Union County, Ohio Biographies Project - O. W. Holland
O. W. HOLLAND, T. F. A. of the N. Y., P. & O. R. R
O. W. Holland, of Richwood, was born in Richland County, Ohio,
June 15, 1844, and is a son of Richard and Eliza (Flynn) Holland,
natives of Philadelphia, Penn., the former of English and the latter of
Irish descent. Our subject received an academic education in his
native State, and early chose the occupation of a telegraph
operator. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Second Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in 1863 on account of
disability. On his return to civil life, he obtained a situation
as clerk in the post office at Mansfield, and one year later returned
to Richwood and resumed his old occupation of operator. He was
subsequently appointed as ticket agent and has worked in the office at
Richwood for sixteen years. In 1882, he was appointed traveling
freight agent for the western division of his road, and is now serving
in that capacity. He is a Republican in politics, and was a
member of the electoral commission for the election of President
Garfield. He has served as a Councilman and member of the Board
of Education of Richwood. In 1867, he married Mary E. Searles, a
native of Connecticut, and a daughter of W. H. Searles, of Marion,
Ohio. They have had one child that died in infancy.