Table of Contents -Volume II


CHAPTER 2


SUSANNAH EWING (1776-1855)


 Ewing Family Lineage: John-James


          John and Ann's second child and first daughter could have been named America. She and this country were born about the same time. She was Susannah (or Susana, as it is spelled in John's little book, or Susanah as she signed it, or Susan as it appeared in an early church record), born 28 September 1776, five months and 13 days after our birth of freedom.

          Susannah was baptized along with her elder brother, William, in the Ewing cabin by Reverend William GRAHAM, on 17 Dec 1776. She grew up on Stony Creek and was big sister to the eight younger Ewings who joined the household.

          She was in her teens when two young men arrived on the Greenbrier - brothers, Stephen HOLCOMB and Samuel Robert HOLCOMB. Because these two, and others of the HOLCOMB family - descendants of Revolutionary War soldier Zaphaniah HOLCOMB - played such a large role in the Ewing drama in years to come, a proper introduction is in order.

          Stephen was born 6 March 1773, in Spencertown, Columbia County, New York, the first-born of Zaphaniah and Tryphena (NILES) HOLCOMB. Stephen grew up in Kinderhook, New York and was a classmate of Martin Van Buren. His next brother was John, born 14 January 1775, and then came Samuel Robert, born 28 February 1777.

          The youngest Samuel was only two months old when their mother died in April following his birth. He, and perhaps his brothers, went to live with their HOLCOMB grandparents, Return Ira and his wife Jerusha ADAMS, in Mamakating Hollow, New York. The blood of all three of these brothers is intermingled with that of many of the Ewings.

           Before long Zaphaniah married again, his wife this time being Mehitable WETMORE. They were married 10 June 1779, and added 11 more children to Zaphaniah's family. Of the 11, four eventually joined their half-brothers in Ohio, and all four, Reuben WETMORE, Abner JOHNSON, Enoch and Mary, figured into the Ewing story.

          To help sort all these HOLCOMBS out, there follows a complete list of Zaphaniah's children, and in some cases their families, with added information about those who tie in with the EWINGS.

          BY TRYPHENA NILES, Married 1772

                 1.    Stephen HOLCOMB, b. 6 March 1773, New York; d. 1857, Van Buren County, Iowa; Married: Bath County, Virginia, 25 June 1796, Susannah EWING (EWING recorded Number 2)

                 2.    John Vinton HOLCOMB, b. 14 January 1775 d. 6 October, 1853, Van Buren County, Iowa. Married: In New York, Chloe MUDGE; to Gallia County, Ohio about 1814/1815, to Van Buren County, about 1833 was an associate judge in Gallia and was always called "Judge."

                        Issue:

                        1.    Taphena HOLCOMB, b. 1795, New York. Married 1st Alfred WILCOX. Married 2nd Andrew EWING (EWING record No. 7)

                               Issue:

                               1.    Stephen WILCOX, b. 1817. Married: Rebecca BUTLER.

                               2.    Hiram WILCOX, b. 1825. Married: Elizabeth _____.

                               3.    Perry WILCOX, b. 1825 d. 8 Nov 1826. Buried: Wilcox Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ohio

                               4.    Electa WILCOX, b. 1828. Married: Samuel LEWIS

                                      Issue:

                                      1.    Taphena LEWIS, b. 1846/1847 d. Shawnee Co., Kansas. Married: Vega HODWELL about 1865 Jackson Co., Ohio (Ewing record 4-6-3).

                               5.    Taphena WILCOX, b. 1830, d. 16 Feb 1846, Buried, Wilcox Cemetery, Hunt, Ohio.

                               6.    William T. WILCOX, b. 28 Aug 1831 d. 11 May 1842. Buried: Wilcox Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ohio.

                               7.    Vesta WILCOX, b. 3 Dec 1832. Married 1st Samuel Ewing HOWELL (EWING record 4-8) 8 Feb 1849 Gallia County, Ohio, by Hiram WILCOX J.P. S. HOWELL died 4 Oct 1854, typhoid plague.

                                      Married 2nd William R. MC CLAIN

                               8.    David WILCOX, b. 1837; d. 15 Jan 1842

                               9.    Susannah WILCOX, b. 1838, (see Ewing record 5-7-1 and 12-3-8-5) also Zarah HOLCOMB, (No.9, under Enoch HOLCOMB)

                        2.    Abner Johnson HOLCOMB II, b. 11 Aug 1796, New York. Married: 20 Jan 1820, Gallia County, Ohio, by Andrew EWING, J.P. Abner's first cousin, Ann Smith HOLCOMB (Ewing record: 5-2)

                        3.    Niles HOLCOMB, b. 1797, New York d. 1877, Van Buren County, Iowa. Married: 9 Aug 1827 in Gallia County, Ohio, Ann Smith HOWELL (EWING record 4-4)

                        4.    Amanda HOLCOMB, b. 1800, New York, Married: William HOWELL (EWING record 4-1)

                        5.    Mansley HOLCOMB , b. 1803, New York, d. 11 May 1833. Buried: Glenn Cemetery, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Married: Lucy (RUPE) FULLER widow of Amaziah FULLER, two sons.

                        6.    Return Ira HOLCOMB, b. 1805, New York. Married: Esther EWING (EWING record 15-1)

                        7.    William R. HOLCOMB, b. 1809, New York d. 26 July 1831, age 22. Buried: Glenn Cemetery, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio

                        8.    John Mudge HOLCOMB, b. 1812/1814, New York. Married: Polly _____, b. 1815 Virginia.     To Iowa about 1839. 1850: Chequest Township, Van Buren County, IA. Eight known children.

                        9.    Samuel D. HOLCOMB, b. 1817, Ohio d. between 1870-1880, Van Buren County, Iowa. Married: Melona/Melvina Ann JENNINGS b. 1824, Virginia; to Iowa 1845-1849.

1870: Chequest Township, Van Buren County, Iowa. Seven children, one of them, the first, a daughter, buried in Glenn Cemetery, b&d 1845 Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio

                        10.  Daniel HOLCOMB, b. 1812. Married: about 1845, Iowa Ann _____; to Van Buren County, Iowa about 1833 with parents; two known children.

                 3.    Samuel Robert HOLCOMB, b. 28 Feb 1777 Columbia County, New York. Married: 16 January 1802, Sarah EWING Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio by Col. Robert SAFFORD (Ewing record No. 5)


                 BY MEHITABLE WETMORE, Married: 10 JUNE 1779

                 4.    Enoch HOLCOMB, b. 20 Feb 1780, d. 10 Jan 1829 Not buried in Huntington Township, Ohio - Nor is wife. Married: Ruby PUTNAM; He was a Huntington Township, Ohio taxpayer 1819, 1820 and 1827.

                        Among his children:

                        1.    Cynthia HOLCOMB, b. about 1803. Married: 1823, Horace BURDICK

                         2.    Francis HOLCOMB, b. 1805, New York Married: Mary BUXTON. Francis was the only one of all the early HOLCOMBS who lived in Gallipolis, Ohio instead of Huntington Township. He and his son Henry had slaughter house on 42 acres just outside (west) of Gallipolis; nine children.

                        3.    Benjamin HOLCOMB, b. about 1808. Married: 1828, Polly MCLANE

                        4.   Patsy HOLCOMB, b. about 1810. Married: Gaius NILES

                        5.    Abner Johnson HOLCOMB III, b. 1814, New York. Married: (1) Martha WOODS (2) Elizabeth HUMPHRIES. Lived Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio. Five known children.

                        6.    Robert B. HOLCOMB, b. 1816, New York. Married three times, lived in Indiana and then back to Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Not buried in Huntington Township, Ohio. Six children by first wife.

                               Issue:

                               1.    Matthias HOLCOMB, b. 1838, Ohio. Married (1) Orpha HUNTLEY

                                      Issue:

                                      1.    Anna Mariah HOLCOMB, b. 21 Feb 1861. Married: George TYLER (EWING record 5-2-3-8)

                        7.    Elijah P. HOLCOMB, b. 1820, Ohio. Married: Hannah DECKARD in Portsmouth, Ohio. Left a large family.

                        8.    Samuel R. HOLCOMB, b. 30 July 1821, Ohio. Married: Polly CALHOON, whose mother was a DECKARD, and left one of the largest of all the HOLCOMB families in Hunt, Ohio

                        9.    William HOLCOMB, b. 1830. Married: Mary Jane DECKARD, lived in Jeffersonville, Ohio.

                 5.    Elijah HOLCOMB, b. 16 Oct 1781, d. 12 Apr 1853

                 6.    Taphena HOLCOMB, b. 24 Feb 1783, d. 11 Sept 1787

                 7.    Mary HOLCOMB, b. 21 Apr 1786, New York, d. 11 Oct 1845. Buried Glenn Cemetery, Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Married: Daniel C. POLLEY in New York

                 8.    Abner HOLCOMB, b. 15 June 1788, d. 11 May 1793

                 9.    Sylvanius HOLCOMB, b. 23 Feb 1790, d. 1793

                 10.  Reuben Wetmore HOLCOMB, b. 11 May 1793. Married: about 1814, Rebecca NILES in New York. He served 71st New York Militia Wayne County, New York - War of 1812 to Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio about 1814.

                        Issue:

                        1.    Taphena HOLCOMB, b. 9 June 1817, Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio. Married: Andrew EWING (EWING record No. 22)

                        2.    Amanda HOLCOMB, b. 1821, Hunt, Ohio. Married: William Coleman DODRILL (EWING record 11-3)

                        3.    Mehitable HOLCOMB, b. 5 Mar 1822, Hunt, Ohio. Married: 15 Aug 1840, Enoch Russell DICKERSON in Huntington, Gallia Co., Ohio. Enoch a Huntington Township, Ohio farmer 8 children, one of them:

                               Issue:

                               1.    Thomas DICKERSON, b. 31 May 1849. Married: Elizabeth DODRILL (EWING record 11-8-2)

                        4.     Salphena "Anny" HOLCOMB, b. about 1824, Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio. Married: 1841, Enoch EWING (EWING record 14-1)

                        5.    Reuben Wetmore HOLCOMB JR., b. 3 March 1825, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Married 1st Mathena DODRILL (EWING record 11-6); Married 2nd Louisa Matilda (DECKARD) BENNETT. Two children by Mathena, four by Louisa

                        6.    Sarah Ann HOLCOMB, b. 1832, Hunt, Ohio

                 11.  Abner Johnson HOLCOMB I, b. 21 May 1795, New York, d. 1 Mar 1844. Buried: Wilcox Cemetery, Huntington Township. Married 1st about 1815, New York, Ruth BURDICK. Married 2nd about 1824, New York, Phoebe GENSON widow of Theodorus GENSON d. 2 July 1828, Buried, Wilcox Cemetery, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Married 3rd about 1830, Not in Gallia County, Ohio records, a Cynthia _____.

Issue by Ruth:

                        1.    Mary HOLCOMB, b. about 1818, single 1846, no marriage record after that

                        2.    Ruth HOLCOMB, b. 20 May 1820, Chenango County, New York. Married: Silas SWANSON

                        3.    Zaphaniah HOLCOMB, b. 1822 d. 1864. Buried: Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio. Married: Mary Ann MARTIN - 7 children

                               Known Issue:

                               1.    Phoebe HOLCOMB, b. 1847. Married: William R. WHITE, Attorney in Gallipolis, Ohio with her cousin Chauncey HOLCOMB (EWING records 5-10-2)

                               2.    Abner Johnson HOLCOMB IV, b. 1849. Married: Calphurnia (?) MATTHEWS

                        4.    Sarepta HOLCOMB, b. about 1823. Married: 1845, William GLENN.


                        Issue by Phoebe:

                        5.    Reuben D. HOLCOMB, b. 14 Nov 1824, Ohio d. 20 June 1825, buried: Wilcox Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ohio


                        Issue by Cynthia:

                        6.    Leroy HOLCOMB, b. 1832, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio

                        7.    Louisa HOLCOMB, b. 23 Apr 1834, d. 29 Feb 1860, buried Glenn Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ohio

                        8.    Ormazinda HOLCOMB, b. 9 Jan 1836, d. 19 June 1876, buried Glenn Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ohio

                        9.    Zarah HOLCOMB, b. 1837/1838, d. 20 July 1899, buried: Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio. Married: 11 Jan 1877, Huntington Township, Ohio, Susannah (WILCOX) HOLCOMB, his cousin and the divorced wife of their cousin, Joel Bowen HOLCOMB (EWING record 5-7-2). Susannah, b. 1838, Huntington Township, Ohio, daughter of Alfred and Taphena (HOLCOMB) WILCOX. (EWING record No. 7)

                               Issue:

                               1.    Frank Burdick HOLCOMB, b. 1 July 1879, Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio. Married: Corinne Rosaltha PEDEN

                        10.  Laura HOLCOMB, b. 1839

                        11.  Hilas HOLCOMB, b. 1843, d. during Civil War

                        12.  Alexander T. HOLCOMB, b. 19 Mar 1797

                        13.  Robert Burgess HOLCOMB, b. 23 Aug 1799. He lived Chenango County, New York d. 29 Jan 1863, Chenango County, New York. Large family, all of whom lived and died in Chenango except Bradford F. HOLCOMB, prominent physician in Jackson and Gallia Counties, Ohio. Buried: Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio.

                        14.  Menitable HOLCOMB, b. 23 Feb 1802 d. 19 Mar 1841. Married: _____ DOTY


          Stephen and Samuel arrived on the Greenbrier with their uncle, Timothy HOLCOMB, and his family. Timothy remained in Pocahontas County after the others had left, and he has descendants there today.

          The HOLCOMBS were on the Greenbrier at least by 25 June, 1796, for that is the date of Stephen Holcomb and Susannah Ewing's wedding. They took out a marriage bond the 22 of June, John EWING giving consent and John Smith EWING witnessing that consent. Again, the cabin on Stony Creek was the setting for the ceremony, performed by Reverend Richard BIRD. Susannah was not quite 20 and Stephen had just turned 23 when they went into housekeeping for themselves. Eventually Stephen and Susannah made their way from Pocahontas County to the Ohio River, West Virginia side (now Mason County, but it was Kanawha County until 1804). they may have gone at the same time as Samuel HOLCOMB (he was in Gallipolis, across the river, by January, 1800) or it may have been with the Indian John exodus of 1801. They had two children by 1801, John and Zahaniah, and they were both recorded as born in Virginia, but that could mean either Pocahontas County or Mason County.

          The settlement that sprang up on the West Virginia side of the Ohio was at Mercer Bottom in today's Clendennin Township of Mason County, eight miles below the mouth of the Kanawha River at Point Pleasant, on Crab Creek which empties into the Ohio just below Gallipolis Ferry, near the town of Bealer. Other settlers there included, at a later date, Susannah's two sisters, Sarah, who married Stephen's brother, Samuel in 1802, and Jeanet who married Levi HOWELL in 1804. The sisters' parents, Indian John and Ann Smith EWING, lived across the river and up a bit from Point Pleasant.

          Stephen and Susannah were still on the Virginia side of the Ohio when Taphena was born about 1803. But by the time Clinton came along about 1807, they were in a new settlement that was beginning to open up in Gallia County, inland a few miles up Raccoon Creek. By that time Ohio had become a state and the county of Gallia had been created. Gallia County then included lands that eventually became all of Jackson and large portions of Lawrence, Meigs and Vinton Counties. The eastern half of Gallia as it is today lay within the lands of the Ohio Company, while the western portion was in the "Congress Lands," which meant they were available directly from the U.S. Government and not from a private land company or certain grant holders, therefore more desirable in the eyes of the HOLCOMBS and their friends. Samuel and Sarah moved there on 6 April 1805, which is probably when Stephen and Susannah went too. Their homesite was in Section 27, 2 miles southwest of where the village of Vinton would one day come into being, in Huntington Township.

          Huntington Township was formed from Raccoon Township on 5 June 1810, and the first meeting for election purposes was held the last Saturday in July, 1810. The meeting was held at Stephen and Susannah HOLCOMB's house, and Stephen cast the first vote. Seventeen other men, including Samuel HOLCOMB, also voted in that first election and most of them figure prominently in Ewing family history. Most also appear on a list still in existence today, 162 years later, which was in the possession of the late Beatrice CLARK of Portsmouth, Ohio. It was made in 1820 by Jonathan EWING, lister, and Matthew EDMISTON, appraiser, and shows "the true value of all the houses in Huntington that comes under the consideration of the law" - the taxable property of Huntington Township. The proprietors number 75 and few names are there on the list that do not enter into the JAMES EWING STORY somewhere along the line.

          The HOLCOMBS of 1820 Huntington were Enoch, John, Samuel R., Reuben and Stephen. Stephen is down as having a house worth $220, three horses and seven veal and cattle.

          It is recorded in Huntington annals that in 1819 Stephen and Samuel, who were skilled carpenters as well as farmers, erected the first sawmill at Vinton, Ohio. It was for John ADNEY and was located on the Raccoon Creek.

          Stephen was taxed on land in Section 27 in 1823 and again in 1827.

          When the War of 1812 came along, both Stephen and Samuel were involved. A HOLCOMB Genealogy records, "Stephen enlisted in the War of 1812 in command of General William Henry HARRISON. He was an officer, perhaps Captain, when he fought with HARRISON at the Battle of Tippecanoe and continued in the army through that war."

          Well, of course, the Battle of Tippecanoe took place 6 and 7 of November, 1811 and that was almost two years before Stephen's enlistment. And it was fought almost entirely by Indiana men, not Ohioans. Also, Stephen was not an officer and his length of service was 35 days.

          The real facts of Stephen's service are that he enlisted

1 August 1813, and served one month and four days, to 4 September. He was a private in Captain John ROADAMOUR'S company of Ohio Mounted Militia, Major WOMELDORFF'S Regiment of Volunteers. For his duty, he received $29.56 - $9.60 for his service, $14 for the hire of his horse, and $6.50 for forage and rations.

          Gallia County History records that WOMELDORFF went out under General Edward W. TUPPER, who had raised 1,000 men from what are now Gallia, Lawrence and Jackson Counties. They went on order of General WINCHESTER against British Indians at Maumee, where they engaged in a fierce battle, and then returned home.

          By 1819, Stephen and Susannah's family was complete with the birth of their 10th, John Vinton HOLCOMB II. In the meantime, their first born, John, had died. Descendants have it that a John was lost at an early age - Indians or drowned, no trace. But this one died age 19 years, 9 months, 1 days, on 19 September 1817, and is buried at Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio. There is no record of another John born to Stephen and Susannah until John Vinton came along and he is well accounted for.

           Susannah's father, Indian John, came to Vinton to live in his declining years. It is said he lived with Sarah, but who knows, maybe it was Susannah. He died in 1824.

          That same year there was another death in the family when Elizabeth Mary Ann, Stephen and Susannah's eighth, died. She too is buried at Old Holcomb Cemetery in Vinton, Ohio.

          But there had been marriages through the years, too, and grandchildren, and things were getting crowded on Raccoon Creek. There was talk among the younger generation of moving on, definitely among the HOLCOMBS, but also among the COLLINS, about whom it is fitting to say a few words at this point.

          The COLLINS involved here were the family of John and Hannah (EWING) COLLINS from the same Greenbrier River country area as Indian John and Swago Bill. Hannah was the daughter of Joshua EWING, mentioned earlier. She and John had eight children - John J., Mary, Rebecca, Hannah, Nancy, Rachel, Annis and Joshua. Three of those enter into the Ewing picture through marriage. Mary married Zaphaniah HOLCOMB (2-2), Rebecca married for her first husband John EWING (14), and Nancy married John Ewing HOWELL (4-3).

          The COLLINS lived first in Huntington (John is on the 1820 proprietors list) but later lived at Wilkesville, which though now in Vinton County, was in Gallia before 1840, and is located not far from Ewington and Vinton. They died there, but many of their children moved on when the HOLCOMBS did. There are 80 of these two families, the HOLCOMBS and COLLINS, buried in the Portland (now Leando) Cemetery in Van Buren County, Iowa.

          Apparently there were two groups that departed from Vinton, Ohio with an immediate destination of Western Indiana. One left in the summer of 1830 and a second, with Stephen and Susannah aboard, left the following summer. Susannah's name is on a list of original members of the first Presbyterian Church of Huntington and Raccoon (established 3 January 1829) and there is written following her name the notation "Dismissed as traveling member, 7 September 1831." The two wagon trains included all of the children, and the families of the married ones, as well as Stephen's bother, John and his wife, Chloe, and several of their children and, as has been noted, many of the COLLINS family.

          They settled on the banks of the Wabash in either Warren County (per a sketch on Zaphaniah HOLCOMB II) or Tippecanoe County (per the William Francis HOLCOMB SKETCH). Maybe the two counties were one and the same that early. The group remained there until about 1834, then moved on to Cook County (now Will), Illinois, near Joliet.

          Now Stephen and Susannah's grandchildren were growing up and it was in Joliet that there began to be marriages in that generation. When the group moved on, one granddaughter, Roxsena Jane HOLCOMB, (2-2-2) stayed behind, and Stephen and Susannah were never to see her again.

          Destination this time was Van Buren County, Territory of Iowa. There they (some or all) remained only a short time before moving on up the Mississippi to Jo Davies County, near Galena, Illinois. but that stay was short-lived also and by 1839 they were all back in Van Buren county. Most of them are found there in the census of 1840. The EWING-type HOLCOMBS were in Village Township, while the MUDGE-HOLCOMBS (John and his family) were in Chequest Township.

          The principal town of Village Township was Portland, now called Leando, across the Des Moines River from Dowd's Station. It was here that Stephen and Susannah settled, with their family close around them. In the 1840 census they were counted with Zaphaniah. In the special 1847 Iowa census they were alone, as they were in the 1850 Federal Census, Stephen 78 and Susannah 74.

          In 1846 they had marked 50 years of marriage. the year of their 59th wedding anniversary, 1855, Susannah died, age 79. She is buried in the Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa, along with Stephen who died two years later, in 1857.

          By 1870, all of their children still living had scattered to the far corners and there is not a single descendant to be found in Van Buren County today.

          ISSUE:

2-1           1.    John HOLCOMB, b. 18 Dec 1797, Virginia d. 19 September 1817, (19y 9m 1d). Buried: Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio

2-2           2.    Zaphaniah HOLCOMB, b. about 1800, Virginia

2-3           3.    Samuel R. (possibly Robert) HOLCOMB, b. 21 May 1803, Virginia.

2-4           4.    Taphena HOLCOMB, b. about 1803, Virginia.

2-5           5.    Clinton HOLCOMB, b. about 1807, Hunt, Ohio.

2-6           6     Sarah H. "Sallie" HOLCOMB, b. about 1810 Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio.

2-7           7.    Robert V. HOLCOMB, b. 1812, Huntington Township, Oho.

2-8           8.    Elizabeth Mary Ann HOLCOMB, b. 2 July 1814 Huntington Township, Gallia Co., Ohio, d. 7 March 1824, Buried: Old Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio.

2-9           9.    Susannah HOLCOMB, b. 1815/1816, Huntington Township

2-10         10.  John Vinton HOLCOMB II, b. 24 June 1819, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio.


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2-2    ZAPHANIAH HOLCOMB


Ewing Family Lineage: Susannah-John-James


          Of all Susannah and Stephen's children, Zaphaniah, their second, was the most prolific and many of his descendants became leaders in their communities, making them easier to trace than others. Of this chapter devoted to Susannah and her line, 9/10 of it belongs to Zaphaniah.

          Obviously named for his paternal grandfather, he was born in Virginia about 1800, either when Stephen and Susannah were still in Pocahontas or up at the Ohio River in what is now Mason County, West Virginia.

          But it was in Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio, that he grew up. He was married in Gallia County, on 13 May 1820 to Mary COLLINS. She was a daughter of John and Hannah (EWING) COLLINS (previously mentioned) and was born about 1800 in Virginia. They began housekeeping in Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio where Zaphaniah was listed in the 1830 census as "head of household." He and Mary began having their family right off. The birth date of their second child, Roxsena Jane, is known - 8 February 1821, which is just nine months from the date of the marriage. Evaline is listed in all accounts as their first child, and in the 1850 census she is recorded as 29, so one wonders if she and Roxsena were twins.

          There is also the strange case of their sixth child. The date of Mary Louise's birth is given by one source as 7 April 1828, and by another 23 July 1828, both of which must be in error as her next younger sister, Elizabeth Ann, was born 19 November 1828. Two births four or seven months apart!

          In the case of the second source, it could be a case of reading the dates wrong on Mary Louise's grave marker at Holcomb Cemetery, because the Huntington Township Cemetery Book, published by the Gallia County Historical Society, also says her death occurred on 2 September 1831, but Zaphaniah and Mary were gone from Vinton by them.

          All told Zaphaniah and Mary had 12 children, nine of whom reached maturity.

          Zaphaniah and his family were with the large group, including many from Mary's family, who departed Vinton in the summer of 1830 and went to Tippecanoe County, Indiana to be joined later by his parents and others from home. They moved around with the family in the next few years, to Joliet, Will County, Illinois, to Van Buren County, Iowa, then to Jo Daviess County, Illinois and finally back to Van Buren County, Iowa. Zaphaniah was listed in the 1840 Territory of Iowa as head of a family of four other males and five females, including his wife. (0102101/0220001)

          Zaphaniah was only about 43 when he died there in Village Township, Van Buren County, Iowa in 1843. He is one of so many HOLCOMBS buried at Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa.

          The widow Mary had six children still at home, the youngest, age 10. The two eldest were Stephen, 21, and Zaphaniah II, 19, who helped her run the farm. But two years later when Mary sold out in favor of land in the "New Purchase" of Wapello County, Iowa, she only had Zaphaniah to help her, for that same year, 1845, Stephen was off over the Oregon Trail to what was to become another Portland on the banks of the Williamette River.

          There were others involved in that move of 1843 from Van Buren to Wapello (a matter of only a few miles). The family of Mary's daughter Evaline, widowed and remarried to Henry B. BONES, joined in and so did Evaline's sister, Susannah Finette, who had married Henry's brother, Joseph. They were all in a cluster in the 1850 census in District 13, which was to become Polk Township. The cluster also included Zaphaniah Drennan HOLCOMB, who by that time had married Rebecca BLACKFORD.

          Asenath Rachel (just Rachel in the census) was the only one at home with Mary in the 1850 census. The rest had all married and were living elsewhere, or as in the case of William Francis, had gotten the gold bug.. By the time of the 1860 census, even Rachel had left, but now Mary had two granddaughters with her, 9 year old Margaret GEE and 24 year old Charity ALDRICH. (2-2-1-3)

          So often in researching this history, I have found that a parent's death marked the time of the family's moving on. If that is the case here, we know that Mary died in 1864 or 1865, for in the spring of 1865, the group had departed Wapello County, most heading for Kansas. It is entirely conceivable of course, that Mary went too and died later, elsewhere. She is not accounted for in any 1870 census.

          And so Wapello County, which for 20 years had been alive with HOLCOMBS (of whatever name) was now (1865) suddenly devoid of them. They had scattered to California, Oregon, Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, most of them to become leaders in their chosen communities.

          ISSUE:

2-2-1        1.   Evaline HOLCOMB, b.(twin of Roxsena?) Vinton, Ohio

2-2-2        2.   Roxsena Jane HOLCOMB, b. 8 Feb 1821, Vinton, Ohio

2-2-3        3.   Stephen Allen HOLCOMB, b. Nov 1822, Vinton, Ohio

2-2-4        4.   Zephaniah Drennan HOLCOMB, b. 11 Apr 1824, Vinton, Ohio

2-2-5        5.   Susan\Susannah Finette HOLCOMB , b. 16 Oct 1825, Vinton, Ohio

2-2-6        6.    Mary Louise HOLCOMB, b.& d. Vinton, Ohio, not sure of exact dates, but buried Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio - so assume that she must have died prior to the Holcomb departure from Vinton in the summer of 1830.

2-2-7        7.    Elizabeth Ann HOLCOMB, b. 19 Nov 1828, Vinton, Ohio

2-2-8        8.    William Francis HOLCOMB, b. 27 Jan 1831, Tippecanoe County, Indiana

2-2-9        9.    Asenath Rachel HOLCOMB, b. 1832, Tippecanoe County, Indiana

2-2-10      10.  Mary HOLCOMB, b. 1833, Tippecanoe County, Indiana

                 11.  John J. HOLCOMB, died in infancy

                 12.  Virginia Laura HOLCOMB, died in infancy


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2-2-1 EVALINE HOLCOMB


Ewing Family Lineage: Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          As has been noted, Evaline was the eldest of Zaphaniah and Mary's children. The exact date of her birth is not known but she was recorded as 29 in 1850, when they first started recording ages, so born 1820/1821. She has always been listed ahead of Roxsena Jane, whose birth date is known - 8 Feb 1821. As their parents were married 13 May 1820, there was barely time for Roxsena to be born let alone another one ahead of her, so I conclude Evaline and Roxsena were twins.

          Evaline was born in Vinton, Ohio and was 9 or 10 when the family headed out. She married twice. Her first marriage was to John ALDRICH, by whom she had three children. That must have been a very early marriage because her second marriage was in about 1838 when she was only 17 - and already the mother of three? Incredible!

          Henry B. BONES was her second husband. He was born 1810 in Kentucky and was the brother of Joseph who married her sister, Susannah Finette. Henry was the father of four more children for Evaline. Evaline and Henry were in Van Buren County, Iowa in 1840, but just Henry and Evaline and their first daughter, Lucinda BONES. Where were her ALDRICH children? In 1850 the BONES were in Wapello County, Iowa, with a cluster with the others. Both Henry and his brother Joseph were carpenters. Others of this family went to Oregon about 1858. Evaline died between 1850 and 1860, but whether in Iowa or Oregon, or enroute, I can not say. Henry remarried and appears with his second wife, the widow Sarah ZACHARY and her sons next door to another of her ZACHARY sons and his family.

          By 1870 Henry BONES was in Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon - was again a widower. Age 66, occupation a carpenter, worth $1,600/450, with his children nearby. Henry died 19 April 1873, in Forest Grove.

          ISSUE:

                 BY JOHN ALDRICH

                 1. William Frederick ALDRICH, d. age 8

2-2-1-2     2. Sarah Jane ALDRICH

2-2-1-3     3. Charity E. ALDRICH, b. 3 Oct 1836, Missouri - her mother, age 15, with two children older.

                 BY HENRY B. BONES

2-2-1-4     4. Lucinda BONES, b. 2 March 1839, Iowa

                 5. Zephaniah BONES, b. 1842, Iowa, Drowned

2-2-1-6     6. Henrietta BONES, b. 1847, Iowa

                 7. Theodore Porter BONES, b. Sept 1849 (Supposed to have been murdered)


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2-2-1-2     SARAH JANE ALDRICH


Ewing Family Lineage: Evaline-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          There is little information about Sarah Jane. Not even her birth date is known. Although it was probably about 1835. Her husband was William WATSON.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Thomas Jefferson WATSON, d. by 1896

                 2.    John WATSON, d. 19 Apr 1884, musician, band leader. Married: 21 Sept 1881, Anna SIMPSON

                 3.    Mary Alice WATSON. Married: 12 Feb 1889, Thomas HIGGINS; Resident: 1896, Guthrie, Oklahoma

                        Issue:

                               1.    Son HIGGINS, b & d Mar 1892

                               2.    Son HIGGINS, d. July 1894


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2-2-1-4     LUCINDA BONES


Ewing Family Lineage: Evaline-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Lucinda was Evaline's fourth child, but the first of the BONES children. She was born 2 March 1839, in Van Buren County, Iowa, and moved with her family first to Wapello County, Iowa and then to Washington County, Oregon, about 1858, which was just about the time of her marriage to Henry VICTOR, probably in Oregon. Henry was born 8 October 1827 in Delaware. In 1870 they were living in Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon. He was a laborer and his worth was $350/$200.

          Lucinda and Henry had five children. The youngest of these, Josephine Elvira, was 5 1/2 when Lucinda died 2 June 1873, at Forest Grove. Henry died 8 July 1883, in Forest Grove also.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    William Grant VICTOR, b. 26 Sept 1859, Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon. Married: Amelia _____, b. 4 June 1870.

                               Issue:

                               1.    Chester Henry VICTOR, 12 April 1892

                        2.    Lorraine May VICTOR, b. 30 April 1861, Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon, d. before 1938.            Married: Rev. William H. MARKS b. 12 June 1857 (1938: Pasadena, California)

                               Issue:

                               l.     Lucinda Winifred MARKS, b.17 Feb 1884

                               2.    Leona Beatrice MARKS, b. 31 Jan 1887

                               3.    Ina May MARKS, b. 26 Jan 1890

2-2-1-4-3         3.    Leone/Leonie Helen VICTOR, b. 31 Aug 1862, Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon

                         4.    Helen Mary VICTOR, b. 4 Dec 1864, Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon

                        5.    Josephine Elvira VICTOR, b. 25 Oct 1867, Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon


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2-2-1-4-3  LEONE/LEONIE HELEN VICTOR


Ewing Family Lineage: Lucinda-Evaline-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Leonie Helen VICTOR was the third of five children for Henry and Lucinda VICTOR and the only one on whom more than just sketchy material is available.

          Leonie was born at Forest Grove on 31 August 1862. She was 26 when she was married on 5 February 1889, to Charles Edward DEICHMAN who was to become secretary and manager of the Beaverton Milling Company.

          Charles was born in St. Clair County, Illinois, 18 January 1863, to Leonard and Sarah (HEMPHILL DEICHMAN, natives of Germany and Ireland respectively. Charles lived on the Illinois farm until about 1885 when he went to Oregon. He taught school four years prior to their marriage, after which he and his bride began their housekeeping on a farm near Hillsboro, Oregon.

          In 1890, Charles was elected Washington County assessor and served for four years. During those four years, he moved into the town of Hillsboro and went into general merchandising and became a deputy sheriff.

          In 1900, he joined the Beaverton Milling Company and became secretary and manager. The firm bought and sold grain and operated a flouring mill.

          Charles belonged to the Masonic Lodge of Hillsboro, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Odd Fellows and United Artisans and was a Republican.

          Leonie, in addition to bringing up their children, was in the Order of the Eastern Star, Rebekahs and the Degree of Honor of United Workmen.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Jennie May DEICHMAN, b. 28 Dec 1889, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon.

                 2.    Mary Grace DEICHMAN, b. 16 Mar 1891, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon.

                 3.    Charles Leonard DEICHMAN, b. 12 Oct 1895, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon.


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2-2-1-6     HENRIETTA BONES


Ewing Family Lineage: Evaline-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Henrietta was born in August 1845, in Wapello County, Iowa and was about 12 when the family headed out for Oregon around 1858. She was married there, about 1865 to Hugh FENTON, a native of Pennsylvania whose parents were born in Ireland. He was born November 1847.

          After marriage the FENTONS lived in Oregon, then Washington and in 1900 were back in Oregon, living in Portland, Multanomah County, at 567 Albina, Precinct 46. The only one of their nine children (one of whom, John, had died by 1900) still at home was the youngest, Luther.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Georgiana FENTON, b. 1867, Oregon

                        2.    Sarah Evaline FENTON, b. 1869, Oregon. Married: 5 Oct 1898, Robert HUNTER, Railroad Engineer

                        3.    Mary Frances FENTON, b. 1872, Oregon

                        4.    Isabel FENTON, b. 1873, Oregon

                        5.    John Hugh FENTON - TWIN, b. 29 June 1876, Served in Co. B, 2nd Oregon Volunteers, d. 1898, Manilla

2-2-1-6-6         6.    Laura FENTON - TWIN, b. 29 June 1876, Oregon

                        7.    Gertrude "Birdie" FENTON, b. 1878, Washington Territory. Married: 1898, a musician 1900, San Francisco, California.

                        8.    Luther FENTON, b. Dec 1880, Washington Territory. Only one at home in 1900, 19 years a railroad fireman.

                        9.    Unknown


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2-2-1-6-6  LAURA FENTON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Henrietta-Evaline-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Laura was born 29 June 1876, in Oregon. She was married on 3 November 1898 to Robert MENAFEE. This was his second marriage, and his daughter, Minnie MENAFEE, born May 1894 in California, was living with Robert and Laura in 1900. Robert was born November 1866 in California, his parent in Missouri and Kentucky. In 1900 Robert and Laura lived at 411 Rodney Avenue in Portland, Oregon, Precinct 8 (13-81-16-12), which home they owned. Robert listed as insurance agent in census, but was listed as a real estate agent in the JACKSON-HOLCOMB-COLLINS GENEALOGY.

          ISSUE NOT KNOWN


 

2-2-2 ROXSENA JANE HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Called Jane or sometimes Roxie, the second child of Zaphaniah and Mary was born 8 February 1821 in Vinton, Ohio, and may have been a twin to Evaline. she was about 10 when her parents set out for the "west"- Indiana and then Illinois.

          While the family was in Joliet, Wills County, Illinois, Roxsena, age 16, was married in 1837 to John NORMAN. They lived with his family, and when the HOLCOMBS moved on to Iowa, the NORMANS, including John and Roxsena, remained in Wills County.

          Shortly afterwards John died. He never saw their daughter, Mary Ann Norman, born 19 July, 1838.

          When Mary Ann was still an infant, the NORMANS moved back to Indiana, and Roxsena went with them. They settled in Wayne County, and it was there that Roxsena met Harrison JACKSON. He was the son of Ebenezer and Nancy JACKSON and was born in Wayne County, 27 September 1820. He and Roxsena were married in Crawfordsville, Indiana, 29 October 1840.

          About their early married life, Harrison later recalled: "During the years of 1841 and 1842, myself and wife rented a small house consisting of one room near Crawfordsville. Our furniture consisted of a bedstead, with plenty of bed clothing, a table, two or three plates and a shoe knife.

          "With these few articles and the loan of a few from our landlord, we commenced housekeeping. Our livestock consisted of one 18 month old and one 6 month old colt, two yearling calves and two sheep.

          "The first year we raised a crop of corn, the landlord furnishing a team. We fattened a calf and, as we could not get $5 for it, we finally killed it. Needing a harness, I carried a hindquarter three miles on a horse to a blacksmith, who ironed me a set of hames in exchange for the meat. The hide was traded to a tanner for one side of harness leather. The tugs were trace-chains and after the purchase of a collar for $4, the harness was complete."

          In 1843, the family then consisting of not only Mary Ann NORMAN, but also Lucinda and Zaphaniah JACKSON, Harrison and Roxsena decided to "emigrate" (Harrison's word) and headed west. They were "15 days on the road" before they reached Van Buren County, Iowa, where Roxsena's widowed mother, Mary (COLLINS) HOLCOMB then was - Roxsena's father, Zaphaniah, having died that year.

          "We were with the Widow HOLCOMB one month," Harrison recalled. Apparently Iowa was not to their liking, for they turned back east, settling in Knox County, Illinois, where they lived two years as Harrison wrote, although his biography sketch says they came to Warren County, Illinois in 1859. "Which has been our home since."

          When Harrison and Roxsena celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 29 October 1890, many of their 11 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were there to help.

          Harrison was a Baptist, Democrat, had 139 acres, value $6,950. He was listed as a voter and taxpayer of Kelly Township, Warren County, Illinois - "Farmer, Section 1" - in a published history of Warren County. When he died, this was written:

          "He died at his farm 1/2 mile west of the NE corner of Warren County, 20 May 1899, aged 78 years, 7 months, 23 days and on Monday, when the sun had passed the meridian height, the mortal remains of a kind Father, Friend and Counsel was laid beneath the clods of the Valley to await the Trumpet's sound on the Resurrection morn."

          Roxsena preceded him in death, she dying after their 53rd Anniversary, 28 November 1893.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Mary Ann NORMAN, b. 19 July 1838, d. 5 Nov 1854, Buried: Wesley, Indiana. Married: 20 Jan 1853, Thomas STOUT.

2-2-2-2     2.    Lucinda JACKSON, b. 6 Aug 1841 Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana.

                 3.    Zephaniah JACKSON, b. 12 Dec 1842, deceased by 1890. Widow and children lived in the "West".

                 4.    Nancy Mariah JACKSON, b. 18 Jan 1844 Knox County, Illinois d. 8 Feb 1846. Buried: Hahan Cemetery, Knox County, Illinois.

2-2-2-5     5.    John C. JACKSON, b. 18 March 1845 Knox County, Illinois.

2-2-2-6     6.    William A. JACKSON, b. 1 Nov 1846 Knox or Warren County, Illinois.

                 7.    James J.(or R.) JACKSON, b. 16 July 1849 Warren County, Illinois. 1890: Nebraska farmer.

2-2-2-8     8.    Sarah J. JACKSON, b. 22 Nov 1850 Warren County, Illinois.

                 9.    Irena Elizabeth JACKSON b. 22 May 1852 Warren County,, Illinois.

2-2-2-10   10.  Amanda Caroline JACKSON, b. 7 July 1855 Warren County, Illinois. 1890: Resident of New York with husband and family.

2-2-2-11   11.  Charles H. JACKSON, b. 29 May 1857 Warren County, Illinois.

                 12.  Susan Mahala JACKSON, b. 21 May 1859 Warren County, Illinois. "Keeper of the JACKSON FAMILY RECORDS"


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2-2-2-2     LUCINDA JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Lucinda was born, 6 Aug 1841 in Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana and was married, 24 April 1859 in Warren County, Illinois to Joseph H. BLOOMFIELD, son of Isaac and Mary (HOHN/HAHN) BLOOMFIELD. Joseph was born 30 November 1834, Butler County, Ohio.

          "Prominent among the leading citizens, and the wealthy and influential farmers of Knox County is Joseph H. BLOOMFIELD", reads the sketch about Lucinda's husband in the "THE HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS," published about 1882. It goes on to say that he came to Knox County at the age 11, when the country was yet in a wild and unsettled condition.

          He and Lucinda were married 24 April 1859, in Warren County, but started housekeeping in Mercer County, Illinois, where they lived 14 years, until 1872. "Deciding that Rio Township, Knox County was worthy of his creating a home in its midst, he bought land, until he is now the owner of 159 acres on Section 33. Much of this land in his possession is capable of a high state of cultivation, and few can boast of a more desirable homestead."

          I found them there in the 1880 census, with 5 of their eight children, but by 1900, they had removed to 358 Olive Street, Galesburg, Illinois, where they were living, just the two of them. In politics, Joseph was a Democrat, and both he and Lucinda were members "in good and regular standing" of the Baptist Church.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Alice E. BLOOMFIELD, b. 1860 Mercer County, Illinois.

                 2.    Henrietta BLOOMFIELD, b. about 1862. Not in 1880 census, but not listed “deceased” in 1882 sketch.

                 3.    Mary Jane BLOOMFIELD, b. about 1865. Not in 1880 census; listed as "deceased" in 1882 sketch.

                 4.    Abigail BLOOMFIELD, b. about 1867. Not in 1880 census; listed as "deceased" in 1882 sketch.

                 5.    Sophronia BLOOMFIELD, b. 1870 Mercer County, Illinois.

                 6.    Daisy BLOOMFIELD, b. 1872 Mercer or Knox County, Illinois.

                 7.    J. Harrison BLOOMFIELD, b. July 1874 Knox County, Illinois. Married: 6 March 1895, Minnie _____ b. August 1876. Called Harry. 1900: Rio Township, Knox County, Illinois with servant and two laborers.

Known issue:

                        1     Walter E. BLOOMFIELD, b. Dec 1894

                        2.    Eugene Clyde BLOOMFIELD, b. 16 May 1897

                 8.    Lelia L. BLOOMFIELD, b. 1878 Knox County, Illinois. Married: 15 Apr 1900, (Easter Sunday) Benjamin ELEY. Resident of Astoria, Illinois


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2-2-2-5     JOHN C. JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          John Jackson was born 18 March 1845, Knox County, Illinois. Married: Lucy _____, born: January 1849, Illinois.

          In the 1880 and 1900 censuses, John and Lucy were listed as living on Oliver Street, North Henderson, Mercer County, Illinois. It was noted in the 1890 Golden Wedding Anniversary write-up that he was a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.

          Known Issue:

                 1.    Harry C. JACKSON, b. 1879. Not in the 1900 census.

                  2.    Earl JACKSON, b. March 1881.


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2-2-2-6     WILLIAM A. JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          William was born 1 November 1846 in Warren or Knox County, Illinois, and was married about 1868 to his first cousin Charity ALDRICH (2-2-1-3). Charity was born in Illinois or Missouri, 3 October 1836. The two were listed in the 1870 census as residents of Kelly Township, Warren County, Illinois, living right next to his parents. William was a farmer, his worth $500. In the 1880 census they were in the same place. I did not find them in the 1900 Illinois index.

          KNOWN ISSUE:

                 1.    Nora JACKSON, b. 1869 Warren County, Illinois.

                 2.    Nettie A. JACKSON, b. 1873 Warren County, Illinois


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2-2-2-8     SARAH J. JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Sarah was born 22 November 1850 in Warren County, Illinois and was married about 1895 to C.W. BATES.

          KNOWN ISSUE:

                 1.    John O. BATES, b. 14 Nov 1896

                 2.    Charles Alfred BATES, b. 3 March 1899 d. 22 Feb 1900 of "membranous croup".

                 3.    Golda May BATES, b. 25 Nov 1900


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2-2-2-10   AMANDA CAROLINE JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Amanda, the 10th child of Harrison and Roxsena, was born 7 July 1855, in Warren County, Illinois. About 1869 there came to the area a family of NELSONS, William A. and Mary (HAGEY) NELSON and their children, including one A. Harvey NELSON. Harvey was born 4 August 1851, in Madison county, Indiana. The Nelsons had moved from Indiana to Knox county, Illinois in 1867, and from Knox County to Mercer County in 1869.

          Amanda and Harvey were married in 1875. The next year his parents removed to Stuart, Adair County, Iowa, and Amanda and Harvey went with them. They were there for three years, in 1879 moving to Redfield, Dallas County, Iowa. In 1881, Harvey purchased the farm in Jackson Township, Madison County, Iowa, which in the 1915 MADISON COUNTY HISTORY had been his home for 34 years. "He owns 382 acres of land and his place is provided with all of the equipments of the 20th Century farm. He raises, feeds and ships hogs; buys, sells and ships cattle, and also raises horses, finding the stock business very profitable. He is now well-to-do and derives much satisfaction from the knowledge that all that he has is the result of his own labor and good management."

          Harvey was a Democrat, a Mason and with his wife, a member of the Grange, or Patrons of Husbandry.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Bertha NELSON, b. about 1876, d. pre 1915. Resided: Wall, South Dakota. Married: Frank BRUCE.

                        Issue:

                               l.     Marion BRUCE

                               2.    Leon BRUCE

                                3.    Helen BRUCE

                 2.    Orville NELSON, b. 29 April 1878. Married: 6 Feb 1901, Olive BAKER. Resided 1915: Taylor County, Iowa.

                        Issue:

                               1.    Lyle Earl NELSON, b. 9 May 1902

                               2.    Ivan NELSON

                                3.    Horace NELSON

                 3.    William Harrison NELSON, b. 8 Nov 1879. Resided 1915: Clearfield, South Dakota (or Iowa?)

                        Issue:

                               1.    Glenda NELSON

                               2.    Violet NELSON

                 4.    Mabel NELSON, b. about 1881. Married: Charles EYERLY of Crawford Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Issue:

                               1.    Nelson EYERLY

                               2.    Nellie EYERLY

                               3.    Clifford EYERLY

                               4.    Reva EYERLY

                               5.    Grover Cleveland NELSON, b. 8 July 1885. In 1915: Roswell, South Dakota.

                               6.    Floyd Jackson NELSON, b. 7 Feb 1889. In 1915: Jackson Township, Madison County, Iowa.

                                      Issue:

                                      1.    Opal NELSON

                               7.    Anna L. NELSON, b. about 1891. Married: Ray BOND. 1915: Jackson Township, Madison County, Iowa.

                               8.     Earl NELSON, b. 2 April 1894. 1915: Jackson Township, Madison County, Iowa.


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2-2-2-11   CHARLES H. JACKSON

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Roxsena-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Charles was born 29 May 1857 in Warren County, Illinois. In 1890, he was living on a farm in Clearfield, Iowa.

          KNOWN ISSUE:

                 1.    Lena JACKSON. Married: 24 Oct 1900, Edward BAKER b. 20 Nov 1874. Resided 1902: on a farm near Clearfield, Iowa.


 

2-2-3 STEPHEN ALLEN HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Stephen managed to hit it right. He was born at the right time to be the right age and in the right place to know well the historic adventure highway that has captured our imaginations - the Oregon Trail.

          His birth occurred 1 November 1822 in Vinton, Ohio, and so he was 23 in 1845 when the trail's lure reach its peak. By then he had a lot of traveling under his belt. He had been with the family to Indiana, then Illinois, then Van Buren County, Iowa, Illinois again and finally back to Van Buren County.

          At about the same time (1845) that his widowed mother Mary began talking of taking up government land in the "New Purchase" of Wapello County, Iowa, his bachelor uncle, 33 year old Robert V. HOLCOMB, (2-7) was considering heading out to Oregon.

          Others of the same mind including Stephen's twice relative, John Ewing HOWELL (4-3). John was Stephen's father's first cousin on the Ewing side, and his uncle by marriage on the Collins side, in that John was married to Nancy COLLINS, his mother's sister.

          While it does not appear that Robert and Stephen were in the same wagon train as John, it is a startling coincidence that the three should have left at about the same time from about the same place and arrived in Portland not very far apart.

          But John kept a journal of his trip (which was published in 1904) and it does not mention the presence of either Stephen or Robert. He wrote that he departed from Luray, Clark County, Missouri, (next county south of Van Buren, about 20-25 miles from Village Township to Luray) in the company of B. F. BRIGGS. He arrived in Portland, Oregon, 11 October 1845. Stephen's descendants say only that he arrived "about November."

          Strange coincidence. Most travelers over the Oregon Trail had Independence, Missouri as their starting point, as John did, and no doubt that is where Robert and Stephen picked up their wagon train also. The story is that Stephen had six oxen when he started, but ended up after that long trek across plain and mountain with one.

          Unlike John HOWELL, who only went out for the adventure and returned soon after he arrived, Stephen was there to stay, Robert too, for awhile. Stephen was not quite ready to settle down, though. There was the Cayuse War of 1847-48 for one thing. He was in that ("went as far up country as Palouse") and Robert may have been too.

          And then there were the gold fields of Northern California beckoning. Both Stephen and Robert had to try their hands at that game, and were there several months. I have not heard how Stephen made out, but I do know that Robert returned to Van Buren County in 1849, "his pockets bulging with his take from the mines." One report was $10,000, but in the 1850 census his worth was listed as a "mere" #3,000.

          Stephen may have realized something from his venture, though, for 1850 is the year he took a wife, and perhaps it was his efforts in the gold mines that helped make that possible.

          On 15 September 1850, the bachelor of 28 and the lovely Amanda LEE of 17 were wed.

          Amanda was the daughter of Philemon and Elizabeth (JOHNSON) LEE, born 21 April 1833, in Jefferson County, New York. The Lees had set out for the west when Amanda was young. Their first stop was Davis County, Iowa, where they remained three or four years. In 1846, they headed further west, crossing the rest of the country with an ox team. They arrived at Whitman's Station, Washington, and caught their breath before moving on to Portland.

          From the Dalles they went down the Columbia River on flat boats, landing where Linnton now is on New Year's Day, 1847. Amanda's father settled on donation land at Gale's Creek near Forest Grove, in Washington County, just west of Portland.

          After the wedding, Stephen and Amanda, too, took up donation land near Forest Grove. Washington County was then a wilderness, but the HOLCOMBS, in 50 years of marriage, saw it bloom.

          By rights the census of 1850 should have been taken on 1 June. That year, in Washington County at least, it was not taken until December. Consequently the bride and groom were listed together. There were just the two of them, Stephen 28, a farmer, and Amanda 17.

          They are listed in the same place - Forest Grove, Washington County - in each of the subsequent censuses to 1900. In the 1860 census, they had living with them Amanda's sister, Mary LEE, 12 and what I judge to be Stephen's cousin, Stephen KNOX, 30 (2-3-1). (Relationships were not noted until the 1880's) In 1870, Stephen's worth was given as $15,000/1,800. In 1880 they had with them Stephen's niece, Anna L. (Annie) CRANE, 12, born Oregon (2-2-9-4), as well as a hired hand, Charles ANDERSON, 32, born Tennessee.

          Stephen was a member of the survey crew who joined efforts 21 June 1852 to mark the Territorial Road between St. Helens, Columbia County and Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon. He also contributed to help build the communities' house of worship and on 20 April 1853, West Union Baptist Church was erected.

          The West Union's first Post Office opened the 27 January 187 with Stephen as the first Post Master - an office he held until 17 March 1894.

          Except for a brief period when they lived in nearby Hillsboro, Stephen and Amanda lived all their lives on the farm at Forest Grove. Stephen was one of the directors of the first school district in Washington County, and was a member of the board which built the first frame school house in the county. He was a charter member of Tuality Lodge, A.F. & A.M. Both he and Amanda attended the West Union Methodist Episcopal Church. The two had been married 50 years when a tragic accident ended Stephen's life. On 11 June 1901, he was helping a neighbor set a gopher gun and was killed instantly when the gun exploded, the charge striking him in the left temple and eye.

          Holcomb Lake, Washington County, Oregon - 3 miles northeast of Orenco was named for Stephen A. HOLCOMB - in memory of a pioneer settler who took up a donation land claim nearby.

          He was buried in Jolly Cemetery at West Union, Oregon under the auspices of his Masonic lodge.

          Amanda remained on at the old homestead, outliving her husband by almost 10 years. She was 77 when she died 11 Jan 1911. She was buried, "on a very cold day", next to her husband.  

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Leroy William HOLCOMB, b. 7 Nov 1851 Washington County, Oregon d. 24 March 1852.

                 2.    Jane Jackson HOLCOMB, b. 10 Apr 1853 Washington County, Oregon. Twin of Wayne; died 25 June 1858.

2-2-3-3     3.    Wayne William HOLCOMB b. 11 Apr 1853 Washington County, Oregon. Twin of Jane.

2-2-3-4     4.    Leroy Linn HOLCOMB, b. 9 Dec 1854 Washington County, Oregon.

2-2-3-5     5.    John Meredith HOLCOMB b. 21 Sept 1856 Washington County, Oregon.

2-2-3-6     6.    Mary M. HOLCOMB, b. 17 Sept 1859 Washington County, Oregon.

2-2-3-7     7.    Abraham Lincoln HOLCOMB b. 1 Aug 1861 Washington County, Oregon.

2-2-3-8     8.    Belle HOLCOMB, b. 9 Nov 1863 Washington County, Oregon.

2-2-3-9     9.    Grant HOLCOMB, b. 12 June 1865 Washington County, Oregon.

                 10.  Franklin Pierce HOLCOMB, b. 7 Apr 1869 Washington County, Oregon. Married: In the Fall of 1899, Maud JOHNSON.

2-2-3-11   11. Charles Edward HOLCOMB b. 17 Oct 1871.


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2-2-3-3     WAYNE WILLIAM HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Wayne went through most of his life as No. 1 for Stephen and Amanda. A brother and his twin sister were born before him, but the brother died before he was born and his twin when they were 5, so Wayne was always "big brother."

          He was born 11 April 1853, the day following the birth of his twin, on the Holcomb homestead in Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon. In spite of the fact that eight other Holcombs followed him, his parents managed to see that he was thoroughly schooled, and he was graduated from Pacific University at Forest Grove. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1879. He practiced in Oregon and Washington, and later in California - and though he was never a judge, he was always called that.

          He was married 24 February 1875 to Christina HANSEN and they had two daughters, both of whom died at early ages. His second wife was Emma SHOWERS, and there seems to have been a third, as his wife at death was Katie.

          In 1890, Wayne went to Los Angeles, where he rose to the head of his profession as a criminal lawyer. He gave up his practice there, however, because of ill health and returned to Portland, Oregon. In 1910 he moved to nearby St. Johns, "the most desirable city I have ever lived in", as he was known to remark.

          He was an accomplished poet and his works were widely published.

          He was a man of splendid build - tall, massive and of robust appearance, but still he was plagued by bad health, and had to retire from active life.

          In the fall of 1910, Wayne's wife was in Los Angeles on an extensive visit, and while she was gone, Wayne planned a surprise for her. He built and furnished a new home at 202 New York Street. They moved in on November 6, 1910. A week later, Wayne was dead.

          He died 13 November 1910, age 57 years, 7 months, 2 days, and is buried at the West Union Cemetery, Oregon.

          ISSUE by Christina:

                 1.    Anna H. HOLCOMB, b. 24 Dec 1875 d. 6 Dec 1876.

                 2      Dora H. HOLCOMB, b. 24 Sept 1877 d. 28 Jan 1881.


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2-2-3-4     LEROY LINN HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          The Holcombs' fourth child was given the same first name, Leroy, that his older brother who died in 1852 had, but a different middle name, Linn, instead of William. He was born 9 December 1854 at West Union, Washington County, Oregon. He was married on 15 December 1884 to Lillie WHEATON and they had two daughters. Leroy died 11 August 1897 in Ellensburg, Washington at the age of 43 years.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Minnie May HOLCOMB

                 2.    Maggie Bell HOLCOMB


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2-2-3-5     JOHN MEREDITH HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          John was born 21 September 1856, at West Union, Washington County, Oregon. He was married on 22 January 1883 to Augusta ALLEN, born on the 29 July 1864. They had two sons and when the youngest was just four, she died - on 26 January 1890, very quickly and unexpectedly after a pleasant Sunday evening with his parents. She was said to have had a disease which affected the heart.

          Augusta is buried in the Baptist Churchyard at West Union, Oregon.

          That must have been a blow to John, for he went away and never returned. He died pre-1910 in Texas. The two sons were raised in an orphanage. In 1900, they were living with their grandparents, Stephen and Amanda, ages 17 and 14.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Alfred M. HOLCOMB, b. 16 Oct 1883. Alfred's daughter, Ruth HOLCOMB MARGESON, who in 1979 lived at 5325 S.E. 122nd in Portland, Oregon.

                 2.    Stephen A. HOLCOMB, b. 10 Jan 1886. A son was _____ HOLCOMB, father of Stephen Jackson HOLCOMB, b. 1942 in Portland, Oregon and where he was living in 1979.

 

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2-2-3-6     MARY M. HOLCOMB


Ewing Family Lineage: Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Mary was born 17 September 1859 and was married 9 August 1879, to John F. FLYNN, a real estate boomer. They had two children, the youngest just 7 when Mary died 11 May 1894, at her home in Portland after an illness of eight days, age 35 years. She is buried at the No. 1 Masonic Cemetery.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Harry H. FLYNN, b. 10 Oct 1880. In 1900, Harry was living with grandparents, Stephen and Amanda HOLCOMB.

                 2.    Edna Lee FLYNN, b. 2 May 1887.


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2-2-3-7     ABRAHAM LINCOLN HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          A few months after the 12th President of the United States took office, Stephen and Amanda's fifth son was born, and was given the name of that president, Abraham Lincoln. He was born 1 August 1861, at Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon.

          A.L., as he was usually known, was married three times. His first wife, Isabel ANDERSON, whom he married 1 January 1885, died a few months after the wedding, on 14 April 1885. He then married, on 15 September 1889, Rosetta FENTON, born 31 December 1868, in Miami, Indiana. She had two children, and, shortly after the birth of the second, died - on 6 June 1892, age 23.

          A.L. was married on 19 March 1898 to Mrs. Emma F. SMITH, with whom he was listed in the 1900 census, living with his parents. He lived most his life at Bethany, Washington County, Oregon, but moved to Hillsboro in 1919 when his health failed. He was a member of the Grange for many years and of Montezuma Lodge, I.O.O.F. He died 24 February 1921 at his home in Hillsboro, and was buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

          ISSUE by Rosetta:

                 1.    Henry Howard HOLCOMB, b. 13 June 1890, Bethany, Washington County, Oregon. 1900: listed with father and stepmother at Stephen and Amanda's home. 1921: St. Helens, Columbia County, Oregon.

                 2.    Rosetta HOLCOMB, b. 21 May 1892 Bethany, Washington County, Oregon. Not with family in 1900. Married: 10 June 1917 at Hillsboro, Oregon Mat C. MADISON. 1921: St. Helens, Oregon.


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2-2-3-8     BELLE HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Belle and her sister, Mary, were the only two girls in a family of seven boys. She was born 9 November 1863, and was married on 22 February 1882 to Jacob C. WILSON, born 21 March 1855. They had one daughter and lived in Orenco, Oregon.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Esther Lee WILSON, b. 3 July 1891


 

2-2-3-9     GRANT HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          With the other presidential names in the family, I suspect this sixth son of Stephen and Amanda was Ulysses S. Grant, but I do not know that for sure. He was born, according to family records, on 12 June 1865 at West Union, Washington County, Oregon. Grant's wife was Alice FRENCH, born in September 1864 in Oregon, her parents were born in New Jersey and Iowa. They were married at Bethany, Washington County, Oregon on 4 January 1885.

          Grant in his early life was a painter and decorator. He read law for a time, but when his health began failing he turned to farming. He lived mostly in Washington County, but in 1907 went to Marshfield and then to Springfield. While in Springfield he was game warden almost two years, and then entered into the hardware business with C.R. MEAD, but "finding the work too confining" he sold out after eight months. Soon afterwards, his health became such as to confine him to his bed, and after a long illness, he died 15 March 1911, age 45 years 9 months 3 days. He was buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Springfield, Lane County, Oregon

          He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Woodmen of the World.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Samuel L. HOLCOMB, b. July 1885 Washington County, Oregon. (A son of Samuel's, Clarence Leroy HOLCOMB, died at Mabel, Lane County, Oregon about 1912, nine months and 19 days old.)

                 2.    Harriette HOLCOMB, b. August 1888 Washington County, Oregon. Married: Cecil WILMOT. Twin daughters born Friday 3 January 1913 (one died that day, the other the following Sunday.)

                 3.    Jacob F. HOLCOMB, b. June 1889 d. 27 Apr 1901, Washington County, Oregon.

                 4.    Cleveland HOLCOMB, b. Nov 1892 Washington County, Oregon.

                 5.    Lennie (a daughter) HOLCOMB, b. Jan 1898 Washington County, Oregon.

                 6.    Edythe M. HOLCOMB, b. Feb 1900 Washington County, Oregon.,


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2-2-3-11   CHARLES EDWARD HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Charles brought up the rear of the 11 children for Stephen and Amanda. He was born 17 October 1871 at Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon. He was twice married, the first time to Nettie May THOMAS, born 25 April 1873 in Otoe County, Nebraska. They were married 20 November 1892 and she died childless 7 February 1894. Charles was then married on 9 November 1897, but the name of his wife, and the mother of his three children, is not given. In 1921 they were living in Selma, California.

           ISSUE: By Second Wife

                 1.    Linnie Leota HOLCOMB, b. 9 Jan 1898

                 2.    Edythe Florence HOLCOMB, b. 17 Feb 1900

                 3.    Laurence French HOLCOMB, b. 10 July 1901


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2-4    ZAPHANIAH DRENNAN HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          To tell about Zaphaniah, I can pretty much quote from a sketch about him in a Kansas history.

          "Z. HOLCOMB, farmer, Section 4, Township 18, Range 72, P.O. Robinson was born in Gallia County, Ohio, near Gallipolis April 11, 1824. When quite young he emigrated with his father to Warren County, Indiana (Tippecanoe) and from there to Cook County, Illinois; (today's Wills County) from there to Van Buren County, Iowa; from there to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, near Galena, and from thence returned through the Territory of Iowa to Van Buren County, where he was married in the year 1846 at the age of 22 to Miss Rebecca BLACKFORD, a cousin of Judge MCLANE.

Mrs. Holcomb was born in 1825 in Clark County, Ohio and at the age of 18 moved to Van Buren County.

          "After his marriage, Mr. Holcomb removed to Wapello county, Iowa, where he resided about 19 years. When he first went there he entered a quarter section of land and began chopping and clearing, splitting rails to build fences and breaking the land with six yoke of cattle with which he plowed, putting muzzles on them.

          "After building and otherwise improving the place he sold out and came to Kansas.

          "Mr. Holcomb is a self-made man, having educated himself mostly by the light of the fire at night after his day's labor was finished. While residing in Iowa, Mr. Holcomb practiced law in the justice courts in that state and his able services are frequently called into requisition by his neighbors in Brown County. He also took an active part in the Fremont and Lincoln campaign during his residence in Iowa. He remained in Iowa until he saw the first railroad train running from Burlington to Ottumwa.

          "He then removed to Kansas, becoming a resident of Robinson Township, Brown County in the spring of 1865 where he has resided since. Shortly after coming to Brown County, he purchased the farm that Robinson now stands on from the Honorable Ira SMITH, a former register of the land office, at a cost of about $3,000 for three 80s of land.

          "Mr. Holcomb laid out the town of Robinson, still owns most of the vacant lands and is selling fine residence and business lots for from $25 to $100 each. The farm land adjoining the town is worth about $100 per acre. There is room and opportunity here for double the present population of the town, which time and development are sure to bring.

          "Mr. Holcomb has lived in Robinson about 18 years; he is an active and zealous member of the Church of the United Brethren. He has been a licensed preacher of this church for about 15 years, and had charge of congregations of this denomination in Kansas and Oregon until he was obliged to give up preaching on account of failing eyesight.

          "While living in Robinson he has been engaged in chopping wood, framing and pleading cases in the justices courts. He is the father of nine children, two of whom died young."

          Zaphaniah and his family are found in the census for Brown County 1870, 1880 and 1900. In the 1870 they were in Claytonville Township and in the 1880, the town of Robinson. With them in 1880 was John BLACKFORD, no doubt Rebecca's brother, listed as a farm worker. In 1900 they were again listed in Robinson but this time they were with their daughter Margaret WALLACE and her family. Zaphaniah's occupation was given as landlord.

          The three HOLCOMB brothers, Stephen, Zaphaniah and William, though separated by many miles, kept in touch with one another through the years. On one occasion, at least, Zaphaniah had the opportunity to visit Stephen in Oregon. This was probably in connection with his church work. When he returned to Kansas after that trip however, his eyes which had previously troubled him, failed entirely and, although he was able to get around town without assistance, he was never again able to read or write.

          Zaphaniah died 7 June 1900, age 76, and is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Robinson, Brown County, Kansas. He was survived by his wife of 54 years.

          Rebecca died on Thursday, 19 March 1903, of heart disease, age 78.

          ISSUE:

2-2-4-1     1.    Stephen Allen HOLCOMB, II b. 24 July 1847, Iowa.

2-2-4-2     2.    Angeline Finette HOLCOMB b. 27 May 1849, Iowa.

2-2-4-3     3.    Mary Elizabeth HOLCOMB b. 6 Dec 1851, Iowa

2-2-4-4     4.    Thomas W. HOLCOMB b. 22 Aug 1853, Iowa.

                 5.    George W. HOLCOMB b. 1856, Iowa d. between 1860 - 1870.

2-2-4-6     6.    Roxsena Jane HOLCOMB b. 12 Apr 1859, Iowa

                 7.    Laura Ann HOLCOMB b. 24 Aug 1862, Iowa. 1882: School teacher in Robinson. Not with family in 1880 census. By 1900, had married John HARNOIS. Resided: St. Joseph, Missouri. 1929: attended brother Stephen's funeral from St. Joseph, Missouri. No sign of them in the 1900 Missouri Index.

                 8.    Lucinda HOLCOMB, b. 1864, Iowa d. between 1870 - 1880.

2-2-4-9     9.    Margaret L. HOLCOMB b. 4 June 1866, Kansas.


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2-2-4-1     STEPHEN ALLEN HOLCOMB II

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Stephen, named for his father's brother, was born 24 July 1847, in Wapello County, Iowa, and was reared on the old farm home. Schooling was available to the family by then and Stephen managed to acquire a fair education.

          When he was only 16, he resounded to the call for troops and enlisted February 1863, as a member of Co. E, 7th Iowa Cavalry, under the command of Captain J.B. DAVIDS; later he was under the command of Captain J.P. NORRIS. His regiment's work lay west of the Missouri River. For a time they were stationed on the wild plains of western Kansas, in order to suppress any uprising of hostile Indians, and later they were located at Fort Ellsworth, Fort Laramie, Cottonwood Springs and Fort Riley.

          While he was in the service, his parents had removed to Kansas, and on his discharge, Stephen joined them there.

          On 29 March 1871, Stephen and Anna RICHARDSON were married.

          Anna (Annie) was born 29 July 1850, in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, her parents being Joseph and Mary RICHARDSON who went to Brown County, Kansas in 1869.

          Though they lived on a 120 acre farm adjacent to the town of Powhattan in Brown County, Stephen was not primarily a farmer. He was a businessman and had extensive real estate holdings, including a brick store 30x70 feet, said to have been one of the best buildings in town. He also owned the hotel and six or eight other buildings. He erected a grain elevator and carried on an extensive trade as a dealer in grain, lumber and coal. In addition, he laid out 40 acres of his farm into town lots.

          Stephen was a Republican throughout his lifetime and served as a justice of the peace. He was a member of the Odd Fellows organization and of the Congregational Church.

          His wife of 27 years and the mother of his eight children died 7 August 1898 in Mt. Clair, Nebraska, where she had been visiting her mother.

          Stephen married again, on 24 December 1900, his second wife being Jane Mary MOORE. In 1925, his son, Will came from Howard, Kansas to take over his father's business. Stephen was by then 78 years old and apparently quite eager to be released of active participation.

          Stephen died 26 October 1929, age 82 and is buried at Powhattan, Brown County, Kansas. He was survived by his widow, 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

          Jane Mary died 2 December 1951, age 89 in Orange, California and is buried in Powhattan, Brown County, Kansas.

          ISSUE:

2-2-4-1-1         1.    Samuel T. HOLCOMB, b. 30 Jan 1872 Brown County, Kansas.

2-2-4-1-2         2.    George W. HOLCOMB, b. 22 July 1874 Brown County, Kansas.

                        3.    Daisy Marguerite HOLCOMB b. 23 June 1880 Brown County, Kansas. Married: 20 Oct 1901 Fred S. WILLIAMS

                               Issue:

                               1.    Byron WILLIAMS

                                2.    Mayme WILLIAMS Married: _____ KRYM, 1929, Lawrence, Kansas. 1929 & 1938: Lawrence, Kansas.

2-2-4-1-4         4.    William T. HOLCOMB, b. 5 Apr 1882 Brown County, Kansas d. 16 June 1933, Powhattan, Kansas.

                        5.    John J. HOLCOMB, b. 8 Aug 1884 Brown County, Kansas, died at age 6, when kicked by a horse, 8 June 1890.

                        6.    Cora HOLCOMB, b. 9 Feb 1886 Brown County, Kansas d. 13 Nov 1886.

2-2-4-1-7         7.    Frank C. HOLCOMB, b. 15 Mar 1887 Brown County, Kansas d. July 1938, Horton Hospital, Brown County, Kansas.

                        8.    Florence R. HOLCOMB, b. 13 June 1888 Brown County, Kansas. Married: 16 May 1908, Powhattan, Kansas, Elmer F. MARTIN. 1929, 1933 & 1938: Kansas City, Missouri.

                               Issue:

                                1.    Winifred MARTIN


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2-2-4-1-1  SAMUEL T. HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah-Susannah-John-James


          Stephen and Annie's first was Samuel T. HOLCOMB, born 30 January 1872, in Brown County, Kansas. He followed in his father's footsteps, and by the time he was 28, in 1900, was noted as a "prominent" merchant of Powhattan. (He was in the dry goods business)

          Samuel was married 5 September 1893, to Mary MARIOTH, born October 1876 in Kansas to natives of England. In the 1900 census Samuel and Mary were listed in Powhattan with their only child, and Samuel's cousin, Elbert C. WALLACE, born July 1872 in Kansas, who appears to have been a clerk in Samuel's store. After 1900 the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they were living at the time of his brother Frank's death in 1938.

          ISSUE:

                 1.(only). Dwight W. HOLCOMB, b. 15 July 1894, Kansas. 1929: With parents at Stephen's funeral, age 35.


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2-2-4-1-2  GEORGE W. HOLCOMB II

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Stephen-Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          George was born 22 July 1874 in Brown County, Kansas and was probably named for his father's late brother, George W., who died between 1860 and 1870. In 1900 he was living in Hoxie, Bow Creek Township, Sheridan County, Kansas, his wife being Ollie, born September 1878 in Kentucky. They had a servant, Lewis A. TRAXLER.

          ISSUE: (as of 1900)

                 1.    Daisy Marguerite HOLCOMB, b. April 1898, Kansas.



2-2-4-2                                                     ANGELINE FINETTE HOLCOMB


Ewing Family Lineage: Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Angeline was born 27 May 1849, in Van Buren County, Iowa and was married on 15 July 1866 to Samuel P. RUPE, born April 1844 in Iowa. By 1900 they had eight children, four of whom were then living. They lived in Robinson Township, Brown County, Kansas.

          ISSUE:

                 1     Mary F. RUPE, b. 8 Apr 1867, d. 14 June 1869

                 2     Lula A. RUPE, b. 7 Apr 1870, d. 28 Nov 1870

                 3.    Cora A. RUPE, b. 15 Oct 1871, d. 15 July 1888

                 4.    Sarah M. (Sadie) RUPE, b. 15 May 1875. 1900: at home, occupation: servant.

                 5.    Charles W. RUPE, b. 8 Jan 1879, d. 22 Mar 1879

                 6.    Mertise R. RUPE, b. 22 Oct 1881. Married: 14 Feb 1899, Ellsworth B. TRUAX

                        Issue:

                         1.    Aileen Jennie TRUAX, b. 23 Dec 1899

                         2.    Verda Lorene TRUAX. b. 23 Sept 1901

                 7.    William S.B. RUPE, b. 7 Oct 1884, Kansas

                 8.    Laurel (a son) RUPE, b. 17 Dec 1890, Kansas. 1900: at home


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2-2-4-3     MARY ELIZABETH HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Mary Elizabeth was born in Iowa 6 Dec 1851/1852. Her husband was Marion WADE, born 10 March 1844 in Missouri. They were married 29 November 1868 and lived in Robinson County, where he was a farmer and Justice of the Peace. They were there in the 1900 census. At some time between then and 1908, Mary died. Their son "Tom" was in the Navy, with the Atlantic fleet on the Pacific Coast. His ship was in the San Diego harbor and Marion went out to see him, while there, Marion had a heart attack and died on the 17 April 1908.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Aaron WADE, b. 27 Dec 1869, d. 28 Aug 1870

                 2.    Emma A. WADE, b. 23 Apr 1871 d. prior to 1896. Married: 25 June 1891, Harry SEARS. Resided: St. Joseph, Missouri. Not long after the birth of their second child, that son and Emma were burned to death in a fire, caused by a gasoline stove.

Issue:

                        1.    Lucile SEARS, b. 9 May 1892

                        2.    Wade SEARS, b. 15 May 1894 died with his mother, Emma in the blaze.

                 3.    Ella B. WADE, b. 7 July 1873. Married: G.G. KINMAN. 1908: El Paso, Texas

                 4.    Infant, b. and d. 19 Sept 1876

                 5.    Minnie Gertrude WADE b. 24 Oct 1878, Kansas. 1900: at home, a school teacher. Married: _____ CREW

                        1908: Kansas City, Missouri

                 6.    John Z. WADE, b. 6 Jan 1881, Kansas. 1900: at home, farm laborer. 1908: St. Joseph, Missouri.

                 7.    Pearl Josephine WADEb. 22 July 1883, Kansas. 1900: at home. Married: _____ PARSONS.

                        1908: Shelbyville, Missouri

                 8.    Marion Dollie WADE, b. 6 Aug 1886, Kansas. 1908: Kansas City, Missouri.

                 9.    Stephen Thomas Holcomb WADE b. 30 Jan 1889, Kansas. This son, "Tom", Marion was visiting in California when he had a heart attack and died - 17 Apr 1908.


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2-2-4-4     THOMAS W. HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Thomas was born 22 Aug 1853, in Wapello County, Iowa. His wife was Exeline Josephine WALLACE, born 1 April 1855 in Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa, the daughter of Woodson and Sarah WALLACE. She was the first of four WALLACES to marry into the Zaphaniah II family. No doubt they were all sisters and brothers, but I have no confirmation of that.

          Thomas and Exeline were married in Kansas and made their home in Robinson, Brown County, Kansas, where Thomas was also a merchant. In 1900 they had living with them John BLACKFORD, no doubt some relation to Thomas' mother Rebecca BLACKFORD. He was born March 1842, in Iowa and was a coal miner. In 1903 they lived in Lane, Kansas and in 1914 retired to St. Joseph, Missouri. After 59 years of marriage "Aunt Lina" died 20/26 of June 1931 in St. Joseph, Thomas following one and one half years later, on 18 December 1932. Both are buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, Brown County, Kansas.


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2-2-4-6     ROXSENA JANE HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Zaphaniah and Rebecca's sixth child was named for Zaph's eldest sister, Roxsena Jane. She was born 12 April 1859, in Wapello County, Iowa and was about 17 when she married, in Kansas, Monroe PARSONS, born August 1850 in Indiana. They lived in Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. She survived her mother in 1903.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Henry G. PARSONS, b. about 1877. Married: 3 June 1900, Ida TRACY.

                 2.    Mary G. PARSONS, b. June 1878, Kansas

                 3.    Charles PARSONS, b. Dec 1879, Kansas

                 4.    Ethel PARSONS, b. about 1881, Kansas. Married: 16 Mar 1901, Benjamin BAILY. Ethel was not with family in 1900 census.

                 5.    Mabel PARSONS, b. June 1884, Kansas

                 6.    Sidney PARSONS, b. May 1887, Kansas

                 7.    James M. PARSONS, b. Aug 1890, Kansas

                 8.    Marion PARSONS, b. May 1895, Kansas


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2-2-4-9     MARGARET L. HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah II-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          By the time Margaret came along 4 June 1865/1866, the Holcombs had moved to Kansas. She was not with the family in the 1870 census. Her first husband, Jesse, was another of the WALLACE family. He was born 23 Sept 1855, in Iowa, his parents were Virginians. He and Margaret were married in Robinson, Brown County, Kansas, 15 August 1881. They lived in Robinson, where he was listed in the 1900's as a painter. They were divorced there in May, 1908 and Margaret then married A.H. KRAUS.

          In 1929 Margaret and A.H. lived in Dodge City, Kansas.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Charles E. WALLACE, b. 16 July 1882, Kansas. Not with family in the 1900 census.

                 2.    Lena WALLACE, b. 29 Nov 1883, Kansas.

                 3.    Sarah Frances WALLACE, deceased by 1896.

                 4.    Grace M. WALLACE, b. 1889 d. 27 Feb 1892.

                 5.    Thomas W. WALLACE, b. Oct 1890 d. 31 Mar 1891.

                 6.    Jessie Marguerite WALLACE b. Oct 1894, Kansas


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2-2-5 SUSANNAH FINETTE HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Susannah was the fifth child of Zaphaniah and Mary (COLLINS) HOLCOMB, and was born in Vinton, Ohio 16 Oct 1825. She accompanied the family in their travels through Indiana and Illinois and into Iowa. It was in Van Buren County that she married Joseph BONES, brother of the Henry BONES who had married her sister, Evaline. He was born 15 September 1823 in Indiana (his parents were from Kentucky) and like his brother was a carpenter.

          Joseph and Susannah went with others of their two families to Wapello County, Iowa where they were listed in 1850 and 1860, and joined in the HOLCOMB move to Kansas 1860 to 1866. However, they went to Miami County rather than Brown, and were listed there in 1880 in Mound Township, right next at their eldest son. In 1878 Susannah became a member of the Quaker Society of Friends and was a great temperance worker. She and Joseph celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 28 June 1892. Shortly after their 56th anniversary, Susannah died, 27 December 1898.

          In 1900, Joseph was listed with son Zephaniah, but on 20 June 1900, not long after the census was taken, he died.

          ISSUE:

2-2-5-1            1.    Zaphaniah BONES, b. 31 Mar 1843, Iowa.

2-2-5-2            2.    John BONES, 1 Oct 1848, Iowa.

                        3.    Roxsena Jane BONES, b. 1855, Iowa. Married: 19 Jan 1876, Henry TUCKER..

                               Issue:

                               1.    Frederic TUCKER, Married: Lenora REYNOLDS

Known Issue:

                                      1.    Florence Hazel TUCKER, b. 1899

                                      2.    Stephen Tucker


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2-2-5-1     ZAPHANIAH BONES

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          There's no doubting how Susannah and Joseph's number one son came by his name. Zaphaniah was born 31 March 1843, when the Bones were still in Van Buren County, Iowa. He was married about 1865, apparently in Wapello County, Iowa to another of the WALLACE family, Sarah Jane, born January 1842/1843 in Ohio. It seems the two did not go to Kansas at the same time as the others, but followed later; at least their first child, Alice, is listed as having been born in Iowa in 1866. The next, Frank, was born 1872 in Kansas. Zaphanaiah and Sarah Jane settled next to his parents in Mound Township, Miami County, Kansas. She, like her mother-in-law, was a Quaker and an ardent temperance worker.

          ISSUE:

                 1. Alice BONES, b. 1866, Iowa. Married: Charles MUMFORD, who was blind.

                        Issue:

                        1.    Daisy MUMFORD

                        2.    Grace MUMFORD

                        3.    Clarence MUMFORD

                        4.    Baby MUMFORD, b. 1900

                 2.    Frank BONES, b. 19 May 1872, Kansas. Married: 28 July 1895, Dessie WINGNOR b. 18 Apr 1873.

                        Issue:

                        1.    Blanche BONES

                        2.    Hazel BONES

                        3.    Fannie BONES, b. 1874, Kansas. Married: 1899

                        4.    Nettie BONES, b. 1876, Kansas d. 1886 (age 10).


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2-2-5-2     JOHN BONES

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          The BONES were in Wapello County, Iowa by the time John came along. He was born 1 October 1848. His first wife was another WALLACE, Fannie, born 29 Jan 1851. She died soon after marriage, childless, and John married the widow Ellen RANKIN, born 1847 in Indiana. In 1881 they were living near his parents in Mound Township, Miami County. With them was Ellen's son, James H. RANKIN, b. 1875, Kansas

          ISSUE: by Ellen

                 1.    Charles BONES, b. 1877, Kansas. Married: by 1901

                 2.    Joseph Quincy BONES, b. July 1879, Kansas. Married: by 1901

                 3.    Isalena BONES. Married: by 1901


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2-2-7 ELIZABETH ANN HOLCOMB


Ewing Family Lineage: Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Elizabeth Ann was born in Vinton, Ohio - 19 November 1828. She and her husband, Benjamin MAYO, lived in Rio Township, Knox County, Illinois. I am not sure if she originally went to Iowa with her parents and then went back to Illinois, or if she just stayed in Illinois when the others went on. She and Benjamin, born on the 6 November 1812, were married about 1846. They had six children. The youngest was about two when Elizabeth Ann died on 31 October 1864 at the age of 35 years. She is buried in the Baptist Cemetery, Rio, Knox County, Illinois.

          Of Benjamin and the six children, only one, Stephen appears to have remained in Knox County. It looks like, Benjamin and his family including Mary Jane, her husband and one child traveled in approximately 1871 to Nebraska, then Kansas and then, at least Benjamin, went back to Iowa.

          Benjamin was 52 year old and had six children ages 17 to 2 years when Elizabeth died. Benjamin died 1 February 1884 in Iowa at the age of 72 years. He is buried near Corning, Adams County, Iowa. Only Mary Jane, Stephen and Martha survived him.

          ISSUE:

2-2-7-1            1.    Mary Jane MAYO, b. 17 Sept 1847

                        2.    James Harvey MAYO, b. about 1850, d. 28 Sept 1871, Nebraska.

                        3.    William Ezra MAYO, b. about 1853 d. 12 Oct 1871, Kansas.

                        4.    Stephen Marshall MAYO, b. about 1856. According to the HOLCOMB-JACKSON GENEALOGY, "A painter and a Republican." Resided in 1896, Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, but unable to find him in the 1900 Illinois Index.

                         5.    Martha Ursala MAYO, b. 29 Jan 1859. Married: John F. HERRING, b. 1 Jan 1854.

                               Issue:

                               1.    Benjamin Franklin MAYO, b. 18 July 1876. Married: 1896, lived with parents, had a daughter, Fay.

                        6.    Hettie Rosetta MAYO, b. about 1862 d. 1 Sept 1871, Nebraska.


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2-2-7-1     MARY JANE MAYO

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Elizabeth-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James 


          Mary Jane was born 17 September 1847, presumably in Knox County, Illinois. She married there 17 February 1870 to Alonzo FIRKINS, "a farmer and a Republican." They had eight children.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Myrtle W. FIRKINS, b. 11 Dec 1870 Knox County, Illinois. Married: 3 Oct 1887, Wesley RICHARDS.

                               Issue:

                               1.    Dale RICHARDS, b. 29 Sept 1892

                               2.    Earl C. RICHARDS, b. 12 July 1895

2-2-7-1-2         2.    Nellie A. FIRKINS, b. 25 Oct 1876 - Twin

                        3.    Thomas C. FIRKINS, b. 25 Oct 1876 - Twin

                        4.    Ivy R. FIRKINS, b. 9 July 1879

                        5.    Nancy J. FIRKINS, b. 14 March 1881

                        6.    Inice (Janice?) M. FIRKINS b. 21 March 1883.

                        7.    Jessie W. FIRKINS, b. 6 June 1885

                        8.    Rubie G. FIRKINS, b. 31 Jan 1893 d. 29 Aug 1894


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2-2-7-1-2  NELLIE A. FIRKINS

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Elizabeth-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Nellie was born 7 February 1873 in Kansas or Iowa and was married 17 February 1892, to Thomas VAN ALSTINE.

                 ISSUE:

                        1.    Mamie V. VAN ALSTINE, b. 23 Jan 1893 d. Nov 1897 of diphtheria.

                        2.    Glen L. VAN ALSTINE, b. 18 Feb 1894

                        3.    Fay VAN ALSTINE

                        4.    Florence Velda VAN ALSTINE


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2-2-8        WILLIAM FRANCIS HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          William Francis HOLCOMB had quite a story to tell and, because he was such a great story-teller and so prolific with the pen, much of his life has been preserved on paper. I have before me five separate sketches or stories, written either by him or from his writings, each one telling a different part of his adventures through the years. Trying to get all five into one story - and to condense the story so that this chapter does not become a book in itself- has been a job!

          William's story begins on the banks of the Wabash River in either Tippecanoe or Warren County, Indiana. His family had arrived there from Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio, not too many months before he put in an appearance on 27 January 1831.

          His next few years were spent there, in Illinois, and eventually (about 1838) in Van Buren County, Iowa. That's where his father died in 1843, when William was 12 years old. William, his brother and sisters who were then still at home helped their mother tend the farm. In 1845 she took up government land in Wapello County, Iowa and the family moved those few miles west.

          That was the year that William's older brother, Stephen, left home in the company of their uncle, Robert V. HOLCOMB, heading out over the Oregon Trail. Unlike Stephen, who remained in Oregon, Uncle Bob returned to Iowa - and when he did, his saddlebags were bursting with his "pay poke" taken in less than

three months of mining in Northern California. With that, and with the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in California in 1849, William found himself swept out west in the avalanche of humanity which heard the same cry he did.

          Uncle Bob helped him on his way. From his experience he could advise on all matters, and together they got together three yoke of oxen, the best rail wagon available and everything else William would need - provisions, clothing and ammunition.

          On May 5, 1850, 19 year old William left Ottumwa. He joined, probably at Independence Missouri, a schooner train (dubbed the Prairie Rovers) under Captain CROUCH, and the cry was Westward Ho!

          William formed a close association with one Jack MARTIN and they did their traveling together. William later wrote a day-by-day account of that trek across the continent, and all the trials and tribulations that went with it.

          These included the usual Indian troubles, thirst, starvation - the normal, typical hardships of the time and the place. But the crowning blow for William was when he and Jack lost everything - and that is everything, including William's boots - while crossing the Green River in Wyoming.

          William arrived in California on August 28, 1850, barefoot and broke. And that last was a sad state of affairs for the hungriest of the Prairie Rovers who at last came to Hangtown (later Placerville) to find that mush and milk were going for $150 a bowl!

          His movements after that are best told by, I suspect, the master himself. The impersonal "he" is used in this account but I rather thank it was William himself who did the writing.

          "On August 29, he was on the Cosmas (probably the Cosumnes) River where he got a square meal, and went to work in the mines with rather poor success.

          He wintered on the north fork of Jackson Creek, where he discovered some good diggings, but not having good health he made but little out of them. He next hired to work at Jackson; next at New England Bar on the Mokelumne River. His next effort was on Taylor's Bar, Calaveras River, near Camp Seco, where he made a few hundred dollars in a short time, when he took a notion to visit Oregon. Accordingly he left in November 1851, took a ship at San Francisco, landed at Astoria, visited Portland to see his brother, Stephen, Twalitan Plains and other places, returned to California in February, 1852, went into quartz mining, lost a year's hard work at that business. His next move was to Nevada County, where he lost another year's hard work in the mines and what money he had besides. From there he went to Volcanoville, where he chopped wood and mined a few months.

          "In the summer of 1856 he worked in the harvest fields of Merced County, went to Visalia, made rails for a short time, then left and went to Keysville, hired out to work in a tunnel, worked at that about six months, then taking what money he had earned, went to mining again on the Kern River just below Greenhorn Canyon, where he put in about six months' hard work, when a sudden Kern River freshet carried away his dams and entire mining outfit. This left him flat broke again.

          "He then went to Tehachepi where he prospected a few months and then went to the coast, at San Buenaventura, where he remained a few months, when it came into his mind to go and see San Bernardino County with a view of prospecting for mines."

          All this time he and MARTIN were still partners", having done all of the above adventuring together. Stories of a place called Big Bear Valley in San Bernardino County had reached their ears and they determined to go there if they could find the place. After a series of misadventures, they did, and found quite a camp in operation, seven or eight other prospectors headquartered at Starvation Flats.

          HOLCOMB and MARTIN set to prospecting, working their placer with a rocker and were taking out about $5.00 a day each.

          That winter and spring of 1859-1860 had been a time of near starvation for the party and stories say that "boot soup," with now and then a little venison, was all the party had to eat - "unless the stories of their feeding on their pack animals is correct."

          By May, bear were beginning to make their appearance and it was in search of bear that Holcomb took his rifle and hiked across the valley, climbing the mountain range in the vicinity of Bertha Peak. It was from this place of advantage that he looked down on the vast meadowland, unseen by white man before, and discovered what to this day is called Holcomb Valley.

          It was in tracking his bear down into the valley two or three days later that William passed over a quartz ledge. After washing out a pan full of ore, he found it rich in gold. He and Ben CHATEAU, the Cherokee Indian with him, prospected along the stream bed and on other ledges.

          Gold was everywhere! Forget the bear. A rich new find had been made and Holcomb Valley was about to go down in history.

          As word spread of the new find, people rushed in from all over the country. Thousands of claims were staked and within a month in the upper Holcomb Valley where the town of Belleville had come into being there was a roaring, wild camp ablaze with lawlessness, fighting and killing was apparently part of the game.

          In summer of 1860 came Nancy Cecilia (STEWART) DOUGALL.

          Nancy was born 25 March 1938, in Adams County, Illinois to John and Mary (KING) STEWART, natives of Kentucky. By 1851 the family had made its way across the prairies and had arrived in Salt Lake City (Springville, actually). Mary died soon after their arrival - 29 February 1852.

          In about 1858 Nancy was married to Hugh DOUGALL. About then her father and the other STEWART children were making plans to leave Salt Lake City and journey to California. They left in the summer of 1858, heading for San Bernardino, Nancy and her husband remaining behind. Charles Stewart DOUGALL was born 22 February 1859. Shortly afterward, Nancy's husband died, and there she was in Salt Lake City all alone with an infant son. More than anything she wanted to be with her father.

          A wagon train was heading toward San Bernardino and Nancy begged aboard. She had nothing to pay for her passage but tremendous courage and one milk cow. In return for her transportation, the cow was to be put under yoke and Nancy was to help at camping time.

          Nancy and her infant in arms ended up walking most of those miles across mountain and desert. But by the time of the census of 1860, she was in San Bernardino Township, living with an uncle, J.M. DOBSON, her father, a blacksmith, living nearby.

          That summer John Stewart decided to set up his blacksmith shop in the new-found paradise of Holcomb Valley. The family, including Nancy, went with him.

          And thus it was that Nancy of Illinois and a thousand miles met William of Indiana and hundreds more.

          They were wed at the Dobson home in San Bernardino on 8 November 1860, by Judge A.D. BOREN, and returned to Holcomb Valley to start married life in Williams's cabin. A week later it started snowing. Before the storm had passed, five feet of snow lay over the valley and all roads were closed, so that no one came into the valley until April of next year. For nearly six months they had only their Bible, an almanac and the dictionary for reading material, and did not see another human being the entire time.

          A rather memorable event took place 20 August 1861. The first white child was born in Holcomb Valley. He was William Winfield HOLCOMB and his doctors and nurses were Indian women of nearby camps.

          In a span of 16 years, six more Holcombs joined the household and there was Charles, too, whom William adopted and gave the Holcomb name.

          All through the spring and summer, William was busily engaged in the mines, but by fall he found they "had gone back on him." The Holcombs, broke, left the valley and returned to San Bernardino, to pass the winter, with William working at whatever he could get to do. In the spring of 1852 his house, which stood in the northern part of town, was washed down by a flood and the Holcombs were homeless.

          Soon after, they went up into the valley again, so William could once more try his luck in the mines. He made enough that summer to pay all their debts but on returning to San Bernardino in the fall, William was again without a dollar. That was his last effort in the Holcomb Valley mines.

          Back to SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS: "In the fall of 1863, he left for Arizona and remained there about 13 months, during which time he was engaged in mining, prospecting, hunting Indians, etc. He finally got a small interest in the celebrated Vulture Mine, which he felt confident he would sooner or later be able to sell. He then went to Prescott, where he followed hunting till he made enough to pay his expenses, then returned home. Soon after his return, he sold his interest in the Vulture Mine for $500, which was all he made in his Arizona trip.

          In the fall of 1867, he was nominated for County Assessor, but was defeated. For about four years after that, he worked in the timber regions of San Bernardino. In the fall of 1871, he was again nominated for Assessor and was elected by a handsome majority. In the fall of 1873 he was again elected and also in 1875.

          "In November, 1880 he left for Arizona to take charge of a mining ditch, belonging to the Tombstone Mill and Mining Company under the management of an old friend, Richard GIRD. In May, 1881, he returned home, and worked on his farm for a year or more. In 1882 he was nominated by acclimation for County Clerk, and, although his opponent was considered one of the most popular men in the county, he was elected by over 200 majority."

          William was the first Republican clerk ever elected in San Bernardino County, and he was reelected the following term.

          On his return from Arizona, William had purchased a place of 14 acres on the corner of I street and Base Line Road, paying $1,400 for it. He erected a frame dwelling and planted about half the land to deciduous fruit trees. He was able to present homes to his children on their marriages.

          For many years he enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most successful hunters on the Pacific Coast and probably captured more grizzlies than any other man in California. Retirement gave him the opportunity to indulge even more frequently in his favorite sport and he spent part of every season with his buddies in The Old Boys Hunting Club, hunting and fishing in the mountains. He was also a member of the Society of California Pioneers of San Bernardino County.

          In 1912, the old prospector and grizzly hunter, now 81, hung up his favorite rifle, which he affectionately called Old Smoke, for the last time. He is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery at San Bernardino, California. Beside him is the brave little pioneer lady, Nancy, who died 16 November 1919, age 81.

          ISSUE:

2-2-8-1            1.    Charles Stewart DOUGALL-HOLCOMB (Nancy's by a previous marriage, adopted by William) b. 22 Feb 1859, Salt Lake City, Utah

2-2-8-2            2.    William Winfield HOLCOMB, b. 20 Aug 1861 Holcomb Valley.

2-2-8-3            3.    Francis Leroy HOLCOMB, b. 21 May 1863 San Bernardino, California.

2-2-8-4            4.    Mina Stewart HOLCOMB, b. 16 July 1865 San Bernardino, California.

2-2-8-5            5.    George Vernon HOLCOMB, b. 20 Feb 1869 San Bernardino, California.

                        6.    Henry Clay HOLCOMB, b. 12 Sept 1873 d. 11 July 1874.

                        7.    Anna Laura HOLCOMB, died young

2-2-8-8            8.    Mary Jane HOLCOMB, b. 29 Sept 1875 San Bernardino, California.

                        9.    Lewis Clark HOLCOMB, b. 15 Sept 1877 San Bernardino, California d. 21 Jan 1893.


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2-2-8-1                                 CHARLES STEWART DOUGALL-HOLCOMB (Adopted)


          Charles was born 22 February 1859, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Nancy (STEWART) DOUGALL HOLCOMB and her first husband, Hugh DOUGALL, who died shortly after Charles' birth. He was adopted by his step-father, William, and lived with the Holcombs until his marriage. That was on 28 March 1880, to Frances KOEHL, born 1860 in California, her parents were born in Baden, Germany.

          In 1880, Charles and Frances were listed in San Bernardino near the Holcombs, Charles' occupation: "Works in a blacksmith shop", probably his Grandfather Stewart's. At some point in time he engaged in mining at Tombstone, Arizona, most likely in company with his step-father, and later became a successful hardware merchant in Banning, near San Bernardino. He was listed as deceased in a 1938 Holcomb sketch; Frances was not listed.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Fred HOLCOMB, b. about 1882. Married: Pearl CLARK. 1938: Los Angeles/Hollywood, California.

Issue:

                        1.    Jack HOLCOMB

                        2.    Margaret Ann HOLCOMB

                        3.    Mary Jane HOLCOMB

                 2.    Harry HOLCOMB, b. about 1884. Married: Evelyn KOLB. 1938: Whittier, California.

                        Issue:

                         1.    Lila Frances HOLCOMB

                 3.    Douglas HOLCOMB, b. about 1886. 1938: Los Angeles, California.

                 4.    Logan HOLCOMB, b. about 1888. 1938: El Centro, California.

                 5.    Clara HOLCOMB, b. about 1890 deceased by 1938.


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2-2-8-2     WILLIAM WINFIELD HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          William had the distinction of being the first white child born in Holcomb Valley. He was born 20 August 1861, in the valley where his mother was the only white woman for miles around, and it was Indian squaws who helped bring him into the world.

          Most of his growing up years were spent in the city of San Bernardino, where he attended public schools. He was married in Santa Maria, California, in 1885, to Isabella GRANT, daughter of John and Margaret (NISH) GRANT. She was born January 1869, in San Luis Obispo where her father, a native of Scotland, was a rancher.

          William served as a deputy clerk under his father, and later went into the lumber business with his brother, Francis. The two subsequently opened a feed and fuel business, which they operated for many years. His last working years were spent as a deputy sheriff.

          William and Isabella had only one child of their own, but they took in William's cousin, Orphaned Minnie EGLOFF, and raised her as their daughter. Minnie was the daughter of William's aunt, Eliza STEWART, and her husband, James EGLOFF, and later became the wife of Omer COX of San Bernardino. She was born August 1882 in Arizona.

          In the 1938 sketch, it was mentioned that the property they were living on was given William by his father on his 21st birthday.

          Isabella died in 1924 and William in 1939, age 78.

          ISSUE:

2-2-8-2-1         1.    Grant HOLCOMB, b. Oct 1888 San Bernardino, California


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2-2-8-2-1  GRANT HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          In 1888, a second-generation California was pretty much of a rarity, but that is what Grant HOLCOMB, William and Isabella's first and only, was. He was born in San Bernardino in October, 1888. He attended San Bernardino schools and while in high school belonged to the National Guard. After graduation from high school in 1907, he entered Stanford University, from which he received his bachelor's degree in 1911, and his law degree in 1913.

          The year he completed his bachelor's work at Stanford, a young lady by the name of Eleanor Frances BURKHAM enrolled as a freshman. Born 1894, she was the daughter of a pioneer of Bodie, Mono County, California, S.B. BURKHAM and his wife, Mary Louise. In the early days, S.B. BURKHAM operated a stage line and general store at Bodie, one of the most famous towns of the Old West. And in a day when it was done so at risk of life or limb, he operated a stage between Bodie and Carson City.

          This daughter and grandson of two colorful early California figures were married at Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco, 15 June 1916.

          By that time Eleanor had received her bachelor's and Grant had been admitted to the bar. He hung up his shingle in the Garner Building, corner E and Court Streets, San Bernardino, California. He was a general practitioner, but specialized in probate work. He was attorney for the San Bernardino Auto Trades Association.

          Both Grant and Eleanor were active participants in the community's organizations and civic affairs. Eleanor worked in the San Bernardino Woman's Club and the YWCA, and Grant in the YMCA, Rotary, Elks, and Odd Fellow to name a few.

          Grant had an inherent interest in San Bernardino's political life. Mostly it was behind the scenes (he was a member of the Republican County Committee) but in 1924 he was prevailed upon to run for mayor - and won. He served 1925 to 1927.

          It was while he was mayor that Eleanor died. Her death occurred at California Lutheran Hospital, Los Angeles,

17 October 1926, when she was 32. Grant finished out his term but never ran again.

          Her death left him with four youngsters, 9, 6, 4, and not quite 2. Five years later, on 21 June 1931, he married Beulah HARTMAN of San Bernardino.

          Grant was only 55 when he died in 1943.

                 ISSUE:

                        1.    Grant HOLCOMB JR., b. 20 Apr 1917 San Bernardino, California d. 1977, Los Angeles, California. Married: 1938, Jean _____.

                         2.    Kathryn Lee HOLCOMB, b. 15 July 1920 San Bernardino, California. Married: William DOLE, famous for his watercolor collages, teacher art at University of California at Santa Barbara.

                               1981: Santa Barbara, California

2-2-8-2-1-3     3.    William Robert HOLCOMB, b. 1 Mar 1922 San Bernardino, California.

                        4.    Theodore HOLCOMB, b. 19 Nov 1924 San Bernardino, California - Single

                               1981: makes commentary films, Member: Knickerbocker Club, New York, 10028


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2-2-8-2-1-3                                                WILLIAM ROBERT HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Grant-William-William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          William Robert Holcomb (always called Bob) is perhaps one of the most illustrious figures to be found on these pages. He is mayor, and has been for 11 years, of a large and important California city, San Bernardino. He was born 1 March 1922.

          He was 4 years of age when his mother died and 9 when his father married again. After graduation from San Bernardino High School he entered University of California at Berkeley. His education was interrupted when World War II came along. Bob enlisted in 1943 in the U.S. Air Force and served two years as a B-52 pilot, a first lieutenant.

           After the war it was back to Berkeley, from which he received his bachelor's in 1947, and then on to Hastings Law School for his doctor of jurisprudence degree in 1949.

          By that time he was a married man. He and Pearl Lois (STEWART) PENNINGTON were married in Ontario, California 7 July 1946.

          The daughter of John Doran and Ada (MC COOL) STEWART, she is always known as Penny, even to the some 110,000 San Bernardino residents to whom she is First Lady. Penny was born 3 March 1924 in Ontario, California.

          The Holcombs set up housekeeping in San Bernardino. Bob was admitted to the bar in 1950, and he and an associate organized the firm of Holcomb and Ward, of which Bob was senior partner. By 1971, the firm had become HOLCOMB, WARD, FOLEY and PARRY.

          In the ensuing years, Bob was extremely active in San Bernardino, in community, civic and political affairs. He became widely known and tremendously respected. It followed naturally that he should give the voters a chance to elect him mayor. He ran in 1971, was elected, has run in and won every election since then, and at this writing is still going full tilt.

          Penny wrote me: "San Bernardino has a STRONG mayor form of government and Bob is a VERY strong mayor, often to the point of alienating the local press." It certainly was not for the money that Bob ran that first time. The mayor's salary in 1971: $7,200 a year!

          When I first visited San Bernardino in May, 1982, I could not help notice, as I drove through the heart of downtown, all the new building, renovation and work in progress. Bob's major goal back in 1971 was to "build up the stature of San Bernardino as the county seat of government." I would say he has done it!

          Even before assuming the title of "Hizzoner," Bob had been acclaimed by his community. He was named Citizen of the Year in 1969 by the County Board of Realtors. Since then he has received the Community Recognition Award, Los Padrinos, in 1976.

          To list all the clubs, organizations, committees and commissions he has served and offices he has held over the years would be to go on forever. They include Native Sons of the Golden West, Argonaut Club, Elks, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and YMCA, also the Regional Planning Association of Southern California, National Orange Show Board and San Bernardino Jaycees, of which he is an honorary life member. (He is also an honorary life member of the PTA.)

           He loves to swim, ski, garden and ride horseback, and like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather before him, he loves to fish and hunt. One of his passions is U.S. and World History.

          While Bob was thus, Penny was busy raising four children, being a mayor's wife and helping her community to grow. She is (hold your breath) past president of the Girl Scouts Council, Panhellenic League of San Bernardino, Assistance League of San Bernardino and San Bernardino County Lawyers Wives. She has served or is serving on the boards of the Juvenile Justice Commission, Continuing education at Claremont College, the Inland Chapter, Children's Villages (for abused children), the San Bernardino Historical Society and the Board of Regents, University of Redlands. WEW!

          ISSUE:

                        1.    John Stewart HOLCOMB

                        2.    William Winfield HOLCOMB II.

                        3.    Robert Grant HOLCOMB.

                        4.    Terri Lee HOLCOMB


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2-2-8-3     FRANCIS LEROY HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Francis was born 21 May 1863 in San Bernardino and was married 1 August 1883, to Lelia COVINGTON, daughter of D.A. COVINGTON of Riverside, California. She was born in December 1865 in Calhoun County, Mississippi.

          Francis was once sheriff of San Bernardino County, and was a partner with his brother, William, in first, the lumber business and then a feed and fuel business. In the 1900 census his address was given as 1194 Base Line Road, San Bernardino California.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Flora Evelyn HOLCOMB, b. about 1884/1885, died young.

                        2.    Avis Esther HOLCOMB, b. March 1886. Married: James Francis GRAHAM.

                               1938: San Bernardino, California

                               Issue:

                               1.    Avis Esther GRAHAM

                        3.    Mabel Minnie HOLCOMB, b. Sept 1889. Married: John James MILLER. 938: San Bernardino, California. It was Mabel who wrote the lengthy 1938 genealogical sketch on this family for the Covered Wagon Pioneers series in the San Bernardino paper. Apparently no issue.

                        4.    Frances Lillian HOLCOMB, b. May 1892 d. after 1955. Married: Allen BAIRD. 1938: Colton, California. Apparently no issue

                        5.    Hazel Bernardino HOLCOMB, b. Feb 1894, died young - after 1900.

                        6.    Sommers Covington HOLCOMB, b. Oct 1895. Married: 1st Eva ROSS, who died. Married 2nd Helen CROSBY. 1938: Helendale, California

Issue: by Eva

                               1.    Bernice Lillian HOLCOMB, b. about 1917. Married: Frank OSBUN. 1938: San Bernardino

                               2.    Betsey Ross HOLCOMB

Issue: by Helen

                               3.    Helen Jean HOLCOMB

                        7.    Howard L. HOLCOMB, b. Feb 1898. Married: Frances CRAWFORD. 1949: Sepulveda Ave. San Bernardino, CA. 1979: not in San Bernardino.

Issue:

                               1.    Margaret Ellen HOLCOMB

                        8.    Scott HOLCOMB, b. Feb 1900. Married: Ruth THAYER. 1938: San Bernardino, California


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2-2-8-4     MINA STEWART HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Mina was born in San Bernardino 16 July 1865. Her husband was Harley M. SWARTHOUT, whom she married in 1886. He was the son of Nathan and Emma (TANNER) SWARTHOUT, and was born 2 Oct 1856, in San Bernardino. Nathan was one of three Swarthout brothers who went to San Bernardino to become illustrious pioneers in the same vein as William Francis HOLCOMB. Nathan was the first of the three to arrive. He went there in 1847 as a soldier the General Kearney on the march from Leavenworth, Kansas to Los Angeles during the Mexican War, and returned later with his brothers to make San Bernardino their home.

          Harley and Mina were listed in the 1900 census as residents of San Bernardino Township. Apparently Harley died shortly thereafter; at least he is not mentioned in a 1904 sketch on Nathan while his brothers are. Mina was living when the 1938 sketch was written.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Lester M. SWARTHOUT, b. May 1888 San Bernardino, California. 1938: San Bernardino, California. No wife or issue mentioned.

                        2.    William Nathan SWARTHOUT, b. Jan 1889, San Bernardino, California. 1938: deceased

                        3.    Kate P. SWARTHOUT, b. Dec 1890 San Bernardino, California. Married: Andrew Jackson MARKLEY. 1938: Willowbrook, California

                        4.    Hattie H. SWARTHOUT, b. Jan 1893, San Bernardino, California. Married: John DEAN.

                               1938: Willowbrook, California

                        5.    Rolland SWARTHOUT, b. Dec 1895, San Bernardino, California. Married: Ruth STURGESS.

                               1938: San Bernardino, California


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2-2-8-5     GEORGE VERNON HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          George was born 20 February 1869 in San Bernardino, and was married in 1887 to Sarah Ann ("Sadie") BARTON KNAPPE. She was born January 1872 in Iowa, her parents were both born in Pennsylvania. In 1900 George was listed as living on Union Street, a merchant. For many years he ran a general store in Chino, California, a community midway between San Bernardino and Los Angeles. In 1938 the store was being operated by his eldest son, Matthew ("Tobe"). Apparently at that time both George and Sarah were still alive.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Matthew Winfield HOLCOMB ("Tobe") b. Nov 1897. Married: Maye E. SHRINER.

                               1938: Chino, California

                               Issue:

                        1.    William HOLCOMB

                        2.    Fay HOLCOMB

                        2.    Muriel June HOLCOMB, b. June 1894. Married: R. Chester POWELL. 1938: Santa Paula, California.

                               Issue:

                                      1.    Phillip POWELL

                                      2.    Robert POWELL

                                      3.    Shirley POWELL

                                      4.    William POWELL

                        3.    Ray Vernon HOLCOMB, b. Aug 1898. Married: 1st Billie MARTIN, married 2nd Bertha ENGLISH.

                               Issue by Billie:

                               1.    Billie Ann HOLCOMB.

                               Issue by Bertha:

                               2.    Richard HOLCOMB

                               3.    George Vernon HOLCOMB

                               4.    Helen Claire HOLCOMB, b. after 1900. Married; Arthur Ray STEELE

                                      1938: Long Beach, California

                                      Issue:

                                      1.    Leota STEELE

                                      2.    Betty STEELE

                                      3.    Richard STEELE


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2-2-8-8     MARY JANE HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      William-Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Mary Jane (always called Maymie) was born 29 September 1875, and was married about 1895 to Rev. James ROBERTSON, a native of Edinborough, Scotland. Mary Jane died in 1948.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Edna ROBERTSON, b. about 1897. Married: Rev. Walter ARMANTAGE

                               1938: Berkeley, California

                        2.    Jean ROBERTSON, b. about 1899. Married: Thomas D. SATTERWHITE

                               1938: Long Beach, California

                               Issue:

                               1.    Thomas D. SATTERWHITE JR.

                               2.    Raymond James SATTERWHITE


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2-2-9 ASENATH RACHEL HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Asenath, called Rachel, is one of those children of Zaphaniah who has resisted all efforts to find out further about her. All that is known is that she was born in 1832 in Indiana and was married twice, once in the early 1850's in Wapello County, Iowa to John BULL, and again, about 1865 in Oregon to John CANE. She is listed with her mother Mary in the 1850 Wapello County census, but appears to have gone to Oregon with the others in the 1864 exodus. Other than that nothing is known about her, her husbands nor any of her children except Anna.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Lovice BULL, deceased by 1896

                 2.    Horace BULL, deceased by 1896

                 3.    Thomas CANE

                 4.    Anna L. CANE, b. 1868, Oregon. Married: _____ SUTHERLAND. Said to have resided in 1896 in Oregon, but I did not find them in the 1900 Oregon index. In 1880 she was living with her uncle and aunt, Stephen and Amanda HOLCOMB.

                 5.    Jane CANE, deceased by 1896


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2-2-10      MARY L. HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Zaphaniah I-Susannah-John-James


          Mary, whose middle name was probably Louise for her just deceased sister, was born in 1833 in Indiana, and is a much of an enigma as her next older sister, Asenath. She was married when about 15, in 1848 or near there, to Stanford GEE, born 1817 in Tennessee. In 1850 they were in Macon County, Missouri, living next to and Andrew GEE, 27, born Tennessee, and his family. There is no sign of them nor their son after that, though their daughter was living with Grandma Mary HOLCOMB in Wapello County, Iowa in 1860.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    James William GEE, b. 1849, Missouri. 1850, Macon County, Missouri

                 2.    Mary Margaret GEE, b. 1850, Missouri. In 1860 she was living with her grandmother Mary COLLINS HOLCOMB in Wapello County. Iowa. Married: J. SHERMAN, Belindere, ILL

                        Issue:

                               1 & 2 - Twins, died in infancy

                               3.    Frank SHERMAN

                               4.     Stanford SHERMAN

                               5.    Celia SHERMAN [twin to Staford]

          A granddaughter of Stanford Sherman states Mary and J. SHERMAN had four children Francis, Frank, Stanford and Seeley (twins) - who all lived. Alanna also states that Stanford and Mary L. had other children besides James William and Mary Margaret.


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2-3    TAPHENA HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          So far almost all of this chapter has been devoted to Stephen and Susannah's second, Zaphaniah, and his family. Now in the last few pages we return to the remaining children of Stephen and Susannah.

          Taphena was the third of their 10. She was born in 1803 when the HOLCOMBS were still on the Virginia side of the Ohio, across from Gallipolis. There is no record of her marriage in Gallia County, but it must have been about 1820. Her husband was Elisha KNOX, born in Virginia and probably the son of Elisha and Nancy (PARKER) KNOX who married in 1801 in Bath County, Virginia.

          Taphena and Elisha had three children, but their names are not known, and they were not with Taphena in the 1850 census. There were three KNOXES in Wapello County, Iowa, in the 1850 census, all born in Ohio: John, born 1820; William, born 1829 and a William born 1830. They might be Taphena's sons.

          Elisha died pre 1844 and Taphena married Dr. Allen MATTESON, born 1811 in New York. The two of them are listed in the 1850 census in Village Township, Van Buren County, Iowa, in a cluster with other HOLCOMBS, including her parents, Stephen and Susannah. Allen's occupation was given as physician. Nothing is known of them after that.

          KNOWN ISSUE:

                 1.    Stephen V. KNOX, b. 1830 or 1842. Found in the 1860 census with Stephen and Amanda HOLCOMB in Washington County, Oregon, age given as 30, born in Ohio. Found in the 1900 census, born November 1842, Ohio, on Water Street, Weston, Umatilla County, Oregon. May not be the same person. For sure though Stephen V. KNOX was a relative, for a clipping has been preserved, "S.V. KNOX received word of the death of his cousin, W.W. HOLCOMB." (2-2-3-3) Date of notice, 1910, no location of death was given.

           There is buried in Weston Cemetery, Umatilla County, Lillian B. KNOX, b. 1852, d. 10 December 1880, "Wife of S.V. KNOX." Stephen's wife in the 1900 census was an Anna L. _____ ,

who was born, 6 September 1861 in California. They had been married 18 years (1881/1882), owned their home free, and she had one child, then living, Grace M. KNOX, b. June 1882, Oregon. Stephen's occupation was listed as an attorney-at-law.


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2-4    CLINTON HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          The JACKSON-HOLCOMB-COLLINS genealogy gives Stephen and Susannah a Clinton, and names his wife and children, but beyond that nothing is known. He was not on A.E. EWING'S list. It is presumed he was born about 1807. He was married about 1835 in Illinois, his wife being Lucinda FRIEND, presumably a sister of John who married Susannah HOLCOMB, Clinton's sister. Clinton is listed as the head of a household in the 1840 census for Van Buren County, Iowa, with himself and wife and two sons both under 5. Neither Clinton, nor Lucinda nor either of their two known sons were in the 1850 Iowa index.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Harrison HOLCOMB

                        2.    George HOLCOMB

                        3.    _____ HOLCOMB


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2-5    SAMUEL R. (ROBERT, no doubt) HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          Samuel was born 21 May 1808 in Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. His wife was Mary Jane ROSS, daughter of Joseph W. and Sarah (DREW) ROSS, born 25 March 1812, in Ohio. Her sister, Margaret Mahala married Samuel's brother, John Vinton HOLCOMB. Joseph was the original proprietor of land in Section 35, Madison Township, Jackson County, Ohio. There is no marriage on record in Gallia County for Samuel and Mary Jane - such a record could probably be found in Jackson County, Ohio. They were wed about 1830, and went along when the Holcombs left Ohio in favor of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. S.R. HOLCOMB is listed as head of a household of wife and family of eight in special census for Iowa, 1847, Van Buren County.

          Samuel was only 40 years, 5 months, 15 days old when he died 6 November 1848. He is buried in the Portland (Leando) Cemetery which holds so many Holcombs and Collins. Of his own family, it appears that the entire family except Malinda and possibly Robert Vinton, died in the space of 15 years and are buried there.

          Mary Jane appears in the 1850 Iowa census as head of household in Village Township, with her four remaining children. Also in her home was Samuel's brother Robert, the two daughters of Samuel's sister, Susannah FRIEND, and Addison Blair EWING, Samuel's second cousin.

          But within two years, Mary Jane herself was gone. She died 5 April 1852, and is buried next to her husband and their children.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Mahala HOLCOMB, b. 1831, Ohio or Indiana. d. 8 Feb 1848. Buried: Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa - with parents.

                  2.    Joseph HOLCOMB, b. 1832, Indiana d. 18 July 1852. Buried: Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa - with parents.

                 3.    Josephine HOLCOMB, b. July 1835, Illinois d. 3 Mar 1847. Buried: Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa- with parents.

                 4.    Robert Vinton Holcomb, b. 1838 d. 20 Mar 1853, according to cemetery records, but those records say 9 years old. He would have been 15 years old. The JACKSON-HOLCOMB-COLLINS genealogy published in 1896 says he was the only one of this family not deceased by then..

                 5.    Malinda HOLCOMB, b. 1841, Iowa. Not buried under Holcomb name, at least at Portland-Leando Cemetery, but no marriage record found in Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 6.    Moses F. HOLCOMB, b. May 1843, Iowa d. 16 Nov 1843. Buried: Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa - with parents.

                 7.    Emily HOLCOMB, b. Oct 1846, Iowa d. 14 May 1847. Buried: Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa - with parents.

                 8.    Zachary T.(Taylor?) HOLCOMB b. 17 Feb 1847, d. 28 Dec 1858.


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2-6    SARAH (SALLIE) HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          In as much as Sarah died before 1850 when individuals were listed in the census for the first time, I have never been able to find out much about her. She must have been born about 1810, in Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Her marriage to John McClung MUSSON is on record in Gallia County. It took place 4 October 1827, before John CHERRINGTON, J.P. John was the son of James and Margaret (MC CLUNG) MUSSON, who were married in 1797, according to Bath County, Virginia records. John was taxed for chattel goods in Lick Township, Jackson County, Ohio, according to an 1828 list, and he is listed as the head of a household in the 1830 Gallia County index.

          John died sometime between then and 1836. I am not sure if he died in Indiana or Illinois, where he and Sarah went with the Holcomb wagon train, or if he died in Gallia County, Ohio and Sarah went on to the "west" alone with her family. She was married in Illinois about 1836 to the Rev. Moses T. SHINN, a tailor and minister, who was born in 1809, Ohio.

          In 1840, Sarah and Moses were listed in Van Buren County, Iowa, (100021) and one female, age 30 to 40.

          Sarah died between 1840 and 1845. By about 1845, Moses had married again, and had started a second family. His new wife was named Nancy, born 1808 in Kentucky. They were in New London Township, Henry County, Iowa. Moses was a Methodist clergyman, worth $900. With them was Stephen, Moses and Sarah's son, and Nancy J., born 1846 in Michigan, Moses and Nancy's daughter.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    John McClung MUSSON JR., b. about 1828. Not accounted for in the 1840 census, no sign of him in the 1850 census.

                 2.    Stephen Decatur SHINN, b. 1837. With parents in the 1840 census, with father and stepmother in the 1850 census, but no sign of him after that.


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2-7    ROBERT V. HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          Robert was born about 1812, and was the famous bachelor uncle who went to California during the Gold Rush days and struck it rich, returning to Van Buren County, his pockets jingling, to help his nephew, William Francis HOLCOMB, get ready for his trek west. It is said that Robert returned to Iowa with $10,000 in gold, but when the 1850 census was taken his worth is given as $3,000. At that time he was living with his sister-in-law, Mary Jane ROSS HOLCOMB. In the 1860 Van Buren census, there is a Robert V. in the family of John and Ava BROWN. This Robert V's. worth was given as $4,000/$150, but his age is down as 21. Our Robert V. would have been 48. But 21 and worth $4,000? Unheard of in that day. The recorded age must be in error. No found issue.


 

2-9    SUSANNAH HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          Though Susannah does not play a very large role in the upcoming drama, her husband and two of her four daughters had exciting lives that bear telling about in detail.

          Susannah, obviously named for her mother, was born 8 July 1816, in Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio and died in Van Buren County, Iowa comparatively young (29 years) on

7 Jan 1846, two years after the birth of her fourth child.

          In those 29 years there was the growing up in Huntington Township, the moving on to Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, her marriage and the birth of her four daughters.

          Susannah's husband was John FRIEND, son of Aaron FRIEND and his wife, Elizabeth, whose last name may have been HARVEY. (A daughter of John and Susannah was named Sarah Harvey FRIEND) Aaron and Elizabeth were said (in her bounty land claim) to have been married near Gallipolis, Ohio, 15 March 1805, but the marriage is not noted in Gallia county records.

          Aaron and Elizabeth were among the very first Gallians to move west. They are listed in the 1810 Illinois census, with five sons and two daughters.

          That they were in Illinois at that early date is testimony to their hardiness. Illinois was then only a territory, having been split from Indiana only the year before. Settlement was sparse, mostly centering around Kaskaskia, the capital of the territory, in St. Clair and Randolph counties. Aaron was a trader with the Indians and knew them well. By the time of the Blackhawk Indian War, 1831-1832, the FRIENDS were in the Joliet area. Father (Aaron) and son (John, born in Illinois,

14 February 1812) enlisted together at "the blockhouse" (Fort Dearborn) 15 July 1832, as privates in the company of Captain Holder SISSON, Hickory Creek Volunteers, 5th Regiment, Mounted Volunteers, under the command of "Colonel or Major" ADKINSON. They were discharged at "said blockhouse" 16 August 1832.

          Not long afterwards the Holcombs arrived on the scene, and not long after that, John and Susannah were married - 24 August 1835, then came the big move to Van Buren County in Iowa.

          There John and Susannah settled and there they are listed in the 1840 census, with two daughters under 10. John was a farmer, carpenter and wagon maker.

          Normally, they and their family (only two of their four daughters survived) would probably have lived out their lives right there. But on 7 January 1846, Susannah died.

          John was only 34 at the time, and he had an adventurous spirit. So when the cry of 1849 was "Westward Ho", John heard it and followed. He left his two daughters, Taphena and America, with their aunt, the widow Mary Jane (ROSS) HOLCOMB (2-3) in Van Buren County and set out for California.

          In all the madhouse California must have been at the time, John is actually accounted for in the 1850 territorial census as a resident of Butte County.

          Nothing exists to tell us his "pay-poke" of those gold mining days. But he must not have done too badly, for he went back to Van Buren to gather up his two daughters to take them to the Golden West.

          And while in Iowa, he discovered 17 year old Cynthia Amanda WOODWORTH. The two were married in Van Buren County 1 July 1852.

          Eventually John had three more daughters by Cynthia Amanda. Janet was born in Iowa in 1853, and Alice and Emmazetta were born in 1856 and 1859 when the FRIENDS were back in California.

          On March 24, 1855 in Van Buren County, John applied for a bounty land claim and gave power of attorney to John T. NEELY, Esq., of Washington, D.C. to oversee the claim, by making his mark on two documents before John D. WOODWORTH of Van Buren County, Notary Public. (I suggest said WOODWORTH, was John's father-in-law.)

          About a year thereafter, a wagon train pulled out from Van Buren County bound for California, the FRIENDS aboard. Also aboard was 14 year old John Ewing (10-4), whose mother had died when he was 8 and whose father had died in 1855 in Van Buren County. John Ewing and the late Susannah HOLCOMB FRIEND were first cousins. Another passenger was John Ewing's brother-in-law, Robert KNOWLTEN (10-1). John FRIEND'S daughters, Taphena (Teny) and America (Amy) were 19 and 11 at the time, and little Janet was only 1/2 years. Many tales of that trek across prairie, plain, desert, and mountains were passed down through the FRIEND family. It appears that John FRIEND was pretty much the leader of the group. It is said that he could speak seven different Indian languages, and so was more familiar with Indian conditions that most of the pioneers. They traveled by ox-teams following the Truckee Route.

          At night, just like we see in movies, the wagons would be circled to form a corral, with two men on guard at all times.

          One of the stories concerns their encampment at a place called Helltown. It seems the teamsters got drunk that night and when three or four mules wandered off, the teamsters concluded they had been stolen by Indians. They proceeded to round up a dozen or so of the savages and hang them. When the mules were found, the teamsters, by then sober, were remorseful, but there was not much that could be done about it.

          Another tale concerns one Mr. ROSE. It seems the gentleman had a fine horse, for which he was offered $750. ROSE refused, saying he should get $1,000. Two nights later the horse was stolen.

           On reaching California, the wagon train headed right for Cherokee (also called Cherokee Flats) where FRIEND had been when he had gone to California the first time. Both Johns set to mining, their major occupation in the years ahead.

          When the Civil War started John EWING went down from the mountains to enlist at San Francisco. He served only briefly when epilepsy struck. He was discharged and returned to Cherokee Flats. He and John FRIEND made a trip by horse - back to Iowa in 1862. It is said that as they were returning to California (by train this time), Ewing just disappeared and was never heard from again. Perhaps the truth is that he died enroute of epilepsy.

          John Friend's wife, Cynthia Amanda, predeceased him, but no one knows when or where. It was after 1860, for she is listed in the census that year. Searched cemeteries in Butte County give no clue as to where she, her three daughters (all of whom died young), and in fact John himself are buried. John is given four death dates. In a sketch it is said he died at Pentz, Butte County, California when he was nearly 80 years old, which would be around 1892. Another sketch, same book, says he was 68 years old when he died, which would be 1880. A letter written in 1885 says he died "about 10 years ago", a post script narrowing that down to 1874, but another legal document says 1878. Just one of the many unknowns!

          ISSUE:

2-9-1        1     Taphena Theodosia FRIEND, b. 17 June 1836 Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 2.    Elizabeth FRIEND, b. 18 Apr 1838 Van Buren County, Iowa d. 30 Oct 1839, Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 3.    Sarah Harvey FRIEND, b. 25 May 1840 Van Buren County, Iowa d. March 1842, Van Buren County, Iowa.

2-9-4        4.    America Jane FRIEND, b. 3 Jan 1844 Van Buren County, Iowa


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2-9-1 TAPHENA THEODOSIA FRIEND

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-Susannah-John-James


          Named Taphena Theodosia Friend, Susannah and John's first went through life as "Teny." She was born in Van Buren County on 17 June 1836 and had the opportunity to attend school. She was 19 years old when the Friends crossed the country to California. Within a year of their arrival in Butte County, she and John J. MUNCIL were married.

          John was born in New York State in 1828. The name was spelled MUNSIL\MUNSILL\MUNSEL in various censuses, but it is for sure MUNCIL. John died between 1880 and 1900. In the 1880 census, the family was enumerated in Oregon Township, Butte County, California. In 1900 the widow Taphena was listed twice, once with her daughter Cora HEFNER in Ophir Township, (Oroville) Butte County, California, and again with her son, John Edward MUNCIL in San Francisco, California. At that time she was recorded as having had seven children, four of whom were then living. In a 1918 sketch she was down as residing in San Francisco. I do not have the date of her death.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Frank MUNCIL, b. 1857 Butte County, California . 1880: Butte County,California. 1900: Not in California index.

                 2.    Cora MUNCIL, b. Aug 1858 Butte County, California. Married: 1887, Philip N. HEFNER b. Oct 1856, Indiana, parents born in Ohio. 1900: Ophir Township, (Oroville) Butte County, California, he a teamster, she can read and write, had six children five then living. Her mother, Taphena, listed with them.

                        Issue:

                        1.    Frankie L. HEFNER (Daughter) b. Oct 1887, Butte County.

                        2.    Roy F. HEFNER, b. Feb 1892, Butte County, California.

                        3.    Alice T. HEFNER, b. Feb 1894, Butte County, California

                        4.    Philip N. HEFNER JR. b. Jan 1896, Butte County, CA.

                        5.    Floyd W. HEFNER, b. Aug 1898.

                        6.    _____ HEFNER, b & d Pre 1900

                 3.    Nelly MUNCIL, b. 1862, Butte County, CA.

                 4.    John Edward MUNCIL, b. Feb 1865 Butte County, California. Married: Laura _____, b. June 1871, CA. 1900: 1429 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA, Mother, Taphena, with them. Five roomers listed with them.

                        Issue: as of 1900

                        1.    Loie (daughter) b. Mar 1897


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2-9-4 AMERICA JANE FRIEND

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-Susannah-John-James


           Amy, as she was called, was born 3 January 1844, in Van Buren County, Iowa, where she too, was able to attain a fair education. She was 11 years old at the time of the California expedition, and was only 15 when she became a bride. The wedding took place 13 August 1859, in Butte County, California and the young man was James Fountain SWINNEY.

          James was born in Monroe County, Missouri on 22 August 1833. James' mother died when he was a baby, and he was brought up by his mother's parents, Mr and Mrs. William SMITH. In 1850, when James was 16, the Smiths left Missouri to cross the plains for California, settling in Butte County. After marriage, James was a farmer and raiser of stock on Butte Creek, Cherokee, 10 miles north of Oroville, California. Ill health forced him to sell out and move into town, about 1877. He was only 47 years old when he died in Oroville, 2 February 1881.

          America remained a widow for 10 years. In 1889, she was married to Frank HARTMAN, born October 1846 in New York City, but reared in New Jersey. His parents were born in Germany.

          Frank attended school until he was 18, and then went to sea. He made three trips to Chili and Peru, around Cape Horn, "shipping before the mast." He then came up the coast to

San Francisco, California. In the fall of 1881 he decided to go north to Oregon, Washington and the Columbia River. He got as far as Nelson Station in Butte County. It happened that he overheard two men quarreling on account of a dredge boat, and learning that it was on Dry Creek, he asked what chance there might be to get a berth on it. This led to his being given a job, and for three seasons he ran the dredge, at the same time assisting in building the levee on Dry Creek for the Cherokee Mining Company. He continued there until the mine was attached by the California Bank and then he went in to Oroville where he worked as a carpenter. He had some experience along that line aboard ship, and for nine years he was an employee of one Major MCLAUGHLIN as foreman of carpenters, building dams and flumes on the Golden Gate claims in Feather River, Butte County, California. When Major MC LAUGHLIN quit his operations, Frank continued at carpentry and building, and at the time of his death, Frank was one of the oldest contractors in the vicinity.

          In the meantime there was his marriage to America. She owned 10 acres in Oroville, which were subdivided into city lots, an area known as the Hartman Addition. On one of these lots, at 33 Mitchell Avenue, Frank and America made their home. Frank was a well-known Democrat and, as an Odd Fellow, was connected with the Oroville Lodge. Frank survived his Amy when she died 4 July 1917 in her home at the age of 73 years. America had 11 children and, at her death, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

          ISSUE:

2-9-4-1     1.    Clara Ellen SWINNEY, b. 3 Dec 1860, Pentz/Magalia, Butte County, California

                 2.    Annie Laurie SWINNEY, b. Apr 16, 1862, Pentz, Butte County, California d. 5 Dec 1903.

                        1900: 38, at home, single

                 3.    Katie Bell SWINNEY, b. 19 Oct 1863, Pentz, Butte County, California d. June 1916. Married: James V. BRADEN.

2-9-4-4     4.    John William SWINNEY, b. 12 Jan 1865, Pentz, Butte County, California.

                 5.    Christie Bird SWINNEY, (son) b. 12 Nov 1866, Pentz, Butte County, California d. 14 Jan 1892, single.

                 6.    Lizzie Isabella SWINNEY, b. Feb 1868, Pentz, Butte County, California d. 2 Mar 1940. Married: John L. BORING, b. Apr 1864, Georgia. John's parents born in Georgia. 1900: Ophir, Butte County, California.

                 7.    James Walter SWINNEY, b. 15 Nov 1875 Pentz, Butte County, California d. 5 Oct 1878.

                 8.    Bennie Albert SWINNEY, b. 28 Nov 1872, Pentz, Butte County, California d. 8 Dec 1929. Married: Harriet BELL. 1918: Corning, California

                 9.    Myrtle Viola SWINNEY, b. 15 Nov 1875 Pentz, Butte County, California d. 25 Oct 1878, Pentz, Butte County.

                 10.  Lola Mabel SWINNEY, b. 16 Feb 1877 Pentz, Butte County, California d. 25 July 1878, Pentz, Butte County.

                 11.  Grace Edna SWINNEY, b. 31 Dec 1878, Oroville, Butte County, California d. 27 Mar 1954. Married: Melville WHITTIER. 1918: Oroville, California


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2-9-4-1     CLARA ELLEN SWINNEY

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      America-Susannah-Susannah-John-James


          Always known as Ella, America and James' first was born 3 December 1860, at Magalia. She lived on the farm there until she was 17, when the family moved to Oroville. She attended schools at Durham Station and Oroville.

          On 28 July 1889 Ella married Thomas SMUCK, a native of Canada. Thomas had gone to California as a young man and entered into business in Oroville, operating a hay and feed yard and livery stable. Eventually he owned nearly the whole block on which his business lay, and had three large barns for storage.

          He was still active in the business when he died 3 May 1904 at the age of 66 years. After his death, Clara Ellen rented the yards to the Sperry Flour Company. When Northern Electric came in, it purchased half her property, leasing much of the rest. A depot was built on a corner of her lot. She bought a comfortable residence on Wilcox Street, and lived there the rest of her life. She was active in Republican and Methodist circles, as her husband had been also. In 1900 she was recorded as having six children, five then living.

          Ella died at her home 27 October 1937, after a long illness at the age of 76. Both she and Thomas are buried at the Oroville Cemetery.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Naomi SMUCK, b. July 1890 Oroville, California. Married: W. JACKSON. 1937: Oroville, California

                 2.    Lucinda SMUCK, b. Oct 1892 Oroville, California. Married: Eugene DOBBAS

                               1918: He with the phone company. 1937: Oroville, California.

                 3.    Thomas SMUCK, b. Sept 1894 Oroville, California. 1918: Served in Armed Forces. 1937: Sacramento, California

                 4.    Helen SMUCK, b. July 1896 Oroville, California d. after 1900. Not mentioned in SMUCK sketch of 1918.

                 5.    Hattie SMUCK, b. Dec 1897. 1918: Hattie was Mrs. LEWIS. 1937: Hattie was Mrs. TAYLOR, living in Sacramento, California..

                 6.    _____ SMUCK, b. about 1899 d. pre-1900, not in Smuck Sketch, nor in 1900 census.


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2-9-4-4     JOHN WILLIAM SWINNEY

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      America-Susannah-Susannah-John-James


          John was born 12 January 1865 at Pentz, Butte County, and was married on 10 February 1892, at Oroville, California to Frances Armeda EICHER. Frances was born 15 June 1869, in North Robinson, Crawford County, Ohio. Frances was the daughter of John Cunningham EICHER and Almirah Ann WALTER. John EICHER was a livery stable keeper. John and "Meta", as she was recorded, were in Ophir Township, (Oroville) Butte County, California in the 1900 census, he a teamster.

          John died 11 July 1939 and Frances two months later on 9 September 1939. Both are buried at the Oroville Cemetery, Oroville, California.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    John Lewis SWINNEY, b. 11 Dec 1893, Oroville, Buttte County, California, d. 17 Feb 1894.

2-9-4-4-2         2.    Clarence Albert SWINNEY, b. 16 Feb 1896, Oroville, Butte County, California.

                        3.    Willeta Almirah SWINNEY, b. 24 May 1899, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. 1980, Oroville, California - Single.


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2-9-4-4-2  CLARENCE ALBERT SWINNEY

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      John-America-Susannah-Susannah-John-James


          Clarence was born and died in Oroville, California, 83 years spanning those two events - 16 February 1896 to 13 November 1979. He and his wife, Alma Mabel SNYDER, had 10 children in a 22 year span, the last when Alma was 40 and Clarence 42. Alma was born 4 June, 1898, at Wyandotte, Butte County, California and died 24 January 1948. They were married 10 July 1915, in Oroville.

          ISSUE:

                        1.    Winona Mildred SWINNEY, b. 11 Apr 1916, Oroville, Butte County, California.

                        2.    James Fountain SWINNEY, b. 11 Mar 1918, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. Aug 1982, Sutter, Sutter Co., CA.

                        3.    Glenn Allen SWINNEY, b. 6 Sept 1922, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. Ukiah, Mendocina Co., California.

                        4.    Dorothy Jeann SWINNEY, b. 22 June 1924, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. 8 Oct 1924

                        5.    Darrell Clarence SWINNEY, "Bill" b. 24 July 1927, Oroville, Butte County, CA.

                        6.    Eileen Ethel SWINNEY, b. 19 Oct 1928, Oroville, Butte County, California.

                        7.    Beverly Ann SWINNEY, b. 13 Sept 1932, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. 17 Nov 1942.

                        8.    Shirley Lee SWINNEY, b. 8 Oct 1934, Oroville, Butte County, California. Married: Charles D. BENISH/BENES. Charles' parents from Czechoslovakia

                        9.    Erwin LeRoy SWINNEY, "Buck", b. 12 May 1936, Oroville, Butte County, California, d. Jun 1983, buried: Wyandott, Butte Co. CA.

                        10.  Geraldine Gwyn SWINNEY, b. 14 Apr 1938, Oroville, Butte County, California.


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2-10  JOHN VINTON HOLCOMB

 

Ewing Family Lineage:      Susannah-John-James


          The tenth and last of Stephen and Susannah's children was named for Stephen's brother, John Vinton. He was born 24 June 1819, in Huntington Township, and was about 12 when the family moved on to Indiana and then Illinois and finally Iowa. John was married in Van Buren County, Iowa, on 13 January 1839, to Margaret Mahala ROSS, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (DREW) ROSS, and sister of Mary Jane who married Samuel R. HOLCOMB, John's brother. Margaret was born in 1820 in Ohio.

          John and Margaret had five children, but not much is know about them. The five were orphaned at an early date, when the youngest was only five. Margaret died at age 36, 8 February 1856, three years after the birth of her last child, and John died 2 1/2 years after that, on 18 August 1858, age 39 years, 2 months, 14 days. Both are buried in the Portland-Leando Cemetery.

          In 1860, the children are shown as living with Margaret's brother, F.M. ROSS and family in Village Township, Van Buren County, Iowa. One of them, Stephen, enlisted with his first cousin, Return Ira HOLCOMB, on 25 July 1861, and died of typhoid pneumonia within a few months. The others were not found in Van Buren County in the 1870 census, and none of them are in the 1880 Iowa index.

          The JACKSON-HOLCOMB-COLLINS Genealogy lists the children as Sarah, Stephen, William, Claymouth (a lawyer), John "Vincent" and a sixth, no name. But they are listed below as I found them in the 1850 and 1860 census. None but Stephen are buried in the Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa.

          ISSUE:

                 1.    Sarah HOLCOMB, b. 1840/1841 Van Buren County, Iowa. Married: _____ COX

                        1896: Los Angeles; had five children

                 2.    Stephen HOLCOMB, b. 6 June 1842 Van Buren County, Iowa d. 21 Feb 1862, Age: 20 years, 8 month, 11 days, at the Warrenton, Missouri Army Hospital of typhoid pneumonia. Enlisted 25 July 1861, at Bloomfield, Iowa, in Company D. 10th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, as a private; mustered 22 August 1861, at St. Louis. His body was returned to Portland, escorted by his first cousin, Return Ira HOLCOMB. Buried in the Portland-Leando Cemetery, Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 3.    Clement HOLCOMB, b. 1846/1847 Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 4.    Robert HOLCOMB, b. 1847/1848 Van Buren County, Iowa.

                 5.    John Vinton HOLCOMB III, b. 1853 Van Buren County, Iowa.


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