Holden, P. G. (Perry Greeley), 1865-1959

Agronomist and director of the agricultural extension department of the International Harvester Company.

From the description of Perry Greeley Holden scrapbook, 1944. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34420602

Agriculturalist. Holden, a native of Minnesota, received his M.S. (1895) from Michigan Agricultural College, and until 1901, was at the University of Illinois as the first Professor of Agronomy in the U.S. From 1901-1902 he was manager of Funk Bros. Seed Co., purveyors of hybrid seed. In 1902 he started at Iowa State University as the Vice-Dean of Agriculture (1902-1905), and the first Director of Extension (1905-1911). He established demonstration farms throughout Iowa counties, and instituted "corn gospel trains" which promoted the growth of hybrid corn.

In 1912 Holden ran in the Republican primaries for governor, but was defeated. He then became the Agricultural Extension Director with International Harvester in Michigan. He worked, persuading American farmers to diversify and engage in scientific agriculture. He retired in 1932, and assisted his wife with her egg business.

From the description of Papers, 1892-1967. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 39200761