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Simon H. Holmes

Simon Hugh Holmes
Simon Hugh Holmes.jpg
4th Premier of Nova Scotia
In office
October 22, 1878 – May 23, 1882
Monarch Victoria
Lieutenant Governor Adams George Archibald
Preceded by Philip Carteret Hill
Succeeded by John Sparrow David Thompson
MLA for Pictou County
In office
May 16, 1871 – May 23, 1882
Serving with James McDonald, Alexander MacKay, Hugh J. Cameron, Adam C. Bell
Preceded by George Murray
Robert S. Copeland
Martin I. Wilkins
Succeeded by Robert Hockin
Charles H. Munro
Adam C. Bell
Personal details
Born (1831-07-30)July 30, 1831
Springville, Nova Scotia
Died October 14, 1919(1919-10-14) (aged 88)
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nationality Canadian
Political party Conservative
Spouse(s) Isabella Jane Little (m. 1874)
Relations John Holmes, father
Children 4 daughters
Alma mater Pictou Academy
Occupation lawyer, journalist
Profession politician
Religion Presbyterian

Simon Hugh Holmes (July 30, 1831 – October 14, 1919) was a Nova Scotia politician, publisher and lawyer. He was the fourth Premier of Nova Scotia for ten years.

Holmes was born in Springville, Nova Scotia, in Pictou County. The son of Nova Scotia politician and Canadian senator John Holmes, Holmes in 1858 founded and edited the Pictou Colonial Standard as “a dedicated advocate of the principles of true Conservatism.” The paper and Holmes were advocates of Canadian confederation. Holmes remained editor until 1878 when he became Premier.

Holmes attempted to win a seat in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1867 but was defeated in a wave of anti-Confederation sentiment. He managed to win a seat in 1871 and soon became de facto leader of the Conservative opposition. The Tories won the 1878 election and Holmes became Premier of the province to find the treasury depleted and the Legislative Council in the hands of the Liberals.

The Tory government passed legislation to create county government, lengthened the training period for teachers, subsidized education for blind children and attempted to improve mine safety.

The Liberal-dominated Upper House frustrated much of Holmes' program and he attempted three times to abolish the Legislative Council, but failed.

Holmes' personal style tended to be authoritarian and this factor, along with the political impasse, led to a caucus revolt that resulted in his resignation in 1882 to accept a lucrative position as crown clerk for Halifax County. He died in Halifax.


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