164 THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 



the business with considerable success for many years and 

 finally retired with a handsome competency ; afterwards he 

 very largely devoted his time to the pursuit of educational 

 and scientific studies and especially found much pleasure 

 in the study of horticulture and pomology, and as early 

 as 1852 established the Farmers' Companion and Horti- 

 cultural Gazette. It was merged with another publica- 

 tion and he resigned its control. In 1848, he served as a 

 member of the board of education and is still remembered 

 as an advocate of reform methods in the local schools. 

 He was instrumental in the organization of the State 

 Pioneer Society and was the editor of a collection of pa- 

 pers which are among the most valuable. As a compiler 

 and writer of matter relating to the early and contempo- 

 rary history of the State he has undoubtedly accomplished 

 more than any other man. He has been thus engaged for 

 many years. 



Professor Holmes with others took the initiatory steps 

 toward establishing the state agricultural college and after 

 its organization became a member of the faculty. In 1874 

 he took part in the formation of the Detroit Scientific As- 

 sociation and held various official positions in connection 

 therewith until it dissolved and turned its valuable collec- 

 tion of curiosities over to the Detroit Public Library. He 

 took an active part in the work of the Wayne Co. Pioneer 

 Society and was the president in 1882. He married Miss 

 Jane Palmer a daughter of his business partner, who died 

 March 8, 1^ S 84, leaving no children. 



During the later years of his life, he was a frequent vis- 

 itor to Salem and took great pleasure in meeting with old 

 friends and recalling the memories of the past. He was 

 elected a corresponding member, Feb. 14, 1849. 



AUSTIN DANIEL KILHAM, one of the best known and 

 highly esteemed citizens of Beverly, died of paralysis, Oct. 



