Clay County AlArchives News.....Holmes, Archie First person in Alabama to receive Executive clemency February 26, 1897
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Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 March 7, 2023, 1:37 am

The Alexander City Outlook February 26, 1897
Archie Holmes, a young white man of Clay County, who was convicted of murder in 
the second degree, is the first person to receive Executive clemency under the 
new parole law. The parole law was passed by the last general assembly and is 
thought to be one of the beat measures enacted by that body. It gives the 
governor authority to pardon a convict conditionally. If said convict conducts 
himself properly, the parole is a blessing to him, but if he does not behave 
himself the governor may order his return to prison to serve out his term. 
Archie Holmes is a young man about 26 years of age and is said to be well 
connected in his home county. In the summer of 1893, Holmes brother got into a 
difficulty with another young man, Henry Mann, and when Archie came upon them 
his brother was lying prostrate on the ground and Mann stood over him with a 
heavy hoe raised in the air. To save his brother Archie crabbed an ax, jumped at 
Mann and split his head open, causing almost instant death. At the fall term of 
court of Clay County Holmes was convicted of murder in the second degree and 
sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary. He left a young wife and baby who 
have been supported by relatives since his incarceration. Mrs. Holmes has 
labored unceasingly for the pardon of her husband and succeeded in persuading 
Governor Oates to commute the sentence from ten to four years on account of his 
former good character and his good conduct in prison, Governor Johnston extended 
executive clemency. The Governor's endorsement on the pardon read "Suspend the 
sentence and parole said convict upon condition that he shall return to his home 
and family in Clay County and conduct himself as a peaceable and law-abiding 
citizen. And he is also restored to his political rights". 

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