Over the years the Holmes family has been one of the most numerous in Morgan County. This week we look at some of the members of the Holmes clan who made the news. The Holmes name has been widely attached to communities, churches, businesses, as well as other local points of interest.

June 22, 1910–The Louisville and Nashville supervisory party that has been camped here for the past 3-4 weeks has about completed its work and it is understood that the contract will soon be let for the double track from Holmes Gap to Flint.

July 23, 1911–During the past two days a series of accidents has befallen the community of Pleasant Hill, a remote precinct of this county. Yesterday during a thunder storm, J. H. Holmes was badly shocked by lightning but will recover.

March 10, 1912–Southbound Louisville and Nashville passengers report that work has now begun on the grading for the double track on the portion of the railroad from Holmes Gap to Garden City.

April 29, 1912–Albert L. Potts and Myrtice Huie were married at Holmes Gap today and immediately after the wedding left on a honeymoon to Florida and points south.

Sept. 3, 1921–Recent MCHS graduate Hazel Holmes will be a student at Women’s College in Montgomery this fall.

June 21, 1934—Funeral was held today at Union Hill for Frank H. Holmes, 93, Confederate veteran, Morgan County, who died yesterday at the home of his son, John Holmes, Lacon, Route 1.

June 17, 1954–Mrs. Y. A. McCall, Mary Frances McCall, Mrs. C. I. Lee, and Mr. and Mrs. George Wesley Vest of Flint were in Huntsville Saturday to attend the marriage of Imogene Murphree and Mr. John E. Douma at Holmes Street Methodist Church.

Jan. 27, 1955—Luther Holmes is now recuperating at home following his dismissal from Decatur General Hospital.

May 31, 1998—In discussing the current gubernatorial race with an out of town reporter, Nelda Holmes, 66, a Falkville resident said, “I thought I liked Siegelman but now I don’t because of the lottery.”

May 27, 2002—Funeral services for B. H. Holmes, 94, were held today at Peck Funeral Home Chapel.

Feb. 19, 2004—Funeral services for Datchel Ryan Holmes, 94, were held today at the Peck Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Enon cemetery near Eva, where many of Mrs, Holmes’ relatives are also laid to rest.

Sept. 1, 2004—Mr. Randall Key is the new band director at MCHS, replacing Dexter Greenhaw who is retiring. (Sadly, Mr. Greenhaw passed away a few years ago.) Mr. Key became a great mentor to the band members, influencing such musicians as Jacob Holmes, helping him to greatly influence his proficiency in jazz trumpet and also facilitating his entrance into a prestigious program at the University of Alabama.

Oct. 11, 2008—Ashley Elizabeth Holmes, 25, passed away today at Huntsville Hospital. She was born in Morgan County, to Glynn Frank Holmes and Dana Eliza Dobbs Holmes in 1983. She graduated from Hartselle High in 2001 where she received high honors for her academic achievements. After high school she attended the University of Alabama.

May 16, 2009—Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Holmes have opened the convenience store, Jet Pep. Jacob and Calley are a fine young couple and both plan to continue their university studies at Athens State.

Feb. 1, 2014—A single family home located at 3210 Holmes Road Southwest, Hartselle, is available. It was built in 1900. All of the homes in this immediate area are also single-family.

March 11, 2014—Funeral services were held today for Dean Parker Sheppard Holmes, 74, of Eva, at the Peck Funeral Home Chapel. Chris Johnson officiated at the services.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Stewart is very appreciative of the assistance of Jacob Holmes in the preparation of this column. Others who might have ideas for future columns are invited to submit them to the Enquirer via email at news@hartselleenquirer.com, by phone at 256-773-6566 or by fax at 256-773-1953.