William T. was a son of James and Kenhappage (Keith) HOLMES of Harrison Co., KY and Vermillion Co., IL. William m. 1866 to Sarah JOHNS; served in 3rd IN Calvary, was personal bodyguard to Gen George A. Custer, and won Congressional Medal of Honor; moved in 1867 to Joplin, MO; d. 31 Aug 1916, while visiting relatives in St.Clair Co., MO. [civil war information on Holmes family supplied by Raymond O. Wilson, robertowilson@mindspring.com]