110 Holder Street. Note the old stone wall and massive cedar tree trunk prefacing the residence built by James Holder.
Seeing past rotting siding, poison ivy growing into cabinets, standing water in the basement, and overgrown yard were the bones of a house with real history. We found home on Holder Street in Milton (formerly Holder’s Street adjacent Holder’s Alley). Discoveries have revealed it may have been built by 1799, its earliest inhabitants; the Holder family.
Beneath the updated Greek-Revival exterior revealed a Federal porch, deeper discovery found Georgian dormers and inside was the original Hall-and-Parlor. Uncovering 8 layers of flooring exposed original heart-of-pine floors upstairs and hardwood floors in the kitchen. Scorched brick chimneys, doweled beams, outbuilding foundations, and plaster gave us clues to the past. We have spent countless hours reclaiming and preserving the house and discovering its history.
Major James Holder an unsung historical resident of Milton payed taxes by 1803 (Richmond-District) and was recorded “of Milton” in 1805 While owning one of the first businesses; a Saddlery on Main Street Lot #8 (Broad Street) he married Sally (Sarah) ‘Suckey” Johnston (01/17/1805) having at least 5 recorded children; Samuel. B. Holder (b.@1809-), Susan (Holder) Huntington (Martin P. Huntington), Sarah P. (Holder) Hines (Benjamin Hines), Mary Holder and Melinda Holder. Unmarried Samuel had no recorded children, daughter Sarah had son Samuel Holder Hines recorded as one of The Immortal 600 (Co. I-NC 45th Infantry captured at Spotsylvania 05/10/1864) who heroically died while saving lives at the Spotswood Hotel Fire (12/25/1870), and daughter Fannie Hines who married Otto Salzman ( National Registry) who was brought to Milton from Switzerland as a jeweler by Samuel B. Holder.
James Holder an apparent wealthy businessman with many working his saddle shop bought and sold numerous Milton and NC, VA properties.. James Holder also listed as cotton manufacturer, was politically involved on the legal committee to expand Milton (1818), board member for the Milton Female Academy (1818), sold shares for the Milton Toll Bridge (1822), trustee for the Milton Male Academy (1823), signed the petition allowing Thomas Day’s wife Aquilla Wilson Day legal travel into NC (1830) sold shares for the Milton and Salisbury Rail Company (1835). Son Samuel was heavily involved in Milton; a dry-goods merchant, banker and worked on behalf of the Milton Blues. Recorded masons James Holder, son Samuel B Holder were in Golden Fleece Lodge and grandson Samuel Holder Hines in Old Dominion Lodge no. 4.
Captain James Holder served his country in the War of 1812 in the 5th regiment (Atkinson’s) of the NC Militia he resigned as a major and titled in the New Yorker (newspaper) as Major General upon his death in 1836. His death appeared sudden and he died intestate at the age of 62.
The house almost disappeared as James Holder was almost forgotten. Almost, but we live in the space so many feet have trod with respect, remembrance, harmony, and happiness. We strive to learn all we can about this home, the man James Holder and family, the amazing historic town of Milton and Caswell County, lending our history to this home.
