The last son born in Holmdel, Daniel spent his early years at the home of his parents. His father John S. Holmes, was at this time engaged in business of a country merchant, in which he proved to be an invaluable assistant. He then became a merchant in Middletown and entered into a partnership with his father in the firm, John S. Holmes & Son. They later partnered with Holmes Van Mater (born 1789) in the firm Van Mater & Holmes. Daniel received his education at the neighboring school. The family moved to Matawan and Daniel pursued goods trading. On the death of his father in 1821, Daniel returned to the Holmdel farm and became interested in the labors attending its cultivation. Daniel married Rhoda Van Mater on February 23, 1815 and had seven children:-
1. Huldah (b.1815) – married to Joseph Holmes Longstreet and had two children
2. Catherine (b.1817) – married to John W. Ely who had three children
3. John S. (1819-1820)
4. Sarah (1821-1822)
5. Joseph H. (1824-1892) – married to Ann (d.1894), daughter of James G. Crawford of Raritan Township on September 19th, 1848. They had four children
- Carrie S. – married to Asher S. Ely
- John S. – married to Annie, daughter of James Lake
- Daniel
- Lizzie
6. Maria Louisa (1826 - 1867) – married to Ely Conover
7. Sarah (b.1829) – married to Rudolf P. Smock who had two children
Daniel Holmes, a farmer, was also engaged in business pursuits at Holmdel for many years. His political beliefs were with the Democratic Party, whose principles he advocated with untiring zeal during a long and active life. The party in recognition of his services, several times elected him to the State Legislature, and he was Sheriff of Monmouth County for one term. He was largely identified with the township and the county matters and exercised a marked influence on the business and public interests of the portion of the state where he resided. Daniel died October 27, 1851 in his 55th year and his wife, Rhoda on January 20th, 1838 in her 46th year.