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West Virginia and Regional History Center
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[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt Family Papers, A&M 4218, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Dr. Matthew S. Holt
Dr. Matthew S. Holt, Jr. (1850-1939) was born in Gilmer County, Virginia (now West Virginia), in July 1850 to parents, Matthew S. Holt, Sr. and Abagail C. (Bennett) Holt.
He was a respected physician, horse breeder, and a controversial political figure. Dr. Holt was a self-proclaimed socialist, atheist, and pacifist. His outspoken opposition to America's involvement in World War I brought much criticism and physical attacks against his family and himself, but Dr. Holt held firm to his views.
Dr. Holt married Chihela Dew in 1895, and they raised six children including Andrew E. Holt and Rush D. Holt, Sr.
Chihela (Dew) Holt (1871-1949) was the first female graduate of Salem College and later taught in a business school. She later opened her own grocery store next to the family home in Weston, West Virginia.
Dr. Holt died in Weston, West Virginia, on March 31, 1939.
Andrew E. Holt
Andrew E. Holt (1901-1976) was born in Weston, West Virginia, on September 21, 1901 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt, Jr. and Chihela (Dew) Holt.
He worked as a retail merchant in the grocery industry. He was also involved with the Blown Glassware and Holt Plant Companies in Weston, West Virginia.
Andrew Holt died in Weston, West Virginia in June 1976.
Ralph K. Chase
Ralph K. Chase (1901-1948) was born on July 14, 1901 in Schenectady, New York. He was the son of Robert C. B. Chase and Louise S. Chase.
He pursued legal education and became a practicing attorney in New York State before moving to Washington, D. C. to take a government-related position in the 1930s. It is likely during this time that Ralph Chase met his future wife, Jane H. Holt, younger sister to Senator Rush D. Holt of West Virginia.
Ralph Chase died in Arlington, Virginia, on July 31, 1949.
Helen Jane Holt Seale
Helen Jane Holt Seale (1945-2008) was born on September 7, 1945 in Weston, West Virginia, to parents Rush D. Holt, Sr. and Helen Louise (Froelich) Holt.
In 1963, she obtained a degree from Greenbrier College in Lewisburg, West Virginia. During this time, Helen Jane Holt also traveled to numerous locations both in the United States and abroad including Washington, D.C., Florida, North Carolina, Norway, and Denmark, among others.
In 1967, Helen Jane Holt was married in New Orleans, Louisiana; however, no information is available about her husband.
Helen Jane Holt Seale died on October 28, 2008.
Sources:
A&M 4218, Rush Dew Holt Family Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.
Ancestry Library. West Virginia University, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2017.
Papers of the Rush Dew Holt family relating to Matthew S. Holt, Andrew E. Holt, Ralph K. Chase, and Helen Jane (Holt) Seale. The collection includes correspondence, publications, photographs, and clippings, among other material that documents the personal and business activities of the Holt family.
Series 1. Dr. Matthew S. Holt Papers; 1837-1943
Includes correspondence, books, photographs, and miscellaneous writings and publications collected by Dr. Matthew S. Holt, father of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. Topics represented by Dr. Matthew S. Holt's papers include horse breeding; local, state, and national politics; the Socialist Party of West Virginia; and the practice of medicine. There are also medical account books; an account book for the Weston Republican, ca.1879-1880; and two daybooks for the Weston Republican, 1881-1893.
Series 2. Andrew E. Holt Papers; 1926-1958
Includes personal and business papers and correspondence retained by Andrew E. Holt, brother to Rush D. Holt, Sr. The personal and business papers describe Andrew E. Holt's involvement with the Blown Glassware and Holt Plant Companies in Weston, West Virginia, in addition to his legal actions relating to the case of Holt v. WMMN radio station, a complaint against J. P. Councill Company, and the divorce proceedings between Andrew E. Holt and Alice Holt.
Series 3. Ralph K. Chase Papers; 1918-1947
Includes personal and business papers, educational material, and correspondence, among other material retained by Ralph K. Chase, brother-in-law to Rush D. Holt.
Series 4. Helen Jane (Holt) Seale Papers; ca. 1930-2008
Includes correspondence, educational material, travel material, and other miscellaneous personal papers and ephemera retained by Helen Jane (Holt) Seale, daughter of Rush D. Holt, Sr.
Series 5. Mixed; ca. 1820-2013 and undated
Because of multiple addenda and our desire to retain original order, not all material pertaining to the Rush D. Holt, Sr. Family Papers was able to be separated into distinct series. In addition, it was not always possible to determine a single person to which the material should be assigned. Therefore, this series contains material pertaining to Matthew S. Holt, Andrew E. Holt, Ralph K. Chase, and Helen Jane (Holt) Seale, in addition to the Froelich family. Also included is mixed material pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr., Jr., and Helen F. Holt.
This collection is one of five (see also A&M 0873, 1858, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A&M 873 and A&M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A&M 1858.
In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A&M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A&M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A&M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.
Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.
For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia & Regional History Center.
0873, 1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4386
One postcard, showing North View of New State Capitol Building, Charleston, W. Va., ca. 1951, separated to Postcard Collection, A&M 3960.
Includes correspondence, books, photographs, and miscellaneous writings and publications collected by Dr. Matthew S. Holt, father of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. Topics represented by Dr. Matthew S. Holt's papers include horse breeding; local, state, and national politics; the Socialist Party of West Virginia; and the practice of medicine. There are also medical account books; an account book for the Weston Republican , ca.1879-1880; and two daybooks for the Weston Republican , 1881-1893.
The correspondence is composed of letters to and from Dr. Matthew S. Holt discussing both business and personal matters. Included within this correspondence is a letter to President Warren G. Harding (located in box 2, folder 3).
The books, which reflect Dr. Matthew S. Holt's occupation as a physician and personal interests, include account books, day books, and pedigree horse books which are also interleaved with related photographs.
Miscellaneous writings and publications are composed mostly of original poetry by Dr. Matthew S. Holt, but also include other collected writings and printed material relevant to Dr. Matthew Holt's interests.
Other material of note includes: Dr. Matthew S. Holt's debate with West Virginia Senator Chilton regarding America's Preparedness which is exemplified by letters authored by Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Senator Chilton printed in a newspaper editorial (located in box 32, folder 6); Holt family genealogical material (located in box 40, folder 10); and a Gilmer County, West Virginia, court summons signed by Dr. Matthew S. Holt as a witness (located in box 27, folder 8).
Includes personal and business papers and correspondence retained by Andrew E. Holt, brother to Rush D. Holt, Sr. The personal and business papers describe Andrew E. Holt's involvement with the Blown Glassware and Holt Plant Companies in Weston, West Virginia, in addition to his legal actions relating to the case of Holt v. WMMN radio station, a complaint against J. P. Councill Company, and the divorce proceedings between Andrew E. Holt and Alice Holt.
Correspondence is comprised mostly of letters relating to Andrew E. Holt's business interactions with the Buckeye Incubator Company (Springfield, Ohio), the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (Charleston, West Virginia), and the Ponder Plant Company (Omega, Georgia), among others. Also included is correspondence with United States Senators sent directly from Andrew E. Holt or in care of his brother, Rush D. Holt, Sr.
Includes personal and business papers, educational material, and correspondence, among other material retained by Ralph K. Chase, brother-in-law to Rush D. Holt.
Personal papers include notepads and bound notebooks concerning subjects relating to law. The business records include daily reports and legal papers describing different cases. Also included are: Ralph K. Chase's reading files (correspondence, memos, and reports); and material relating to the United States Maritime Commission (records, reports, and contracts).
Educational material includes notes and typed and written documents exemplifying Ralph K. Chase's coursework (notes, essays, etc.) in Law and English, among others.
Correspondence includes letters to and from Ralph K. Chase relating to business interactions with, but not limited to, insurance companies and other lawyers in New York. Also included is personal correspondence with family and friends.
Other material of note includes: certificates presented to Ralph K. Chase for his dedication to law including the certificate acknowledging that he could practice law in New York State (located in box 9, folder 6), certificates of appreciation recognizing Ralph K. Chase's involvement in the United States' Selective Service System (located in box 9, folder 6), and educational certificates including a "college entrance diploma in science" for the University of the State of New York (located in box 9, folder 6).
Includes correspondence, educational material, travel material, and other miscellaneous personal papers and ephemera retained by Helen Jane (Holt) Seale, daughter of Rush D. Holt, Sr.
Correspondence includes letters, postcards, and greeting cards to and from Helen Jane (Holt) Seale and her family. Occasions include holidays, get well, celebrations, and general, among others.
Educational material consists of Bible and Sunday school material including activity sheets and religious publications; grade and secondary school material including subject handbooks, notes, and certificates of completion; and college material including a copy of the 1956-57 Greenbrier College catalog, copies of the college newsletter, Brier-Bits , and Helen Jane Holt Seale's diploma from Greenbrier College, among other material.
Travel material includes menus, postcards, pamphlets, and other printed ephemera gathered from trips in the United States (Florida, North Carolina, etc.) and to other countries (Norway, Denmark, etc.).
Miscellaneous personal papers include photographs; miscellaneous material such as scrapbook pages, newspaper clippings, etc.; material from Helen Jane (Holt) Seale's wedding; and assorted ephemera including tickets and other Washington, D.C.-related items from the 1961 presidential inaugural parade; among other material.
Also included in this series is material relating to Helen Jane (Holt) Seale's Death.
Because of multiple addenda and our desire to retain original order not all material pertaining to the Rush D. Holt, Sr. Family Papers was able to be separated into distinct series. In addition, it was not always possible to determine a single person to which the material should be assigned. Therefore, this series contains material pertaining to Matthew S. Holt, Andrew E. Holt, Ralph K. Chase, and Helen Jane (Holt) Seale, in addition to the Froelich family. Also included is mixed material pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr., Jr., and Helen F. Holt.
Includes biographical sketches of Senator Rush D. Holt, Helen Louise (Froelich) Holt and Rush D. Holt, Jr.; a Froelich family history (1966); and a 1932 Illinois farm lease listing Helen Louise (Froelich) Holt's father, W. E. Froelich, as the agent (copy); among other material.
Includes original and photocopied newspaper clippings addressing topics such as politics including Rush D. Holt, Sr.'s and Rush D. Holt, Jr.'s careers and Senator Robert C. Byrd's death; family events such as Helen Jane (Holt) Seale's wedding and Rush D. Holt Sr.'s death; and miscellaneous topics such as historic places and events, family members and friends, and subjects of personal interest; among other topics.
Includes letters and cards sent by the Holt family to each other and to other individuals concerning personal and business activities. In addition to the family members, individuals who corresponded with the Holts include J. M. Bennett, David Goff, and George W. Jackson, among others. A notable piece of correspondence is a Civil War letter from Confederate soldier J. B. Mairecolas (located in box 38, folder 6).
Includes pictures of members of the Holt family including Rush D. Holt, Sr. and Helen Louise (Froelich) Holt; pictures of the 1945 VJ (Victory in Japan) Day celebration held in San Francisco, California; and pictures of United States presidents including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. Also included is a picture of Helen Louise (Froelich) Holt with former West Virginia Secretary of State, Natalie Tennent.
Researchers may access born digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Photograph captions include: 4218_002: "baby Margaret Abigail Holt with 4 generations of mothers" GENERAL INFO for folder containing 004-009 + 013: "Holt family pictures. Dr. M.S. Holt born July 28th, 1850, died March 31st, 1939 and children Many pictures of Mother (Margaret Abigail Holt) (1896-1986 and Grandfather Mathew Samuel Holt (1850-1939)" 4128_004: "Holt home, store, and Dr. Holt's office (upstairs over store). Grandfathr Holt raised horses and some were used for harness racing." 4128_005: "Mathew Samuel Holt circa 1870s" 4128_005: "Dr. Mathew Samuel Holt, b July 30, 1850 died March 1939, picture probably early 1900s. (Original picture scratched and discolored". This photo has possibly been touched up? 4128_007: "Dr. M.S. Holt (about) 1870s" 4128_008: "seated Jane, Lelah, "Dr. Margaret . Standing Rsh, Andrew, Charles, Matt" 4128_009: "Dr. M.S. Holt and his sister, Laura Holt Doyle" 4218_010: "Grandfather Holt was an agnostic, not an atheist. Being a man of science, he probably was suspicious o f'preachers' who peddled what he considered nonsense or worse, untruths." 4218_013: "Rush Holt + brothers 1934 (c483). L to R: Rush, Andrew, Charles, Mathew Holt in Holt Library, Main Street. Weston, WV"
Includes publications collected by members of the Holt family including books, pamphlets, scrapbooks, programs, certificates, and other miscellaneous printed items.
Items of note include an issue of Social Justice with a headline about the United States' entering World War II (located in box 19) and a copy of War Twixt God and the Devil by Dr. Matthew S. Holt (located in box 18, folder 4).
Includes assorted material relating to the Holt family including personal and business records and notes, correspondence, photographs, newspaper mats and clippings, genealogical material, miscellaneous printed material, and ephemera, among other material.
Material of note includes records from the Weston Cash Grocery (located in box 14, folders 3 and 4) which was opened by Chilela (Dew) Holt, mother to Rush D. Holt, Sr.; and newspaper mats and plates that were used for Rush D. Holt, Sr.'s campaign (located in box 21, folders 3 to 6); and metal license plates that were used for campaign advertising (located in box 21, folder 2).