John Holmes
JOHN HOLMES Bucyrus: is a native of Holmes Co., Ohio where his birth occurred April 21, 1822. His parents Jacob and Margaret (Orr) Holmes, were sober and intelligent people, and both were natives of the Keystone State. A few years after their birth and previous to the war of 1812, they were taken by their respective parents to Harrison Co., Ohio, where they were raised and where they were subsequently married, soon after their marriage in 1821, they removed to Holmes Co., and, after remaining there about two years, left and located in Richland Co. Here they followed the not unusual occupation of farming until 1833, at which time they came to Crawford Co., locating on what is now known as the Stewart farm in Jackson Township. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living. The mother died about a year after coming to the county, but the father is yet spared and has reached the unusual age of 95 years. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served his country with distinction. He became thoroughly familiar with all the details and perplexities of pioneer life, and a complete record of his eventful days would be well worthy of perusal. His son, the subject of this sketch. Was reared on the farm receiving but limited early education. At the age of 16, he was apprenticed to a carpenter and after learning that trade, followed it to it greater or less extent for about fifteen years. When the last war broke out and the Government began buying horses for its cavalry. Mr. Holmes, who was a good judge of horses, bought large numbers. over a range of several counties, and then sold them to the various Quartermasters of the army who were authorized to purchase. In this manner a profit of several thousand dollars was realized in a short time. After the war he kept a hotel for a short time, at Leesville, Crawford Co., and a few years later served its Superintendent of the Count Infirmary. Subsequently he resided two years in Crestline, where he kept a livery stable. His thorough knowledge of "horse flesh" has to some extent, shaped his life-labors. Himself and family are at present residing in Bucyrus. He was married to Miss Mary J. Morrow Nov. 2, 1854. This lady is a native of Crawford Co., her birth occurring Aug. 24, 1834. She is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Seanor) Morrow. natives of Westmoreland Co., Penn., where they were married and resided until 1833, when they came to Crawford Co., locating in Jackson Township. They were the parents of fifteen children, and eleven are yet living. The mother died in 1872. and the father two years later. Mr. Morrow was a stone-cutter and a mason and followed these occupations throughout life. A family of four children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes. Mary E. and William W. are living and Ella Beatrice and Oliver H. are dead. "Lizzie " and "Willie" have been educated at the country schools, where their parents formerly resided, at the Crestline schools and finally at the fine schools in Bucyrus. They are both living with their parents at the county seat.
From History of Crawford County and Ohio by Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881