Harmon Samuel Holmes

Former President & Founder of Wm. Bacon-Holmes Company

Born in 1854 to Samuel Wygant and Francis Cornelia (Peters) Holmes of Macon, Michigan, Harmon grew up as one of ten children. His father Samuel set the example for his enterprising son, through his investment in and growth of multiple gristmills in South-central Michigan, including the first gristmill in Washtenaw County.

After leaving home at age 18, Harmon quickly embarked on his own business career. Moving to Chelsea, he became involved in business investments and partnerships in enterprises ranging from clothing, farm implements, hardware, dry goods, furniture, lumber, coal, beans and grains.

In 1901, now a successful and respected Chelsea businessman, Harmon purchased the remaining stock in the White Milling Company, and improved upon the mill, making it capable of milling forty barrels of flour a day. The resulting flours were sold under the Phoenix, and Acme labels.

As soon as his son Howard was ready, Harmon turned over the day-to-day operation of the Chelsea mill, now a part of the Wm. Bacon-Holmes Company, to him.

Harmon Holmes was well thought of and respected in both the business and social communities. In addition to his obvious success, he maintained an integrity and sense of honor that set the tone for future generations of the Holmes family.