ROBERT C. HOLMES, a successful and well-known farmer of Cross Creek township, is a son of James Holmes, whose father died in Ireland, the land of his birth. James Holmes emigrated from his native country in 1837, and remained in New York two years after landing on American soil. He then lived four years in Westmoreland county, Penn., afterward renting a place in Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing the home farm just before the Civil war. His wife was formerly a Miss Margaret Thompson, to whom he was wedded in 1836. Children were born to their union as follows: Jane, Thomas, John, James, Robert C., William, Thompson B. And Joseph D., all of whom were born after the parents had settled in American. The father followed general farming and sheep raising, owning a good fertile farm of 144 acres. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, to whose interest he was ever keenly active, supporting its principles with enthusiastic ardor, and holding various offices of honor and trust in Cross Creek township, which he filled to the satisfaction of all. In religious faith he was an active member of th e United Presbyterian Church at West Middletown, Penn., to which he gave a hearty and liberal support. He died in 1869. Of the children born to James and Margaret (Thompson) Holmes, William was married to Miss Emma Neely, a native of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and the following children have blessed their union: Robert, Jan M., Grover C., Joseph, James and Mary, all of whom are living with their parents on the old home farm. Robert C. Holmes, the fourth or fifth child of James and Margaret Holmes, was born in 1844. His boyhood and youth were passed in the arduous duties of farm life, and attending the district schools of the neighborhood. When his father died, Robert took entire charge of the business, which he is now managing with marked success, and caring for his aged mother, who lives with her son, awaiting the summons which will unite her again with those loved ones who have "passed over the river home." Mrs. Margaret (Thompson) Holmes was born in Ireland in 1819. In 1840 her parents came to the United States and settled in Chartiers township, Washington county, following their children. Mrs. Holmes was the first of the Thompson family to emigrate, the other children followed her example, and the parents ultimately decided to settle in the New World. Of the eight children who came hither, five are living. The mother of Mrs. Holmes died in Cross Creek township in 1879, aged eighty-seven years.

Text taken from page 753 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Julie Jolly of Knob Noster, MO as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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