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Joseph Mills Holaday

1847 - 1927

J. M. Holaday Dies at His Home
Well Known Citizen Dies Unexpectedly

J. M. Holaday Passes Away After Brief Illness Since Monday of Bronchitis
Suffered Broke Hip Last Winter, But Recovered From Injury

J. M. Holaday, well and widely known over Hamilton county, died unexpectedly at 12:45 o'clock this afternoon at his home at 814 Boone street. He was 80 years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Holaday moved to Webster City from Stratford 22 years ago when Mr. Holaday was elected county superintendent of schools. He filled this place well and ably for two years. Prior to that the family had lived in Stratford, where Mr. Holaday was superintendent of schools for six years. Due to Mr. Holaday's public service, as well as that of Mrs. Holaday, who served as county recorder, the family is known generally over Hamilton county.

Following Mr. Holaday's term as county superintendent he taught school for several years at Klemme, but always kept his home in this city.

Hurt Last Winter

On Jan. 22, last, he fell and broke his hip. He was at the hospital for many weeks, but finally made a full and complete recovery. While troubled more or less for years with rheumatism, he was quite well all summer and was up and around most of the time. In fact he seemed in his usual health but last Monday began to complain of bronchial trouble. Yesterday a physician was called. He sank rapidly, however, though none suspected his condition was serious until this morning. Last Oct 24, Mr. Holaday celebrated his eightieth birthday.

The Family

Besides his wife, four children survive. They are: Dr. S. E. Holaday, of Mason City; O. S. Holaday, of Cherokee; Mrs. M. L. Gilmore, who lives southeast of this city, and Miss Mable, who is teaching in Minneapolis. The latter, with her mother, was with Mr. Holaday when he died, Mrs. Gilmore having been there but had returned home just shortly before his death.

Mr. Holaday had been a life long member of the Methodist church. In both his private and his official life he had served the community well. His standards of life were high and his influence always for the best. In his passing the city and community have lost a man whose life was very much worth while and to the sorrowing widow and children the sympathy of all who know them is extended.

source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, 28 Dec 1927, page 1, column 1

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