About Mother Louise

The Holland Family History

The first known ancestor of the Holland Family is Jamison Holland who lived in Calvert County, Maryland.  He was born in the early -  1800's.  There were stories that Jamison was an African.  Jamison lived during the 19th Century, at a time when Blacks were still enslaved in Maryland.  On March 2, 1807, the law prohibiting the African slave trade was passed in this country.  However, the domestic slave trade in Maryland was very well developed, whites could no longer purchase slaves from Africa, but they were allowed to purchase slaves from other states within the United States.

November 1, 1864, Maryland slaves were emancipated by the State Constitution of 1864.  We can safely assume that Jamison Holland was either born a slave or brought here from Africa during the African slave trade and was given the name of his master.  The name Holland appears in Ireland, Nova Scotia, England, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.  Its spelling may vary ( i.e. Hollen, Hallon, Holhane, Holigan, Houlihan, Houlahan, etc.).  The European Hollands migrated to this country in the 15th and 17th Century.  A museum in London has a Holland Crest on display the Holland family is related to the Royal family.

Jamison married Louisa Wilberly (a.o. Wilburn) who was also from Calvert County, Maryland.  They raised 12 children (Quinton, Marion, Buddy, Willie, Alice, Henry, Nellie, Florence, Joseph and James Holland).  Joseph was born just after slavery ended in Maryland around 1879, and we know how difficult a that time was.

Joseph married Annie Wills on December 27, 1905, in Calvert County, Maryland.  They raised 12 children (Ralph, Sonny, Marie, Edward, Roche, Tom, Annie, Dorothy, Norman, Frances, Jake and Louise)  until Annie's untimely death in 1932, leaving Joseph with 12 children, and three were under the age of 10 years old.  The older siblings, Tom and Marie, stepped up to care for their younger siblings.

The way of life in Calvert County during the 19th Century was farming and raising livestock.  Tobacco and corn were the major crops grown during that time.  Joseph learned to raise horses, cows, pigs, turkeys, and chickens from his father, Jamison.  Joseph also grew corn, tobacco, sweet potatoes, white potatoes and other vegetables.  He obviously learned well because he was able to turn his skills in horse trading, raising cows, and pigs into a lucrative business.  Joseph owned and operated his own sawmill during a very difficult time in the history of Maryland.  The sawmill was a very profitable business venture.  He was able to loan Zed Smith some money, but Zed was not able to pay him back.  So Joseph offered to purchase about 1000 acres of land from Zed for $7000 on Pushaw Station Road.  He paid this debt off in the 1940s.  He also purchased the Carter Farm, but turned it over to the Herbert family later.

Joseph Holland was illiterate, unable to read, write, or even sign his name.  However, as a result of his entrepreneurial spirit, he was a good business man and able to accumulate wealth beyond what many of us acquired today.  May God bless is memory.

About Louise Holland

Louise (Lousa) Holland, daughter of the late Joseph Holland and Annie Wills Holland was born on March 25, 1928 in Paris, Maryland.  

Louise attended public schools in Calvert County.  As a youth, working alongside her father and older siblings, Louise was exposed to entrepreneurial ship, farming, hard work and a good work ethic early in life-all of which had a positive impact on her life and provided the tools to withstand any situation she encountered.  As a mother/homemaker you would often find Louise working in the fields and gardening to provide for her family.  Once her children grew older, she entered the workforce holding many jobs during her lifetime, including those of custodian, cook, maid and private caregiver.  In 1987 she retired from the Pentagon in Washington, DC, after 15 years of federal government service but continued to work in her community, church and home another 15 years.

Louise was very active in her church, Mt. Hope United Methodist, for more than 65 years.  She held many positions, including custodian, treasurer and trustee.  She served on the finance committee, usher board, senior choir, United Methodist Women Council and Board of Child Care.  At the annual Board of Child Care Salad Fest and Fashion Show you could always count on Louise to strut down the runway as she loved to model and was highly favored by all in attendance.  She would always tell her grandchildren "Make sure you make time for the Lord".  

Louise loved to pick kale, visit and talk with family and friends and travel.  She had an ability to make anyone laugh.  There was nothing shy about Louise.  She could befriend a stranger.  Shopping and patronizing yard sales was two other hobbies she loved.  In March 2009, Louise was honored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Gray Ray Post #220, Sixes Road, Maryland in recognition and sincere appreciation for 27 years of outstanding service and assistance which contributed to the advancement of the Legions programs.

In 1946, Louise married Thomas Harding Morsell.  From this union 13 children were born, 7 daughters, Sharlyn, Judy, Linda, Angela, Allison, (2 deceased - oldest Marilyn and youngest Renee) and ; 6 sons, Thomas, Ronnie, Rickie, Lionel, Kelvin, Craig, 

As of 2010, Louise and Thomas union also brought about 15 grandchildren and 13 great grand children. All of whom, along with 10 children are heirs of the land her dad owned, known today as Pushaw Station Road, Trouble Lane and Dorothy Drive.