James Alexander Holden, J.P.
THIS enterprising and popular colonist was born at Walsall, Staffordshire, in April 1835, and after spending some time in America came to South Australia, arriving here in 1854. He entered into business in Adelaide as merchant, coach and saddlers' ironmonger, &c., and in a short time worked up a most profitable and lucrative concern. For some years Mr. Holden has been assisted in the several departments of business by his son; and so extensive are now its relationships in this particular, that the firm of J. A. Holden & Co. may rank as one of the largest establishments in the colonies. Recently, however, Mr. Holden, whose illness has prevented his continuing his place as head of the firm, severed his connection therewith, and the business is now in the hands of his son and partner. Ever since his arrival in the colony Mr. Holden has taken a warm interest in all movements calculated to benefit his fellow men, and by his liberality and disinterestedness has been instrumental in doing much good. The Baptist cause owes much of its success here to his exertions, as he with four others first moved in the matter. He was a Commissioner at the various exhibitions held in London, Paris, Melbourne and Sydney, a position he appeared eminently qualified to fill. He may be regarded as the founder of the Adelaide Chamber of Manufactures, one of the most useful and prosperous of South Australian institutions, and which is doubtless the nucleus from which kindred associations in the sister colonies have sprung. Ill-health alone has been the deterrent to Mr. Holden's bodily activity, and it is much to be regretted that one whose mental capacities still fit him to occupy the highest political or social positions should thus early be compelled to retire from a sphere in which his judicious counsels have long been effective.
