One of the most active firms in business in the City of Augusta is the one conducted by Mr. W. O. Holmes.  He carries a fine line of staple and fancy groceries, lime, cement, plaster, etc., cigars, tobacco, fruits and vegetables in season.  Mr. Holmes, with untiring energy and prompt attention to the wants of his customers, has built up an enviable patronage in this community.  His store is located on the corner of Second and Upper Streets.  Since his residence in this city, he has built a neat and comfortable home which is on Fourth Street.  A cut of this building is given above.

Mr. Holmes was born in Maysville, Ky., in 1859 and attended the public schools in that city.  At the age of fourteen he commenced clerking in a grocery.  In 1885 he opened a grocery in Georgetown, Ohio,  remaining there four years.  He then removed to Washington C. H., [Ohio].  In 1889 he came to Augusta.  Mr. Holmes is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and also the city School Board.
 

From an 1897 edition of Headlight: Sights  and Scenes Along the C. & O. Route which featured Augusta.