George Frederick Holmes

George Frederick Holmes (c. 1820 – November 4, 1897), emigrated to the United States where he taught history and literature and became the first Chancellor of the University of Mississippi (from 1848 to 1849). From 1857 until his death, Holmes taught literature, history and political economy at the University of Virginia and became known for textbooks designed for use in schools in the southern United States.

Early life and education George Frederick Holmes was born in 1820 in British Guyana, either in its capital Georgetown or the surrounding Demerera region.

In 1882, years after the American Civil War and after creating a school of English language and literature, the University of Virginia reduced Holmes' teaching duties, relieving him of literature courses, so he only taught history and political economy. In 1889 Holmes was appointed an adjunct professor of history, and taught classes in political economy and the science of society. He also privately printed his lectures on the science of society.

Personal life Holmes married Virginian Lavalette Holmes and they had at least two sons (Henry born 1855 and Frederick born 1858) as well as three daughters (Mary Ann born 1846, Letticia born 1849 and Isabella born 1856).

Death and legacy

Holmes died in Charlottesville in 1897.

Books written by G.F. Holmes The Southern Pictorial Primer, or First-Fifth Reader (1866) A School History of the United States of America, From the Earliest Discoveries to the Year 1870 (1871)