Asher Holmes facts for kids

Asher Holmes (February 16, 1740 – June 20, 1808) was an important American politician and a brave soldier in the American Revolution. This was the war where America fought for its independence.

Early Life and Family

Asher Holmes was born on February 16, 1740, in a place called Scotchester. This was a plantation in Pleasant Valley, Marlboro Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. His parents were Samuel and Hulda Holmes.

On February 21, 1771, he married Sarah Watson. They had four children together. Their home in Pleasant Valley was known as "Old Kentuck". Asher Holmes worked as a land surveyor, which means he measured and mapped out land. He is buried at the Holmdel Baptist Church cemetery.

Military Service in the Revolution

Leading the Militia

Asher Holmes was a key leader in the American Revolutionary War. He mostly served in the 1st Regiment, Monmouth County Militia. This was a group of local citizens who trained to fight.

Even famous leaders noticed his skills. General Lafayette once wrote to General Washington about Holmes's militia:

I found the rifleman even above their reputation, and the militia above all expectation I could have formed of them.

This means Lafayette was very impressed with their fighting spirit!

In 1782, Holmes and 13 other men signed a letter to George Washington. They asked for justice after a Patriot named Joshua Huddy was killed. This event became known as the Asgill Affair.

Asher Holmes's Commands

Asher Holmes moved up in rank during the war. Here are some of the positions he held:

• Captain, First Regiment, Monmouth County Militia
• First Major, First Regiment, Monmouth County Militia - starting November 28, 1776
• Colonel, First Regiment, Monmouth County Militia - starting March 27, 1778
• Colonel, Regiment of New Jersey State Troops - starting October 9, 1779
• Colonel, Battalion of NJ State Troops - starting June 7, 1780 (this was a smaller group of 262 men)

Battles and Skirmishes

Colonel Holmes was involved in several important battles and smaller fights. These included the Battle of Germantown and the famous Battle of Monmouth. He also fought in smaller battles in places like Navesink, Conushonk, and Pleasant Valley.

He was known for daring actions. He captured a British warship, called a frigate, in Deal Lake. In 1778, he led his militia to fight against the Pine Robbers in Pleasant Valley. These were groups of outlaws who caused trouble during the war.

In 1779, a large group of 800 British soldiers raided Monmouth County. They attacked towns like Middletown, Red Bank, Tinton Falls, and Shrewsbury. Colonel Holmes and Captain Burrowes led the local militia to push them back to Staten Island.

Holmes also used a small boat called a whaleboat to capture a British supply ship. This ship, the Brigantine Britannia, had just arrived from England with supplies. He also helped arrange exchanges of officers who had been captured by the enemy.

Revolutionary Signal Fires

Under orders from George Washington, Asher Holmes was also in charge of building and lighting signal fires. These fires were a warning system. They would be lit only if the British army tried to invade Monmouth or Middlesex County.

He built three large signal fires. Two were in Middletown, and one was on Mount Pleasant (now called Beacon Hill) in Marlboro Township, New Jersey. These fires were made of logs, about 16 to 18 feet wide at the bottom and 20 feet tall. They were filled with dry brush so they could be lit very quickly if needed.

Political Activities

After the Revolutionary War, Asher Holmes continued to serve his community. He was one of 436 people who signed a document suggesting that if Patriots lost property, they should get it back from those who supported the British.

In 1774, he joined the Committee of Correspondence. He then joined the Committee of Observation and Inspection. These groups helped organize the colonies before the Continental Congress was formed.

Later, he became a Justice of the Peace, which is like a local judge. He also served as the High Sheriff of Monmouth County. From 1786 to 1787, he was a member of the New Jersey Legislative Council, which helped make laws for New Jersey.

Buildings Named After Holmes

Asher Holmes Elementary School in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, is named in his honor.