Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Holmes, James E 1827 - 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 6, 2007, 2:49 pm

Author: Portrait & Bios Album, 1890

JAMES E. HOLMES. In speaking of the public-spirited citizens of New Lenox 
Township, the life and labors of this gentleman should by no means be omitted. 
He is the owner and occupant of an estate on section 22, which forms a home of 
comfort and good taste, such as might well satisfy any but the most ambitious 
of men. The farm comprises one hundred and forty fertile acres on which 
excellent buildings have been erected and other appropriate improvements made, 
and the agricultural labor to which Mr. Holmes has given his attention for 
over forty years, is conducted according to the most improved efforts. Nearly 
the entire life of this gentleman has been spent in this county, to which he 
came with his parents in his eighth year. The history of his progenitors may 
be found in the sketch of J. S. Holmes, which occupies another page in this 
Album. The gentleman of whom we write was the first born in a family of six 
children. His natal day was June 25, 1827, and his birthplace in Chautauqua 
County, N. Y. His parents becoming early settlers of Will County, Ill., he 
grew to manhood in New Lenox Township, which he has made his home from 
boyhood. After passing his school days he followed carpentering and 
blacksmithing for seventeen years, having a general repair shop. The most of 
the time he carried on this work on his farm although for a time his shop was 
in Spencer. About 1865, he abandoned the trades and gave his attention 
exclusively to farm labors for his personal avocation. On December, 18, 1850, 
in New Lenox Township, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with Miss Susan S. 
Elsworth, who survived only until April 15, 1853. She bore two children—Levi 
A., who died when about twelve years old, and Rosetta J., who died in infancy. 
Mr. Holmes contracted a second matrimonial alliance January 8, 1854, the 
ceremony being performed at Mokena, and the bride being Miss Mary E. Stiffler. 
This lady was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 29, 1838, being the only 
child of Jacob and Cynthia (Anway) Stiffler. Her father died in the Buckeye 
State about 1840, and the mother still lives. Mrs. Holmes possesses a large 
amount of intelligence, pleasing manners, and a noble Christian character, and 
the duties which devolve upon her as wife, mother and neighbor are cheerfully 
and carefully performed. She has borne her husband four children: Rosella, who 
died in infancy; Delia J., wife of Isaac M. Gillett, Jr.; William R.; and 
George E. The ability of Mr. Holmes and his excellent character are recognized 
by his fellow-men who have desired his services in various positions of local 
trust. He has served as Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner, and School 
Director, serving ten years as an incumbent of the last position. He was 
Postmaster at Spencer from 1856 until the spring of 1889, continuously. His 
political adherence is given to the Democratic party. Mrs. Holmes is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which her husband also attends.

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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