(William), a learned and philosophical Englishman, was born in Nottinghamshire, educated in Pembroke-hall Cambridge, and in 1642 became rector of Blechingdon of Oxford. In 1660 he proceeded D.D. was afterwards canon of Ely, fellow of the Royal Society, canon of St Paul's, sub-dean of the royal chapel, and sub-almoner to his majesty. He was a very accomplished person, and withal a great virtuoso: and he wonderfully distinguished himself, by making a young gentleman of distinction who was born deaf and dumb to speak. This gentleman's name was Alexander Popham, son of colonel Edward Popham, who was some time an admiral in the service of the long parliament. The cure was performed by him in his house at Blechingdon in 1659; but Popham losing what he had been taught by Holder after he was called home to his friends, was sent to Dr Wallis, who brought him to his speech again. Holder published a book, intitled "the Elements of Speech; an essay of inquiry into the natural Production of Letters: with an appendix concerning persons that are deaf and dumb, 1669," 8vo. In the appendix he relates how soon, and by what methods, he brought Popham to speak. In 1678, he published in 4to "a Supplement to the Philosophical Transactions of July 1670, with some reflections on Dr Wallis's letter there inserted." This was written to claim the glory of having taught Popham to speak, which Wallis in the said letter had claimed to himself; upon which the Doctor soon after published "a Defence of the Royal Society, and the Philosophical Transactions, particularly those of July 1670, in answer to the Cavils of Dr William Holder, 1678," 4to. Holder was skilled in the theory and practice of music, and wrote "A Treatise of the natural Grounds and Principles of Harmony, 1694," 8vo. He wrote also "a Discourse concerning Time, with Application of the natural Day, lunar Month, and solar Year, &c. 1694," 8vo. He died at Amen Corner in London, January 24, 1696-7, and was buried in St Paul's.