N. J. Levinson

“ In everyone's heart there is implanted a love for his birthplace. It does not grow cold. It can never die. Frederick Holman first saw the light of day seventy-five years ago near the Pacific Ocean within what is now the state of Washington. Then it was part of Oregon territory. Here his infancy was rocked. Boyhood, youth, and manhood were lived in Portland. It was my good fortune to make Fred's acquaintance soon after I came to Portland, forty-nine years ago. ”

“ Gentle rain in winter and cloud-protected sunshine in summer contribute toward peace of mind. All of us are close neighbors to the great outdoors. No one could be more sensitive to our incomparable environment and genial climate than Holman was. Their benign influence enriched his life.
Since Oregon in 1845 became indissolubly a part of the Union, many native sons have reached distinction. Call the roll. Among the living can you point to one who is more distinguished than Frederick Holman? ”

“ Holman was born for leadership. He was under fifty years of age when contemporaneously he served as president of the Oregon Pioneer society, the Oregon Bar association and the Oregon Historical society. It is worth recording that he also had been president of the University club, the Arlington club, the Portland Rose society and the Lang Syne society. Some types of men in high positions are merely ornamental. Holman had distinct talent and the desire and the will to perform pertinent duties efficiently. ”

“ His finer spiritual traits of character were known to only a small circle of intimate relatives and friends. Lacking the opportunity to lavish such love as a gentleman gives to worthy wife and children, he spent his love on his native state eagerly and constantly. ”

“ Editorial Writer, Portland Telegram
How far should a man go when request comes to write an estimate of a friend who recently lay down to his long sleep? I put the inquiry to myself a few days ago when Professor Young asked me to express formally in print my opinion of the late Frederick V. Holman, former president of the Oregon Historical Society. ”

“ It was also my good fortune early to know many leading pioneers. It happened that as news correspondent I attended the second annual meeting of the Pioneer society, held at Salem. This is neither the time nor the place to write a long list of well-known names, but to illustrate a point I am trying to make, I select three giant intellects—Harvey Scott, the great editor ”