William C. Holmes

HOLMES, HILL, ABERNATHY, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Lisa Smith-Pedersen (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 20:33:07

W. C. Holmes
(From the Bloomfield Democrat)

William C. Holmes, one the foremost citizens of Roscoe township, died at his home near the eastern border of the township, Tuesday, June 28, death resulting from a complication of diseases. He was 69 years, 9 months, and 13 days old. Mr. Holmes had been in poor health for some time but his condition did not reach a serious stage until a few weeks ago, since which time he has gradually weakened until the peaceful end Tuesday.

Sketch Of His Life

William C. Holmes was a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred near Fayette, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1834. When but two years of age he moved with his parents to Rush county, Indiana, where they remained until he was twelve years old when they returned to the state of Ohio, where he grew to young manhood and was educated in the district schools. In 1857 his parents came west and located in Van Buren county, Iowa, south of Keosauqua. The trip was made by wagon to Springfield, Illinois, from whence they came by rail over the old Springfield and Alton R. R. to Alton and thence up the Mississippi to Alexandria from whence the journey was completed by wagon.

Mr. Holmes was one of the brave boys who fought for his country's flag all through the terrible conflict. He was a member of Co. H. 19th Iowa infantry, enlisted at Keosauqua in August 1862, and serving throughout the war. He took part in the battles of Springfield, Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Spanish Fort and numerous other engagements. He was a prisoner during one of the engagements and spent ten months in the prison pen at Tyler, Texas.

After the war he returned to his home in Van Buren county, and took up his occupation of farming. On April 9, 1879, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Mary A. Hill, a daughter of the late Wm. Hill of Bloomfield. To this union have been born five children: Mildred who is married to James Abernathy and lives in Azen, Missouuri, Charlie, Mrs. Ella Campbell, married, lives in this county, Harrison and Ralph all of whom are living and were present at the funeral.

He leaves, beside the children above named, two brothers, and 3 sisters living, two sisters and one brother dead. His father passed away Jun 12, 1881 and his mother died Aug 10, 1903. He also leaves two step sons, living and one step daughter dead.

The deceased held several township offices of trust, and gave entire satisfaction.

He joined the G. A. R. at Milton, was a member of the Christian church, conscientious and scrupulous to a fault and bore his affliction with remarkable fortitude, never murmuring a word of complaint, rather chose to look on the bright side of life and encouraging those around him so to live that their good deeds may follow in the years to come. He was well and favorably known and universally loved by his neighbors, though the glimmer and light has eked out an eventful career his good deeds still remain. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. T. LeBaron at the Christian church in Milton Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The remains were followed to their last resting place in the new cemetery south of Milton by one of the largest funeral processions ever known in Roscoe township.

Source: Milton Herald, 6 July 1904, p1 col3

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