Simon Hugh Holmes was a Nova Scotia politician, publisher and lawyer
Background
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.
Career
He was the fourth Premier of Nova Scotia for ten years. Holmes remained editor until 1878 when he became Premier. 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.