Welcome to Eaton County Michigan
HOLMES, Jonathan Jonathan Holmes, Postmaster at Grand Ledge, Eston County, whose sketch now claims attention, is one of tho most popular and highly esteemed gentlemen in the place, performing faithfully every duty that falls to him. He is a son of Joseph, and Minerva (Carlisle) Holmes, and was born in Clermont County. Ohio, April 27, 1843. His father was a harness-maker in early life, but on account of failing health, engaged in agricultural pursuits, which ho followed until his death. When our subject was four years old his parents removed to Farmington, Oakland County, this state, and there engaged in farming. Our subject remained upon the farm until nineteen years of age, and upon the breaking out of the Civil War enlisted in Company K, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics Corps, their duty being to carry tools with which, to construct and destroy works. The laying of a pontoon bridge was attended with much danger, as the rebels would be on one side of the river opposing, and the Yankees behind protecting, thus leaving litem between two fires. Mr. Holmes enlisted August 14, 1863, for three years and was honorably discharged in November, 1865. He was appointed to be Corporal in Jane, 1864, and Orderly Sergeant the following July, with which rank be was discharged. His first work as a soldier was at Elk River, Tenn., and the following winter his company aided in building the railroad northwest of Nashville, to the Tennessee River. They then went to Chattanooga and built all the block houses on to Atlanta. They aided in destroying that city and then joined Sherman in his march to the sea, their duty being to lay the pontoon bridges and destroy the roads behind the army. This required a great deal of night work and exposure in the water. They anticipated in several fights on the march, and it was Mr. Holmes that set fire to the magazine captured from the Confederates at Columbia, S. C. At Raleigh, N. C, they encamped a short time and then marched on to Richmond, from there to Washington and took part in tho Grand Review. After that event our subject took the cars to Louisville and went into camp with his company. From that city they went to Nashville, where they were discharged and were mustered out at Jackson, this State. At the muster out our subject was the highest officer present in command of the company and as such turned over the company's stores. Upon returning to civil life Mr. Holmes engaged as clerk for B. T. Esler, of Grand Ledge for whom he worked five years. In September, 1870, he engaged in the grocery business on his own account. In April, 1871. he was elected Township Clerk and the following August received the appointment of Postmaster. With the exception of three years during Cleveland's administration, he has occupied that office ever since, which in itself is sufficient proof of his work as an official. March 11, 1867, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with Mary M. Davis, of Amherst, Mass., but at the time our subject formed her acquaintance she was engaged as a teacher of Latin in a select school, known as Oakland Institute. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two children, Joseph S. H. and Clifford D. The former is now a student in the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and is preparing himself to be a civil and mechanical engineer. The younger is attending the Union School at Grand Ledge, Mr. Holmes is Express Agent at this place and also Manager of the telephone office. In politics he has done his share, always working for his party and serving as delegate to conventions, both Congressional and Stale, and has always been an unfaltering Republican. Shiftily he is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias, the lndependent Order of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of Honor and the Grand Army of the Republic, in the latter of which he has served for the last four years as Commander. He has never been a member of any church organization, but was for years a Trustee in the Congregational Church, and whs also a member of the choir. As Postmaster Mr. Holmes is found to be the right man in the right place. He is courteous, gentlemanly and considerate in his dealings with all, and is among our finest citizens.
