Topic: William Holmes

William Holmes (1762-1834) M.D., J.P., of Quebec, Surgeon-General to the British Forces in Canada

Born at Stewartstown, County Tyrone (named after his mother's ancestor), Holmes was the son of William Holmes (d.1789) 'the younger' of Bray Island, Donaghmore, County Tyrone, an Anglo-Irish officer in the British army. His mother, Martha (1732-1805), was the daughter of Robert Stewart (1687-1746) of Strews, Gortnaglush & Carland, Co. Tyrone, the grandson of Lt.-Colonel Hon. Robert Stewart (1598-1662) of Stuart Hall (Stewartstown) & Irry, Co. Tyrone, de jure 6th Baron Castle Stuart, ancestor of Earl Castle Stewart.

In 1787 Holmes stated that 'as was customary in those days I paid 400 guineas' for a commission in the medical department of the British army. As Staff Surgeon to the 5th Regiment of Foot he was immediately posted to Quebec. From 1790 to 1791 he was in Detroit tending wounded Indians who had fought against the Americans, under Little Turtle and Blue Jacket.