HOLT, GEORGE IRVING (1831 - 1891)
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National Archives Pension RecordsGeorge Holt: Reason for Pension - Rheumatism and Catarrh
Description: Heighth-5'6 1'4" Complexion- Light Eyes-Blue, Hair- Light
Occupation: Painter
Service: Enrolled Nov. 20, 1862 and discharged May 29, 1865. Was present during that period except as follows:
Oct 31, 1864 at remount camp to Dec. 31, 64
Dec 1, 1864- Feb 28, 1865- Sick at Annapolis Junction MD
Santa Cruz Surf (October 15, 1884)
George I Holt in digging a grave at the cemetery this week narrowly escaped being buried alive. He had completed his work but having left his spade at the bottom of the excavation, jumped in after it, when a slide took place that nearly covered him. It would have been impossible for him to extricate himself but for the fact of his having his spade with him.
Santa Cruz Surf (January 31, 1891)
George I Holt died in his room on Vine Street Friday afternoon. He was born in Melrose, Massachusetts sixty years ago. In 1854 he came to California, locating in San Francisco. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the famous California Hundred, which was attached to the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, and was with the armies of the Potomac and Shenandoah. He fought in many engagements, serving until the war closed, and escaping without a wound.
His Captain said that George was a brave soldier and a desperate fighter, and never shirked his duty. The following is a copy of his honorable discharge from service:
General Headquarters
State of California
Adjutant General Office
Sacramento, January 25, 1885
To all whom it may concern: This is to certify that George I Holt, private of Captain J.S. Reed's Company California Hundred Regiment of California Volunteers, who was duly mustered into the service on the 25th day of November, A.D. 1862, to serve three years, was honorably discharged from the service of the United States on the 10th day of June, A.D. 1865, at Annapolis Junction, Md. by reason of expiration of term of service as appears on record in this office.
Witness my hand and seal of my office, the day and year first above written.
Geo. B. Cosby Adjutant-General California
He came to Santa Cruz about twenty years ago. [In company with Otis A. Longley, where he has lived ever since]. For a number of years he was the Sexton of I.O.O.F. Cemetery. He was a Past Noble Grand of Branciforte lodge, I.O.O.F. and had served as Quartermaster W.H.L. Wallace Post, G.A.R.
Lately he had been employed at the Opera House as janitor, and occasionally took part in plays. When the Greimer Davies Co. recently appeared at the theatre George took part in a scene wherein soldiers appeared as a rescuing party, and the way he handled his gun showed that the lessons he had learned during the war had not been forgotten.
The survivors of the California Hundred have in late years had their ranks considerably thinned. We are informed that of the original number less than twenty are left. They served with credit to our State and honor to themselves. The funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. by the I.O.O.F and G.A.R. Post.
Santa Cruz Sentinel (Janurary 31, 1891)
His Life Battle Ended
George I Holt died in his room on Vine street Friday afternoon. He was born in Melrose Massachusetts sixty years ago. In 1854 he came to California, locating in San Francisco. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the famous California Hundred, which was attached to the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, and was with the armies of the Potomac and Shenandoah. He fought in many engagements, serving until the war closed, and escaping without a wound.
His Captain said that George was a brave soldier and a desperate fighter and never shirked his duty.
He came to Santa Cruz about twenty years ago. For a number of years he was the Sexton of I.O.O.F. Cemetery. He was a Past Noble Grand of Branciforte Lodge, I.O.O.F., and had served as Quartermaster of W.H.L. Wallace Post, G.A.R. Lately he had been employed at the Opera House as janitor and occasionally took part in plays. When the Grismer-Davies Co. recently appeared at the theater George took part in a scene wherein soldiers appeared as a rescuing party, and the way he handled his gun showed that the lessons he had learned during the war had not been forgotten.
The survivors of the California Hundred have in late years had their ranks considerably thinned. We are informed that of the original number less than twenty are left. They served with credit to our State and honor to themselves.
Santa Cruz Sentinel (February 2, 1891)
The funeral of the late George I. Holt Sunday afternoon was largely attended. The I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. turning out strong. The remains were interred in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Among the floral pieces was one from the survivors of the California Hundred. Before the casket was lowered, Abram Loane of San Francisco, who fought side by side with the old veteran, took his Grand Army badge from his coat and put in on the casket as a tribute from a comrade.
Date of Birth: 1831-01-03
Date of Death: 1891-01-30
County: Santa Cruz
Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz Memorial Park
Plot: B51
Occupation: Janitor
Local Address: Vine St
Last City: Santa Cruz
Native of: MA
Enlisted: 1862/11/25
Discharged: 1865/06/10
Military Unit: MA_ 2 Cav_ Co A
Rank: Pvt
Military Notes: R-SFCal_P_ M/O-Anpls MD
GAR#: W32
Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records
CW Reference: WHL 1886 Roster