"James T. HOLT is a native of Sangamon Co, Ill., born December 13, 1833, his parents being Jabu and Zillah (KELLEY) Holt, natives of Virginia and North Carolina respectively.

The father was born in 1800, was a farmer and a good mechanic, but never followed the latter occupation. When a child he was taken by his uncle to Illinois, and was there when the Indians were still in that State.

He was married in Illinois, and remained there until 1845, when he moved to Polk Co, Mo., and here both father and mother passed their last days. The former died Jan 5, 1856, and the latter, who was born in 1807, died in 1847.

When a young man the father joined a surveying party that came to Missouri, and surveyed the place where Boonville now stands. He could tell many interesting anecdotes of camp life, and while in Illinois detailed many times to do duty as a soldier against the Indians. He and Abraham LINCOLN were the best of friends, although they differed in politics.

To Mr. and Mr. HOLT were born nine children, five now living: Annie, Mary, Elizabeth (wife of Dr. E. A. ARNOLD, a practicing physician of Cass County, Mo.), James T. and George W., who is now farming in Missouri, and who was in the Confederate service during the late war, participating in many battles.

James T. HOLT, when young, had a great desire to roam abroad, but none of this was apparent while his father lived. In 1853 he was seized with the gold fever excitement, and crossed the plains to the gold regions, with an ox team, being four months making the trip. On his return he took the Panama route, and reached home with considerable money.

May 18, 1862, he married the daughter of John D. COMBS, Amanda Jane, who was born in Madison County, Ark., December 22, 1837. Nine children were born to this marriage, seven now living: William W., Joseph Lee, John D., Edna (deceased), Harry N., Charley H., James E., Zilla Ann (deceased) and Amanda E.

March 27, 1862 Mr. HOLT moved from Missouri to Madison Co, Ark., and the year previous to this he was in the first company of the First Missouri State Militia, that was ordered out by Gov. JACKSON, and served six months. At the expiration of that time he came to Arkansas with Gen. PRICE, and had forty three wagons under his care. He brought wagons to Arkansas, and at the time of the battle of Pea Ridge, although it was not his place, he took a gun and participated in that battle.

He then left the army, started for home, but soon after joined a company organized at Berryville, Carroll Co., Ark., HEAD'S Battalion but after the Prairie Grove battle he was connected with Col. HILL'S regiment for the next year, when he was transferred in Gen. HILL'S cavalry, and was first lieutenant most of the time.

He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Wilson's Creek, Dry Wood, siege of Lexington, Jenkins' Ferry, and many skirmishes. He was wounded in the left shoulder at Prairie Grove and was taken prisoner three times, but never retained very long, as he always managed to escape.

The war left him without means, and a wife an two children to take care of. He then engaged in farming, and is now the owner of a well-located and well improved farm. He is Democratic in his political views and is a good citizen. (Goodspeeds History of NW AR…)