James Holman a blacksmith, carpenter, and Civil War veteran, lived a life marked by hard work, family, and community involvement in the hills of Kentucky. Born on August 27, 1844, in Johnson County, Tennessee, to Asa Holman and Myra Bowman, James's life spanned a period of significant change in American history.
At the age of 18, James enlisted in the Union Army in Carter County, Tennessee, on September 24, 1863, during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. He served with Company G of the 12th Regiment Tennessee Cavalry. His military service was complex and marked by periods of desertion and return. Records indicate he deserted from Strawberry Plains on November 19, 1863, and returned voluntarily on January 12, 1864. He later deserted again from Greenville, Tennessee, on November 11, 1864, and returned on February 23, 1865. He received a pardon through a presidential proclamation. Despite these periods of absence, James ultimately returned to duty and was present for his discharge, which was forwarded on July 23, 1865. His records also note a bounty payment of $25 and assistance in clothing or money advanced totaling $82.78. According to his obituary, James served as a messenger and had twelve horses shot out from under him during the war, yet he never received a single wound. These experiences, both the periods of service and the times of absence, undoubtedly shaped his perspective and provided him with stories he would share throughout his life.
After the war, James settled in Powell County, Kentucky, where he became a respected member of the community. He worked as both a blacksmith and a carpenter, skills that were essential in the rural landscape of the time. An obituary in the Clay City Times fondly recalled a light spring wagon made by James in 1879, a testament to his craftsmanship.
James was married three times. His first marriage was to Rachel Fraley, with whom he had nine children, five daughters and four sons. His second marriage was to Bettie Willis, but they had no children. His third marriage was to Pattie Cecil, who survived him.
James was a dedicated member of Filson Lodge No. 686, F. A. M., for fifty years. The Masonic resolutions passed upon his death described him as an "honest, upright Christian gentleman, a true and worthy brother and well-liked by all who knew him. These resolutions, along with the obituaries published in the Clay City Times, paint a picture of a man who was respected and valued in his community. James Holman passed away at his home in Bowen, Powell County, Kentucky, on March 29, 1924, at the age of 79. His death was attributed to tubercular dysentery. He was laid to rest on March 31, 1924, with Masonic rites at the Frazier Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky. His life, marked by military service, craftsmanship, and community involvement, left a lasting impact on those who knew him.