About the year 1853, John R. Gwynn discovered a ledge of lime rock about one mile above the Town of Auburn, on the Auburn Ravine and commenced the erection of a lime kiln, which he put into successful operation. . .The lime was sent to Grass Valley, Nevada City, Marysville and other parts in the northern part of the State, and all the brick and stone buildings in that section were supplied with lime produced by J. R. and William Gwynn until about 1853 or 1854. . .the business was transferred to H. T. Holmes. . . .for thirty years or more, seven eighths of all the lime furnished for the brick and stone buildings in the northern part of the State was supplied by the above mentioned ledge.
In Sacramento Mr. Holmes took the contract to furnish the lime for the State Capitol Building. . . .After 1854 Mr. Holmes opened a quarry at Clipper Gap and erected a lime kiln there. Afterwards, he opened another one on the line of the Central Pacific Railroad at Applegate. The demand for lime had increased, and he found it necessary to locate in such a manner as to supply it conveniently. At this time, he was furnishing all of the northern part of this State and the State of Nevada. . .
He also took part in the formation of Placer County, . . gave encouragement to the project of building a telegraph line in the State and to organize a company and erect wires. He established the first brick-yard and erected large stone and brick buildings in the City of Auburn, where he also constructed, according to his own plans, the county jail of Placer Co.