Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Holmes, Julius S 1848 - 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 4, 2007, 9:41 pm

Author: Portrait & Biographical Album, 1890

JULIUS S. HOLMES. 

Among the prominent citizens of Will County, considerable mention belongs to 
the gentleman whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, and who has been a 
life-long resident of New Lenox Township. In his native place he has acquired 
a reputation for integrity and perseverance, and wherever known is highly 
respected. When still a small child he was orphaned by the death of his 
father, who was a farmer in New Lenox Township. Our subject was therefore 
early thrown upon his own resources, and though at present only in the prime 
of life has by his own efforts made himself independent. To such men as he, 
America owes her high standing among other older countries, and to the efforts 
which such citizens as he have made, Will County may justly attribute the 
development of her limitless resources. The gentleman of whom this sketch is 
written is a son of the late Asher Holmes and his wife, Eliza Ann Elmore. Both 
were born in Sherburne, Chenango County, N. Y., the father on September 28, 
1797, and the mother on September 22, 1805. In their native county they made 
their first home after marriage, subsequently removing to Chautauqua County, 
and in 1832 returning to that in which they were born. In the spring of 1835 
they turned their footsteps westward, and coming to Will County, Ill., made a 
settlement on section 22, New Lenox Township. Here the father was engaged in 
farming until his death, January 24, 1854. The widowed mother continued to 
live on the old homestead until her death, which occurred June 5, 1880. They 
had six children—James E., Myron P., Eliza A., Orsamus, Lydia and Julius S. 
Eliza, who was the wife of Thomas Stolp, died in Nebraska in May, 1873. The 
natal day of our subject was August 30, 1848, and his birthplace the old 
homestead on which he grew to manhood and continued to live until the spring 
of 1890. He was educated in the common schools, and by the use of the means 
which are open to all who desire knowledge, he has added to the knowledge 
obtained at school the broader education which can only be gained by a mature 
mind and a practical application of theories in contact with mankind. After 
having pursued an agricultural life until the date before mentioned, Mr. 
Holmes rented his farm and removed to New Lenox Village. He is now giving his 
attention to the grain trade, his principal place of business being Manhattan, 
although he is also a member of the Chicago Board of Trade. His business 
ability is undisputed, and has been made use of by his fellow-citizens, who 
have called upon him to fill official stations of various natures. The 
marriage of Mr. Holmes was celebrated in New Lenox Township, Januaiy 24, 1871, 
his bride being Miss Sophie, youngest child of Abraham and Jane (Wood) Willis. 
Mrs. Holmes was born in New Jersey, August 14, 1852, but grew to womanhood in 
this county, to which her parents came in 1861. They were natives of the 
Empire State and the parents of nine children. The mother died in Wenona, 
Marshall County, Ill., February 28, 1880; Mr. Willis is yet living. Mrs. 
Holmes possesses an estimable Christian character, and has the knowledge of 
domestic arts and social accomplishments which make her home a happy one and 
give her popularity among her acquaintances. She has borne twelve children, 
named respectively: Raynor E., Arthur W., Laura E., Herbert H., Bessie J., Eva 
M., Mamie E., Ethel J., Mattie A., Olive I., Sophie L. and Julius W. Eva M. 
and Olive I. are deceased. Mr. Holmes has ever taken an active interest in 
politics, and is numbered in the Republican ranks. He has held the office of 
School Trustee for twelve years, and has also been School Director. Both he 
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has 
held the offices of Steward and Trustee, positions of financial importance, 
for which his business talents and deep interest in the work of the church 
well qualified him. 

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890

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