Rochester, Monroe, NY
Democrat & Chronicle
Jan. 20, 1876
DEATH OF W. F. HOLMES
A Prominent Citizen of Rochester Stricken Down by Paralysis
Yesterday morning a telegram from Owego announced the sad fact that William F. HOLMES, a prominent and well-known
citizen of Rochester, had fallen dead in the waiting room of the depot at that place. He was subject to paralysis
and had been attacked by it once before. The news of his sudden death caused a ripple of excitement throughout
the city where he was well known and highly respected for his many excellent qualities. William F. HOLMES was born
in Amherst N. H., about 1806, and came to Rochester in early life. At one time he was in the flouring mill business,
but for the past thirty years he has been prominently engaged in the insurance business. He was one of the best
known and most popular underwriters of Western new York. Possessing many good qualities, he had hosts of friends
who will sincerely regret his sudden death. He was one of the oldest and most prominent Masons in this city, and
was also identified with other associations. He was a past master of Yonondio lodge number 103, a past high priest
of Ionic Chapter number 62, a past commander of Monroe Commandery number 12, a member of Doric council number 19,
a past grand junior warden of grand commandery of the state of New York, a member of the ancient and accepted rite
number 32, president of the Western New York masonic relief committee and president and secretary of the Masonic
board of relief. He was also a member of Genesee lodge number 94. Knights of Pythias. He was closely identified
with the fire department of Rochester. He was one of the most active and efficient members of ‘Protection"
6 in years gone by. He was president of the Exempt Firemen's association and a director of the Firemen's benevolent
association. He was for many years a member of Trinity church and held the office of vestryman for a long time.
He also served in the board of supervisors and in the common council, representing the first ward in those bodies.
In all these positions he performed his various duties in a manner highly satisfactory to all concerned. He was
an earnest Christian, a gentleman in the true sense of the word, a firm friend and a true citizen. As a member
of the Masonic order he held a very prominent position and was one of the oldest and most respected masons, in
Western New York.
Deceased leaves a wife, a son, John F. HOLMES, and a daughter, Mrs. Lewis WINANS, to lament his death.
A deputation of Knights Templar of Monroe commandery will assemble at their asylum at 10 o'clock, and will meet
the remains at the Erie depot on Exchange street at 11 o'clock this morning and escort them to the late residence
of the deceased on Sophia street.
OBITUARY
The remains of Mrs. Margaret FAHY were placed in their last resting place
this morning. It is fitting that a few words should be said when one so good and pure passes from our midst. She was one of those true, old- style mothers
the like of which we do not see too often now-a-days. She became a widow comparatively
early in life and emigrated to this country with a very young family not only
to seek her own fortune but that which was more dear to her, her family's. She
struggled hard against adversity and overcame every obstacle. She kept her family
around her and united and not only maintained them eco?ingly, but managed to
give them all good education. Good common sense and unflagging perseverance
in every relation in life characterized her. True Christian piety and charity
were her every day act and the circle in which she was best known knew her as
well that her death will be regretted for many a year to come. Her family loved
her, as she did them, to a greater than ordinary degree and we tender to then
all that can be offered in such affection, the sincerest sympathy and regret.
Mrs. FAHY was the mother of John and James FAHY of the firm of J. FAHY &
Co., of this city, of Miss E. FAHY, and also of E. A. FAHY, of the firm of E.
A. FAHY & Co., of Louisville, Ky., and Mrs. M. GALLIGAN, of Utica.
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