John James Holliday

For the American Old West gambler and gunfighter, see Doc Holliday.

John James Holliday (18 September 1819, Pike County, Missouri - 18 September 1881, St. Louis, Missouri) His father was a major, who had fought in the War of 1812, and was later commissioned to lay out the seat of Monroe County, Kentucky. John J. Holliday was educated in St. Charles College in St. Charles, Missouri. In 1846 he went to St. Louis, where he became involved in the riverboat business with his uncle, John S. McCune. In 1849 John Holliday and his brother, Sam caught gold fever and made their way to California. He did not return to Missouri rich in gold, but had made money in freighting and merchandising. In 1851 he bought a farm in Lafayette County, Missouri, which later became Higginsville. During the seven years he spent in Lafayette County, he became active in the Whig Party. He served as a member of the county legislature and was a member of the State executive committee of the Whig Party. In 1858 he returned to St. Louis, becoming General Agent of the Wiggins Ferry Company. He left Wiggins in 1863, and became associated with James Collins in the proprietorship and management of the Broadway Foundry. In 1876 he entered real estate as head of the firm Holliday & Bulkley.

Holliday was a member of the school board of St. Louis, and was appointed by Governor Crittenden to serve as St. Louis's coal and oil inspector. His daughter, Nancy married James Hutchenson Wear II, a leading merchant of St. Louis. Holliday is the great-great grandfather of President George H. W. Bush and great-great-great grandfather of President George Walker Bush.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu