Henry Holden - Medal of Honor

[Diane Merkel]

One of our English visitors wrote:

"I am researching a book about Private Henry Holden, 'D' Co. 7th Cavalry, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his part in the hill top fight.

"Private Holden originated from England and died there in 1905. I have found his grave, and managed to obtain a copy of his death certificate, which states that he was a pensioner of the United States Army. I wonder if someone could tell me how many years service he would have had to qualify for an army pension and how much that pension may have been back in 1905. As far as I can tell Henry was not married and had no direct next of kin at the time of his death, and I would like to track down his MOH if possible, any suggestions?

"I would be grateful for any help, suggestions, or information of any kind."

This gentleman was kind enough to send me a photo of Holden's grave which I will soon post on the website. Please help him if you can. -- Diane

[Diane Merkel]

Henry Holden's Medal of Honor has been located!

It is in the Freedoms Foundation's Medal of Honor Grove Archives: www.ffvf.org/medalgrove.asp

It is interesting to read about their MOH Grove because it has sections devoted to all of the states. I wonder where they placed the information about a man who was born and buried in England.

If anyone lives near Valley Forge, I would really appreciate getting a photo of Holden's medal and learning what other information they have about him there.

Field trip, anyone?

[fred]

Valley Forge? Nah! It's too cold there!

Holden was also known as James Hurd. He enlisted in Boston on 5Jan1864 in the MA Volunteers & then kicked around a while in various infantry units. On 9Jan72 at 33 years of age, he enlisted again, in Chicago, & was assigned to the 7th Cavalry. He was promoted to CPL shortly after the LBH. At 44, he enlisted in the artillery (this guy had to be a glutton for punishment, let me tell you!) at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. He was awarded the MOH on 5Oct78 for bringing up ammo at the LBH.

He was discharged after an accident in 1882, as a private, for total disability. He resided some time after that at 36 White Hawk Road, Brighton, England His pension was $24 a month beginning in 1882. His first wife died & he re-married in 1894. This widow received a pension of $30 a month starting 25Feb1924, increased to $40 a month on 4Jun1928. She died in 1938.

This is primarily from Ken Hammer's work, NOT modified by Vern Smalley's. Some is from Overfield, some is my own.

Best wishes,
Fred.

[Diane Merkel]

Thanks, Fred. Since the original post of almost a year ago, that information was provided to the questioner. An article about Holden has been published in the LBHA Newsletter, and the Custer Association of Great Britain will soon publish additional information about Henry Holden.

Just out of curiosity, why did you specify that you did not use Smalley's amendments to Hammer? Have you found them questionable?

[fred]

I'm sorry, Diane. I didn't notice the date of the original post; I thought it was new. I guess I never got the "Newsletter" w/ the story on Holden.

I DID use Smalley, just to verify Hammer, Overfield, & my own stuff. It's just that Smalley added or changed nothing, so Hammer's work on Holden seems accurate.

[Diane Merkel]

Thanks for the clarification! I'm enjoying both of Vern's books.

[Diane Merkel]

Has anyone found a photograph of Henry Holden?

[schrack]

I have visited several times as my home is a short distance. I will make it a point to get out there in the next week or so. Last time I was there I stumbled on a tour Bus with twenty five or so M.O.H. men on there way to a gathering at Independence Hall, Philadelphia , Pa. I quickly met and got the autograph of Col. Bill Lawley, Jim Fleming and Walt Ehlers.

Doug