James H. Holmes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James H. Holmes
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Holmes in 1897
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| Born | December 9, 1826 |
| Died | November 25, 1900 (aged 73) Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Shaw University |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Religion | Baptist |
James H. Holmes (born December 9, 1826 – died November 25, 1900) was an important Baptist minister in Richmond, Virginia. He led the First African Baptist Church. This church was one of the biggest in the entire country.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
James Henry Holmes was born on December 9, 1826, in King and Queen County, Virginia. He was born into slavery. His parents, Dellphia and Claiborne Holmes, were enslaved on a farm owned by Judge James M. Jefferies. James had 15 brothers and sisters. He worked as a cowboy on the farm when he was young.
In 1835, when he was about nine years old, James was sent to work at a tobacco factory in Richmond. In 1842, he became a Baptist. He was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Richmond.
In 1846, James married a woman whose father, John Smith, later escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad. John Smith sent a letter to his daughter. This letter was found, and James was accused of planning to escape too. He was put in jail and then sold to a slave trader. James stayed in jail for 12 weeks. In 1848, he was sold again to a man in New Orleans.
When James moved to New Orleans, he had to leave his wife and two children behind in Richmond. In New Orleans, he worked on the docks. In 1849, a steamboat exploded near where he worked. Many people died, and James was badly hurt. He dislocated his arm and had head injuries. Later that year, he joined the Second Baptist Church in New Orleans. In 1850, he became a deacon, which is a church leader. In 1851, he married his second wife.
Returning to Richmond
In 1852, James and his wife moved back to Richmond. His wife was owned by a man named Parrish, who moved to Richmond and brought them along. In 1855, Parrish died. Around this time, James worked at a factory. Also in 1855, he was chosen as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Richmond. This was the same church where he had worshipped years before.
James served as a deacon until 1865. Then he became the church clerk. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), James helped run a grocery store for an African American grocer named Richard Gregory. In 1862, James's wife passed away. After this, he was able to buy his own freedom from Parrish's widow. He paid $1,800 for his freedom. The war ended soon after, and his freedom was officially guaranteed.
A Leader in the Community
In 1866, James H. Holmes became the assistant pastor at the First African Baptist Church. The next year, in 1867, he became the main pastor. In 1863, he married his third wife, and they had seven children together.
Under his leadership, the church grew very quickly. It became one of the largest churches in the country. For example, in 1871, he baptized 600 people. In 1878, he baptized 1,100 people! In 1876, the church built a new building. They also installed a very large organ, which was the biggest in any African American church at the time.
Holmes was very active in helping his community.
- He helped start and became the first president of the Colored Home of Richmond. This group helped needy African Americans in the city.
- He was also an officer of the Educational and Historical Association of Virginia. This was an African American group focused on learning and history.
- One of the people he baptized was Maggie L. Walker. She later became the first black woman in the U.S. to own a bank. Holmes and Walker often worked together to help the community.
- He also served as president of the Colored Orphan Asylum, which cared for orphaned children.
In 1898, Shaw University gave Holmes an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree. This was a special award recognizing his important work.
In 1896, Holmes spoke up for the family of Solomon Marable. Marable had been executed, and his body was taken by students at the Medical College of Virginia. Holmes asked for the body to be returned to Marable's widow. This event was written about by John Mitchell, Jr., who published the Richmond Planet newspaper.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1896, his third wife, Maria Holmes, died. Around 1899, he married Susanna Watkins. Holmes announced that he would retire in October 1900.
James H. Holmes passed away on Sunday, November 25, 1900, at his home in Richmond. His funeral was held at First Baptist Church. He was first buried at Ham Cemetery and later re-interred in Woodland Cemetery in 1918. James H. Holmes is remembered as a powerful religious and community leader who greatly helped African Americans in Richmond during a challenging time.
Images for kids
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Holmes in 1897
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Rev J. H. Holmes speaking up for Solomon Marable's family.
