From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

Charles Jarvis Holmes was the son of Abraham Holmes, whose memoirs tell us much about Rochester’s history. Charles followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a lawyer (having studied under his father). He was very involved in the business of running the town. He was on the Board of Selectmen and in 1832 was chosen as one of three to be on the newly created School Committee. Before 1857, he was a Rochester representative to the State Legislature, following his father into the House of Representatives. His law office in Rochester was often visited by leading lawyers from other towns, one of whom was Daniel Webster.

            In 1839, he participated in the decisions that resulted in Mattapoisett separating from Rochester. It was Charles Holmes who moved that the following motion be passed “In order that the difficulties respecting the place of holding town meetings in the town of Rochester, and other difficulties growing out of agitation of that subject may be amicably adjusted, we agree that if the town meetings for the year next ensuing, after the close of the present March meeting, including the next annual meeting for the Choice of town officers, be holden at Mattapoisett and that the town meetings for the two following years shall be holden at the town house, and that at the end of three years the town shall be divided upon fair and equitable terms in all respects.” The vote was 65 in favor and 62 opposed, so the motion passed, and the separation of Mattapoisett from Rochester was begun.

            In addition to his law and political work, Charles ran a tavern in the house he built at 10 Marion Road, which today houses the Secret Garden. The house is a good example of the Federalist style of architecture. In his later years, his father Abraham lived with him. The tavern became a gathering place for lawyers, debaters, educators, and politicians to meet to discuss and argue over the day’s issues. Many of the acquaintances of both father and son met there. The list includes John Adams, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and General Wadsworth.

            In 1815, the Post Office was located in #10. Holmes’s descendants occupied the house until the early 20th century.

By Connie Eshbach