Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Holderman, Abraham 1822 - 
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Author: Bio/Gen Record LaSalle/Grundy 1900

Abraham Holderman

One of the pioneers of Grundy county, Abraham Holderman was for many years 
connected with the interests of this section of the state, and at all times 
bore his part in the work of progress, improvement and advancement.  He also 
met with success in his business undertakings and became one of the extensive 
land-owners of the community.  In all life’s relations he commanded the 
respect of those with whom he was associated and no history of the 
agricultural interests of Grundy county would be complete without the record 
of his life.

He was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 22, 1822, and was a son of Abraham 
and Charlotte (O’Neal) Holderman.  His father was a Pennsylvania Dutchman and 
his mother of Irish lineage.  The former was born in Chester county, 
Pennsylvania, and when eighteen years of age removed to Ross county, Ohio, 
where he was married.  Seven sons and seven daughters were born of this union, 
and eleven of the family grew to years of maturity, while ten of the number 
were married and reared families of their own.  The father was a prosperous 
man who extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising in Ohio, but, 
desiring to try his fortune in a district farther west, he came to Illinois on 
a prospecting tour in July, 1831.  Selecting land in this state, he then 
returned to Ohio and in the fall of 1831 brought his family to Illinois, 
settling at what is now known as Holderman’s Grove.  This was a year before 
the Black Hawk war.  When the Indians began hostilities against the white 
people, in order that his family might escape the danger which threatened them 
he hastened with them to Ottawa and on to Pekin, Illinois, where he remained 
till peace was once more restored.  In August, 1832, they returned to their 
home in La Salle county, and through the exercise of his excellent business 
ability and unflagging industry he became a large landholder.  He followed 
farming and stock-raising throughout his entire life and was one of the worthy 
pioneer settlers who aided in laying the foundations for the present 
prosperity in Grundy county.  He was a well-known citizen, greatly respected 
by his many friends.

Abraham Holderman, whose name introduces this review, was only nine years of 
age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, where he was reared amid the 
wild scenes of the frontier, enduring the usual hardships and trials which 
fall to the lot of the pioneer settlers.  During his boyhood he assisted in 
the many arduous task of the development of the new farm and when twenty-three 
years of age he began farming on his own account.  At that time his father 
gave him a plow and harness and the use of all the land he could work, with 
the admonition, “Earn your own money and you will know how to prize it; but if 
you want any help at any time come to me.”  Borrowing seven hundred dollars of 
William Hoge, afterward his father-in-law, Mr. Holderman joined his brother 
Barton in the operation of a farm of two hundred and forty acres in the town 
of Felix – property owned by the father.  At the end of two years the brothers 
divided the profits, and Mr. Holderman, of this review, found himself in 
possession of eighteen hundred dollars.  He was then married, on the 4th of 
May, 1847, to Miss Mary E. Hoge, daughter of William and Rachel Hoge.  She was 
born in Loudoun county, Virginia, August 17, 1827, and with her parents came 
to Grundy county in the fall of 1831.  She was to her husband a faithful 
companion and helpmeet and their home was brightened and blessed by the 
presence of five children, namely:  A. J., Albert H., Martha J., Landy S. and 
Samuel D.

In 1849 Mr. Holderman removed to Errienna township, Grundy county, locating 
upon a quarter section of land which he had purchased at three dollars per 
acre.  He at once began to develop and cultivate his tract and soon 
transformed it into rich and fertile fields.  He also carried on stock-raising 
and was very prosperous in his undertakings, winning a high degree of 
success.  From year to year, as his financial resources increased, he added to 
his possessions until he became one of the largest landholders in the state.  
He also continued stock-raising on an extensive scale and was recognized as 
one of the leading representatives in these lines of business in central 
Illinois.  His business methods were so honorable that he enjoyed the 
confidence and good will of all, and the most envious could not grudge him his 
success, so worthily had it been acquired.

Mr. Holderman exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and 
measures of the Republican party, but took no active part in political affairs 
aside from holding a few minor offices, the most important of which was that 
of town supervisor.  He preferred to devote his energies to the business which 
fully occupied his time and to which he gave his attention up to the time of 
his death.  His demise was the result of an accident, being thrown from a 
buggy and so injured that he died November 27, 1887.  He was hospitable and 
social by nature, progressive as a citizen, liberal in support of all measures 
for the public good and was uniformly respected.  His widow still survives him 
and at this writing is residing on the old homestead – an estimable lady whose 
many excellent qualities obtained her a large circle of friends.

Additional Comments:
Source:  Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle and Grundy Counties 
Illinois, Volume 11, Chicago, 1900, pages 462-428

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