Louis D. Holmes
Louis D. Holmes, the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Traber) Holmes, was born July 24, 1847, one mile north of West Union, Adams County, Ohio. Until he reached his nineteenth year, he resided with his father, attending school and assisting the latter in farming and carrying on a saw mill. He attended school in the old stone schoolhouse in the lower district of West Union. He early displayed a taste for books and learning, and made rapid advances in every study he undertook. In 1866, he left the common schools and entered the Sophomore class at Miami University, from which institution he graduated in 1868. While in the common schools, he commenced the study of engineering and surveying and assisted in laying about the first macadamized road in Adams County built by the county. At the age of sixteen years, he obtained a certificate of equalification as a teacher in the common schools and acted as a County School Examiner when only eighteen years of age.
After his graduation from Miami University, he taught two terms of school at Red Oak, Brown County, Ohio, where he met and became acquainted with Miss Callie Campbell, whom he afterwards married and who was the youngest daughter of the Hon. Alexander Campbell, one of the most prominent citizens of Brown County. Mr. Holmes had determined to study law before he entered Miami University, and conducted his reading with reference to that. In April, 1869, his father moved to Mercer County, Illinois, near Aledo. Here he completed his law studies with the Hon. I. N. Barrett, and was admitted to the bar of Illinois in August, 1871, He begun the practice of his profession at Aledo, and in May, 1872, was married to Miss Callie Campbell, before mentioned. They went to housekeeping in Aledo, and continued their residence there twelve years.
Mr. Holmes was appointed Master in Chancery in Mercer County and held the office three terms. He devoted his whole time, after that, to his profession, but he also found time to interest himself in public affairs. He was identified with the village government and a member of the School Board of Aledo. Under his advice, the whole plan of the management of the public schools was changed and the schools of Aledo were, under such plan, reputed to be the best in the State.
In May, 1884, Mr. Holmes located in Omaha, Nebraska, and engaged in his profession there. His specialties are equity and real estate law. He has published a series of articles on "lis pendens." and another upon "Nebraska Mortgages." He has also published a work on "Real Estate Mortgages and their Foreclosure." Mr. Holmes has four children. Mrs. Holmes possesses an artistic talent and has produced several drawings and paintings of merit. Mr. Holmes and his family are ardent Baptists and have always led in the activities of that church. For two years he was President of the Nebraska Baptist Convention, and also President of the Educational Convention. He is now President of the Omaha Baptists Social Mission and of the Nebraska Children's Home Society, a large and prosperous organization. Mr. Holmes is now in the prime of life and enjoys the promises of many years of activity, which he hopes to spend for the betterment of his fellow men.
A gentleman of high standing, in Mercer County, says of him that he is held in high esteem by the people of Mercer County; that he was a pillar in the Baptist Church and a leader of all church charitable
enterprises. Mr. Holmes was always a student and up-to-date in his practice, zealous to his client and faithful in the discharge of all his duties, officially and otherwise. He held an excellent practice in Mercer County and especially in chancery cases. A friend of his in Omaha says that he is a lawyer of ability and has a reputation as an agreeable and painstaking member of his profession. That he has been engaged in a number of lawsuits of more than ordinary importance. He is a close student of the law and is very much devoted to his profession. Besides this, he has, for years, taken a great interest in philanthropic and humanitarian work, especially in regard to the Children' Home Society of Nebraska, of which he is president. His will, energy, disposition and talents make his a leader in any community in which he makes his home.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900