John Holland

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• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-350209

Notes:

JOHN HOLLAND, HEAD OF LOCAL BAND, DIES SUDDENLY OF STROKE

Seized At His Home While Listening To Ferguson Meeting At Toronto Over Radio; Led Band 20 Years

Seized with a stroke while talking with an inspector from the head offices of the liquor control board at his home 454 Dover street, Preston, last night, John Holland, manager of the local liquor store and for 20 years bandmaster of the Preston silver band, died at his home shortly after. He was in his 53 year. The late Mr. Holland had not been in good health for about two years, but after completing his days work at the store he returned home accompanied by his guest and "Gunner " Arnott, son-in-law. Together the faintly ate a hearty dinner and later were listening to the Ferguson reception as broadcast by radio, it was then that death overtook him. A resident of Preston for the last quarter of a century, the late Mr. Holland came here as a bandsman, one of the best euphonium players England ever had, and after five years residence took over the leadership of the silver band. He came to Canada from Darwen, Lancashire, England. The late Mr. Holland was also adept at playing the cornet. Under his careful guidance the band here made rapid progress, attaining a high place in the musical world. Its head had been a man who trained under the baton of one of Britain's most outstanding leaders, William Williams of Belfast, Ireland. Connections of this kind aided Mr. Holland greatly in getting engagements and his work prior to coming here was mostly solo playing. He had eight years experience in leading musical organizations in the old country. When Mr. Holland assumed charge of the silver band in 1909, there were but 14 members in its ranks. Steadily the number increased and soon listed 40. The Great War thinned the ranks considerably, 28 members answering the call for service. About 30 are now active. Early in March ill health compelled Mr. Holland to tender his resignation, but on persuasion of the excecutive, he consented to train the band until a successor could be named. Several men have since been under his guidance. Born at Bury, Lancashire, England. Mr. Holland from his boyhood took an interest in music. In religion he was a devout member of the Anglican church and upon coming her joined St. John's of which Rev. Mr. Herbert is rector. He married Mrs. Holland at Darwen. Of this union two daughters and one son were born. They are Mrs. Lionel (Margaret) Arnott of Preston, Mrs. Earl (Martha) Jacques of Preaton and Albertt of Galt. Three brothers, John, Thomas and Harry of Preston, and one sister, Mrs. J. A. Pretwell, Toronto and his wife, also survive. The late master was a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from his late residence to St. John's church where services will be held. Interment will follow later in Preston cemetery.

The Daily Record 20 Sep 1929 pg 3

John married Nellie Thompson Darwen, , Lancashire, England. Nellie was born 1876, , England; died 10 Sep 1958, Belleville, Hastings Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried 12 Sep 1958, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Margaret Holland
2. Albert Holland
3. Martha Holland was born 10 Mar 1907, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.