William Holden

William Holden (7 April 1808 – 11 October 1897) was a journalist with the South Australian Register, noted for his breadth of knowledge and diverse interests, and remembered as the "Riddler" in The Observer. He retired as the longest-serving and oldest journalist in Australia.

Early life Holden was born on 7 April 1808

From 1841 to 1851 the Holden family lived at Hope Valley, where he opened a butcher's shop and store. The name "Hope Valley" was coined by him when, after fire destroyed his home, he felt optimistic rather than despondent.

Later years and death He sustained a severe shaking one Sunday night in 1896 when he was knocked down by a horse-drawn carriage in the city whilst crossing from The Register office to catch the tramcar home. He eventually recovered sufficiently to go out of doors, and though he never returned to his desk at The Register office, he insisted on contributing his literary work from his residence at North Adelaide.

He died peacefully at home some six months short of his 90th birthday, They lived at 109 Jeffcott Street until 1881, then 67 Barton Terrace, North Adelaide.