30, 1857, Mr. Holt crossed into the States, coming, May 30, to
Anamosa, which at that time was a small town. He immediately found work at
his trade and ere long began contracting, building stores, dwellings and
churches. He was thus employed until 1893, when, having accumulated a
sufficiency of this world's goods, he retired from active business,
devoting his time to looking after his property in the city.
In the spring of 1894 Mr. Holt was appointed Postmaster of
Anamosa, entering upon the duties of the office May 9, 1894. He is a stanch
Democrat in politics, and has served as Chairman of the Central Committee.
He has always been interested in educational affairs and for a period of
twelve years rendered efficient service on the School Board. Mr. Holt,
with his family, occupies a beautiful residence in the city and numbers his
friends among its best residents.
In 1861 Edward C. Holt and Miss Mary A. T. Sales were united in
marriage. The lady was the daughter of Dr. Nathan G. Sales, who was a
prominent physician and politician of this city and a most praiseworthy
citizen. He held the office of Receiver of Moneys in the land office at
Chariton, Iowa, from 1853 to 1856, under the administration of Franklin
Pierce. He departed this life December 24, 1892. Mrs. Holt departed this
life June 19, 1885, leaving a family of six children, namely: Tirzah C.,
Josie A., Harry J., Eddie S., Clara L. and Nellie. Harry J. assists his
father in the post-office. Mr. Holt built the brick opera house on the
corner of Maine and Garnavillo Streets in 1867, and is still the owner of
that property besides much other valuable real estate in the city.


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