John Greenwood Holden, of Holden Hall and Palace House near Burnley in Lancashire, was the son of Henry Greenwood of Burnley, and Betty Holden. He succeeded his father in 1781. He married, 13 October 1821, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Aspinall, of Reedly House, Burnley. He was a Justice of the Peace for Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire. After his death, his widow assumed the name and arms of Holden alone for herself and her children by Royal Licence 28 July 1840. His eldest son was Colonel Henry Holden of the 13th Light Dragoons.