Holehouse was born on July 5, 1836, in
Stalybridge, England. His father, Joseph Holehouse (1814–1875), brought the family over to Wisconsin, purchasing land there in 1848. Joseph William married Wilhelmina Bridget "Millie" Larkins (1848–1925). They would have seven children. Holehouse died on March 13, 1900, in
West Bend, Wisconsin. ==Career==