Arrived 1855, farmed at Aldinga, then went to the diggings. Samuel & Jane lived at Torrensdale near Mt Gambier, SA.
They had the first Methodist Church South of the Murray built at the gate to their farm in 1862. This was built by Thomas ATKIN, husband of Emma Featherstone BARROWS. Thomas' first wife was Mary HOLDING, Sam's sister.
The Border Watch 29th December 1906
One of the pioneer farmers of Mount Gambier West died on Monday last. We refer to Mr. Samuel Holding, sen. The deceased who had reached the mature age of 81 years, had for a considerable time been in weak health, and passed away quietly on Monday.
Mr. Holding was born on December 28 1825, at Helpston, Northampstonshire, England, and arrived at Adelaide, a young man of 30 years in 1855. He took a farm at Aldinga but soon gave it up, and went to the Bendigo gold diggings in Victoria. He was not successful in his search for fortune there, however, and after about a year he returned to South Australia. Subsequent to his return he for 18 months drove a team of horses from the Burra Burra mines to Adelaide, between which places there was at the time a large traffic, and succeeded satisfactorily.
In 1860 he married Miss Bell, at Trinity Church, Adelaide, and soon afterwards came to Mount Gambier and settled at Torrensdale, where he continued to reside for 40 years.
He was successful in his agricultural operations, but the discovery and opening of his building stone quarries (limestone) 30 years ago proved a greater source of income than the ordinary produce of the farm.
The deceased was for many years a trustee of the Methodist Church at Torrensdale. He was also at one time a member of the Mount Gambier West District Council.
He paid three visits to his native land, his last trip being six years ago. When he returned he relinquished his farm to his sons George and Fergus, and took a house in Rosaville, where he lived till his death.
The deceased was much esteemed in his relations of life by those with whom he had any dealings. He leaves a widow and five sons and four daughters, namely Messrs John, Samuel and Oliver Holding, of Katanning, W. A. , and G and F Holding of Torrensdale, Mount Gambier, and Mesdames A. Hoglin and F. F. Crosby, who reside at Katanning, W. A. and Mrs W, Williamson of Kaniva, Vic., and Mrs G. Edlington, of Wandilo.
The funeral was held on Christmas Day, and was largely attended.The Rev. W. B. Mather conducted the last services at the graveside.