Legislator Details

Image of John  Willard Holmes
Image Description:
John W. Holmes, portrait from Nimmo, p.60

John Willard Holmes
AKA:
Number of sessions served 3
Gender: Male
Age at election: 60

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 1/21/1840
City: Spring Water, NY
County: Livingston, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 1/31/1923
City: Spring Arbor, MI
County: Jackson County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 2/3/1923
City: Alma, MI
County: Gratiot County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Riverside Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Eva E. Ayers, dau. of Albert I and Harriet Ayres, 12/24/1874, in Baldwin, Jackson Co., MI; children: 4, Lena, Milton A., John W. and Bessie [or Elizabeth] L. (Fowler)

Number of Children: 4


Background

Religion: Methodist Episcopal
Military Service: United States Army
Occupation: merchant, businessman, farmer
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
primary schools of Livington Co., NY; graduated from high school in Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., MI

Biographical Sketch:
Of English and French ancestry. Son of Milton and Maria (Chesbro) Holmes. He came to Hillsdale Co., MI in 1858. In 1861, he enlisted in the 7th Mich. Vol. Infantry, serving until honorably discharged due to physical disability. He taught school in Hillsdale and Jackson counties for 10 years, then engaged in mercantile business in Mosherville and Horton until 1884. He then moved to Remus, MI and operated a general store for 1 year. He then moved to Alma where he engaged in mercantile business and farming. After 3 years he sold the latter business and founded his agricultural machinery and carriage depository. He was treasurer and president of the Board of Education of Alma for several years and served twice as Mayor of that city. He was living with his daughter, Bessie, in Spring Arbor, MI in 1920.

Notable Facts:
month/day of death unknown;


Sessions Served:

Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Home for the Feeble Minded, Labor , Liquor Traffic
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Alma
County of Residence Gratiot
District: Gratiot
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/8/1904
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1905
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Liquor Traffic
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Industrial Home for Girls , Liquor Traffic , University , Village Corporations
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Alma
County of Residence Gratiot
District: Gratiot
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/4/1902
Date Sworn In: 1/7/1903
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes: Chair of the Committee on the Industrial Home for Girls
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Local Taxation , Mines and Minerals , Public Lands
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Alma
County of Residence Gratiot
District: Gratiot
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/6/1900
Date Sworn In: 1/2/1901
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

Nimmo p.60, includes portrait; MILegHdbk 1903 p.59; MIBiog 1:410; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Find-a-Grave.com; USCen 1900, 1920; MIDeathRec 1867-1952; Beers (Gr) p.263-65