William Holmes
William Holmes (17 October, 1844 to 28 December, 1928)
- 4 Spring Cliff St. Tailor and Draper. - 1881 Census
- Glen Mount, Baildon. Retired Tailor & Draper. - 1911 Census
William was attested in his Obituary as being the Grand Old Man of Baildon!
He was descended from one Jacob HolmesCitation needed who in 1794 owned the Bay Horse (formerly the Horse & Groom) in Baildon, also around that time John Holmes was the innkeeper of the Cross Keys.
Game Cocks
To be sold, by Private Contract, At the House of Jacob Holmes, the Bay Horse, in Baildon, in the West Riding of the County of York.
A large quantity of Game Cocks and Stags, of the best quality.
Their goodness has been tried for many years past, having fought with the greatest success in the Long Mains, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Fifty of the above Cocks are Maidens, and will be ready to fight early in the Spring. Also a like quantity of Stags, which will be ready for the above purpose, as soon as any in Yorkshire. The above Cocks are the finest this year they have ever been known, and have been bred on for great number of years past.
Likewise, twelve Hens and three Cocks of the above kind, for the purpose of breeding.
Any gentleman mindful of purchasing the above, may have the whole, or any part of them, delivered any where not exceeding one hundred miles from the above place, by Jacob Holmes, the owner.
Baildon, Dec. 22d, 1794
As of 2024 any link between Jacob & John has not yet been established.
On 11 November, 1872 William married Ann Brook, Daughter of Joseph Brook and Niece of Dr James Steel; in due course they celebrated their Golden Wedding.[2]
William was born in Heaton, Bradford and was the son the late Mr. John Holmes, whose family for four generations were associated with the firm of Messrs. John Holmes and Sons, tailors, Shipley for 110 years.Citation needed
William, the Grand Old Man of Baildon, has been identified with the public and religious activities of Baildon for several years. In 1888 he was elected the old Local Board, and with the exception two years, has served continuously under the old regime, and also the Urban District Council; Chairman of the Sanitary, Cemetary & Parks Committee and also acted as Chairman of the Council for two years. He was elected a member the old School Board in 1882 and was the first Chairman of the Baildon Education Committee. He also represented Baildon Urban Council on the Wharfedale-Isolation Hospital Board at Menston and was Chairman of the Old Age Pensions Committee at Town Hall.[3]
The Wesleyan cause at Charlestown Church had in William Holmes one of its most ardent supporters where he occupied all the offices open to laymen in the church, whilst for many years has being a devoted worker in the Sunday School as a teacher and superintendent. Citation needed
Mr. Holmes was an ardent Liberal: President of the Baildon Liberal Club and Treasurer of the Baildon Liberal Association.Citation needed
