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 in Chichester, Sussex, and emigrated with his family to the colony of South Australia in the Trusty, arriving 15 May 1838. 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. Journalism In 1851 he moved into town, and on 17 November started on his career with The Register as one of only three journalists employed there. And when the rush began to the Victorian goldfields, he was the only reporter left in Adelaide.