Author: Holland, John
Biography:
HOLLAND, John (1794-1872: ODNB)
A native of Sheffield, Holland was a productive and respected citizen there for all but a year of his working life. His parents were Elizabeth (Cox) and John Holland; he was born on 14 Mar. 1794 and baptised on 30 Mar. at the Cathedral church of St. Peter and St. Paul. He was brought up to his father’s trade as a maker of optical instruments, but left it for a career in writing and journalism, encouraged by the editor of the Sheffield Iris, James Montgomery (q.v.). Like Montgomery, he worshipped outside the established church: he attended the Wesleyan Chapel and was active in the Sunday School movement. And like Montgomery, he found an outlet and a regular income as a newspaper editor. He took over the Iris from his friend in 1825 and remained in that post until 1832, when he left to take on the editorship of the Newcastle Courant. He soon returned to Sheffield as editor of the Sheffield Mercury from 1833 to 1848. Holland never married but pursued his interests in social progress, history, science, and industry. He contributed with Montgomery to the anti-slavery collection The Negro’s Friend (1826) and wrote for various newspapers and annuals. He also published biographical memoirs (including an edition of Montgomery’s writings in seven volumes, 1854-6); studies in local history and topography; a history of fossil fuels (2nd edn. 1841); and a Treatise on the manufacture of objects in metal (1831-49). In recognition of his services, in 1870 ten gentlemen of Sheffield subscribed to provide him with an annuity of £100. He died at his home, The Mount, in Sheffield, on 28 Dec. 1872, leaving an estate of under £1000. (ODNB 4 Oct. 2022; findmypast.com 4 Oct. 2022)