Holmes, Roy Hinman, 1882-1949

Professor of sociology at University of Michigan.

From the description of Roy H. Holmes papers, 1899-1950. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 78355823

From the description of Roy H. Holmes papers, 1899-1950. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34420463

Roy H. Holmes was born on January 3, 1882 in Sparta, Michigan. He graduated from Hillsdale College in 1911, then went on to graduate education at the University of Michigan receiving his M.A. in 1912 and eventually his PhD in 1927. Upon receipt of his masters degree, Holmes joined the Hillsdale College faculty as alumni professor of English. He remained in that post until coming to the U-M as an instructor in sociology in 1918. He served in that position until 1922 when he was made an associate professor of sociology. Holmes was a specialist in the field of rural sociology and remained at the university until his retirement in 1948. He died January 2, 1949.

As a scholar of rural sociology, Holmes is remembered for his widely used textbook, Rural sociology . In the 1930s, Holmes conducted a five-year correspondence study of Michigan rural life and thought. He corresponded with individuals in most of Michigan's 83 counties for information pertaining to family farm culture, the problems of rural life, and proposed possible solutions. Although the book which was to result from this study was never published, the correspondence and summary sheets forms the core of the Holmes collection.

From the guide to the Roy Hinman Holmes papers, 1899-1940, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)