AUSTIN J. HOLIDAY. This prominent business man is residing in luka, where he is engaged in the milling business, being part owner of the luka Roller Mills. He was born in Marion County, March 16, 1867, and is the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Allen) Holiday, natives of North Carolina and Illinois respectively.
Joshua Holiday was born March 20, 1816, and was a lad of eight years when he was deprived of the care of his father. Soon thereafter he accompanied his mother and the remainder of the family on their removal to Orange County, Ind., where he attended school for a short time. He had to work very hard and aid his mother in the support of the family, but being industrious and economical he soon accumulated considerable property, which rendered them comfortable.
In religious connections he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a number of years was Class-leader. He held the offices of School Director and Highway Commissioner, and in politics was a stanch Republican.
When in his twenty-fourth year Joshua Holiday married Miss Nancy Montgomery, by whom he became the father of seven children.
Three years after her decease he chose as his second companion Miss Elizabeth Allen, and to them were born six children, of whom one died when young. Those living besides our subject are:
Mrs. Elizabeth (Allen) Holiday was born in 1828 in this state, and resided with her parents until her marriage. She is still living, making her home with her sons, who operate the homestead.
Austin J. Holiday received his early education in the common schools of his district, after which he attended the high school in Salem. Later he became a student in the college of Fairfield, Wayne County, and after completing his education he entered the business world and engaged in mercantile pursuits in partnership with B. N. Beaver. Two years later Mr. Holiday purchased his partner's interest in the establishment, but in 1893, disposing of the entire stock, engaged in the milling business, and now owns an interest in the luka Roller Mills. The company is doing a prosperous business, making shipments of the product of their mills to the neighboring towns and villages.
Although a very busy man, Mr. Holiday has found time to hold office, and has served as School Director, Assessor and Collector of his township. He is now Supervisor, and in politics is a stanch Republican. In 1892 he was the candidate of that party for the office of Circuit Clerk, but was defeated, though by only a small majority.
Religiously he adheres to the Cumberland Presbyterian faith.
He makes his home in Iuka, where he ranks among the prosperous business men of the place, and as a young man of ability and push we bespeak for him a bright future.
May 1, 1894, A. J. Holiday was united in marriage with Miss Etha M. Cotter, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Fyke, of luka. Mrs. Holiday is a lady of culture and charming manners, and is highly esteemed by all who know her.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 506 & 509
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer