Biographical and Historical Memiors of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulker, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas" published in 1889

Dr. J. C. [Joshua Caliph] Holiman has attained to [sic] deserved prominence and fame as a physician of Hot Springs Township. He was the third son of a family of five children born to Cornelius and Elizabeth (Plyer) Holiman, both natives of South Carolina, his birth occurring in South Carolina on February 3, 1823. His father Cornelius Holiman, born in 1792, was educated in the common schools of South Carolina, and followed farming as an occupation, during his life. He was married in 1813 and was the father for five children: Elijah A, Uriah H, J. C., Mary (the widow of Jacob Sowels), Sarah (now deceased).

Mr. Holiman emigrated from South Carolina in 1840 and settled in Alabama, where he entered a quarter section of land on which he lived until his death in 1862. He was in the War of 1812, and was an ardent member of the Methodist Church until 1843, when he united with the Baptist Church. His wife was a native of South Caolina and was a member of the Baptist Church. She died in 1843. Dr. J. C. Holiman remained upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age when he sold out and commenced attending medical lectures, entering in 1852 the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, under Preceptor Sulivan of North Carolina, and a graduate of this university. Dr. Holiman took one course there and then practiced a few years, after which he again entered college and graduated at Tuscaloosa, Ala. Following this he practiced in Carroll County, Miss., in 1853, after which he removed to Fayette County, Ala, where he continued similarly occupied for twelve years.

Dr. Holiman was married in Mississippi, in 1845, to Rachael A. Martin, a daughter of John Martin of Choctaw County, that state. They became the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living: S. S. B., William W., Cornelius, Joshua C., Fannie B. (the wife of Shelby J. Johnston), Sarah E. (wife of Leroy Clonenger), Emma N. (now Mrs. Barnett), Joshanna, Fredonia A. (now deceased), Nancy E., Martha, Vida Erse and James W. In 1867 Dr. Holiman emigrated from Mississippi to Arkansas, where he bought 314 acres of land, 240 of which are in this county [Garland], and seventy-four in Magnet Cove, Hot Spring County.

There are seventy-four acres under cultivation and twenty-five acres of fine orchard. The Doctor also owns one of the finest cotton-gins in the state, as well as saw, grist, and shingle mills located in Hot Spring County. He lost all his property during the war and what he now has is a result of active energy and industry since that time. His farm is well-improved and has good buildings upon it. His practice nets him a comfortable income, and he well deserves the position to which he has risen. He has, however, been retired from active practice since 1868, having turned his attention principally to farming and fruit growing. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and belongs to the Church of Christ.