Hugh Campbell Holmes

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Advancement has been the watchword of the world throughout the century. In every line of endeavor great progress has been made, but in no field of human effort has it been more marked than in horticulture. Experiment, scientific research, chemical analysis, the conditions and effect of climate – all have been taken into consideration in the production of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and varieties have been so multiplied and qualities improved that the products of nursery, garden and greenhouse are almost beyond comparison with those of a century ago. Among those who stand in the foremost rank of the horticulturists of Morris county, New Jersey, is Hugh Campbell HOLMES, of Morristown, who brought his taste and love for his work from his native country.

Mr. HOLMES was born just outside of the city of Glasgow, Scotland, and is the son of Walter and Eliza (CAMPBELL) HOLMES, both deceased. He was about eight years of age when he was sent to live with an uncle who resided in Chester, England, and there he learned the art of landscape gardening and the cultivation of flowers very thoroughly and practically, partly under the instruction of his uncle and partly in the employ of DICKSON & Sons, who were extensive growers of roses and fruits. In the spring of 1887, he emigrated to America and after a short time spent in Connecticut, went to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he devoted himself to landscape gardening exclusively for some years. He then went to Albany, New York, and found employment as a private gardener for a period of three years, after which he spent one year in Pittsfield, Massachusetts,. Finally he decided to come to Morris county, New Jersey, and since that time he has been identified with that section of the country. He accepted a position with Richard H. McCURDY, as superintendent of his grounds and greenhouses and remained there four years. In 1898 he leased the place on which he is now located, engaging in business independently as a florist, and so successful was he that at the expiration of two years he had amassed a sufficient capital to warrant his purchasing the entire ground. He made extensive improvements on the place, erecting large greenhouses, having now 15,000 feet of glass , and installed all appliances which tended toward improved methods. He cultivates all kinds of flowers, but his rose gardens are especially fine, and people come from near and far to admire their beauty. In addition to his business as a florist Mr. HOLMES is still engaged in landscape gardening of all kinds, and his services are in great demand. He and his wife attend the Episcopal church, and he is affiliated with the following organizations: Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, F. and A. M.; Madison Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Ode de St. Amand Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; Salaam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; Scottish Clan; Knight of St. George.

Mr. HOLMES married, February 1, 1893, Isabella, born in Scotland, daughter of Matthew and Eliza HAMILTON, and they have had children: Walter H. and Isabella Catherine. Mr. HOLMES has a most thorough understanding of his business and this combined with his love for his calling, have made him very successful in his career. His good management and honorable dealing have also contributed not a little toward securing him excellent financial returns for his labors. His energy, perseverance and ambition have enabled him to triumph over all obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)