HOLMES, REV. OTIS HALBERT

HOLMES, MCCORD, HASKELL

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/22/2004 at 14:18:32

Biography reproduced from page 635 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

The impression much too common has existed that the clergy has little to do with temporal affairs, but the broad-minded man of the present day recognizes the fact that life means opportunity and that the faithful performance of every duty constitutes the best preparation for the life to come. Believing that the obligations of every individual are manifold in his relations to his chosen life work, to his home, to society and to the country at large, Rev. Otis Halbert Holmes has labored diligently to meet each obligation and his work ha proven an influential and potential force for advancement and progress in Iowa. He was born in Washington county, this state, October 6, 1869, a son of Thomas Halbert and Elizabeth (McCord) Holmes. He pursued his more classical education in the University of Kansas and his theological course in the Chicago Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. In that year he was called to the pastorate of the Congregational church in Cresco, Iowa, where he remained until 1901, when he came to Algona as pastor of the Congregational church of this city. Here he has since continued and his labors, covering eleven years, have been a potent influence in the moral progress not only of his immediate congregation but of the community at large. He is a thoughtful, earnest, logical and convincing speaker, endeavoring to bring people to an understanding of the fact that each day holds its opportunities. As an integral factor in society he owes thereto certain obligations, not the least of which is an active interest in citizenship. Studying closely the vital questions and issues of the day, Mr. Holmes has allied himself with the republican party and in 1906 was elected to represent Kossuth county in the state legislature, where he proved so able a member that he was reelected in 1908, serving for two full terms and through one extra session. It was he who nominated Senator Dollivar for the United States senate in 1906. He was connected with much important litigation and was the author of the parole and indeterminate sentence law regarding prisoners in Iowa penal institutions. He was also chairman of the pardons and penitentiary committee during both sessions in which he served in the legislature.

On the 9th of June, 1886, the Reverend Holmes was married, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Miss May Haskell, a daughter of Congressman D. C. Haskell, of Kansas. Her father was one of the leading men of Kansas Haskell Institute, the largest Indian school in the world, situated at Lawrence and named in his honor. To Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have been born a daughter and son: Lulu Haskell, born August 16, 1899, in Cresco, Iowa; and Otis Halbert, born February 22, 1902. The scope of Mr. Holmes’ usefulness and activity is constantly broadening as study, investigation, experience and sympathy give him a clear insight into life and its problems, and he has made valuable contribution to the world’s work.