Asher Holmes's Timeline
Brief Family Details
The Holmes family line has long and deep roots in Monmouth County. Asher Holmes was born February 22, 1740 and died June 20, 1808. He was 68 years, 4 months and 4 days old at his time of death. A farmer, an accomplished surveyor, military and civil leader, Asher Holmes was the son of Samuel and Hulda Holmes (nee: Mott). He was the Great Grandson of Rev. Obadiah Holmes. He resided at his parents plantation, (called Scotschester) in Colts Neck Township until he was married. Asher Holmes married Sarah Watson on February 21, 1771. They had four children who lived to adulthood: Sarah, John, Catharine and Hulda. He is buried in Holmdel Baptist Cemetery... but at the time was known as Bray's Meeting House in Baptisttown.
Political Career
- In 1774, he was appointed to both the Committee of the Township of Freehold, and the Committee of Observation and Inspection for Freehold. This was the forerunner to the Continental Congress;
- He was appointed High Sheriff of Monmouth County (1776 - 1777);
- He served in the Governor's Privy Council (1784-1785);
- He also was a member of the Legislative Council of New Jersey (1786 - 87);
- He was also a Justice of the Peace.
Military Career
Ranks / Assignments
- He was initially inserted as a Captain of the 1st Regiment of Monmouth County Militia.
- On November 28, 1776 he was commissioned First Major, 1st Regiment of Monmouth County Militia.
- He was promoted to the rank of Colonel on March 27, 1778.
- He then served as a Colonel to the Regiment of New Jersey State Troops - October 9, 1779
- Last he was promoted as a Colonel to command the Battalion of NJ State Troops - June 7, 1780
- He served during the battles of
- Trenton (1776),
- Germantown (1777),
- and Monmouth (1778).
- He was also associated with many local skirmishes in Navesink, Conushonk and Pleasant Valley
- Asher Holmes was further commissioned Colonel of the Regiment for State Troops in 1779,
- and as Colonel of the Battalion for State Troops in 1780.
- In 1782, he and General Forman were appointed to wait on General Washington with papers concerning the execution of Capt. Joshua Huddy.
Significant Military Activities
- Was a commander in the Battle of Quintin's Bridge - was considered a Tactical British Victory.
- He was detailed to the left of the British Army near the juncture of Dutch Lane and Matawan Road during the Battle of Monmouth.
- He captured three British ships, the Britannia (1779) the POLACRE (1783) and the FUNETUR (1792?). (He was awarded a portion of the prize money by a court of Admiralty of NJ presided over by Judge John Imlay at Allentown for the Britinnia capture - 02/26/1780).
- He was known for organizing militia to respond to Pine Robbers in the Pleasant Valley area in 1778.
- He mounted a failed attempt to board and take over a British Baggage train.
- In 1782, he was appointed to wait on General Washington with papers concerning the execution of Capt. Joshua Huddy.
- Through-out the war, he was involved with officer exchanges with the British. There was some question as to his authority to effect prisoner exchanges. Captian Abraham Skinner, Commissary of Prisoners, stated that Asher Holmes acted without authority. It was however, cleared up later in the war.