Biographical Sketch of

Dr. Solomon R. Holly

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 356 and 357

Surnames: Bebee, Holly, Nichols, Pierce, Tousey, Wilcox

Dr. Solomon R. Holly has been connected not only with the professional 
interests of Green Lake County for many years, but since 1855 has been
prominently identified with the growth, development and progress of 
Princeton and the surrounding country. He is widely known throughout 
the community, and to those who are familiar with his life, it is 
needless to say, is respected and honored by all. When any enterprise 
for public improvement is agitated he gives to it his support, and 
endeavors in all possible ways to aid its promotion. His reputation 
as an early settler is only equalled by that of the physician, for 
he occupies a prominent place among his professional brethren. 

Dr. Holly was born in Erie County, New York, Dec. 15, 1822, and is of 
English descent, the ancestry being traced back through many generations 
to the original founders of the fmaily in America. His parents, Solomon 
and Lucia (Tousey) Holly, were both natives of Connecticut, but for many 
years resided in the empire state, where the father engaged in farming. 
His death occurred in the year 1833, and his remains were interred in 
the cemetery at Boston Corners, Erie County, where by his side, in 1851, 
was laid his loved wife, who had survived him eighteen years. They were 
the parents of eight children, but four of that number are now deceased. 
John, the oldest surviving one, makes his home in Villard, Pope Co., 
Minnesota; Susan is the wife of Nelson Nichols, aresident of Erie County, 
N. Y.; the Doctor is the next younger; and Myron is a resident of Berlin, 
Green Lake County. Mr. Holly was very liberal in his religious opinions, 
and his wife was a follower of Wesley. They reared their children to 
habits of industry, honesty, and uprightness, and they are now respected 
citizens of the several communities in which they reside. 

When a young lad our subject was placed in the district school of the 
neighborhood that he might fit himself by education for some useful 
calling in life, and after there pursuing the elementary studies, 
attended different select schools. He was but eleven years of age at the 
death of his father at which time he went to live with an uncle, John 
Tousey; with whom he resided until reaching manhood. He then started in 
life for himself. That he might earn a livelihood he worke don a farm 
during the summer months, and in the winter season engaged in teaching 
school. He had, however, conceived the ide aof following the medical 
profession, and in his leisure hours devoted himself to the study of 
medical works. As he became more familiar with the different diseases 
and the methods of treating them as taught by some of the most reliable 
physicians, he engaged ot some extent in practice in connection with his 
school duties, until at length, in 1850, he abandoned all other pursuits 
that he might devote hos whole attention to the life work which he had 
chosen. For five years he engage din practice in his native county, when 
he determined to try his fortune in the West. Leaving his old home he 
located in the village of St. Maria, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, where 
he opened an office, requesting the patronage of the public. For two 
years he there made his home, and at the end of that time came to 
Princeton, which was then a mere hamlet. The county then gave but little 
indication of the great progress and growth which has since taken place; 
and in 1861 he returned with his family to the home of his childhood, 
where remained for two years. In the meantime the development of this 
part of the country had been carried forward very rapidly, and by again 
coming to Princeton the doctor believed that he would be more prosperous. 
Since reaching that city in 1863, his residence there has been continuous,
and his history is inseparably connected with that of the city.

Dr. Holly has been thrice married, having twice by the hand of death been 
deprived of a loving wife. In 1845 he was joined in weldock with Ruth L. 
Bebee, but in 1847 that most estimable lady was called to her final rest. 
His second union was celebrated in 1849, when Bethany Pierce became his 
wife. Three children graced their marriage, but the first born died in 
infancy. Clarence L., the second, is now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn.,
and Florence, the youngest, is now deceased. The mother's death occurred 
in Princeton in 1868, and for seven years Dr. Holly was not blessed with 
the companionship of a wife. He was then, in 1875, united in marriage 
with Gertrude Wilcox. This worthy couple now reside in Princeton, where 
they have a pleasant home and many warm friends. The Doctor is a 
Republican in politics, and feels a deep interest in the success and 
welfare of that party. 






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu