Today is my Great-Grandfather John Holmes, Sr. birthday. B: 27 Jul 1844. I only heard stories my father (Rodney Holmes) told about him being Pres. Lincoln's bodyguard. My family never made a big deal out of it-but this is legendary history. There is a photo of him standing beside his gigantic horse. That was an actual photo! My nephew recently attended his new memorial in Kansas. We salute you, your life, and bravery. Rest peacefully! Your great grandson, Ronald Lashley Holmes.

I am a grandson of John Holmes' son Frank. He died when I was in high school and I miss him and all my family very much. Frank "babysat" me when I was young to make sure I didn't get into too much trouble. I still did! He would sit in our garage in an enameled patio chair and smoke his beloved William Penn cigars. He told me stories of working in the Washington Mine in Erie, Colorado. I miss you, Grandpa!