Frank Holmes, proprietor of the Crystal Bottling Works at Rock Springs, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, June 9, 1883, a son of John and Josephine (Freeman) Holmes, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Coming to the new world in 1879, they settled in Central City, Nebraska, and the father was employed on the construction of the Burlington & Northern Railroad. He afterward removed to Omaha, where he entered the service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and after several years he came to Rock Springs, Wyoming, in the fall of 1886. Here he continued in the employ of the Union Pacific in connection with the construction department until 1914, when he retired from active business life and is now enjoying a well earned rest, making his home with his son Frank. He was born July 10, 1850, and has therefore passed the sixty-seventh milestone on life's journey. His wife, who was born in 1851, passed away in Rock Springs, December 26, 1916. They were the parents of a family of five children: Ernest, who lives in Kemmerer; Frank: Alfred. whose home is in Rock Springs; and Matilda and Amanda, who are also in Rock Springs.
    Frank Holmes was but three years of age when his parents removed with their family to Rock Springs, so that when he attained school age he became a pupil in the public schools of this city, passing through consecutive grades until he had completed the work of the seventh grade. He then took up mining, which he followed until 1913, becoming familiar with many phases of mine operation. Gradually he worked his way upward and as his wages increased he was able to save from his earnings a sufficient sum which constituted the capital with which, in 1913, he established the Crystal Bottling Works, one of the representative enterprises in this line in Wyoming. He has a modern factory, supplied with the latest improved machinery and equipment necessary for manufacture in his line and his output, by reason of its excellence and owing to his reasonable prices, finds a ready sale on the market.
    Mr. Holmes is an independent republican, usually voting with the party but not seeking or desiring office as a reward for party fealty. Fraternally he is connected with the Eagles. He has a wide acquaintance in Rock Springs, where practically his entire life has been passed, and his circle of friends is constantly growing as the circle of his acquaintance broadens. The community recognizes in him a progressive business man and one who in public relations stands for progress, development and improvement.