Windham

HOLTON, Joel Huntington

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 204-206 
(portrait p 206)

Joel Huntington HOLTON, of Burlington [Chittenden County, Vermont], was born 
15 November 1841 in Westminster [Windham County, Vermont], son of Erastus and 
Alexander and Hannah BRAINARD (MAY) HOLTON. He is a direct descendant of 
Kenelm, brother of Gov. Edward WINSLOW of the old Plymouth colony. Mr. 
HOLTON obtained his education in the schools of Westminster and the academies 
of Barre [Washington County] and West Brattleboro [Windham County]. In 1857 
he commenced to learn the trade of a silver plater and continued in this 
employment for five years, when prompted by his patriotic impulses he 
enlisted, 18 August 1862, as a private in Company I, Twelfth Vermont 
Regiment, in which organization he was promoted to sergeant and served until 
the regiment was mustered out 14 July 1863.

After his return from the army he was employed as clerk in a hardware store 
at St. Albans [Franklin County, Vermont]; he then purchased a half interest 
in a plating and saddlery concern a Derby Line [Orleans County, Vermont]. In 
1871 he removed to Burlington, where he formed a copartnership to do a 
wholesale and retail trade in hardware, saddlery and builders' supplies. He 
shortly became sole proprietor in the wholesale department, and is now the 
most extensive hardware dealer in Vermont. Democrat; he has taken an active 
part in city and state politics; has been the incumbent of many important 
offices; was elected alderman from a strong Republican ward of the city; 
nominated for mayor in opposition to the Hon. U. A. WOODBURY.

Is commander of Stannard Post No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, and is much 
interested in G. A. R. work. United with the Congregational church of 
Burlington, and is now serving his second term as a member of its prudential 
committee. On 29 October 1863 Mr. [Joel Huntington] HOLTON married Emma J., 
daughter of Sylvester and Amanda (FARNAM) DIGGINS of Westminster, who died 16 
June 1881. Three children were the fruit of their union: Frank E. 
(deceased), Harry Sylvester, and Susie May. On 25 June 1883 Mr. [Joel 
Huntington] HOLTON was again united in marriage, to Kate E., daughter of 
Thomas W. and Rebecca (RICHARDSON) WILEY of Wesminster [Windham County, 
Vermont].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly