Robert & Delila Holmes

The General Assembly opened the northwestern parts of Connecticut to settlement in the 1720s when it arranged to sell public lands. Soon, immigrants were attracted to the area to work as weavers at the carpet companies.

In those days, Tariffville was also known as Gaylordsville after an early mill owner. The use of protective tariffs to support the cost of American goods over imported European encouraged the production of a two-ply ingrain carpet, which competed with foreign mills and was more affordable. The waterpower provided by the Farmington River made the location ideal for post-Federalist industry and encouraged the establishment of other textile factories.

The influx of Scottish weavers and then Irish mill workers made Tariffville a bustling community with hotels, taverns, stores and churches and multiple rail lines. One of the earliest cemeteries abuts St. Bernard's Cemetery. Some state records refer to it as the Old Tariffville Cemetery and others call it the Non-Sectarian Cemetery. [See Old Tariffville Cemetery Posting.]

David, James and Robert Jr., the sons of Robert and Delila Holmes, were the first of our ancestors to settle in this area of Connecticut. On their 1840 petitions for naturalization, David, James and Robert, Jr. claimed to have immigrated to America in 1832. Their parents followed with sisters Jane and Eliza on 6 May 1835, arriving at Castle Garden, NY aboard the packet ship Saint Andrew and were headed toward Hartford, CT [perhaps to William].

Sometime between their arrival and the 1840 US Census, Robert and Delila took up residence in Tariffville (Simsbury) where Robert went to work at one of the mills as a carpet weaver. A document dated August 1849 gives us an indication of where their residence was located:

"... convey to our son Robert Holmes Jr., for the sum of $150.00, rights and title to a certain dwelling house in which we now live and the buildings contiguous and belonging thereto and the enclosure of land on which said dwelling house and buildings stand, situated in the village of Tariffville in said Simsbury in the rear of the row of the red buildings in said village reserving for ourselves the occupation and use of described premises so long as we both or either of us shall live." He signed with a "T" and she with an "X".

Robert "Robin" Holmes, described by his descendants as a "handsome old gentleman" who was "very powerful", was born in Ireland 1767 and died June 1856 in Simsbury, CT. Delila Holmes was born April 1782 in Ireland. Remembered as being "small in stature," it is said she loved to read and quote poetry to her grandchildren. She died 22 March 1867 in the home of son James at 83 Spoonville Rd., East Granby, CT. Their graves can be found in an old corner of St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery. [NOTE: "Robin" is a pet form of Robert.]

All seven children of Robert and Delila were born in Ireland, probably Killygordon, between 1809 and 1826. Pictured below at the first Holmes Family Reunion at Congamond Lake in 1891 is [Front] Elizabeth Holmes-Pomeroy, [Seated] Jane & William Holmes and [Back] Mary & James Holmes and Jane Holmes-Burnett.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following events took place in the state of Connecticut:

WILLIAM HOLMES was born 12 Nov 1809 and died 28 Aug 1892 in Suffield. He married Mary E. McCleary 27 Jan 1830 in Urney Parish, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Mary was born there about 1808 and died 23 Jun 1845 in Suffield.

William remarried to Jane Austin, the daughter of Thomas Austin and Parmelia Loomis, on 5 Mar 1846. Jane was born 28 Dec 1813 in Suffield and died there 28 Jan 1900.

The 1860 census shows William running a boarding house in Tariffville (referred to as the "Alms House" in his obituary). Almshouses were provided for town poor in 90 CT towns and some were in operation as late as 1906. Paupers maintained by the state were cared for in a private almshouse at Tariffville, which was commonly known as the "state almshouse."

Children of William and Mary: Rebecca S. Holmes, Robert H. Holmes, Elizabeth M. Holmes and John C. Holmes.
Children of William and Jane: William F. Holmes, Louise Holmes and Olivia Holmes.

DAVID HOLMES was born about 1809 and died about 1858 in Simsbury. He married Melinda Phelps, the daughter of Warren Phelps and Rachel Wright, 8 Feb 1835 in Simsbury. Melinda was born in Simsbury 14 Aug 1815 and died there 14 Aug 1840. Their marriage record reads: "David 2nd marr. Melinda Phelps, both of Simsbury, 8 February 1835, at the house of David Holmes, by Rev. Harvey Ball of Suffield." David remarried to Hester Brown on 22 May 1842. Hester was born about 1801 in Ireland and died in Simsbury 31 Mar 1895.

After David's death, Gamaliel Austin, the son-in-law of David's brother William, was appointed as guardian to Nancy J. Holmes.

Children of David and Melinda: Delilah M. Holmes and Nancy Jane Holmes
Child of David and Hester: David Holmes

JAMES HOLMES [pictured here] was born 12 Jul 1814 and died 4 Oct 1896 in East Granby. He married Mary McRoy, daughter of Thomas McRoy and Isabell McFadden, 24 Jul 1837 in East Granby. Mary died there 3 Nov 1903.

From East Granby, the evolution of a Connecticut Town: "Some who remained in Turkey Hills did acquire property either through inheritance or purchase. Irishman James Holmes purchased the house at 83 Spoonville Road where his mother died in 1867."

Their children: James Alexander Holmes, Isabella Emaline Holmes, Robert John Holmes, Margaret Elizabeth Holmes, Jane Louise Holmes, Thomas Henry Holmes, Samuel David Holmes, James Albert Holmes, Mary Ella Holmes and Alice Burnett Holmes.

ROBERT HOLMES JR. was born 4 Apr 1815 and died 13 Feb 1858 in East Granby. He married Eliza Ann Barrett, daughter of Henry Barrett and Sophia, 28 Mar 1839 in Simsbury. Eliza was born 14 Nov 1815 in CT and died in Simsbury 15 Apr 1891.

Robert worked as a tavern keeper, possibly for someone else. The tavern may have been on the main road, probably Rt. 189 ... there were several inns and taverns (and later a hotel) on that road. It was the path for cattle drovers near the Farmington Canal and later the railroad.

Their children: David H. Holmes, Ellen E. Holmes, Charles Robert Holmes and Cyrus E. Holmes.

REBECCA S. HOLMES was born about 1819 and died 16 Mar 1853 in Suffield. She married William H. Remington 18 Jun 1843 in Simsbury. William was born 29 May 1809 in Suffield and died there 3 Aug 1881. Upon Rebecca's death, her sister Jane took in and raised young Rebecca.

Their children: William H. Remington, Jr. and Rebecca Jane Remington.

JANE HOLMES [pictured here] was born about 1823 and died 16 Jul 1897 in Suffield. She married Appleton Burnett 25 Jan 1846 in Simsbury. Appleton was born in MA about 1818 and died in Suffield 23 Jul 1888.

ELIZABETH "ELIZA" M. HOLMES was born 18 Mar 1826 and died 10 May 1902 in Suffield. She married Oliver Pomeroy II 19 Nov. 1845 in Simsbury. Oliver was born 1818 in Suffield. He died there 1879.

Their children: Charles G. Pomeroy, Jane E. Pomeroy, Luther D. Pomeroy, Eloise D. Pomeroy and susan E. Pomeroy.

Contae Dhun na nGall

Located in the northwest of Ireland, Donegal is one of three counties in the province of Ulster that did not become part of Northern Ireland. The name means "the fort of the foreigners" [a reference to the Vikings] and was named after the former administrative center of Donegal Town. When first created, it was sometimes referred to as "Tir Chonaill" after the Tyrconnel earldom it succeeded.

Donegal shares a border with only one county in the Republic of Ireland, the north Connacht province county of Leitrim. The rest of its border is shared with the counties of Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanaugh. This isolation has led to Donegal people and their customs being considered distinct from the rest of the country and has been used to market the county with the slogan "Up Here It's Different". Lifford is the county seat, but the largest town in Donegal is Letterkenny.

Rich in history and one of the country's most beautiful regions, Donegal is renowned for scholastic works and has a wealth of monuments, historical ruins, forts and castles which bear witness to the ecclesiastical, cultural and often turbulent history of Donegal over the centuries. The most attractive features are the inland mountain ranges, spectacular sea cliffs, glens and lakes. The long and rugged coastline is carved into intricate patterns by the wild Atlantic Sea and indented by long bays and loughs such as the fjordlike Lough Swilly on which Ramelton is built.

The language spoken in Donegal is distinctive and shares traits with Scottish Gaelic. In the Irish speaking area [Donegal Gaeltacht] it is of the West Ulster dialect while Inishowen [which became English-speaking in the early 20th century] used the East Ulster dialect. Scots is still spoken to a degree in the Laggan district of east Donegal. Donegal Irish has a strong influence on Irish speakers across Ulster, who find themselves speaking a dialect noticeably different from the Irish most commonly spoken and understood in Dublin and elsewhere throughout Ireland. Donegal is truly a linguistic pot pourri.

Killygordon is located in the parish of Donaghmore, barony of Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Ulster. It's on the road from Stranorlar to Strabane, 3 miles east of Stranorlar and stands in the vale of the Finn.

On March 20, 1622 partly as a result of complaints from Ireland and partly as a consequence of the English government's determination to make of Ireland an efficient administrative unit, at once solvent and secure, a comprehensive Commission was issued for the investigation of the state of the country. One of the most important tasks of this Commission was to examine the charters and covenants of the undertakers in the plantation and to see how well they had been performed "either in matter of profit or safety". They were also to ascertain "the quantity of ground in payment of the rents" reserved to the King; the buildings undertaken; the leasing of lands; and the deliberate breach of covenants. Finally they were to propose suitable action to remedy defects and abuses; on all these matters the Commissioners were to deliver certificates into the English Chancery.

Herein we find a description of a 1,000 acre plantation in "Killangerdon" inhabited by Captain Ralph Mansfield and his family:

"Captain Ralph Mansfeld hath built a house near the river of Finn, of lime, clay and stone, 60 ft. in length, and 20 ft. wide with some returns, 2 stories high, slated, some of the partitions and floors not finished, with a bawn adjoining to the forefront of the house, 120 ft. square and 9 ft. high, with 4 flankers, 15 ft. square apiece, with birch timber and thatched, wherein Captain Mansfield's son's wife and family dwell.

Near thereunto he hath erected a village consisting of 10 cottages thatched, inhabited with British, and about half a mile from the river, he hath erected another village cinsisting of 8 cottages which are decayed, and two of them without any tenants in them: Freeholders - 2; Leaseholders for lives - 1; Leaseholders for years - 5; British men present - 18, whereof armed - 11."

Go to http://www.finnvalley.ie/history/donoughmore/index.html to read a memoir written by Lieutenant I.I. Wilkinson, Lieutenant Royal Engineers. Received 18th April 1836. it provides a wonderful, in-depth report on the Parish of Donoughmore, Co. Donegal.

Donegal today is one of the least populated counties in Ireland with only 130,000 inhabitants. The road signs are often written in Gaelic which, according to our cousin Scott Holmes after a visit there, "makes navigation a bit more interesting, as if it's not already a challenge to drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, especially in a turnabout with traffic flowing counter-clockwise!" Cattle and sheep farming, together with fishing and textile industries, are the main means of making a living and have been for at least 200 years.

Over the past four centuries, hundreds of people have left Donegal to make a life for themselves in the new worlds of North America and Australasia. Those emigrants included both Ulster Scots and people of Gaelic stock. Among them our ancestors, Robert and Delila Holmes.

A Connecticut Invitation

The Hartford Carpet Company
by Curtis L. Holmes

A significant waterfall is formed where the Farmington River cuts through a gorge in the mountains and makes its turn east to join the Connecticut River at the town of Windsor, Connecticut. In early years this location was simply called "the falls" and later called Griswald Village. By the 1830s this land came to be called by its present name, Tariffville.

At this site was the energy potential to power a large manufacturing facility. One of the early groups to recognize the importance of this waterpower was the carpet weavers. In the 1820s the New England Carpet Company erected a factory at the falls and began production of carpets. Shortly after, the Tariffville Manufacturing Company took over its operation and expanded its production by adding several more buildings along the river. A 1,000-foot canal was constructed which conducted water to the mills. This provided the power to drive the machinery. By this time the mill was called the Hartford Carpet Company and it retained this name for many years. At first only carpets were produced. Later, with additional facilities, coarse woolen clothing was woven.

The Hartford Carpet Company became one of the largest in the country, employing over 300 workers. It turned out over 300,000 yards of fine, super fine, three-ply and Venetian carpeting. Hearthrugs and Brussel carpets were later added to the product line. Another 150 workers produced 600,000 yards of tweed and jeans. At this time the mills were at their peak production.

The town of Tariffville had about 1,000 inhabitants. The whole Simsbury, Connecticut area had a total population of only 2,221. The skilled work force necessary to support this operation was not readily available in this area. Immigrants from many countries were invited to come to Connecticut to work in the mills. Many of these people came from Ireland.

Of special importance to us were the families of Robert and Delilah Holmes who came from the parish of Killygordon in the county of Donegal and Thomas McIlroy who came from Ballymoney in the county of Antrim. Both families immigrated to America in the early 1830s.

James McIlroy, the first of the family to arrive in Tariffville, changed the name McIlroy to McRoy. Legend says that there were two James McIlroys in the Simsbury area and straws were drawn to see who kept his original name. Apparently our family lost. I do not know how many family members originally worked in the mills, but apparently the only two to remain in the carpet business for an extended period of time were Robert Holmes Sr. and his son James. Robert worked as a carpetman his entire life in Connecticut. At the age of 77 he still called himself a carpetman. James Holmes worked in this trade until the late 1850s when he purchased a small farm in East Granby, Connecticut. He remained a farmer the rest of his life.

There have been several stories handed down concerning these mills. One such story relates to how Tariffville got its name. Apparently the woolen carpet mills were constantly pressuring Congress to impose import duties on woolen goods to protect the domestic markets. This became such a nuisance to Congress that these men were called "the men from Tariffville".

As the prosperity of the mills grew and the number of employees increased, many markets for other products also flourished. One such market was for farm produce. Farmers would fill their wagons with potatoes, corn and other vegetables and fruit and drive to the carpet mills where they would sell them to workers on their way home from the factory.

Unfortunately times change and Tariffville's prosperous identity with carpet production came to an end with a disastrous fire on June 10, 1867. Many of the factory buildings were destroyed along with a portion of the town. [Read more about the fire at http://www3.gendisasters.com/connecticut/86/tariffville,-ct-carpet-fire,-jun-1867.] The Hartford Carpet Company promptly sold its Tariffville property to the Connecticut Screw Company which erected buildings and brought in new machinery. However, this company failed before it could recover the large expenditure of money it spent equipping the plant.

In 1881 the property was purchased by the Auer Silk Company with a capital investment of $200,000. The company planned to manufacture dress goods, tapestries, upholstery products, curtains, etc. The name was then changed to the Hartford Silk Company. The dam across the Farmington River was rebuilt, new buildings erected and a sizable amount of modern machinery purchased. Hundreds of employees were hired to work in the plant. Just when the company achieved a prosperous position and the future looked promising, the superintendent of the company absconded with the company's funds and fled to Canada. Later another company tried to mke silk thread but it also failed.

The town of Tariffville went the way of the mills and dwindled in size until the town of Simsbury exceeded it in population. Members of the Holmes and McRoy families became farmers. Some left the area and made their homes as far away as Almont, Michigan.

[Curtis is descended from Robert & Delila Holmes through James Holmes & Mary McRoy>Robert John Holmes & Martha Camp>George Hiram Holmes & Amy May Colvin>and Frederick Colvin Holmes & Katherine Lane Spinney.]

Grandchildren

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following events took place in the state of Connecticut.

William Holmes & Mary McCreary

• Rebecca S. Holmes was born 27 Nov 1832 in Ireland and died 15 Jun 1915 in Suffield. She married Gamaliel S. Austin 24 Oct 1850 in Suffield. He was born 15 Jul 1827 in Suffield and died there 16 May 1902. Gamaliel was appointed as guardian to Nancy J. Holmes (daughter of David & Melinda) in 1858.
• Robert H. Holmes was born abt. 1835 in Ireland or Suffield and died there 18 Jun 1856.
• Elizabeth M. Holmes was born abt. 1840 in Suffield.
• John C. Holmes was born abt. 1842 in Suffield and died there 26 May 1872.

William Holmes & Jane Austin

• William Holmes, Jr. was born Jan 1847 in Suffield and died aft. 1910. He married Alice (Unknown) abt. 1871. She was born Jan 1851 in MA and died aft. 1910.
• Louisa Holmes was born abt. 1848 in Suffield.
• Olivia Holmes was born abt. 1851 in Suffield.

David Holmes & Melinda Phelps

• Delilah M. Holmes was born 1837 in Tariffville and died 2 Jul 1869 in Windsor. She married John Burns II 11 Sep 1856 in Bloomfield. He was born 1829 in MD and died 29 Sep 1895 in Windsor.
• Nancy Jane Holmes was born 1840 in Suffield and died 13 Mar 1868 in Windsor. She married Joseph J. Jones 10 Oct 1859 in Hartford. He was born abt. 1835 in Windsor. Joseph was wounded at Antietam, NC 17 Sep 1862 and a POW at Plymouth, NC 20 Apr 1864 where he died 2 Sep 1864. He is buried at Andersonville national Cemetery, GA (Grave #7570).

David Holmes & Hester Brown

• David Holmes was born Mar 1847 in Simsbury and died there Sep 1847.

James Holmes & Mary McRoy

• James Alexander Holmes was born 28 Apr 1838 in E. Granby and died there 22 Aug 1839.
• Isabella Emaline Holmes was born 4 Jul 1839 in E. Granby and died 17 Apr 1907 in MI. She married Edgar C. Wheeler 5 May 1867 in E. Granby. He was born abt. 1841 in Manchester and died in MI.
• Robert John Holmes was born 16 Feb 1841 in E. Granby and died 23 Mar 1923 in Avon. He married (1) Martha Camp 10 Nov 1868 in Plainville. She was born 7 Aug 1847 in Plainville and died 26 Mar 1879 in Plainville. He married (2) Catherine J. Burt 24 Dec 1880 in Plainville. She was born 10 Sep 1839 in Scriba, NY and died 2 Jan 1910 in Avon. During the Civil War, Robert enlisted as a musician in Company B, 16th Infantry Regiment CT 14 Aug 1862. He was captured at Plymouth late Apr 1864 and held prisoner at Andersonville, GA May-Sep.; a prisoner at Charleston, SC Sep-Dec and then Florence, SC; paroled 16 Dec 1864; and discharged 7 Jul 1865.
• Margaret Elizabeth Holmes was born 20 Sep 1842 in E. Granby and died 14 May 1906 in CT. She married James McNeal 30 Nov 1871 in E. Granby. He was born abt. 1843 and died Jan 1913.
• Jane "Jennie" Louise Holmes was born 7 Apr 1844 in E. Granby and died 1932. She married Charles M. Owen 2 May 1865 in E. Granby. He was born abt. 1828 in Suffield and died aft. 1880.
• Thomas Henry Holmes was born 27 Dec 1845 in E. Granby and died 11 Jul 1907. He married Louisa A. Shaw. She was born abt. 1850 in Ireland.
• Samuel David Holmes was born 27 Apr 1847 in E. Granby and died there 3 Sep 1847.
• James Albert Holmes was born 9 Apr 1852 in E. Granby and died aft. 1900 in Longmeadow, MA. He married Minnie Louise Potter 1884. She was born abt. 1855 and died aft. 1900 in Longmeadow.
• Mary Ella Holmes was born 14 Mar 1854 in E. Granby and died 1921. She married Charles W. Bates 15 Jan 1879 in E. Granby. He was born Oct 1852 in E. Granby and died 1922.
• Alice Burnett Holmes was born 27 Jan 1861 in E. Granby and died there 5 Aug 1863.

Robert Holmes, Jr. & Eliza Ann Barrett

• David H. Holmes was born 1840 in Simsbury and died there 10 Aug 1875. He married Sarah P. Burns 27 Apr 1866 in Simsbury. She was born abt. 1848 in Thompsonville. During the Civil War, he enlisted as a private in Company E, 10th Infantry Regiment CT 14 Oct 1861. He was wounded at Kinston, NC 14 Dec 1862; promoted to full Sergeant 7 Feb 1864; reinlisted in Company E 7 Feb 1864; promoted to full Sergeant 1st Class 1 Nov 1864; promoted to full Lieutenant 2nd Class 27 Jan 1865; and resigned Company E 30 May 1865. Sarah filed for his war pension 11 Sep 1886.
• Ellen E. Holmes was born 15 Jan 1842 in Granby and died 29 Apr 1924 in Holyoke, MA. She married Eugene Clydon Alderman 22 Jan 1860 in Simsbury. He was born 18 Mar 1840 in E. Granby and died 3 Jun 1915 in Holyoke. Upon the death of Eugene, Judge Edward Holcomb Stiles wrote the following to Ellen's son George: "I have spoken of your father as the first of my youthful playmates. Your mother may be reckoned among the female ones. I am probably the only one living who knew well her father and mother. I recollect them as plainly as though they were before me, and also her brother David. Her father, Robert Holmes was an excellent and honorable man, as was her mother as a woman. He died in his prime while I was yet a boy. 'Little Ellen Holmes', how plainly I remember that dainty little girl as a child. Give her my love and ineffaceable remembrance."
• Charles Robert Holmes was born 18 Dec 1846 in Granby and died 29 Apr 1928 in Springfield, MA. He married (1) Alice E. Lemley 20 Nov 1875 in Simsbury. She was born 29 Sep 1855 and died aft. 1930. After ther divorce, he married (2) Charlotte "Lottie" E. Eminott aft. 1880. She was born 22 Apr 1858 in Davenport, IA.
• Cyrus E. Holmes was born 15 Sep 1849 in Granby and died there 17 Sep 1849.

Rebecca S. Holmes & William H. Remington

• William H. Remington, Jr. was born Nov 1849 and died 28 May 1852.
• Rebecca J. Remington was born 1853 in Suffield and died there 18 Sep 1921. She married Horace D. Austin abt. 1873 in Suffield. He was born abt. 1850 to Benjamin Remington and Mary Hale. Upon the death of her mother, Rebecca was raised by her Aunt Jane. Horace remarried to his first cousin, Sarah A. (Unknown) in 1854.

Jane Holmes & Appleton Burnett

• No children of their own. But after the death of Jane's sister Rebecca, they took in and raised her daughter Rebecca.

Elizabeth "Eliza" Holmes & Oliver Pomeroy II

• Charles G. Pomeroy was born Dec 1847 in Suffield and died there in 1868.
• Jane "Jennie" E. Pomeroy was born 5 Aug 1853 in Suffield and died there in 1873.
• Luther D. Pomeroy was brn May 1857 in Suffield and died there in 1928. He married Ida May Gardner abt. 1883. She was born 1854 in Suffield and died there in 1933.
• Eloise D. Pomeroy was born 1859 in Suffield and died there in 1864.
• Susan E. Pomeroy was born 1863 in Suffield and died aft. 1900. She married John L. Ingram.

The Mysterious Marthy Holmes

The ghost of "Marthy" Holmes has haunted us throughout our Holmes family research. While we may never know who she is, the following facts establish a connection to our ancestors!

• Buried in the Old Tariffville Cemetery next to Robert and Delila is a woman named "Marthy" who died 6 Sep 1846 at the age of 62.
• (Daliah) Holmes, Ann Jane Holmes of Ireland and David Holmes of Michigan are named in the distribution of "Miss" Martha Holmes' estate.

So far, we've not found a record of Marthy arriving in America through any port researched. Nor have we been able to locate a will, suggesting she died suddenly. The distribution of her estate was not finalized until two years after her death:

Distribution of Estate

Pursuant to an order from the Hon. Court of Probate for the district of Simsbury dated the 12th day of August 1848 to us directed for the distribution of the estate of Martha Holmes late of Simsbury, deceased. We have distributed sd estate in the following order this 25th Day of September 1848. George Sandford and David Holmes of Simsbury held a bond for $1000 pending distribution.

Set to DAVID HOLMES of Michigan one third part of the dwelling house belonging to sd estate situated in sd Simsbury in the village of Tariffville: $30.00
Set against note DAVID HOLMES of sd Simsbury balance due on sd note: $20.96
Carpet 1.00 1 Do. 4.00, 1 broom 00.8: $6.08
Total $57.04
Set to ANN JANE HOLMES of Ireland one third of sd Dwelling House: $30.00
Thomas Smart's note for $27.00
Set to DALIAH HOLMES the wife of Robert Holmes of Simsbury, one third of sd Dwelling House: $30.00 [&] lot of wearing apparel 2.10: $32.10
1 clock 1.50, 1 rocking chair 0.82, 1 table 1.00, 1 bedstead 0.75, 1 cloak 1.50: $5.57
Set crockery 0.34, 2 chairs 0.75, 1 bonnet .25, 1 turban 1.50, 1 band box .16, 4 shawls 1.00: $4.00
Pr sheets .50, 1 bed spread .42, 3 comfortables .50, 1 feather bed 3.00, cord 1.35: $5.77
Stove and fixtures 5.00, 1 bureau 5.00: $10.00
Total $57.04

Received in Court October 26th, Allen Penney, James Trainor, Distribters under oath

Civil War Years

“One must fight to preserve a natione”

There were 132 men who fought in the Civil War whose military records list them as having come from Granby. The first of these to enlist was Everett Griswold, 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, on April 19, 1861, only seven days after Fort Sumter was fired upon. Other enlistments quickly followed, some men enlisting independently, but the majority enlisting in groups of five or more, often mustering into the same unit.

The first of our ancestors to enlist was David H. Holmes, the son of Robert Holmes Jr. and Eliza Ann Barrett. David enlisted as a Private in Company E, 10th Regiment Connecticut Infantry on October 14, 1861. He was wounded in the thigh by a rifle ball at the Battle of Kinston, NC on December 14, 1862. Unfit for service for 30 days, the company surgeon suggested he be, “permitted to go North.”

He was promoted to Full Sergeant on February 7, 1864; Full Sergeant 1st Class on November 1, 1864; and Full Sergeant 2nd Class on January 27, 1865. His letter of resignation was signed at camp in Richmond, VA on May 30, 1865:

“Sir, I have the honor to herewith tender my resignation as 2d Lieut. 10th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, U.S.A. for the reasons hereafter noted. I have a small farm in the state of Connecticut, which at the present time is in a very ruinous condition from the fact that I have no one to attend to it except a widowed Mother who is entirely dependent upon me for support, and is suffering severely at the present time in a pecuniary (sp?) sense from my absence. Also for the reason that I have a title to other property now in litigation to secure which my presence is absolutely necessary. I certify on honor that I am not indebted to the U.S. on any account whatsoever, and that I am not responsible for any government property except that I am prepared to turn over to the proper Officer on the acceptance of my resignation and that I was last paid by Major Dorman (sp?) U.S.A. to include the 24th day of January 1865. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, David H. Holmes.”

10th Regiment Infantry Service

• Organized at Hartford, CT October 22, 1861.
• Left State for Annapolis, MD October 31 and duty there until January 6, 1862.
• Burnside's expedition to Hatteras Inlet and Roanoke Island, NC, January 7-February 8.
• Battle of Roanoke Island February 8.
• At Roanoke Island until March 11.
• Moved to Newberne March 11-13.
• Battle of Newberne March 14.
• Duty at Newberne until October.
• Expedition from Newberne October 30-November 12.
• Action at Rawle's Mills November 2.
• Foster's expedition to Goldsboro December 11-20.
• Kinston December 14.
• Whitehall December 16.
• Goldsboro December 17.
• Moved from Newberne to Hilton Head, SC, January 26-29, 1863.
• Camp at St. Helena Island, SC, until March 27 and at Seabrook Island, SC, to July 6.
• Skirmish Edisto Island June 18.
• Expedition to James Island July 9-16.
• Battle of Secessionville July 16.
• Assault on Fort Wagner, Morris Island, SC, July 18.
• Siege operations against Forts Wagner and Gregg, Morris Island, and against Fort Sumter and Charlestown, SC, July 18-September 7.
• Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg September 7.
• Operations against Forts Sumter and Charlestown until October 25.
• Moved to St. Augustine, FL, October 26, and duty there until April, 1864.
• Ordered to Gloucester Point, VA, April 20.
• Butler's operations on south side of the James and against Petersburg and Richmond, VA, May 5-28.
• Occupation of Bermuda Hundred, VA, May 5.
• Port Walthal Junction, Chester Station, May 7.
• Operations against Fort Darling May 12-16.
• Battle of Drewry's Bluff May 14-16.
• On Bermuda Hundred front May 17-July 21.
• Action Bermuda Hundred June 2.
• Petersburg June 9. Walthal Junction June 16-17.
• Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865.
• Demonstration on north side of the James July 27-29.
• Deep Bottom July 27-28 and August 1.
• Strawberry Plains August 14-18.
• Duty in trenches before Petersburg August 25-September 27.
• Movement to north of James September 27-28.
• Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, September 28-30.
• Darbytown and New Market Roads October 7.
• Reconnaissance on Darbytown Road October 13.
• Battle of Fair Oaks October 27-28.
• Johnston's Plantation October 29.
• Detached for duty at New York City during Presidential election of 1864, November 2-17.
• Duty in trenches before Richmond November 17, 1864, to March 27, 1865.
• Movement to Hatcher's Run March 27-28.
• Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9.
• Assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2.
• Pursuit of Lee April 3-9.
• Rice's Station April 6.
• Appomattox C. H. April 9.
• Surrender of Lee and his army. Duty at Richmond, VA, and in the Dept. of VA until August.
• Mustered out August 15, 1865.

Regiment lost during service: 13 Officers and 109 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded; 5 Officers and 155 Enlisted men by disease. Total 282.

With the exception of Alexander Pattison, each of our Civil War soldiers spent some time in New Bern, North Carolina [called Newberne back then]. During their stay, they may have taken a break to enjoy some entertainment at this opera house. Located on the lower floor of St. John's, it was occasionally used by the Union troops for homemade productions.

As you can see from this May 24, 1864 playbill, the troops gave old St. John's a name more to their liking!

John Burns II was the husband of Delilah M. Holmes (daughter of David Holmes and Melinda Phelps). He enlisted as a Private in the 16th Regiment Infantry on August 6, 1862 and received a disability discharge on March 4, 1863.

Robert John Holmes was the son of James Holmes and Mary McRoy. He enlisted as a musician in company B of the 16th Regiment on August 14, 1862. He was captured at Plymouth, NC on April 20, 1864 and held prisoner at Andersonville, SC until December 11, 1864. On July 7, 1865 he was given an Honorable Discharge at Annapolis, MD. [For his full biography, see Civil War Years Part II.]

Joseph J. Jones was the husband of Nancy J. Holmes (daughter of David Holmes and Melinda Phelps). He enlisted as a Private in Company B, 16th Regiment Infantry on August 24, 1862 and was wounded at Antietam, NC less than a month later on September 17. Joseph was captured at Plymouth, NC on April 20, 1864 and taken to Andersonville, GA where he died on September 2, 1864. He is buried at the Andersonville National Cemetery. [Ref. Page 230, Code 17570, Grave #7570]

16th Regiment Infantry Service

• Organized at Hartford August 24, 1862.
• Moved to Washington, DC, August 29-31.
• Maryland Campaign September-October, 1862.
• Battle of Antietam, MD, September 16-17.
• Duty in Pleasant Valley, MD, October 27.
• Movement to Falmouth, VA, October 27-November 17.
• Battle of Fredericksburg December 12-15.
• Burnside's 2nd Campaign, "Mud March," January 20-24, 1863.
• Moved to Newport News February 6-9, thence to Suffolk March 13.
• Siege of Suffolk April 12-May 4.
• Edenton Road April 24.
• Providence Church Road and Nansemond River May 3.
• Siege of Suffolk raised May 4.
• Reconnaissance to the Chickahominy June 9-17.
• Dix's Peninsula Campaign June 24-July 7.
• Expedition from White House to South Anna River July 1-7.
• Moved to Portsmouth, VA Duty there and at Norfolk January, 1864.
• Skirmish at Harrellsville January 20 (Detachment).
• Moved to Morehead City, thence to Newberne and Plymouth January 24-28.
• Skirmish at Windsor January 30.
• Duty at Newberne February 2 to March 20, and at Plymouth, NC, April.
• Siege of Plymouth April 17-20.
• Captured April 20, and prisoners of war March, 1865. Those not captured, on duty at Newberne and Roanoke Island, NC, June, 1865.
• Mustered out June 24, 1865.

Alexander Pattison was the husband of Eliza Ann Barrett-Holmes (widow of Robert Holmes, Jr.). He enlisted as a Private in Company E, 25th Regiment Connecticut Infantry on August 2, 1862. Alexander was wounded at Irish Bend, LA on April 14, 1863 and again at Port Hudson, LA on June 15 1863. He mustered out in Hartford, CT on August 26, 1863.

25th Regiment Connecticut Infantry Service

• Attached to Grover's Division, Dept. of the Gulf, to January, 1863.
• Duty at Baton Rouge until March, 1863.
• Operations against Port Hudson March 7-27.
• Moved to Donaldsonville March 28.
• Operations in Western Louisiana April 9-May 14.
• Teche Campaign April 11-20.
• Porter's and McWilliams' Plantation at Indian Bend April 13.
• Irish Bend April 14.
• Bayou Vermillion April 17.
• Expedition to Alexandria and Simsport May 5-18.
• Moved to Bayou Sara, thence to Port Hudson May 22-25.
• Siege of Port Hudson May 25-July 9.
• Assaults on Port Hudson May 27 and June 14.
• Surrender of Port Hudson July 9.
• Moved to Donaldsonville July 11.
• Duty in Plaquemine District until August.
• Mustered out August 26, 1863.

Regiment lost during service: 3 Officers and 26 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded; 4 Officers and 61 Enlisted men by disease. Total 94.

Civil War Years II

By the summer of 1862, President Lincoln was calling for 300,000 volunteers and announced the first draft in August. The third quarter of that year (July-September) had a total of 33 recruits from Granby. A $100 bounty, which was given to the five who enlisted on August 11th, was later raised to $150.

Of the 31 Connecticut regiments organized for the war, Granby was represented in 21 of them. The regiment in which most Granby men were enlisted was the 4th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry -- there were 23 Granby men in this regiment. Probably the most famous Connecticut regiment that fought in the Civil War was the 16th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Now known as “Plymouth Pilgrims” [see notes], the 16th was mustered into service in Hartford on August 24, 1862 by Lieutenant Watson Webb.

Robert John Holmes was the son of James Holmes and Mary McRoy. He grew up in East Granby and, at the age of 21, enlisted as a musician in Company B of the 16th Regiment on August 14, 1862. The 16th left for Washington, DC on August 29 where it went into camp on Arlington Heights near Fort Ward. There were 20 Granby men in that unit.

The poorly trained 16th was then moved by forced marches and brigaded at Antietam the evening prior to the battle waged on September 17. The unit fired its muskets for the first time in this battle and suffered terrible losses – it went in with 940 men and lost 432 in killed and wounded. They later marched to Newport News, VA for a stay of 4-5 weeks, allowing some of the wounded to heal and get some rest.

Robert’s regiment then marched with the rest of the Connecticut Brigade to Suffolk, VA where it suffered more casualties in the battles of Edenton Road on April 24, 1863 and Providence Church Road on May 3. They moved to Portsmouth on June 16 where they engaged in an expedition called the “Blackberry Raid”. After this battle, the 16th had several months of quiet near Portsmouth when the men were taught the discipline and military skills they so greatly needed.

The regiment was ordered to Plymouth, NC on January 21, 1864 and arrived there on midnight of January 24. There the regiment made several raids against rebel camps and destroyed large quantities of cotton and tobacco.

On March 3 they were ordered to New Bern, NC which was being threatened by Confederate attack. They camped near the Neuse River and, on March 20, were ordered to return to Plymouth.

The following portrayal of the Battle of Plymouth – provided by Curtis L. Holmes – is a composite of three handwritten letters by Robert J. Holmes: one addressed to his daughter, Alice … the other two not addressed or dated. Curtis notes that some of the text was not legible and therefore required interpretation. Although it may not always be a direct quote, Curtis believes it accurately describes the battle as Robert intended:

“On the 20th of March 1864 in a wet and drizzling rain we left our quarters at Newberne and went aboard the steamer, Thomas Collyer, for Plymouth, N.C. As we sailed down the Neuse River into Pamlico Sound the storm increased with a heavy downpour of rain and a strong northwest wind until it began a perfect gale. The steamer pitched and tossed in the heavy waves till it seemed that the vessel could scarcely live. The vessel was filled with soldiers and to shelter ourselves as much as possible from the storm we persisted in keeping to the leeward side of the ship. The weight being located on one side of the vessel kept her out of trim which made her unmanageable. The Captain came up repeatedly to make us get over to the other side. He wouldn’t much more than get out of sight before we all moved back again. He finally came up screaming as only a Sea Captain can and said that if we didn’t get to the windward and stay there the whole damned lot of you would go to the bottom and it would serve you right. Some of the boys asked him if he thought it was any worse down there than it was up here.

We finally reached the channel where we passed from the Pamlico Sound to Albemarle Sound around Roanoke Island and up a number of miles in the sound we had a bar to cross. Now the strong wind had driven the water out of the Albemarle Sound till it was a number of feet lower than usual so we ran aground. Every heavy wave that came lifted the vessel up farther unto the same til she rested on her keel. When a wave struck her she would go over one way and then back the other. And every time she made a heave it seemed as if we were all going overboard. We were in this position for twenty-four hours. The storm had ceased and the steamer, General Berry” came along side us and took us aboard and carried us to or destination, Plymouth, which we reached about ten o’clock at night. When we left Newberne we had rations for breakfast and dinner and this was all the provisions we had for forty hours.

Plymouth lies on the south side of the Roanoke River, eight miles from Albemarle Sound. It was a fortified position commanded by General Nancy W. Wessell. The following troops were in his command: 85th N.Y., 101st and 103rd Penn., 16th Conn., 1 light battery, two companies of heavy artillery and in all about 2400 men. There were also three gunboats on the river; the Southfield, the Miami and the Burnshell.

The attack was made on us by General R. F. Hoke commanding the Confederate forces. They consisted of one regiment of cavalry, seven batteries of light artillery, three brigades of infantry, in all over 7000 men assisted by the mailed ram, Albemarle.

Our fortifications commenced on the bank of the river at the west end of the town running west about half a mile, then to the east one mile, then to the north about half way to the river terminating with a small fort containing one heavy gun. The rest of the way to the river was without breastworks as the position was such that it could be swept by the guns on the boats. We had four forts, one of which I have mentioned, Fort Merril, about midway of the line of works running east and west, Fort Warren west of the town and outside the breastworks about half a mile, and Fort Gray in a swamp still further west. Both of these forts commanded the river and were built to destroy the ram when she came down the river.

It was a beautiful Sabbath morning April 17, 1864. We had gone through our regular morning of duties and it had got to about noon when we saw the cavalry from the outpost dashing into the town bringing the report that there was a large force of the enemy only two miles out. Immediately there was a commotion at every quarter, drums beating, bugles sounding, and men rushing from every quarter. This confusion was of short duration and soon every regiment was marching to its position at the breastworks.

A line of skirmishers was immediately sent out, advancing carefully until they found the enemy. During the afternoon there was some firing on the skirmish line and some artillery firing but not much real fighting took place Sunday.

Monday morning, bright and early, the ball opened in earnest. The enemy directed its attention to the forts commanding the river. The idea being to cripple or silence them so that the ram might safely come down.

Fort Warren was garrisoned by seventy-five men and two or three pieces of heavy artillery. With this small force she resisted charge after charge of the enemy with more than ten times her number and I presume it safe to say that they killed five times the number of men that the fort contained. The fort was supplied with hand grenades, which they used with terrible effect when the enemy was trying to scale the embankments of the fort. The night of the 18th with the crippled condition of the forts, the ram came down.

She was of peculiar construction. Her hull was but little above the water and her guns and crew were protected by railroad iron set up and firmly secured in the form of the letter “A” lengthwise of the deck. Our two boats being wooden vessels knew that they could not contend with her in any ordinary way so they devised the following plan to meet her. Each boat got as near opposite banks as thy could so that they could then connect themselves together with heavy cables, the object being that the ram would run between them, they would catch her with the cable, steam in the opposite direction, crowd in on her and sink her.

Everything worked as it was planned. They had her down until water was pouring in her portholes when a shot fired by the Southfield glanced off from the ram and killed the captain of the Miami. In the confusion some one yelled, “cut the cable”. It was done and immediately the ram was free. She turned her bow into the Miami crushed a hole in her and sank her. The Southfield escaped down the river. The Burnshell, the other small boat was used up Monday. So the morning of the 19th the river was clear with the exception of the ram, which lay down the river firing her heavy shells up into the town.

Now you can see the situation we are in: the loss of sixteen guns from the gunboats, the enemy reinforced by the heavy guns of the ram, and one half of our east line without any protection. The enemy had but one point of attack now and they opened everything they had on the town and from every point at once. Every tent that stood up was just riddled with bullet holes and you could hardly believe that anyone could live through such a shower of shot and shell.

We withstood the heavy and the repeated charges of the enemy all day the 19th and the constant artillery firing all through the night. The morning of the 20th it looked rather dubious for us. General Hoke had sent in a number of requests for us to surrender but received a reply that we expected to fight it out. The final charge was made by the enemy soon after noon of the 20th. They broke through our line at the point where there were no breastworks in the east and fought their way up through the town and took us in as they came to us.

The outcome was that we were made prisoners (which meant death to a large percent of the captured). We lost in killed and wounded about one hundred. The enemy lost in killed and wounded about 1500. Some who had good opportunity of judging thought this is a low estimate of the enemy loss. R.J. Holmes, April 15, 1903”

After Robert’s capture at Plymouth on April 20, 1864, he was held at Florence, SC for perhaps one week before being loaded into a boxcar and sent south with the rest of the prisoners. They reached Andersonville, GA the night of May 2, 1864. The following morning, a large detachment of Union soldiers were marched under heavy guard from the railroad station to the stockade at Andersonville Prison. About 300 enlisted men of the 16th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers were in this group.

Established in November 1863 under orders of General J. H. Winder, Andersonville was one of the most notorious of the southern prisons. Pressure from Confederate Headquarters in Richmond led to prisoners being sent there before the barracks and other facilities were constructed. Consequently, drainage was poor, the water supply inadequate and food uncooked. Many of its prisoners were ill and fatigued before their arrival. Eventually, disease ran rampant through the prison.

The first group of prisoners was incarcerated February 25, 1864. Within six months, 42,686 cases of diseased and wounded prisoners had received treatment from an inadequate medical staff. 12,912 prisoners are known to have died – of those, 234 were of the 16th Connecticut. It’s said the total number of prisoners reached 52,345 by September 1864, when the prison was largely a hospital. The last of the incarcerated left April 17, 1865.

Robert [pictured here] was released from his confinement at Andersonville, paroled at Richmond, VA on December 11, 1864 and returned to Camp Parole, MD where he was given a furlough at his home in East Granby from December 25, 1864 to January 25, 1865. He was so sick during this time that he requested an extension of his leave from Doctor Sanford, MD at Simsbury, CT. Sanford’s medical statement reads, “Robert Holmes was carefully examined and found suffering by reason of eight months of cruel treatment in Rebel prisons which has caused great emaciation, general debility, a bad cough, a pain in his side and chronic diarrhea.” Robert returned to Camp Parole until March 3, 1865 when he was admitted to the General Hospital at Annapolis, MD as a patient. After his recovery, he was given an Honorable Discharge at Annapolis on July 7, 1865.

Robert J. Holmes is listed as a soldier and musician in military records for the Civil War. He played a flute and carried a Sharp’s Rifle. His discharge papers and flute are held by Curtis L. Holmes. Milton C. Holmes holds the Sharp’s Rifle.

Note: "Plymouth Pilgrims" were Union soldiers and sailors who were engaged and captured during the Battle of Plymouth, NC April 17-20th, 1864. The Battle of Plymouth is not widely known, but the story of the battle and the soldiers involved continues to live on today through their descendants. For further reading go to the Civil War Plymouth Pilgrims Society site at http://home.att.net/~cwppds/homepage.htm.

References:
The Heritage of Granby, Salmon Brook Historical Society
Robert J. Holmes and the Civil War, Curtis L. Holmes

The Holmes Little Giant

The Holmes Tractor Company, Port Clinton, OH
by Curtis L. Holmes

In the early 1900s the horseless carriage was so rare that everyone would turn and watch as one drove by. At that time George Hiram Holmes was employed as a mechanic at the Garfield Paper Company in Garfield, New Jersey. George became fascinated with this new mode of transportation. During the next few years the popularity of these automobiles grew rapidly. A relative of George’s in the Midwest interested George in purchasing a garage in Port Clinton, Ohio. In 1910 George quit his job at the Garfield Paper Company and moved his family and belongings to Port Clinton.

George became the Manager of the Port Clinton Garage, or the Garage in the Fruit Belt as he called it. George repaired the early cars, sold gas and operated a parts store for automobiles.

The garage business went very well for George and he hired other mechanics to assist him. This gave George some free time to work on a project that would be very useful in this part of the country.

The land around Port Clinton was well suited for growing fruit. The temperature and the rainfall were more than acceptable and Lake Erie would temper the spring weather and help prevent a late frost from killing the emerging buds on the trees. In the early 1900s the land was covered with fruit orchards and apples, peaches, pears and grapes were grown in great abundance.

Tractors of that day were tall cumbersome and had limited maneuverability; not at all suited for orchard work. George [pictured here] designed and built a tractor that would solve many of these problems. It was small and maneuverable and could turn in a twenty-four foot circle. The driver sat behind the engine so that the overall height was only 54 inches. George completed the first tractor in 1911. This was the birth of the Holmes Manufacturing Company of Port Clinton, Ohio. Post cards were printed and advertisements were distributed all around Ottawa County. The Holmes Little Giant appeared to have a great future in the fruit belts of the Midwestern United States.

On September 21, 1911 George wrote a post card to his father, Robert J. Holmes, in West Avon, Connecticut telling of his tractor.

Dear father:

I have stole a few days from the garage this week and am showing my tractor at the Sandusky County Fair. Perhaps it will not pay but the tractor attracts lots of attention and I hope someday to get an order or two but not until I have shown people what it can do. GHH

An article about the tractor was printed in a local paper about the same time and appeared as follows:

A Little Giant is the Holmes Tractor

On exhibit for the first time, the Holmes Gasoline Farm Tractor is receiving merited attention. Farmers of all classes are interested in the little giant and the exhibitors will be kept busy making demonstrations and answering the many questions that are asked about the machine. A mere description of the machine will not do it justice. It differs from the ordinary tractor in many ways. It is a low built machine and can turn in a 24-foot circle. Its width is 6 feet and the extreme length 11½ feet. The total weight is only 4,000 pounds. Power is generated by a double cylinder opposed gasoline motor developing 13-brake horse power. Ignition is from battery and non-vibrating coil. The motor is equipped with a 14 inch belt pulley for driving farm machinery. A very good feature of the tractor is that every speed and brake is controlled from the seat. It has two speeds ahead and one in reverse. The low build of the machine, and the amount of power that the motor develops, together with the easy steering and small turning space makes it a remarkably well adapted tractor for general farm work and orchard purposes. It is manufactured at Port Clinton and the exhibitors will always be ready to give demonstrations of their machine and take orders for future delivery.

The price is $1,200 and the machine that is being used in the demonstration will be sold at the fair grounds. This display is one that will prove particularly instructive to farmers and fruit growers and no doubt many will see the practical use of the tractor and place an order for one of them. Some idea of the machines performance may be gained from the record that it made previous to its arrival at the fair grounds. It has been running seven hours continuously and its motor was still cool to touch. The consumption of fuel and oil is very low when the power and speed of the tractor is taken into consideration.

The first tractor was sold to a local farmer. After the initial success a second tractor was started and completed a year later. George wanted to sell this tractor back in Connecticut. The tractor was loaded onto the train and George with his oldest son, Frederic, headed east for Avon, Connecticut. The tractor was quickly sold in Connecticut. This turned out to be the last tractor George was to build. A salesman called on George and convinced him that for the tractor to be really successful it had to be mass-produced. If George would give him the plans and specifications he would have the tractors built by a large company and George would receive the royalties. George gave the salesman all the plans, drawings and papers and the salesman disappeared forever. No one appears to know if any more tractors were ever built but most certainly George never received any royalties.

In 1918 George returned with his family to New England, where he and his wife were born, to be nearer their friends and relatives, thus ending the story of the Holmes Little Giant.

[Curtis is descended from Robert & Delila Holmes through James Holmes & Mary McRoy>Robert John Holmes & Martha Camp>George Hiram Holmes & Amy May Colvin>and Frederick Colvin Holmes & Katherine Lane Spinney.]

US Census Study

Since the first United States Federal Census in 1790, the surname "Holmes" has appeared in the state of Connecticut. Family members of Robert and Delila Holmes make their first appearance in 1840.

1840

Robert Holmes, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
One male 50-60
One female 50-60

William Holmes, Hartford Township, Hartford, CT
One male 5-10
One male 30-40
Two females 5-10
One female 20-30

David Holmes, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
[Next to both Robert Holmes & Robert Holmes Jr.]
One male 30-40
Two females 0-5
One female 20-30

Robert Holmes Jr., Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
One male 0-5
One male 20-30
One female 0-5
One female 20-30

1850

Robert Holmes, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
[Nearby lives David & Ester and James & Mary.]
Robert Holmes, 77, carpetman, born Ireland
Delilah Holmes, 71, born Ireland

William Holmes, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
[Next to William & Rebecca Remington.]
William Holmes, 42, farmer, $900, born Ireland
Jane Holmes, 37, born CT
Elizabeth Holmes, 10, born CT
John Holmes, 8, born CT
William Holmes, 3, born CT
Louisa Holmes, 2, born CT

David Holmes, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
[Living in same house as Jane & Appleton Burnett. Next to James & Mary Holmes.]
David Holmes, 38, merchant, $2,000, born Ireland
E[s]ther Holmes, 41, born Ireland
Deilah Holmes, 13, born CT
Nancy J. Holmes, 10, born CT

James Holmes, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
[Next to David & Esther and Jane & Appleton.]
James Holmes, 32, carpetman, born Ireland
Mary Holmes, 30, born Ireland
Isabella Holmes, 10, born CT
Robert Holmes, 9, born CT
Margaret Holmes, 7, born CT
Jane Holmes, 5, born CT
Thomas Holmes, 4, born CT
Rebecca Holmes, 17, born Ireland
Mary McRoy, 18, born Ireland
Rebecca Holmes, 17, born Ireland

Robert Holmes, Jr., Granby Township, Hartford, CT
Robert Holmes, 35, tavern keeper, born Ireland
Eliza Holmes, 34, born CT
David Holmes, 10, born CT
Ellen Holmes, 6, born CT
Charles Holmes, 4, born CT
Sophia Bafsett (sp?), 50, born CT [believed to be Eliza's mother]

Rebecca Remington, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
[Next to William & Jane Holmes.]
William H. Remington, 41, farmer, $1,200, born CT
Rebecca S. Remington, 31, born Ireland

Jane Burnett, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
[Living in same house #132 as David & Esther Holmes and next to James & Mary Holmes #133.
Despite the errors, we believe this is our Jane.]
Appleton Berard, 31, spinner, born MA
Jane Bernard, 26, born MA

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Oliver Pomeroy, 34, farmer, born CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 25, born Ireland
Charles Pomeroy, 3, born CT

1860

Delalia Holms, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
Delalia Holms, 80, old lady lives all alone, $20 personal, born Ireland

William Holms, Simsbury Township, Hartford, CT
William Holms, 52, boarding house, $500, born Ireland
Jane Holms, 46, keeping house, born CT
Elisabeth Holms, 19, domestic, born CT
William Holms Jr., 13, born CT
Louisa Holmes, 12, born CT
Oliver Holms, 9, born CT [this is actually Olivia]

Plus 26 people, born in various places, living in the boarding house and working in the carpet mills; 1 laborer; and 1 female servant.

James Holmes, East Granby Township, Hartford, CT
James Holmes, 45, farmer, $1,800, $500, born Ireland
Mary Holmes, 40, born Ireland
Isabel E. Holmes, 20, born CT
Robert J. Holmes, 18, born CT
Margaret E. Holmes, 17, born CT
Jane L. Holmes, 16, born CT
Thomas H. Holmes, 14, born CT
Ella M. Holmes, 6, born CT

Jane Burnett, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Appleton Burnett, 42, born MA
Jane Burnett, 37, born Ireland
Rebecca J. Rimington, 7, born CT [daughter of Rebecca & William Remington]

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Oliver Pomeroy 2d, 42, farmer, $4,500, $1,000, born CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 30, born CT
Charles G. Pomeroy, 13, born CT
Jane Pomeroy, 7, born CT
Luther Pomeroy, 4, born CT
Eloise Pomeroy, 2 born CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 40, cigar maker, born CT

1870

William Holmes, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
[Son William, 22, found in New Britain]
William Holmes, 61, born Ireland
Jane Holmes, 56, born CT
John C. Holmes, 26, born CT
Louisa Holmes, 21, born CT

James Holmes, East Granby Township, Hartford, CT
James Holmes, 55, farmer, $4,500, $2,000, born Ireland
Mary E. Holmes, 50, born Ireland
Maggie E. Holmes, 27, born CT
Thomas H.Holmes, 23, born CT
James A. Holmes, 18, born CT
Ella M. Holmes, 16, born CT

Jane Bernett, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Apelton Bernett, 52, farmer, $6,000, $1,000, born CT
Jane Bernett, 52, born Ireland
Rebecca Remington, 17, born CT

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Oliver Pomeroy, 45, farmer, $2,000, $1,000, born CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 40, born Ireland
Jane Pomeroy, 17, born CT
Luther Pomeroy, 13, born CT
Susan Pomeroy, 7, born CT

1880

William Holmes, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
[On the same page as Jane & Appleton Burnett]
William Holmes, 71, born Ireland
Jane Holmes, 66, born CT
Charles R. Holmes, 32, Nephew, born CT [Likely the son of Robert Jr. & Eliza]

James Holmes, East Granby Township, Hartford, CT
James Holmes, 66, born Ireland
Mary Holmes, 60, born Ireland
Thomas H. Holmes, 32, born CT
George (K.) Holmes, 4, born CT, grandson [son of James J. & Martha]

Jane Burnett, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
[On the same page as William & Jane Holmes]
Appleton Burnett, 62, farmer, kicked by a horse, born MA
Jane Burnett, 56, born Ireland

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 54, widow, born Ireland
Luther O. Pomeroy, 24, farmer, born CT
Susie E. Pomeroy, 17, born CT

1900

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Suffield Township, Hartford, CT
Elizabeth Pomeroy, 74, widow, farmer, born Ireland
Mother of 5, 2 living
Father born Ireland, Mother born England

Old Tariffville Cemetery

In a quiet corner of St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Tariffville, CT is the Old Tariffville Cemetary. Some state records refer to it as the Non-Sectarian Cemetery.

The graves of Robert and Delila Holmes can be found here. Buried with them is:

• Robert Holmes Jr. (their son)
• Eliza Holmes (wife of Robert Jr.)
• Robert and Cyrus Holmes (sons of Robert Jr.)
• Mary Holmes (wife of William)
• Marthy Holmes (relationship unknown)

The inscription on Delila's headstone reads: "We lay our bodies down to sleep. Peace is the pillow for our heads, while well appointed angels keep their watchful stations round our bed."

Simsbury, Connecticut

And sweet homes nestle in these dales,
And perch along these wooded swells,
And, blest beyond Arcadian vales,
They hear the sound of Sabbath bells!
Here dwells no perfect man sublime,
No woman winged before her time
But with the faults, and follies of the race,
Old home-bred virtues hold their not unhonored place.

By Rev. John McLean
[Published in the Connecticut Quarterly April, May and June 1895]

Why Simsbury? There is much in a name notwithstanding Shakespearean philosophy. New York, Chicago, Boston. Could they have become great cities had they been blanketed with the name Simsbury? Some authentic historical reason for exchanging the musical Indian name Massaco for colorless Simsbury would make it more endurable, but the searchlight of the historian reveals but conflicting guesses. The name of a place, however, with which we have no acquaintance, is but an abstraction. Knowing it, it becomes concrete, and the framework and background of a series of pictures and impressions. Though the name, Simsbury, be without suggestiveness to the strange ear, to those who have watched the seasons come and go, from her quiet homes, and to the passerby, whose soul is touched by the beautiful, this name will turn many exquisite pages, in memory's album.

Simsbury is a mine of that wealth of which the man may possess most who has greatest capacity to receive. The great charm of the place is variety. It has some attractive features for almost every taste. Those who love mountain scenery may wander along the granite hills on the west or the trap ledges on the east. They may climb The Pinnacle, and look down on pretty Lake Bijou, lying like a pearl in emerald setting, or to the cedar-fringed summit of Mt. Philip, towering nearly a thousand feet above the river-ribboned meadows of Massaco. From this far famed royal view may be traced the old drift kames by the deep green of the pines which clothe their sterile summits. Far to the north and west, (Mts.) Tom, Holyoke, and distant Greylock salute you through the purple haze. In the west arises that wild tumult of hills, which conceal in their bosom the grand old towns of Litchfield and Norfolk.

If the more quiet scenery of a river valley affords greater pleasure, search out and feast upon the unsung beauties of the Farmington, a stream which would have ravished the soul of Wordsworth or David Gray. For miles the road follows the river where the waters flash to the eye their fresco of overarching elms, with background of blue sky and fleecy cloud, and where riverbank on the one hand and hedgerow on the other, seem to compete, in wild luxuriance of flowers, grasses, and tangles of clematis and woodbine. Northward the stream winds through well-tilled meadows, where the projecting coves are almost concealed beneath a thin garment of peltate leaves, and starry lilies. At length, turning sharply eastward its tortured waters plunge wildly over the rocks of the mountain pass.

For some, the forests have peculiar charm. There are many drives through the wooded belt, running north by south nearly through the center of the township. These give cool, refreshing shelter which the fierce heat of the summer sun can scarcely penetrate, where toiling, weary brutes, and men who are not brutes, breathe gratitude. Masses of ferns, and banks of soft cool moss tempt the passerby to recline in dreamy reverie and listen to the monotone of the wind, playing upon its mighty sylvan organ.

Simsbury offers rich enjoyment to any student who delights in reading the long story of creation, for nowhere on the face of the earth can more formations, distinct in character, be found within the limit of a few hours' walk. Here granite, trap, sandstone and the erratic rocks chant their tragic epics for those who have ears to hear. Not less of interest will here be found for the botanist. From showery April, when that sweet gift of the glacier smiles its greeting from beneath the leaves, to chill November, when the deep fringed gentian seems to chide the trees for putting off their summer robes so soon, broad flower-besprinkled meadows, deep orchid hiding woods, hedge-row, marsh, mountain cliff and glen will reward the patient seeker after Flora's gems.

Some, believing that "the proper study of mankind is man," would search the fading pages of history. No tragic scene of the world's great drama has been enacted here. The history of Simsbury is the story of a sturdy, self dependant, God-fearing, home-loving people, who spared neither blood, nor fortune when the drum beat sounded to that great struggle for independence, or that more terrible death grapple with the dark demon of sin, whose voice of wild satiric laughter had ever mingled its discords with our anthems of the free. Armed with such preparation as the district school and village lycium afforded, her Miltons and village Hamptons have not all remained mute and inglorious. Simsbury has given to the National Army, able officers; to Congress, wise statesmen; to the Executive, a Comptroller, a Secretary of the Treasury, and a distinguished foreign minister; to our Colleges, two Presidents; to the Episcopal Church, a Bishop; to Missouri, a Governor; to New York City, merchant princes, and to the professions prominent members.

Simsbury was the second town of the Tunxis Valley to invite the English settler. In 1643, John Griffin and Michael Humphrey came from Windsor and commenced the manufacture of tar. A certain Indian, Manahannoose, did wittingly kindle a fire which proved disastrous to their enterprise. The Court decreed, that "in default of payment of five hundred string of wampum," he should "serve or be shipped in exchange for neagcrs." He seems to have escaped this penalty by giving the injured tar-makers a deed of Massaco. The township has several times been divided. East Granby, (where Old Newgate Prison is located), Granby, North Canton and Canton having, in great Dart, been formed from its original territory.

Simsbury is located northwest of Hartford, in the northern part of that valley rent from the broad Connecticut by the convulsions following the Jurassic epoch. Scattered over its area, are numerous small villages, the one known as Simsbury being near the center. These are, with two or three exceptions, arranged along the streets running north and south on either side of the river. North, on the cast side of the river, is located the once thriving village of Tariffville. Desolating fires, with a series of other misfortunes, have checked its prosperity. The long road, of its misfortunes, now seems to have reached its turning. It is wonderfully picturesque in its surroundings, and the scenery attracts many to the Bartlett Tower, located on a mountain near by. From Tariffville southward the drive commands the most charming river and meadow scenery. Where the old Windsor road descends the mountain is a little hamlet known as Terry's Plain. Fair and delectable indeed must have seemed the virgin face of Massaco as seen first from this mountain crest, and one cannot wonder that Griffin and Humphrey (the Caleb and Joshua sent to spy out the land) resolved to settle here, notwithstanding the Anakim.

About two miles of road, mostly along the river bank brings us to East Weatogue, a pretty, restful hamlet. The morning sun is late in driving away the mountain shadows, but the wide westward vista lengthens out the day with glowing sunsets. Here the Hartford road winds over the mountain. From the summit of the last steep descent, the song of turbulent waters will fall upon the ear. Would you enjoy one of the daintiest bits of scenery; swing down the deep ravine and follow the laughing cascades through the gloom of the rock-walled canon.

In this village stands the oldest house of the township, known as the Bacon Place or Ft. George. Built in 1717, though somewhat bowed with age, its massive timbers yield but slowly to the ravages of time. Tradition tells of wild scenes here in the old days of warfare. There also is located that fine example of colonial architecture, the Humphrey Place, at present occupied by the lineal descendants of that Michael Humphrey who with John Griffin first invaded the primeval forests of Massaco.

On the opposite side of the river lies the sister village, West Weatogue, in former days the business center of the place. The old inhabitant still boasts of those halcyon times. Here was the village store, and the school where John Slater was, by vote of the town, authorized "to teach the youths to read, write, cypher and say the rules of arathmetack," and here another teacher of great local fame taught grammar by machinery. With growth of business in another part of the town, the star of her prosperity set, but only to rise again with increased splendor. Her prophet no longer chants hi, Jeremiads from her ruins. The spirit of the renaissance is sweeping over her, everywhere transforming the unsightly into the beautiful. Old farm houses burst from the chrysalis into towered mansions. An artistic granite fountain, in memoriam of the beloved physician, Dr. White, ornaments her pretty green. Even the old school house, has put off her simple gown and come out in a brand new suit, with a Romanesque flounce.

Separated from Weatogue by the loveliest of drives through the fragrant pines is Bushy Hill. A bushy hill no longer. Her ill-kept farms, where men often failed in the struggle with nature because of the heavy tribute paid King Alcohol, have come into the possession of the Rev. D. Stuart Dodge, the Messrs Arthur, Norman, and Walter Phelps Dodge, the sons and grandson of the late William E. Dodge of New York; and her hills, commanding a wide circle of exquisite scenery, are being crowned with stately mansions. Bushy hill is honored by the association of distinguished names. In her humble farmhouses were born Anson G. Phelps the successful man of business and philanthropist, and John J. Phelps, the merchant prince. His son the eminent statesman and diplomat, William Walter Phelps, spent here many days of his childhood and youth.

About two miles westward, where the road from the granite mountains enters the valley between twin frowning ledges of intrusive trap, nestles the little village of West Simsbury, or The Harms, a place lying at the threshold of the most charming and unique scenery.

About two miles north of Weatogue is the central village, which takes the township name, Simsbury. It is built along a terrace, between the wooded bluff and the river meadows. Entering from the Bushy Hill or Farms Road, you will pass the Old Mill which still grinds the grists, and takes the toll, as in days of yore. A little down the stream stands the old distillery. It is now many years since barefoot lads and lassies, with tin pails and pennies, descended the winding path, and climbed the stile to get "a mess of emptins," as yeast was called.

The road describes a half circle at the foot of the hill, where stands the Congregational Church, a building of classic proportions, and of a simple chaste style which harmonized with the age and worship of its time. Admire its exterior. Do not enter until a mistake of a few years since be remedied, and the sober Purl tan meeting house be disrobed of its gaudy attire. Northward for nearly a mile the street extends, straight as an arrow, broad, sentinelled by magnificent elms and sycamores. The accompanying views will give hints of its beauty. Aside from the many fine modern houses arc many places of historic interest.

The Amos R. Eno Mansion stands on a finely shaded eminence, overlooking the valley. Built by the Hon. Elisha Phelps, the father of Mrs. Eno, the recent changes in the building seem rather to emphasize its old time dignity and atmosphere of hospitality. Here for nearly a half century, the queenly hostess won the love of high and low; and the farmer lad of fourscore years ago, having fought life's battle in the great metropolis, and won not only great riches, but that good name honored and respected by all, has come here for quiet and rest in his declining years.

Simsbury numbers among her most valuable institutions, the Free Library, a gift from Mr. Eno to his birthplace. The building is designed in harmony with its surroundings, and, within and without, is a fine expression of colonial architecture. The library, nourished by a liberal fund, removes from the youth of Simsbury any barrier from culture.

In the center of the village, where was once the churchyard is the Cemetery. For two and a quarter centuries, groups of people, with sad eyes, and aching hearts, have climbed this beautiful hillside, to lay away the tenement of some beloved soul. Whether the earth were covered with snow or violets, in sunshine and storm, the sad burial words have been spoken, but when the trembling voice strikes the brighter strain, "I am the resurrection and the life," the restful beauty of the scene seems to turn the thought from the city of the dead, to that city whose Builder and Maker is He who giveth and taketh away. The limit of this paper forbids tarrying among the quaint headstones and quainter inscriptions. Passing the little group of stores, the old Ensign Homestead stands on the left, with its lilac bushes and cinnamon roses, and nearly opposite the Jeffrey O. Phelps Mansion, built in 1771, in colonial days the famous Phelps Tavern