I have recently been reading the Memoirs of the Rev Robert Wilson Hamilton who was minister at Burt Presbyterian Church between 1880 and 1885(1). The Reverend states that his brother, Henry Stewart Hamilton was married 29 September 1860 in 2nd Presbyterian Church, Strabane to Harriett Georgina Holmes daughter of Robert Holmes of Strabane.
Notes to the memoir state that Harriett was related to Lord Justice Hugh Holmes, son of William Holmes of Dungannon who I wrote about in Holmes of Strabane, pt3.
The memoirs further state:
… Henry Stewart married a Miss [Harriett Georgina] Holmes. Lord Justice [Hugh] Holmes was closely related. Her sisters kept a well-known ladies’ school in Derry. The children we knew best were Sam, … and Harriett, who married 1st a Mr McCorkell of Derry and later Herbert Burbidge…
…Bartholomew Hebert McCorkell… married at St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry … Harriett Georgina daughter of Henry S. Hamilton … The wedding guests included the Rt Hon. Mr Justice [Hugh] Holmes (cousin of the bride).
Starting with these clues, I have been able to put together much of Harriett’s family. She was the daughter of Robert Holmes of Strabane, brewer and his wife Ann Crawford who were married in 1830.(2)
“Married Wed. last Mr Robert Holmes to Miss Anne Crawford both of Strabane.” – Londonderry Sentinel, 25 Sept 1830
Robert Holmes and Anne Crawford had at least 7 Children:
- Frances b.1831, headmistress, Strand School Londonderry
- Annie – ran the Strand School with her sister
- William (1832-1874) m. Elizabeth Leiper Holmes (daughter of John Holmes of Philadelphia and Elizabeth Leiper (see my recent post).
- Andrew b.1834
- Edward
- Harriett Georgina (1842-1916) m. Henry Stewart Hamilton
- Elizabeth (1847-1909) m. William Fraser Bell of Auckland, NZ
The oldest sisters, Frances and Annie, founded the Strand School in Londonderry.
William Holmes, the eldest brother, emigrated to Philadelphia in summer of 1848 at the age of 15(3).
He is probably the William Holmes, age 17 who appears in the 1850 census in the household of his Uncle, John Holmes, MD.
William tragically died 1874 while on a carriage ride with his wife, children and his uncle, Dr John Homes(4).
The youngest brother, Edward took over the brewery after his father Robert’s death on 17 Dec 1862. Admin of his estate went to Edward who was still in Ireland as his eldest son William was living in Philadelphia(5).
Edward would buy out his brother’s share of the brewery in 1863, but only held it for 2 years. He sold the property to Mary Jane Holmes(6),(7),(8). (She was likely the sister of Valentine, John and William Holmes).
I have been puzzling over the father Robert Holmes who died in 1862. He is apparently not the Robert Holmes, brewer that was son of William Holmes, brewer. Their graves in Stranorlar show that Robert Holmes, son of William, died in 1849. So which Robert Holmes is advertising beer in 1848?
Robert Holmes (d. 1849) gave up his share of the Brewery to David Smith of Strabane in 1838. He dissolved his partnership with John Smyth (David’s father) at roughly the same time (see my last post).
It must be the Robert Holmes, brewer (d.1862) who in 1850 granted an annuity off his property in Strabane to Isabella Porter of Londonderry in settlement of a 100 pound debt.(9)
In 1857, Robert Holmes, now known as gentleman, acquired additional property in Strabane including the brewery property(10),(11). These properties would pass to the sons Edward and William.
two tenements situate in Barrack Street Strabane formerly in the possession of Hugh Harper and Archibald Roddy afterwards in the possession of William Holmes and now in the possession of Robert Holmes party thereto and also two tenements in the front or Meeting House Street Strabane aforesaid formerly in the possession of John Smyth and Elizabeth McGowen afterwards in the possession of William Holmes & and now in the possession of Robert Holmes
Robert’s brother, John Holmes, MD was born 14 Dec 1809 in Strabane(3).
He is most most likely the John Holmes mentioned in the Jun 14, 1831 edition of the Strabane Morning Post:
Mr. John Holmes of this town, who, in May 1830, obtained a diploma in midwifery from the Lying-in Hospital in Dublin, was admitted a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, on the 13th ult., and received a diploma accordingly.
He is also probably the surgeon Holmes who assisted the men injured in the brewery fire in 1832 (see Holmes of Strabane, pt3).
In June 1833 sailed from Londonderry on the ship William Ewing. An Edward Holmes, age 29 seems to have traveled with him.
He married Mary Ann Holmes, daughter of John Holmes and Ann Craig (see my last post). John and Mary Ann had 4 children: Anna, Adeline, William J, and Edward C.
In 1870, Dr John Holmes was left $100 in the will of Valentine Holmes who called him cousin (see Holmes of Strabane, pt3).
The Doctor seems to have had a long and respected career. He died in 1886 and was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
The parents of Robert Holmes (d.1762) and Dr John Holmes are uncertain. We know they were related to Valentine Holmes, who referred to Dr John Holmes as his cousin in his will. Robert’s daughter Harriet Georgina is also said to have been a close cousin to Valentine’s nephew Judge Hugh Holmes. My working hypothesis at this point is that they are sons of Robert Holmes, brewer who died in 1749. (see my working tree on Ancestry)
References
1. Memoirs of Rev Robert Wilson Hamilton
2. Holmes Family Notes, Co. Tyrone 1820-68
4. The Jeffersonian, Stroudsburg, PA, 20 Aug 1874, p.2
6. A Memorial of an Indented Deed 19 Sep 1863 Between William Holmes of Philadelphia in the United States of America Gentleman eldest son and heir at law of of Robert Holmes late of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer deceased of the one part and Edward Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the other part whereby after Reciting as therein the said William Holmes for the considerations therein mentioned did grant bargain sell assign transfer and make over alien release convey and confirm unto the said Edward Holmes his heirs executors administrators and assigns Firstly all that and those two houses tenements and premises in the Back Street of Strabane formerly in the possession of Charles Humphrey and afterwards in the actual occupation and possession of the said Robert Holmes and then or late in the possession of the said William Holmes party thereto and his under tenants measuring in front to the said Back Street thirty two feet or thereabouts and running backwards to Butcher that bounded on the north by the house and premises formerly occupied by Thomas McNewance then in the possession of Michael Bradden on the south by premises then in the occupation of William Barnhill on the west by said Back Street and on the East by premises then in the occupation of James McGee and Hugh Daid and secondly all that and those that dwelling house tenement and premises in the front street of the town of Strabane formerly occupied as a Police Barracks formerly in the possession of the said Robert Holmes deceased and then or late in the possession of the said William Holmes party thereto and his under tenants being the premises comprised in and demised by a certain Indenture of eighteenth December one thousand eight hundred and forty one therein before recited and Thirdly all that and those the two tenements situate in Barrack Street and also two tenements in front or Meeting house Street Strabane as the south were formerly in the possession of one Charles James Brown and his under tenants afterwards in the occupation and possession of the said Robert Holmes and his under tenant and part of which was used by said Robert Holmes as a Brew House Malt House Stable Byre sheds and Yard and then or late in the possession of the said William Holmes party thereto and his under tenants being the premises mentioned and described in an Indenture of 13 Jan 1857 therein before recited with the improvements and appurtenances thereunto severally belonging or in any wise appertaining all which said several premises are situate lying and being in the Town of Strabane Parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone and all and singular the appurtenances to the said several and respective premises tenements or any part thereof belonging or appertaining and all improvements made and to be made thereon and the rents issues and profits thereof to hold the said firstly herein before mentioned and demised premises and all and singular the rights privileges .. thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the improvements made or to be made thereon respectively with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Edward Holmes his heirs and assigns to the only proper use of the said Edward Holmes his heirs and assigns for ever and to hold the secondly herein before mentioned and described premises with the rights privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and all improvements made and to be made thereon with the appurtenances unto the said Edward Holmes his heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during the rest residue and remainder of the terms for lives and years granted by the original Lease of 18 Dec 1841 therein before recited and for and doing all such further and other term as night for ever thereafter be granted or obtained thereof in any manner howsoever and to hold the said thirdly herein before mentioned and described tenements hereditaments and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Edward Holmes his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said Edward Holmes his heirs and assigns for ever subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly head rents taxes … then or at any time thereafter to be charged or imposed upon or payable out of or in October 1863 respect of the said several lands tenements hereditaments and premises or any part thereof and which said deed as to the execution and perfection thereof by the said William Holmes is witnessed by George Crump Solicitor British Consulate Six hundred and nineteen Walnutt Street Philadelphia in the United States of America and which said deed and this memorial as to the execution and perfection thereof respectively by the said Edward Holmes one of the parties to said Deed and party hereto are respectively witnessed by Robert Wilson of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Solicitor and by Thomas Sharkie of Lifford in the County of Donegal writing Clerk Edward Holmes ( Seal Signed and Sealed in presence of Robert Wilson Sol Strabane , Thomas Sharkie Now Robert Wilson of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Solicitor above named maketh Oath and saith that he is a subscribing witness to the Deed of which the above is a memorial and to his memorial respectively and saith that he saw said Deed and this memorial respectively duly executed by the said Edward Holmes one of the parties to said Deed and party hereto and that the name Robert Wilson subscribed as a witness to said Deed and this memorial respectively is this deponents proper name and hand writing Robert Wilson Sworn before me at Strabane in the County of Tyrone this 7th day of October 1863 (RD 1863/32/246)
7. Memorial of articles of Agreement 27 Nov 1863 Edward Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the one part and John Thomson and Edward Harris Clarke both of Belfast on behalf of the Belfast Banking Company , of the other part ; … Edward Holmes for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators did thereby covenant..the Lands Tenement ..therein comprised , and which premises consist of all those two now Tenements .. in the Back Street of Strabane lately in the possession of William Holmes his under Tenants … also all that has or Tenement and premises in the Front Street of the Town of Strabane now occupied and Police Barracks … situate in Barrack Street Also two tenements Front of Meeting house Strabane as formerly in the possession of Robert Holmes and my under an which was used by said Robert Holmes as a Brew House all house stable by the and lately in the possession of said William Holmes … to said Banking Company , or the Members of the said Company for the account of the said Edward Holmes … witnessed by said William Smith and Andrew Reed of Strabane aforesaid Gentleman … Signed and said by sell and to In presence of Wm Smith Andrew Reid , There then named William Smith maketh oath and saith , That he is a subscribing witness to the station of the Articles of Agreement when the within writing is a memorial and Saith he was present and did see said articles duly Executed and the within Memorial duly perfected by the within named Edward Holmes July to Thereto . and saith that the Main Austin Smith subscribed as a Witness to the late Memorial Respectively is this Deponents proper name and handwriting . Wm Smith Sworn me at Strabane in the County & Tyrone this 29th day of November 1863 (RD 1863/38/247)
8. Memorial of an indented deed 9 Dec 1865 between Edward Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the one part , and Miss Mary Jane Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone , Spinster of the other part Whereby after writing as is therein recited said Indenture witnessed that for the considerations therein mentioned . He the said Edward Holmes did grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over , alien release convey and confirm , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrator and assigns , firstly . All that and those two houses tenements and premises in the Back Street of Strabane formerly in the possession of Charles Humphrey , and afterwards in the actual occupation and possession of the therein named Robert Holmes, and then or late in the possession of the said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants measuring in front to the said Back Street thirty two feet or thereabouts and running backwards to Butcher Street . Bounded on the North by the house and premises formerly occupied by Thos McNeilance then in the possession of Michael Braddan , on the South by the premises then in the occupation of William Barnhill , on the West by said Back Street , and on the last by premises formerly in the occupation of James Miller and Hugh M Daid , and secondly . All that and those that dwelling house messuage and premises in the Front Street of the Town of Strabane formerly occupied as a Police Barracks afterwards in the possession of the said Robert Holmes deceased and then or late in the possession of said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants being the premises comprised in and demised by the said Indenture of lease of Eighteenth December one thousand eight hundred and forty one therein before recited and thirdly all that and those the two Tenements situate in Barrack street and also two Tenements in Grant or Meeting House Street Strabane as the same were formerly in the possession of the therein mentioned Charles James Brown and his under tenants afterwards in the occupation and possession of the said Robert Holmes and his undertenants , and part of which was used by said Robert Holmes as a Brew House , Malt house stable byre sheds and yard and then or late in the possession of the said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants , being the premises mentioned and described in the said Indenture of thirteenth January one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven therein before rented and fourthly all that and those the said dwelling house in the Front Street of Strabane then in the occupation of Nancy McCanly held by Lease under the Reverend Alexander Sinclair Humpheys with all and singular the improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , all which said several premises are situate lying and being in the Town of Strabane Parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone , and Fifthly , all that and those all the Household goods furniture and chattels , stock in trade Moneys Book and other debts Brewery and all the fixtures in said Brewery and implements and utensils for Brewing and carrying on the Brewery trade Horses carts drays barrels . Black cattle and pigs , and all and every , the articles utensils goods and chattels in said Brewery or connected therewith and all other the goods chattels and effects of every nature and kind whatsoever of him the said Edward Holmes or which he could claim , and the appurtenances , and all his estate and interest therein To Hold the said firstly therein before mentioned and described premises , with all and singular the rights privileges appurtenances and appendances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , and all improvements made or thereafter to be made thereon respectively with their and every of their appurtenances , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns , To the only proper use of the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns for ever , and to Hold the said secondly therein before mentioned and described premises with the rights privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , and all improvements made and to be made thereon , with the appurtenances , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the Term for lives and years granted by the said Original lease of Eighteenth December one thousand eight hundred and forty one therein before recited , and for and during all such other and further term as might for ever thereafter be granted or obtained thereof , in any manner howsoever . and to Hold the said thirdly therein before mentioned and described Tenements hereditaments and premises , with the appurtenances unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns , to the only proper use and behoof of the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns for ever . and to Hold the said fourthly therein before mentioned and described premises unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the said lease thereof , therein before mentioned , and to Hold the said Fifthly therein before described goods chattels and effects therein before mentioned and described unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns , as her and their proper goods and chattels for ever . Subject however to the respective head rents taxes and charges payable out of the said several and respective Tenements hereditaments and premises , or any part or parts thereof , and which said deed as to the execution and perfection thereof by the parties thereto . And this memorial as to the execution and perfection thereof by the said Edward Holmes are respectively witnessed by James Holmes of Naveny in the County of Donegal , Farmer and Henry Stewart Hamilton of Londonderry in the City and County of Londonderry Merchant , Edward Holmes Seal . Signed and sealed in presence of James Holmes, Henry Stewart Hamilton , James Holmes of Naveny in the County of Donegal , Farmer , aged thirty years and upwards maketh oath and saith he is a subscribing witness to the deed whereof this writing is a memorial , and to said Memorial respectively , and saith he saw said deed and Memorial respectively duly executed by the said Edward Holmes party thereto , and saith the name James Holmes subscribed as a witness to the execution of said deed and memorial respectively is deponents proper name and handwriting as Holmes Sworn Before me at Sharon in the County of Tyrone this Eleventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty five (RD 1865/35/294)
9. A Memorial of an Indenture bearing date 22 May 1850 made Between Robert Homes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the one part and Isabella Porter of the City of Londonderry Spinster of the other part Whereby after reciting that the said Robert Holmes stood indebted to the said Isabella Porter in the sum of one hundred pounds sterling and that he was seized and possessed of certain premises in the Back Street of the Town of Strabane aforesaid for three lives renewable for ever . And the said Isabella Porter had agreed to accept from the said Robert Holmes one annuity of Nine pounds per annum during the term of her natural life to be payable out of said premises in full satisfaction of said debt so due to her as aforesaid , It was Witnessed that the said Robert Holmes in consideration of the said sum of one hundred pounds Sterling so due by him to the said Isabella Porter and in full payment and in full payment and satisfaction thereof which the said Isabella Porter and thereby acknowledge He the said Robert Holmes did give grant and confirm unto the said Isabella Porter one annuity or clear yearly rent charge of Nine pounds per annum to be received taken had and to be issuing out of all that and those the two houses tenements and premises situate in the Back Street of the Town of Strabane then in the occupation and possession of John Brown and William Byrne together with the Cellars under the said premises and all the appurtenances thereunto in anywise belonging as the same are situate lying and being in the parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Grone aforesaid To hold the said Connerty or clear yearly rent charge of Nine pounds per annum from the first day of May then instant unto the said Isabella Porter and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life to be paid and payable by two equal half yearly payments on every first day of May and every first day of November during the term at the Natural life of the said Isabella Porter the put payment thereof to be made on the put day of November then next and which said In ture contains a power of distress and several covenants , and as to the execution by the said Holmes, and Isabella Porter respectively is witnessed by William Glass Solicitor and Anne Eliza Holmes Spinster both of Strabane in the County of Tyrone and this memorial as to execution by the said Isabella Porter is witnessed by the said Anne Eliza Holmes and William Macartney of Londonderry in the City and County of Londonderry Writing Clerk , Isabella Porter ” Seal , Signed and sealed by the said Isabella Porter in presence of Anne Eliza Wm Macartney Londonderry – The above named Anne Eliza Holmes maketh Oath and that she is a subscribing witness to the deed of which the above writing is a memorial also to this Memorial and saith that she saw said deed duly executed by the said Robert Holmes and Isabella Porter respectively and this memorial duly executed by the said Isabella Porter , and that the name of this deponent subscribed as a witness to said deed and this mem all respectively is her this deponents proper name and handwriting ” Anne Eliza Holmes Sworn before me at Londonderry in the City and County of Londonderry this seventh any of August 1862 (RD 1862/28/125)
10. A memorial of a deed of conveyance bearing date 13 Jan 1857 between Charles James Brown of New Inn in the County of Middlesex London Solicitor Register 13th Feby 1857 of the one part Robert Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Ireland Gentleman of the other part . Whereby the said Charles James Brown did grant and convey unto the said Robert Holmes and to his heirs all that and those the two tenements situate in Barrack Street Strabane formerly in the possession of Hugh Harper and Archibald Roddy afterwards in the possession of William Holmes and now in the possession of Robert Holmes party thereto and also two tenements in the front or Meeting house Street Strabane aforesaid formerly in the possession of John Smyth and Elizabeth McGowen afterwards in the possession of William Holmes & and now in the possession of Robert Holmes, bounded on the North by the Steam Mill and premises of Mr David Smith , on the west by the said Front or meeting house Street , on the south by premises held under Mrs Anne Humphreys and on the east by the said Barrack Street all which tenements and premises are situate lying and being in the parish of Cams Junta Mourne town and Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone To hold unto the said Robert Holmes his heirs and assigns for ever , and which said deed and this Memorial are witnessed by Charles William Brown of No 10 New Inn in the County of Middlesex aforesaid Gentleman and James Harding of No 24 Ceal street stand in the same County Gentleman , Chas Jas Brown seal , Signed and sealed by the said Charles James Brown in the presence of us , Charles Wm Brown , James Harding . The above named Charles William Brown maketh oath and saith that he saw the above named Charles James Brown duly sign seal and deliver the deed of conveyance whereof the above writing is a Memorial and that he did also see the said Charles James Brown duly sign and seal the said Memorial and that the name ” Charles Wm Brown Subscribed as a witness to said deed I and this Memorial is his this deponents proper name and handwriting , Charles W Brown , Sworn before me this thirteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven (RD 1857/5/130)
11. A Memorial of an indented Deed bearing date 12 Feb 1857 made between Robert Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Gentleman of the one part and William Craig of Ballyfollard in the County of Tyrone Farmer of the other part whereby after reciting as therein is recited said Indenture Witnessed that the said Robert Holmes for the consideration therein mentioned by said presents did grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto the said William Craig assigns all that and those the Two Tenement situate in Barrack Street formerly in the possession of Hugh Harper and Archibald Roddy afterwards in the possession of William Holmes and then in the possession of Robert Holmes party thereto & thereto and also the two Tenements in the front on Meeting House Street Strabane aforesaid formerly in the possession of John Smith and Elizabeth McGowan afterwards in the possession of William Holmes and then in the possession of the said Robert Holmes bounded on the North by the Steam Mill and premises of Mr David Smith in the West by said rent or meeting house that on the South by the premises held under Mr Anne Humphreys and on the East by the said Barrack street all which said Tenements and premises are situate lying and being in the Parish of Camus Juxta Morne, Town and Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders yearly and other the rents issues and profits commodities advantages Emoluments and hereditaments whatsoever to the said Tenements and Premises respectively belonging or in anywise appertaining or which to and with the same them were or at any time theretofore had been held used occupied accepted reputed taken or known as part parcel or member thereof together with the rights members and appurtenan thereunto belonging and also the Estate right Title Interest use Trust property claim and demand whatsoever at law or equity of the said Robert Holmes of in and to all and singular the said Tenements and premises and every part thereof with the appurtenances and due and every the buildings and improvements then made or thereafter to be made thereon with the appurtenances and also all Deeds Leases Evidences and writings touching or concerning the said premises or any part thereof then in the custody power or possession of him the said Robert Holmes To Hold all and singular the said Tenements and premises therein before mentioned and described and every part and parcel there with the appurtenances unto the said William Craig his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said William Craig his heirs and assigns for ever subject Nevertheless to the provise or condition to redemption & thereinafter contained that was to say provided always and it was thereby agreed by and between the said parties thereto that if the said Robert Holmes his heirs heirs admors or assigns did and should well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said William Craig his heirs Exors Admis in assigns the said principal sum of one hundred and Twenty five pounds on or before the Twelfth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty at with interest for the same after the rate of six per cent per annum from said date by half yearly payments on every Twelfth day of August and Twelfth day of Feby then not I only said present but a certain Assignment of a Policy of Insurance and a certain Bond with warrant of attorney for confessing was , went thereon therein unted wearing equal date and collated therewith , should become null and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding , and which said Deed and this Memorial as to the execution and perfection thereof respectively by the said Robert Holmes one of the parties to said Deed and party to this Memorial are witnessed respectively by Robert Wilson of Strabane in the County of Tyrone attorney at law and Thomas Sharkey of Lila in the County of Donegal writing Clerk , out lines seal , signed and Sealed in presence of , Robert Wilson , Thomas Sharkey , Now Robert Wilson of Strabane in the County of Tyrone attorney at law above named maketh oath and saith that he is a subscribing witness to the Deed of which the above writing is a memorial and to said Memorial respectively and that he saw said Deed and Memorial all executed by Robert Holmes one of the parties to said Deed and party to said Memorial respectively and that the name Robert Wilson subscribed as a witness to said Deed and Memorial respectively is this Deponent proper name and handwriting , not Wilson , Sworn before me at Strabane in the County of Donegal 12 Feb 1857 (RD 1857/5/196)
Holmes Genealogy 
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