Biography of J. D. Holmes of Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan Copyright (c) 1998 by Jill Olmack. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Biography of J. D. Holmes - extracted from The History of the Lake Huron Shore- Illustrated 1883 J. D. Holmes, of Alpena, Mich., was born in Dresden, Lapeer County, Mich., May 28, 1848. He is the son of Enos B. and Martha (Clark) Holmes. His father was a farmer, who, in 1850 removed to Milford, Oakland County; and ten years later moved to the city of Pontiac, for the purpose of educating his children. There, while attending school, Judson Holmes enlisted June 19, 1861, in Company F, Fifth Michigan Infantry. In September, 1861, he was mustered into service for three years, as Corporal of the same company. He served with his regiment in Peninsula campaign, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Oaks, Charles City, Cross Roads, Malvern Hill and Pittsburg Landing. July 19, 1863, on account of disability from ill-health, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; and September 1st, was appointed second sergeant of Company D, Third Battalion. September 6, 1864, he was discharged from service. He was at that time offered a second lieutenancy in a colored regiment but declined to accept it. On his return he entered the high school at Pontiac, and, with the exception of two Winters spent teaching, remained a pupil there until 1867. In that year he began the study of law in the office of C. & C. Draper, and served at the same time as treasurer and constable of the Fourth Ward of Pontiac. In September, 1868, he was admitted to the bar, and in July, 1869, permanently located at Alpena Mich. Here he entered into partnership with Hon. J. B. Tuttle, now circuit judge. In 1871 and 1872, he was city attorney of Alpena City, and circuit court commissioner of the county. In 1873 and 1874 he was prosecuting attorney for the county, and was actively engaged in prosecuting liquor dealers for violating the Prohibitory law of the State. Mr. Holmes has been an efficient worker in the Republican party. He was a delegate to the Republican State Convention in 1876, from Alpena County, and prominently mentioned in 1877 as the Republican nominee for office of circuit judge of the Twenty-third Judicial Circuit. He has been chief patriarch of Thunder Bay Encampment, No. 87, of Odd Fellows. He united with the Baptists at Milford, in 1858, and is now a working member of the Baptist Church at Alpena. He was a delegate from the Young Men's Christian Association Pontiac, to their International Convention held at Detroit, in 1868. And one of the delegates from the Alpena Association to the International Convention held at Washington, in 1871. December 9, 1874, Mr. Holmes married Minnie 0. Persons, eldest daughter of Captain A. E. and Susan D. Persons. Mrs. Holmes belongs to of the pioneer families of Alpena. By industry and close attention to business, Mr. Holmes has built up a fine practice, which is constantly increasing. He has established a reputation for honesty and upright professional dealing, second to none in the vicinity in which he resides.