Sarah A. Holmes married Rev./Dr. William E.Collier in 1840 in SC, probably the Broad River district. Their daughter, Mary Collier McKay, died at age 21 in Tampa, Florida. Her obituary gives us the name of her grandfather: (From Death and Obituary Notices from the Southern Christian Advocate 1867-1878): Issue of February, 1869: "Mrs. Mary M. McKay, daughter of Dr. William E. Collier---present Presiding Elder of the Tampa District, and grand daughter of the late Rev. William Holmes of South Carolina, died in Tampa, Florida, aged 21 years. Seldom has it been our lot to chronicle a death so sudden and sad, so melancholy and lamented. She was, from a child, a consistent and devoted member of the M. K. Church, South. As a Christian, her life was religion illustrated. As a child she was dutiful, making the happiness of her parents, brothers and sisters the study of her life. The affection she bore to her mother was wonderful; it was devoted and intense; it was indeed an unquenchable and undying flame. As a wife, her heart revolted at the idea of imperfection in her devoted husband. Her love to him was blind, a sea without a shore or bottom; a vestal fire that will know no going out. It was kindled on earth; it will burn through eternity. She was not suited for this world. The rude shocks of life would soon have crushed her. God thought it best to take her early to himself; so the angel messenger came, and carried her to Heaven. As Thou, O Father hast done it, so we lie in the dust of humility and silent submissiveness before Thee, and meekly utter, "Thy will be done." Farewell my sweet niece Mary, until we "gather at the River." F. A. Holmes >From this we see that Rev. William Holmes, probably from the Fairfield district of SC, had at least one daughter, Sarah, one son, F. A. Holmes. I believe he may have had a son, Joseph, also, but I can not prove this. Sarah's obit states that he was a "local minister", and I associate that term with the Methodist Church. If anyone recognizes this family, please contact me. They have been difficult to research. My Colliers were originally from King and Queen County, VA, but I know nothing more about the Holmes. If indeed, Rev William DID have a son, Joseph, he could also have been a ME Minister. Best to all on the list. Sydney Cardner (the Sydney is female) Florida