Article

Simon Hugh Holmes

Published Online February 18, 2008

Last Edited July 17, 2015

Simon Hugh Holmes, lawyer, publisher, politician, premier of Nova Scotia (b at East R, NS 30 July 1831; d at Halifax 14 Oct 1919). One of the most prominent political figures in NS immediately after Confederation, he was influential in the development of provincial mines and railways.

Holmes, Simon Hugh

Simon Hugh Holmes, lawyer, publisher, politician, premier of Nova Scotia (b at East R, NS 30 July 1831; d at Halifax 14 Oct 1919). One of the most prominent political figures in NS immediately after Confederation, he was influential in the development of provincial mines and railways. He began his career in 1862 as editor-proprietor of the Pictou Colonial Standard and was admitted to the Bar in 1864. In 1871 he was elected to the legislature as Liberal/Conservative member for Pictou County, and in 1874 he was named leader of the Opposition. A Tory administration was returned in 1878, and Holmes served as premier and provincial secretary until 1882, when he retired from politics and publishing to become crown clerk for Halifax County.