Thomas Holmes, Sr., his wife, and their son Thomas Jr., were natives of England who came to Brentwood around 1890. Thomas Sr., built a lovely home on Hayward Street between Jefferson and Madison Avenues. He and Mrs. Holmes lived there for twenty years and were popular residents. The Holmes men were bricklayers. Mrs. Holmes died here on April 1, 1910 at the age of 73.Thomas Sr. also died here in March 1914.

Thomas Jr. and his wife built their home on the corner of Madison Avenue and Harrison Street. They had nine children, four sons and five daughters. The family suffered a tragedy in January 1929. One of their sons, John, was killed in an accident at the railroad crossing along with his daughters Anna and Agnes, as well as Agnes’s husband Harold Knettel. All four died instantly when their car slid on the ice and was hit by an express train.

At the time of his death, John was the janitor and truant officer at the Public School. His brother, Daniel, replaced him as custodian and served for many years. Daniel Holmes was a World War I veteran, and he married Katherine Witt in 1921.Daniel, his brother Joseph, and their sister Mrs. Anna Scott were the only three of Thomas Jr. ’s children still living in Brentwood as of 1950.                        

-N. Ziino, Local History Newsletter, June 2007

 History Room Newsletter. June 2007