Holland, Elmer J.

Elmer J. Holland was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on January 8, 1894, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Keelan) Holland. He was educated in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Duquesne University, and the University of Montpelier, France, and a graduate of the Civil Affairs School (United States Army), University of Pittsburgh, and the American School Center in Shriverham, England. He served in World War I in the American Expeditionary Forces and graduated from Saumur Artillery School, France, as lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He also served in World War II as a major in the Allied Military Government in European Theater of Operations; past commander, Post 435, Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of the American Legion. He was married to the former Emily J. Wilson, of Pittsburgh and had two daughters, Janie and Christin. Holland was a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the House of Representatives (1934-1942) and served as the superintendent of highways and sewers in Pittsburgh, Pa., during part of this time (1940-1942). Holland was elected as a Democrat to the 77th U.S. House of Representatives to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Joseph A. McArdle; he served from May 19, 1942, to January 3, 1943, and was not a candidate for renomination in 1942. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate (1943-1956) and then was elected to the 84th U.S. Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Representative Vera Buchanan. He was reelected to the 85th and the five succeeding Congresses, serving from January 24, 1956 until his death in Annapolis, Md., on August 9, 1968. He is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.