William Francis Holcomb's parents were:
Zephaniah/Zaphaniah Holcomb, b. 1800 in VA. and d. 1843 in Van Buren County, IA. &
Mary Ann Collins, b. Nov. 19, 1794 in VA. and d. Aug. 15, 1867. She is buried in IA.
On May 13, 1820, Zaphaniah Holcomb & Mary Collins were marr. in Gallia County, OH.
Zaphaniah & Mary Holcomb's children were:
1. Evaline Holcomb, b.(twin of Roxsena?) Vinton, OH. Feb. 8, 1820 (1821?) in Gallia County, OH. and d. 1854 in Multnomah County, OR. Evaline marr. first, John Aldridge in IA. (and had two children, Charity, b. in 1835 & Lucinda, b. in 1839) and second, Henry Baker Bones - married Feb. 29, 1840 in Wapello Co., IA.
2. Roxsena Jane Holcomb, b. Feb. 3, 1821 in Vinton, OH. and d. Nov. 28, 1893.
Roxsena marr. Harrison Jackson.
3. Stephen Allen Holcomb, b. Nov. 1822 (or Sep. 1, 1822) in Vinton, OH. and d. Jun. 11, 1901 in West Union, Washington County, OR.
4. Zephaniah Drennan Holcomb, b. Oct. (or Apr.) 11, 1824 in Vinton, Gallia County, OH. and d. Jun. 7, 1900 in Robinson, Brown County, KS.
5. Susan/Susannah Finette Holcomb, b. Oct. 16, 1825 (1827), in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Dec. 27, 1898. Susan marr. Joseph Bones.
6. Mary Louise Holcomb, b.& d. in Vinton, OH., not sure of exact dates, but buried in the Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, OH. - so assume that she must have died prior to the Holcomb departure from Vinton in the summer of 1830.
7. Elizabeth Ann Holcomb, b. Nov. 19 1828 in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Oct. 31, 1864 in Rio, Knox County, IL. Elizabeth marr. Benjamin F. Mayo.
8. William Francis Holcomb, b. Jan. 27, 1831 in Tippecanoe County, IN. and d. Jan. 25, 1912 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
9. Asenath Rachel Holcomb, b. 1832, Tippecanoe County, IN.
10. Mary Holcomb, b. 1833, Tippecanoe County, IN.
11. John J. Holcomb, died in infancy
12. Virginia Laura Holcomb, died in infancy
William was born in Tippecanoe County, IA. and arrived in California in 1850.
He struck gold and hunted bear in the San Bernardino mountain valley now bearing his name.
He also served as county assessor during the 1870's and as county clerk from 1882-1890.
He married Nancy Cecelia (Stewart) Dougall on Nov. 8, 1860, San Bernardino, CA.
There was 9 children (the first child was from Nancy's previous marriage).
He was the great-grandfather of W. R. "Bob" Holcomb, the Mayor of San Bernardino from 1971 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1993.
Photographs provided by the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society
Cause of death inquest; suicide gunshot
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-5
Tue., Nov. 15, 1938
Covered Wagon Families
‘BILL’ HOLCOMB DEVELOPED GOLD MINE IN MOUNTAINS IN SIXTIES
Adventurous Settler Long Famed as Pioneer
Holcomb, William Francis, born in Tippicanoe county, Indiana, Jan. 27, 1831, and Nancy Celicia Stewart Holcomb, born in Illinois, Nov. 25, 1838, married at San Bernardino, Nov. 8, 1860. (-*Verified by CA. Marriage records).
William & Nancy Holcomb's children were:
1. Charles Stewart Dougall Holcomb ( - son of Nancy Stewart Dougall and her first husband, Hugh Dougall - and adopted by William Francis Holcomb), born Feb. 22, 1859 in UT. and d. Apr. 9, 1935 following an operation in Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA.
Charles was raised by W. F. Holcomb and treated as his son in all things. Charles marr. Frances Kiehl in San Bernardino. Engaged in mining in Tombstone, Arizona. For many years was a successful hardware merchant in Banning.
2. William Winfield Holcomb, born Aug. 20, 1861 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 11, 1939 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
William married Isabella Grant, daughter of John and Margaret (Nish) Grant at Santa Maria. Engaged in the lumber business, later for many years in the feed and fuel business. He lived on the property given him by his father on his twenty-first birthday.
3. Francis Leroy Holcomb, born May 21, 1863 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Aug. 22, 1939 in San Bernardino County, CA.
Francis married Leila Covington Holcomb, daughter of D.A. Covington. In 1881 Mr. Covington paid $1300 for an improved farm home on Fourth street and Mt. Vernon, the present site of the Santa Fe shops. F. L. Holcomb was partner with W.W. Holcomb in the lumber and in the feed and fuel business. He served as deputy county clerk under his father, deputy sheriff and sheriff.
4. Minnie Holcomb, b. July 16, 1865 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jun. 19, 1946 in Willow Brook, Los Angeles County, CA.
Minnie married Harley Martin Swarthout.
5. George Vernon Holcomb, born Feb. 20, 1869 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 25, 1936 in Upland, San Bernardino County, CA.
George marr. Sadie Ann Barton Knapp. For many years he ran a general store in Chino, which his son, “Tobe” now operates.
6. Henry Clay Holcomb
7. Anna Laura Holcomb
8. Mary Jane 'Maymie' Holcomb, b. Sept. 29, 1875.
Maymie marr. Rev. James Robertson from Edenboro [Edinburgh], Scotland.
9. Lewis Clark Holcomb, b. Sep. 15, 1877 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 22, 1892 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
By MABEL HOLCOMB MILLER (-*Most of the following was taken almost word for word from W. F. Holcomb's diary)
W.F. Holcomb wrote a journal of his early life and this interesting book in his own handwriting is in the possession of his grandson, Attorney, Grant Holcomb. His parents were from Virginia and his grandparents were of the Highland Scotch.
Soon after his birth the family moved to Illinois, and in the year 1839 pushed into the wilds of Iowa territory. Here the family developed a very prosperous farm. In 1845 an uncle, Robert V. Holcomb, and a brother, Stephen A. Holcomb, crossed the plains to the almost unknown land called Oregon. One of the descendants of this brother is May Victor Marks (deceased), wife of Rev. W. H. Marks, formerly of Highland, now of Pasadena.
While the gold rush of 1849 was on, the uncle returned to Iowa for a visit, with $10,000 in gold which he had mined in California in three months’ time. Young Bill Holcomb’s father had passed away and he was needed on the farm. But at last the boy, with the help of his uncle, persuaded his mother to let him go to California, expecting to get rich and return in a year. Another youth, Jack Martin, joined him in his plans. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin remained partners and friends through a long and adventurous life. With the advice and financial aid of the uncle they got together a fine outfit, consisting of three yoke of oxen and a covered wagon complete with everything needed for the trip. They impatiently waited for spring and on May 5th, 1850, they started.
They crossed the Missouri river safely and joined a company of 28 wagons under the leadership of Captain Crouch. The company called themselves the Prairie Rovers. The wagon train made good progress. But when they reached the Green river in Wyoming disaster befell the two boys. Here at the Cublette cut-off the raft carrying their wagon and cattle went to pieces in the rough waters and all their possessions were swept down the stream.
REACH HANGTOWN
The boys escaped drowning and saved their guns. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin were determined to get to California even if they had to walk. Eight hundred miles of mountains, desert and wilderness lay before them. Everyone tried to discourage them, but they had the courage and daring of true pioneers.They set off on a half-blind trail which they had heard of as a more direct route though the Rockies. They met with great hardships and dangers. But at last they reached Hangtown, now known as Placerville, in the heart of the gold fields. The first thing that attracted their attention was a sign on a hut, “Mush and milk, $150 per bowl.”
They did not find the pot of gold at their journey’s end and were glad to hire out to work in the placer fields. They prospected along the American river and Feather river and drifted about for several years prospecting and firing out. They finally discovered a very rich quartz ledge which caused considerable excitement and the claim was bonded to a company for $100,000 with a down payment of $7,000 in cash. They two young men went to San Francisco to enjoy their riches. But the quartz vein proved to be of very limited extent and the company abandoned the claims with no further payments. Bill Holcomb went to Oregon to visit his brother. He returned to California in 1859 and joined his old pal, Jack Martin, now married, in Los Angeles.
ENTER MOUNTAINS
They heard of the discovery of gold in Big Bear valley in the San Bernardino mountains, and still looking for adventure, set out on horseback to find the place. It was winter time and there was a heavy snow on the mountains. But with great difficulty they reached the valley and joined a small company of miners. From there, Bill Holcomb and his faithful gun, Old Smoke, now in possession of Grant Holcomb, tramped all over the mountains, hunting; and many are the bear stories he could tell.
One day he looked down from a hill into a most beautiful valley which he had never seen before. He told his friends about it and differentness joined him on his hunting trips into what they began to call Holcomb’s valley. Jack Martin was away after supplies when Holcomb and a part-Indian friend, Ben Choteau, went into the valley, and it was on this day that he discovered gold. It was May 5, 1860, just 10 years after he left Iowa. The news spread like wildfire and by July 1 Holcomb valley was swarming with prospectors.
CAMPS FLOURISH
For several years the two valleys were flourishing mining camps. The diggings were shallow and easily worked and large quantities of gold were taken out. A 40-stamp mill was erected at Gold Mountain in Big Bear valley and a 10-stamp mill, of which Lucky Baldwin was part owner. A new town sprung up in Upper Holcomb valley and here they held the first Fourth of July celebration. Mrs. Fred Van Leuven furnished the American flag for the occasion and the place was named Belleville in honor of her little daughter, Belle. Jack Martin’s family joined him, his wife riding horseback from Los Angels with a small baby, the well-known Billy Martin of North G street.
All supplies had to be carried over a narrow trail by pack train, and the settlers decided to build a road so as to reduce freight charges. By popular subscription they raised $1,500 for which sum Mr. Van Leuven built a wagon road from Holcomb valley down the northwestern side of the mountain, across the desert, and up to the summit of Cajon pass where it met the road made by John Brown Sr., leading into the San Bernardino valley.
EARLY SETTLERS
Among the early settlers in Holcomb valley were John Martin Stewart and his family. He had brought his wife, Nancy King Stewart and family from Illinois to Iowa, then in 1851 on to Salt Lake City. Their children were Margaret Stewart Van Leuven, Nancy Stewart Holcomb, Mary Emma Stewart Lander, Matricia Stewart Hudson, and Eliza Stewart Egloff, who was born on the overland journey. In Salt Lake, Nancy Stewart met and married Hugh Dougall, and one son was born to them, Charles Stewart Dougall. John M. Stewart whose wife had passed away brought his family to California, and in 1859 Nancy Stewart Dougall and baby joined them.
They went to Big Bear valley where John M. Stewart opened a blacksmith shop. On Nov. 8, 1860, William F. Holcomb and Nancy Stewart Dougall, accompanied by a large party of friends rode horseback down the mountains, and were married by Judge Boren in San Bernardino. They returned to Holcomb valley where they worked at mining. Their son, William Winfield Holcomb, was born there.
When eventually the gold was exhausted they moved to San Bernardino, but Bill Holcomb spent most of his time in the mountains making clapboards. He still felt the call of adventure and on one of his prospecting trips he went to Arizona. There he was one of the discoverers of the famous Vulture mine from which more than $8,000,000 were taken. He sold his third of the claim for $500 to his partner, Dick Gird, who also discovered the mines at Tombstone, Ariz.
HELD PUBLIC OFFICE
Returning to San Bernardino, he worked at lumbering in various parts of the mountains, which he loved so well. W.F. Holcomb always took an active interest in the political life of his community. For 16 years he served as county assessor, tax collector and county clerk. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, which was organized Jan. 21, 1888, in the old courthouse. In his writings are to be found the names of many pioneer families. The friendship of these early settlers remained strong and true through the years. Their common courage and vision light the pages of the history of San Bernardino valley with a strong and steady glow.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 40 yr. old William Holcomb, a lumberman, b. in IN., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
37 yr. old wife, Nancy Holcomb, b. in IL.
11 yr. old (adopted) son, Charles S. Holcomb, b. in UT.
8 yr. old son, William Holcomb, b. in CA.
7 yr. old son, Francis Holcomb, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Minna Holcomb, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, George V. Holcomb, b. in CA.
In the 1880 U.S. census, 49 yr. old William F. Holcum [Holcomb], a farmer, b. in IN., was living at 25 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
42 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcum, keeping house, b. in IL.
18 yr. old son, William W. Holcum, working on a farm, b. in CA.
17 yr. old son, Francis L. Holcum, attending school and working on a farm, b. in CA.
14 yr. old daughter, Minnie C. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
11 yr. old son, George V. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Mary Jane Holcum, b. in CA.
2 yr. old son, Lewis Clark Holcum, b. in CA.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
In the June, 1900 U. S. census, 69 yr. old Wm F. Holcombe, a laborer, b. Jan. 1831 in IN., was living in a rented home at 569 Union in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
62 yr. old wife, Nancy S Holcombe, b. May 1838 in IL.
24 yr. old daughter, Mary J Holcombe, a school teacher, b. Sep. 1875 in CA.
William and Nancy had been married for 39 years.
Nancy was the mother of 9 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 79 yr. old William F. Holcomb, b. in IN., was living living off his own income in a home he owned free and clear, at 569 Union Ave. in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcomb, b. in IL.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
William and Nancy had been married for 49 years. The census says that it was a first marriage for them both (but Nancy had been married once previously).
Nancy was the mother of 10 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 6
Fri., Aug. 25, 1911
NIGHT BIVOUAC IS BOY SCOUTS’ LATEST
Will Camp Out Friday Night on the old School Grounds
Under the critical eyes of “Uncle Bill” Holcomb, Tony Woodward and John Brown, the San Bernardino Boy Scouts will learn how to make their beds, build camp-fires and sleep in the open, according to approved pioneer methods.The youngsters will remain out all night, taking “rations” along for supper and breakfast.
The camp will be pitched on the old school grounds in the eastern part of the city. The boys will march to the scene about 6 o’clock, each carrying six sandwiches; three for the evening meal and three for breakfast. The camp equipment will be taken out in an automobile.
The first lesson will be in building camp-fired, then in making beds. Holcomb, Woodward and Brown will tell the boys some stories, and remain out-of-doors with them all night. In the morning reveille will be sounded, camp broken and the boys marched back to headquarters where they will disperse.
From: The Holcombes, Nation Builders… their biographies, genealogies and pedigrees, P. 36-38
William Francis Holcombe left his mother’s home in Wapello Co., IA. in the “Gold Rush” in Calif., starting May 5, 1850 from Ottumwa, IA. with a companion, Jack Martin. They had a wagon loaded with provisions and supplies for “crossing the plains” drawn by 3 yokes of oxen, routed through Ft. Laramie, Green River, the Sublette Cut-Off, Salt Lake, Carson River and the sink of Humboldt River. They had come safely through skirmishes with Indians and reached the crossing of the Green River the raging waters of which carried away and sank the ferry boat with their entire outfit, drowning all their oxen. Holcomb lost his boots trying to save the oxen. They secured a pack mule and continued on foot - barefooted - to within 75 mi. of Salt Lake, where the mule was sold and their belongings were carried on their own backs.
Near the sink of Humboldt River they were so destitute as to have only rose buds to eat for 6 days. In starting to cross 55 miles of desert to Carson River in such famished condition they were doubtless saved only by finding a sack full of edible provisions and coffee lying in the middle of the trail - left there by the humanity of a preceding pilgrimage for just such luckless followers. They took from it only the amount needed to reach Carson River. On their arrival there they were reduced to a half conscious state from lack of nutrition and nausea until they had slept long by the side of the trail. After resting and recuperating there they reached Placerville (“Hangtown”), Calif., Aug. 28, 1850 without money.
During the first year in Calif. William Francis Holcomb engaged in mining at many point with varying success; then went to Oregon, Vancouver, British Columbia and was soon back hunting, prospecting and mining in Northern Calif. until the Fall of 1859, when with his comrade, Jack Martin, and family, went to Los Angeles where, finding no work, all were most gloomy until they met a merchant friend there from “diggins” on Kern River, who found Martin a house for his family and soon heard through an old mountaineer here of “Bear Valley” 100 miles east, so-called from the numerous bear in it. They agreed to explore and prospect it. They had worked hard in California gold fields for nearly 10 years, making little more than current expenses. Holcomb’s capital for their new venture was little more than his horse and rifle. He and Martin left Los Angeles for Bear Valley, camping the second night near George Lord’s ranch on Little Creek; were directed up the Santa Ana River canyon to an old settler for further directions to Bear Valley, who told them that a party was already there.
Following the trail of its burros their horses floundered from the depth of the snow on the summit, but reached their camp in which were James Caldwell, Josiah Jones, Jack Elmore, James Ware, and Madison Chaney, who had found gold, but not in paying quantities. After prospecting until they had a substantial amount of gold dust Martin returned to Los Angeles via San Bernardino to bring his family and supplies.
Improvidently, - or from necessity, - at both towns he paid for substantial purchases for his family and for future mining activities with gold dust. At both places, this caused excitement and started other prospectors to Bear Valley.
Holcomb, finding provisions, other than venison, scarce in Bear Valley, decided to wait there for bear to come out in the Spring and stayed and worked on; climbed to summit of a divide of headwaters of Santa Ana and Mojave Rivers. There he saw a beautiful little valley 2 miles northerly, which he reported at camp, where companions jokingly named it “Holcomb’s Valley” by which name it has ever since been known. Companions offered to go with him to explore it. He took Dr. Whitlock with him two miles down the valley and bagged two monster grizzly bears. By crawling to within 35 yards of them he shot one and while the other sought to revive and run away afforded Holcomb time to quickly re-load his rifle. As the second bear stood up and sighted Holcomb the second shot killed it. Dr. Whitlock refused to go with him again because he took long risks. The mining camp smoke-house thereafter was not clear of bear meat while Holcomb worked there.
With another prospecting companion he found four bears feeding. He crept within a good range and killed one. The others fell to fighting each other and as he reloaded, rushed past within 20 feet of him until he killed another at the root of a tree which his companion had climbed. The other two escaped. He dressed the two bears and next day companions from camp came for the meat while Holcomb and another companion, equipped for prospecting the valley, shot another big grizzly about sundown, - only wounding it, the companion’s gun missing fire when it ran past him, darkness ending the pursuit. Next morning, taking up the trail of the wounded bear again, it led across a quartz ledge on which they stopped, examined and found gold.
A handkerchief filled with the dirt, panned in nearest water and others during the day, elated them with prospects. Their report at camp that night was celebrated with a bonfire. Holcomb returned next day, May 5, 1860, exactly ten years from date of his start from Iowa to Calif. in quest of gold, - and there, staked his claim.
This discovery spread like wildfire and the “rush” began. Log cabins began to appear at Bear Valley like magic, followed by stores, blacksmith shops, etc.
Holcomb gave to his companion, Jack Martin, his interest in the mine at Bear Valley and moved in a party of eight to new “gold diggins” in Holcomb Valley. There he camped on the main gulch between the upper and lower valleys May 10, 1860; unpacked and cooked dinner. Then he walked down the lower valley with his rifle; found four bears feeding; killed one, the other three fell to fighting over the carcass long enough to permit him to reload and fire until the four were killed.
He started washing gold here May 11, 1860, using rockers and so succeeded from the first that by July 10, 1860 Holcomb Valley was swarming with prospectors. A short road was built through Holcomb Pass to connect Bear and Holcomb Valleys. In 1861 there were 1,500 people in Holcomb Valley. Lumber made only by whip saw sold for $100 per thousand board feet.
Gold from these valleys and mountains was soon scattered in all avenues of trade. Strangers were told truthfully that miners were earning $5 to $10 each per day. Many new claims paid well. Stores and blacksmith shops were opened. Scarcity of water caused relocation in lower end of the valley where a comfortable log cabin was built to which “pay dirt’ was brought with horse and cart or in sacks on burros.
Belleville, a new town, arose from mines and water in the upper valley where the first celebration was held July 4.
Miners subscribed for construction of a road down the slope of a mountain to connect with a toll road through Cajon Pass and connected Bear and Holcomb valleys to bring in supplies. In the Presidential election of 1860, Belleville cast 100 votes.
Snow beginning Nov. 15, 1860 covered the valley five feet deep. Stores, butcher shops, restaurants and a hotel opened in Spring of 1861, followed by the usual bad men, saloons, gambling dens, etc. bringing disorder, endangering all, although of the 40 or more killings only 3 or 4 were innocent victims of the feuds, the bad element being mainly strangers. The protection by citizens from a mob attacking the constable, who killed a desperado in self-defense, and his acquittal, was notice ending a reign of bad men.
People coming to these mountains and valleys were mainly honest, industrious and anxious to earn.
The richest parts of the placer “diggins” were soon worked out and excitement subsided, but deeper placer workings and the building of several quartz mills in Bear and Holcomb valleys, - and in 1870 a stamp mill at Cold Mountain in Bear Valley, - all producing much gold raised the yield and increased the wealth of San Bernardino, Calif.
Holcomb and Dick Gird became the discoverers of the since famous Vulture Mine at Tombstone, Arizona in which he owned a one-third interest and worked there in 1863 and 1864. He collected only $500 for his interest in it, which has since yielded $8,000,000.00.
He next returned to San Bernardino, Calif. where he thereafter made his permanent home although he continued mining with success for several years. He owned a 14 acres farm at I St. and Base Line Road in San Bernardino, which he planted to fruit, making it thereby very valuable.
In the latter part of 1865 he was in consultation with Jack Martin, Yank Shadrick, and Dock Hemmenway who decided to drive away the Indians, who were lurking about the toll gate in the Cajon Canyon, which they had attacked. Leaving his family at the toll home they went in pursuit through Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Mountains down Rock Creek, over Elizabeth’s Lake to Tehachapi; lost trail and returned after 16 days campaign of exposure, fatigue, hunger or thirst.
The next raid of Indians was from the desert, plundering, stealing stock, destroying property and killing a Mexican at his home a few miles N.E. of San Bernardino. In pursuit a Mexican died of exhaustion at the top of the mountain and pursuit had to be abandoned to return his corpse.
Early in 1866 Pah, Ute and Chimahuavea tribes crossed the desert; invaded mountains; stealing and plundering and alarming settlers. Holcomb’s family lived in Bear Valley where he saw Indian tracks daily and had to conceal his fears from his family. He had to go to the city, 15 miles away and left Bill Kane with his family. While in the city dead bodies of three of the best known citizens of a nearby ranch were reported as found ambushed Mar. 25, 1866 while gathering their animals. Holcomb raced home, staggering in from fright and exhaustion to find his family safe, but took his family to the city and returned to work.
The saw mill west of Little Bear Valley was spied upon and Bill Kane’s house robbed and burned while he was away at work. Holcomb joined Sheriff A. J. Miller to trail these Indians but night came without finding them. Next day, the mill owners and Kane trailing them, Kane’s horse was wounded by an arrow, causing the horse to throw him and lose his gun.
A big Indian with bow bent, rushed on Kane, so disarmed, when Frank Talmage cooly pulled the trigger killing the Indian.
The next day an encounter was had in rocky bluffs, some being wounded. Consulting at night and reinforcements being had, the Indians were hemmed and 5 were captured, others escaping. The wounded were carried to San Bernardino, others continued pursuit encounters 8 escaping Indians. A few advanced to parley, when the 5 prisoners broke for liberty, all 13 being killed.
This ended Holcomb’s campaign of 32 days with them. The party returned by Cajon Pass and the Toll Gate through snow, sleet, hail, cold wins and hunger - greatly fatigued. At the Gate of the old Rocky Mountain hero, John Brown Sr., hospitality entertained them.
Thereafter the mountains remained safe and became a famous summer resort.
William Francis Holcomb became a lumberman in San Bernardino, Calif. in 1870; in 1872 was elected Assessor and Treasurer of San Bernardino Co., which office he held for the next 8 years. In this position, - to enforce payment of taxes by the Santa Fe R.R., - he chained one of its locomotives to the rails.
He next served as Superintendent of a mining ditch for the Tombstone Mill and Mining Co. in Arizona; was elected in 1882 County Clerk of San Bernardino; was re-elected, serving as ex-officio County Recorder, County Auditor, Clerk of Boards of Supervisors and equalizers; as vice-president, president and historian of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers from its organization, Jan. 21, 1888 until his death. The Society requested him Dec. 2, 1899 to write the “History of Bear and Holcomb Valleys”, which was published from his pen in installments and interviews, which he gave. In closing these, he recorded his gratitude for Divine protection throughout such a long life.
He married in San Bernardino Co., Calif., Nov. 8, 1860 Nancy Celicia Stewart, b. Adams Co., Ill. Mar. 25, 1838, and d. San Bernardino Co., Calif. Nov. 16, 1919, daughter of John M. and Mary (Nancy King?) _, who also “crossed the plains” from Utah.
William Francis Holcomb gave to each of his children a home and a heritage in his career of endurance, courage and accomplishment. He preserved almost a daily diary of his eventful life, now cherished by all Holcomb kin.
Excerpt from William's death notice:
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 1
Fri., Jan. 26, 1912
*Note: In columns 2-4, is published much of W. F. Holcomb’s dairy found in this biography section - but with additional details.)
Excerpts from: “Uncle Billy” Holcomb Tires of This Life
SEEKS FINAL REST FROM LINGERING ILLNESS
Prominent Figure in the early Settlement of This County
William Francis Holcomb, a pioneer of the San Bernardino valley, ended his earthly career last night at 9:30 o’clock by an act of his own hand, shooting himself with a rifle. He was breathing his last when members of the family found him with his hands folded across his breast.
The old gentleman, known as “Uncle Billy” to hundreds of people in the valley, had been sick for a couple of weeks and there possibly came to him a realization that his illness might end in death, or perhaps he might have to remain in retirement as an invalid. He arose from his bed, secured his rifle and stepped into an outer room, where he lay on the floor, and in an instant it was all over.
Great Friend of Boys
He was a great friend of the boys and was a member of the local council of the Boy Scouts. The boys never tired of listening to his accounts of fights with the Indians and with wild animals.
The deceased pioneer is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1860 in this city. She was the daughter of John M. Stewart. The children left to mourn the passing of their father are: W.W. Holcomb, F. I. Holcomb, of this city; C.S. Holcomb, of Banning; George V. Holcomb, of Chino; Mrs. Harley Swarthout, of this city, and Mrs. James Robinson of Santa Paula.
The Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 39 - (- takes up most of the page)
Excerpts from: How Bill Holcomb hit gold, became Uncle Billy
Bill, as we’ll call him in his younger days, got support from his uncle in talking Mom into permitting him to “go west, get rich and hustle back.”
No denying, 1860 was a big year. The South rose up in all its might. Down in Atlanta, old Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara were shaking things up. In May of that year, Bill Holcomb, now all of 29, got Holcomb Valley named after him - and found gold in it. About that time, a brave young widow, Nancy Stewart Dougall, took her baby and one cow and joined a wagon train in Utah. She was heading to rejoin her parents in booming Big Bear. She was all of 22.
Bill and nancy wed, as young people will do. The wedding party came down the hill into San Bernardino on November 8, 1860 - and got back up just in time to be snowed in for the winter. But if you’re young, newlywed, and have plenty of venison and bear steaks in icy storage, what’s wrong with being snowed in?
“Most people, “ says Beryl Holcomb, “think of Uncle Billy as being a wandering gold hunter, living off his rifle Old Smoke with wild game. But he was married, too - a family man.” - “Not every married man’s a family man,” I say. -“Read some of his letters”, she says.
And there, from the table with the rich spoor of Bill Holcomb’s long life, we read letters. -He had gone to San Francisco on business and thought that was a pretty swinging city. -He wrote he liked to take the Bible, which he knew nearly by heart, along on his trips.
-Lonely nights: he sleeps but there is “no baby” by his side, and no one to talk to when he eats his lonely breakfast of trout or fried rabbit. -Here was a letter, too, from his mother, written about the time Abe Lincoln was slain, telling Bill he could bring his family back, away from all those Western rowdies, and take over her farm when she died. Bill never got around to that offer.
I gingerly finger several disintegrating pocket diaries Bill kept: Nov. 29, 1880. Up late, slept to 10 a.m. Got breakfast, had fried trout - cold morning. -Tues., Nov. 30. I was awoke by cry - damn broke! I ran to mill to get help. Fixed by 11:30. Caught several big fish. Wrote wife. Nothing more.
Bill survived to become Uncle Billy and a noted man about town. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Pioneer Society, when it was formed, jan. 21, 1888. He was a country fiddler - a real hoedowner - and his violin is still a treasured family heritage.
His deer rifle, Old Smoke, graces a family mantelpiece.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 9, Col. 1-3
Mon., Sep. 19, 1955
Excerpt from: Plaque Unveiled to Holcomb At Valley He Made Famous
Holcomb Valley, which 95 years ago was the scene of Southern California’s greatest gold rush, was visited Sunday by historically-minded residents from all parts of the Southland headed by some 100 members of E. Clampus Vitus, fun-loving group.
E.C. Cooper of Burbank, head of the Clampers, unveiled a bronze plaque to the memory of the gold’s discoverer, William Francis Holcomb. The plaque was set at a road intersection on the Hitchcock Ranch, less than 100 year’s from where Holcomb’s log cabin stood. The actual cabin is in a pasture away from the road.
Thirty-seven descendants of William Francis Holcomb, including his only surviving child, Mrs. Maymie Holcomb Robertson, were guests of honor at the plaque dedicatory ceremonies. They were introduced by Howard Holcomb of San Bernardino, former county supervisor.
RECALLS STORIES
Mrs. Robertson spoke briefly in appreciation of the plaque placing and recalled stories her father and mother had told of the early Holcomb Valley days.
Arthur Woodward of Altadena, who recently retired as chief curator of history at the Los Angeles County Museum, was chairman of the Sunday program and recounted how the E. Clampus Vitus organization had dedicated numerous similar plaques at outstanding sites of historic significance throughout the southern part of the state.
L. Burr Belden of The Sun-Telegram staff gave the dedicatory address, drawing on an autobiographical account by William Francis Holcomb of the discovery. Belden sketched the history of the gold rush from the first discovery to the date little more than a year later when Belleville, principal gold rush town, had a far larger population than San Bernardino.
Zephaniah/Zaphaniah Holcomb, b. 1800 in VA. and d. 1843 in Van Buren County, IA. &
Mary Ann Collins, b. Nov. 19, 1794 in VA. and d. Aug. 15, 1867. She is buried in IA.
On May 13, 1820, Zaphaniah Holcomb & Mary Collins were marr. in Gallia County, OH.
Zaphaniah & Mary Holcomb's children were:
1. Evaline Holcomb, b.(twin of Roxsena?) Vinton, OH. Feb. 8, 1820 (1821?) in Gallia County, OH. and d. 1854 in Multnomah County, OR. Evaline marr. first, John Aldridge in IA. (and had two children, Charity, b. in 1835 & Lucinda, b. in 1839) and second, Henry Baker Bones - married Feb. 29, 1840 in Wapello Co., IA.
2. Roxsena Jane Holcomb, b. Feb. 3, 1821 in Vinton, OH. and d. Nov. 28, 1893.
Roxsena marr. Harrison Jackson.
3. Stephen Allen Holcomb, b. Nov. 1822 (or Sep. 1, 1822) in Vinton, OH. and d. Jun. 11, 1901 in West Union, Washington County, OR.
4. Zephaniah Drennan Holcomb, b. Oct. (or Apr.) 11, 1824 in Vinton, Gallia County, OH. and d. Jun. 7, 1900 in Robinson, Brown County, KS.
5. Susan/Susannah Finette Holcomb, b. Oct. 16, 1825 (1827), in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Dec. 27, 1898. Susan marr. Joseph Bones.
6. Mary Louise Holcomb, b.& d. in Vinton, OH., not sure of exact dates, but buried in the Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, OH. - so assume that she must have died prior to the Holcomb departure from Vinton in the summer of 1830.
7. Elizabeth Ann Holcomb, b. Nov. 19 1828 in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Oct. 31, 1864 in Rio, Knox County, IL. Elizabeth marr. Benjamin F. Mayo.
8. William Francis Holcomb, b. Jan. 27, 1831 in Tippecanoe County, IN. and d. Jan. 25, 1912 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
9. Asenath Rachel Holcomb, b. 1832, Tippecanoe County, IN.
10. Mary Holcomb, b. 1833, Tippecanoe County, IN.
11. John J. Holcomb, died in infancy
12. Virginia Laura Holcomb, died in infancy
William was born in Tippecanoe County, IA. and arrived in California in 1850.
He struck gold and hunted bear in the San Bernardino mountain valley now bearing his name.
He also served as county assessor during the 1870's and as county clerk from 1882-1890.
He married Nancy Cecelia (Stewart) Dougall on Nov. 8, 1860, San Bernardino, CA.
There was 9 children (the first child was from Nancy's previous marriage).
He was the great-grandfather of W. R. "Bob" Holcomb, the Mayor of San Bernardino from 1971 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1993.
Photographs provided by the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society
Cause of death inquest; suicide gunshot
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-5
Tue., Nov. 15, 1938
Covered Wagon Families
‘BILL’ HOLCOMB DEVELOPED GOLD MINE IN MOUNTAINS IN SIXTIES
Adventurous Settler Long Famed as Pioneer
Holcomb, William Francis, born in Tippicanoe county, Indiana, Jan. 27, 1831, and Nancy Celicia Stewart Holcomb, born in Illinois, Nov. 25, 1838, married at San Bernardino, Nov. 8, 1860. (-*Verified by CA. Marriage records).
William & Nancy Holcomb's children were:
1. Charles Stewart Dougall Holcomb ( - son of Nancy Stewart Dougall and her first husband, Hugh Dougall - and adopted by William Francis Holcomb), born Feb. 22, 1859 in UT. and d. Apr. 9, 1935 following an operation in Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA.
Charles was raised by W. F. Holcomb and treated as his son in all things. Charles marr. Frances Kiehl in San Bernardino. Engaged in mining in Tombstone, Arizona. For many years was a successful hardware merchant in Banning.
2. William Winfield Holcomb, born Aug. 20, 1861 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 11, 1939 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
William married Isabella Grant, daughter of John and Margaret (Nish) Grant at Santa Maria. Engaged in the lumber business, later for many years in the feed and fuel business. He lived on the property given him by his father on his twenty-first birthday.
3. Francis Leroy Holcomb, born May 21, 1863 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Aug. 22, 1939 in San Bernardino County, CA.
Francis married Leila Covington Holcomb, daughter of D.A. Covington. In 1881 Mr. Covington paid $1300 for an improved farm home on Fourth street and Mt. Vernon, the present site of the Santa Fe shops. F. L. Holcomb was partner with W.W. Holcomb in the lumber and in the feed and fuel business. He served as deputy county clerk under his father, deputy sheriff and sheriff.
4. Minnie Holcomb, b. July 16, 1865 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jun. 19, 1946 in Willow Brook, Los Angeles County, CA.
Minnie married Harley Martin Swarthout.
5. George Vernon Holcomb, born Feb. 20, 1869 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 25, 1936 in Upland, San Bernardino County, CA.
George marr. Sadie Ann Barton Knapp. For many years he ran a general store in Chino, which his son, “Tobe” now operates.
6. Henry Clay Holcomb
7. Anna Laura Holcomb
8. Mary Jane 'Maymie' Holcomb, b. Sept. 29, 1875.
Maymie marr. Rev. James Robertson from Edenboro [Edinburgh], Scotland.
9. Lewis Clark Holcomb, b. Sep. 15, 1877 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 22, 1892 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
By MABEL HOLCOMB MILLER (-*Most of the following was taken almost word for word from W. F. Holcomb's diary)
W.F. Holcomb wrote a journal of his early life and this interesting book in his own handwriting is in the possession of his grandson, Attorney, Grant Holcomb. His parents were from Virginia and his grandparents were of the Highland Scotch.
Soon after his birth the family moved to Illinois, and in the year 1839 pushed into the wilds of Iowa territory. Here the family developed a very prosperous farm. In 1845 an uncle, Robert V. Holcomb, and a brother, Stephen A. Holcomb, crossed the plains to the almost unknown land called Oregon. One of the descendants of this brother is May Victor Marks (deceased), wife of Rev. W. H. Marks, formerly of Highland, now of Pasadena.
While the gold rush of 1849 was on, the uncle returned to Iowa for a visit, with $10,000 in gold which he had mined in California in three months’ time. Young Bill Holcomb’s father had passed away and he was needed on the farm. But at last the boy, with the help of his uncle, persuaded his mother to let him go to California, expecting to get rich and return in a year. Another youth, Jack Martin, joined him in his plans. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin remained partners and friends through a long and adventurous life. With the advice and financial aid of the uncle they got together a fine outfit, consisting of three yoke of oxen and a covered wagon complete with everything needed for the trip. They impatiently waited for spring and on May 5th, 1850, they started.
They crossed the Missouri river safely and joined a company of 28 wagons under the leadership of Captain Crouch. The company called themselves the Prairie Rovers. The wagon train made good progress. But when they reached the Green river in Wyoming disaster befell the two boys. Here at the Cublette cut-off the raft carrying their wagon and cattle went to pieces in the rough waters and all their possessions were swept down the stream.
REACH HANGTOWN
The boys escaped drowning and saved their guns. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin were determined to get to California even if they had to walk. Eight hundred miles of mountains, desert and wilderness lay before them. Everyone tried to discourage them, but they had the courage and daring of true pioneers.They set off on a half-blind trail which they had heard of as a more direct route though the Rockies. They met with great hardships and dangers. But at last they reached Hangtown, now known as Placerville, in the heart of the gold fields. The first thing that attracted their attention was a sign on a hut, “Mush and milk, $150 per bowl.”
They did not find the pot of gold at their journey’s end and were glad to hire out to work in the placer fields. They prospected along the American river and Feather river and drifted about for several years prospecting and firing out. They finally discovered a very rich quartz ledge which caused considerable excitement and the claim was bonded to a company for $100,000 with a down payment of $7,000 in cash. They two young men went to San Francisco to enjoy their riches. But the quartz vein proved to be of very limited extent and the company abandoned the claims with no further payments. Bill Holcomb went to Oregon to visit his brother. He returned to California in 1859 and joined his old pal, Jack Martin, now married, in Los Angeles.
ENTER MOUNTAINS
They heard of the discovery of gold in Big Bear valley in the San Bernardino mountains, and still looking for adventure, set out on horseback to find the place. It was winter time and there was a heavy snow on the mountains. But with great difficulty they reached the valley and joined a small company of miners. From there, Bill Holcomb and his faithful gun, Old Smoke, now in possession of Grant Holcomb, tramped all over the mountains, hunting; and many are the bear stories he could tell.
One day he looked down from a hill into a most beautiful valley which he had never seen before. He told his friends about it and differentness joined him on his hunting trips into what they began to call Holcomb’s valley. Jack Martin was away after supplies when Holcomb and a part-Indian friend, Ben Choteau, went into the valley, and it was on this day that he discovered gold. It was May 5, 1860, just 10 years after he left Iowa. The news spread like wildfire and by July 1 Holcomb valley was swarming with prospectors.
CAMPS FLOURISH
For several years the two valleys were flourishing mining camps. The diggings were shallow and easily worked and large quantities of gold were taken out. A 40-stamp mill was erected at Gold Mountain in Big Bear valley and a 10-stamp mill, of which Lucky Baldwin was part owner. A new town sprung up in Upper Holcomb valley and here they held the first Fourth of July celebration. Mrs. Fred Van Leuven furnished the American flag for the occasion and the place was named Belleville in honor of her little daughter, Belle. Jack Martin’s family joined him, his wife riding horseback from Los Angels with a small baby, the well-known Billy Martin of North G street.
All supplies had to be carried over a narrow trail by pack train, and the settlers decided to build a road so as to reduce freight charges. By popular subscription they raised $1,500 for which sum Mr. Van Leuven built a wagon road from Holcomb valley down the northwestern side of the mountain, across the desert, and up to the summit of Cajon pass where it met the road made by John Brown Sr., leading into the San Bernardino valley.
EARLY SETTLERS
Among the early settlers in Holcomb valley were John Martin Stewart and his family. He had brought his wife, Nancy King Stewart and family from Illinois to Iowa, then in 1851 on to Salt Lake City. Their children were Margaret Stewart Van Leuven, Nancy Stewart Holcomb, Mary Emma Stewart Lander, Matricia Stewart Hudson, and Eliza Stewart Egloff, who was born on the overland journey. In Salt Lake, Nancy Stewart met and married Hugh Dougall, and one son was born to them, Charles Stewart Dougall. John M. Stewart whose wife had passed away brought his family to California, and in 1859 Nancy Stewart Dougall and baby joined them.
They went to Big Bear valley where John M. Stewart opened a blacksmith shop. On Nov. 8, 1860, William F. Holcomb and Nancy Stewart Dougall, accompanied by a large party of friends rode horseback down the mountains, and were married by Judge Boren in San Bernardino. They returned to Holcomb valley where they worked at mining. Their son, William Winfield Holcomb, was born there.
When eventually the gold was exhausted they moved to San Bernardino, but Bill Holcomb spent most of his time in the mountains making clapboards. He still felt the call of adventure and on one of his prospecting trips he went to Arizona. There he was one of the discoverers of the famous Vulture mine from which more than $8,000,000 were taken. He sold his third of the claim for $500 to his partner, Dick Gird, who also discovered the mines at Tombstone, Ariz.
HELD PUBLIC OFFICE
Returning to San Bernardino, he worked at lumbering in various parts of the mountains, which he loved so well. W.F. Holcomb always took an active interest in the political life of his community. For 16 years he served as county assessor, tax collector and county clerk. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, which was organized Jan. 21, 1888, in the old courthouse. In his writings are to be found the names of many pioneer families. The friendship of these early settlers remained strong and true through the years. Their common courage and vision light the pages of the history of San Bernardino valley with a strong and steady glow.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 40 yr. old William Holcomb, a lumberman, b. in IN., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
37 yr. old wife, Nancy Holcomb, b. in IL.
11 yr. old (adopted) son, Charles S. Holcomb, b. in UT.
8 yr. old son, William Holcomb, b. in CA.
7 yr. old son, Francis Holcomb, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Minna Holcomb, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, George V. Holcomb, b. in CA.
In the 1880 U.S. census, 49 yr. old William F. Holcum [Holcomb], a farmer, b. in IN., was living at 25 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
42 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcum, keeping house, b. in IL.
18 yr. old son, William W. Holcum, working on a farm, b. in CA.
17 yr. old son, Francis L. Holcum, attending school and working on a farm, b. in CA.
14 yr. old daughter, Minnie C. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
11 yr. old son, George V. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Mary Jane Holcum, b. in CA.
2 yr. old son, Lewis Clark Holcum, b. in CA.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
In the June, 1900 U. S. census, 69 yr. old Wm F. Holcombe, a laborer, b. Jan. 1831 in IN., was living in a rented home at 569 Union in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
62 yr. old wife, Nancy S Holcombe, b. May 1838 in IL.
24 yr. old daughter, Mary J Holcombe, a school teacher, b. Sep. 1875 in CA.
William and Nancy had been married for 39 years.
Nancy was the mother of 9 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 79 yr. old William F. Holcomb, b. in IN., was living living off his own income in a home he owned free and clear, at 569 Union Ave. in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcomb, b. in IL.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
William and Nancy had been married for 49 years. The census says that it was a first marriage for them both (but Nancy had been married once previously).
Nancy was the mother of 10 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 6
Fri., Aug. 25, 1911
NIGHT BIVOUAC IS BOY SCOUTS’ LATEST
Will Camp Out Friday Night on the old School Grounds
Under the critical eyes of “Uncle Bill” Holcomb, Tony Woodward and John Brown, the San Bernardino Boy Scouts will learn how to make their beds, build camp-fires and sleep in the open, according to approved pioneer methods.The youngsters will remain out all night, taking “rations” along for supper and breakfast.
The camp will be pitched on the old school grounds in the eastern part of the city. The boys will march to the scene about 6 o’clock, each carrying six sandwiches; three for the evening meal and three for breakfast. The camp equipment will be taken out in an automobile.
The first lesson will be in building camp-fired, then in making beds. Holcomb, Woodward and Brown will tell the boys some stories, and remain out-of-doors with them all night. In the morning reveille will be sounded, camp broken and the boys marched back to headquarters where they will disperse.
From: The Holcombes, Nation Builders… their biographies, genealogies and pedigrees, P. 36-38
William Francis Holcombe left his mother’s home in Wapello Co., IA. in the “Gold Rush” in Calif., starting May 5, 1850 from Ottumwa, IA. with a companion, Jack Martin. They had a wagon loaded with provisions and supplies for “crossing the plains” drawn by 3 yokes of oxen, routed through Ft. Laramie, Green River, the Sublette Cut-Off, Salt Lake, Carson River and the sink of Humboldt River. They had come safely through skirmishes with Indians and reached the crossing of the Green River the raging waters of which carried away and sank the ferry boat with their entire outfit, drowning all their oxen. Holcomb lost his boots trying to save the oxen. They secured a pack mule and continued on foot - barefooted - to within 75 mi. of Salt Lake, where the mule was sold and their belongings were carried on their own backs.
Near the sink of Humboldt River they were so destitute as to have only rose buds to eat for 6 days. In starting to cross 55 miles of desert to Carson River in such famished condition they were doubtless saved only by finding a sack full of edible provisions and coffee lying in the middle of the trail - left there by the humanity of a preceding pilgrimage for just such luckless followers. They took from it only the amount needed to reach Carson River. On their arrival there they were reduced to a half conscious state from lack of nutrition and nausea until they had slept long by the side of the trail. After resting and recuperating there they reached Placerville (“Hangtown”), Calif., Aug. 28, 1850 without money.
During the first year in Calif. William Francis Holcomb engaged in mining at many point with varying success; then went to Oregon, Vancouver, British Columbia and was soon back hunting, prospecting and mining in Northern Calif. until the Fall of 1859, when with his comrade, Jack Martin, and family, went to Los Angeles where, finding no work, all were most gloomy until they met a merchant friend there from “diggins” on Kern River, who found Martin a house for his family and soon heard through an old mountaineer here of “Bear Valley” 100 miles east, so-called from the numerous bear in it. They agreed to explore and prospect it. They had worked hard in California gold fields for nearly 10 years, making little more than current expenses. Holcomb’s capital for their new venture was little more than his horse and rifle. He and Martin left Los Angeles for Bear Valley, camping the second night near George Lord’s ranch on Little Creek; were directed up the Santa Ana River canyon to an old settler for further directions to Bear Valley, who told them that a party was already there.
Following the trail of its burros their horses floundered from the depth of the snow on the summit, but reached their camp in which were James Caldwell, Josiah Jones, Jack Elmore, James Ware, and Madison Chaney, who had found gold, but not in paying quantities. After prospecting until they had a substantial amount of gold dust Martin returned to Los Angeles via San Bernardino to bring his family and supplies.
Improvidently, - or from necessity, - at both towns he paid for substantial purchases for his family and for future mining activities with gold dust. At both places, this caused excitement and started other prospectors to Bear Valley.
Holcomb, finding provisions, other than venison, scarce in Bear Valley, decided to wait there for bear to come out in the Spring and stayed and worked on; climbed to summit of a divide of headwaters of Santa Ana and Mojave Rivers. There he saw a beautiful little valley 2 miles northerly, which he reported at camp, where companions jokingly named it “Holcomb’s Valley” by which name it has ever since been known. Companions offered to go with him to explore it. He took Dr. Whitlock with him two miles down the valley and bagged two monster grizzly bears. By crawling to within 35 yards of them he shot one and while the other sought to revive and run away afforded Holcomb time to quickly re-load his rifle. As the second bear stood up and sighted Holcomb the second shot killed it. Dr. Whitlock refused to go with him again because he took long risks. The mining camp smoke-house thereafter was not clear of bear meat while Holcomb worked there.
With another prospecting companion he found four bears feeding. He crept within a good range and killed one. The others fell to fighting each other and as he reloaded, rushed past within 20 feet of him until he killed another at the root of a tree which his companion had climbed. The other two escaped. He dressed the two bears and next day companions from camp came for the meat while Holcomb and another companion, equipped for prospecting the valley, shot another big grizzly about sundown, - only wounding it, the companion’s gun missing fire when it ran past him, darkness ending the pursuit. Next morning, taking up the trail of the wounded bear again, it led across a quartz ledge on which they stopped, examined and found gold.
A handkerchief filled with the dirt, panned in nearest water and others during the day, elated them with prospects. Their report at camp that night was celebrated with a bonfire. Holcomb returned next day, May 5, 1860, exactly ten years from date of his start from Iowa to Calif. in quest of gold, - and there, staked his claim.
This discovery spread like wildfire and the “rush” began. Log cabins began to appear at Bear Valley like magic, followed by stores, blacksmith shops, etc.
Holcomb gave to his companion, Jack Martin, his interest in the mine at Bear Valley and moved in a party of eight to new “gold diggins” in Holcomb Valley. There he camped on the main gulch between the upper and lower valleys May 10, 1860; unpacked and cooked dinner. Then he walked down the lower valley with his rifle; found four bears feeding; killed one, the other three fell to fighting over the carcass long enough to permit him to reload and fire until the four were killed.
He started washing gold here May 11, 1860, using rockers and so succeeded from the first that by July 10, 1860 Holcomb Valley was swarming with prospectors. A short road was built through Holcomb Pass to connect Bear and Holcomb Valleys. In 1861 there were 1,500 people in Holcomb Valley. Lumber made only by whip saw sold for $100 per thousand board feet.
Gold from these valleys and mountains was soon scattered in all avenues of trade. Strangers were told truthfully that miners were earning $5 to $10 each per day. Many new claims paid well. Stores and blacksmith shops were opened. Scarcity of water caused relocation in lower end of the valley where a comfortable log cabin was built to which “pay dirt’ was brought with horse and cart or in sacks on burros.
Belleville, a new town, arose from mines and water in the upper valley where the first celebration was held July 4.
Miners subscribed for construction of a road down the slope of a mountain to connect with a toll road through Cajon Pass and connected Bear and Holcomb valleys to bring in supplies. In the Presidential election of 1860, Belleville cast 100 votes.
Snow beginning Nov. 15, 1860 covered the valley five feet deep. Stores, butcher shops, restaurants and a hotel opened in Spring of 1861, followed by the usual bad men, saloons, gambling dens, etc. bringing disorder, endangering all, although of the 40 or more killings only 3 or 4 were innocent victims of the feuds, the bad element being mainly strangers. The protection by citizens from a mob attacking the constable, who killed a desperado in self-defense, and his acquittal, was notice ending a reign of bad men.
People coming to these mountains and valleys were mainly honest, industrious and anxious to earn.
The richest parts of the placer “diggins” were soon worked out and excitement subsided, but deeper placer workings and the building of several quartz mills in Bear and Holcomb valleys, - and in 1870 a stamp mill at Cold Mountain in Bear Valley, - all producing much gold raised the yield and increased the wealth of San Bernardino, Calif.
Holcomb and Dick Gird became the discoverers of the since famous Vulture Mine at Tombstone, Arizona in which he owned a one-third interest and worked there in 1863 and 1864. He collected only $500 for his interest in it, which has since yielded $8,000,000.00.
He next returned to San Bernardino, Calif. where he thereafter made his permanent home although he continued mining with success for several years. He owned a 14 acres farm at I St. and Base Line Road in San Bernardino, which he planted to fruit, making it thereby very valuable.
In the latter part of 1865 he was in consultation with Jack Martin, Yank Shadrick, and Dock Hemmenway who decided to drive away the Indians, who were lurking about the toll gate in the Cajon Canyon, which they had attacked. Leaving his family at the toll home they went in pursuit through Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Mountains down Rock Creek, over Elizabeth’s Lake to Tehachapi; lost trail and returned after 16 days campaign of exposure, fatigue, hunger or thirst.
The next raid of Indians was from the desert, plundering, stealing stock, destroying property and killing a Mexican at his home a few miles N.E. of San Bernardino. In pursuit a Mexican died of exhaustion at the top of the mountain and pursuit had to be abandoned to return his corpse.
Early in 1866 Pah, Ute and Chimahuavea tribes crossed the desert; invaded mountains; stealing and plundering and alarming settlers. Holcomb’s family lived in Bear Valley where he saw Indian tracks daily and had to conceal his fears from his family. He had to go to the city, 15 miles away and left Bill Kane with his family. While in the city dead bodies of three of the best known citizens of a nearby ranch were reported as found ambushed Mar. 25, 1866 while gathering their animals. Holcomb raced home, staggering in from fright and exhaustion to find his family safe, but took his family to the city and returned to work.
The saw mill west of Little Bear Valley was spied upon and Bill Kane’s house robbed and burned while he was away at work. Holcomb joined Sheriff A. J. Miller to trail these Indians but night came without finding them. Next day, the mill owners and Kane trailing them, Kane’s horse was wounded by an arrow, causing the horse to throw him and lose his gun.
A big Indian with bow bent, rushed on Kane, so disarmed, when Frank Talmage cooly pulled the trigger killing the Indian.
The next day an encounter was had in rocky bluffs, some being wounded. Consulting at night and reinforcements being had, the Indians were hemmed and 5 were captured, others escaping. The wounded were carried to San Bernardino, others continued pursuit encounters 8 escaping Indians. A few advanced to parley, when the 5 prisoners broke for liberty, all 13 being killed.
This ended Holcomb’s campaign of 32 days with them. The party returned by Cajon Pass and the Toll Gate through snow, sleet, hail, cold wins and hunger - greatly fatigued. At the Gate of the old Rocky Mountain hero, John Brown Sr., hospitality entertained them.
Thereafter the mountains remained safe and became a famous summer resort.
William Francis Holcomb became a lumberman in San Bernardino, Calif. in 1870; in 1872 was elected Assessor and Treasurer of San Bernardino Co., which office he held for the next 8 years. In this position, - to enforce payment of taxes by the Santa Fe R.R., - he chained one of its locomotives to the rails.
He next served as Superintendent of a mining ditch for the Tombstone Mill and Mining Co. in Arizona; was elected in 1882 County Clerk of San Bernardino; was re-elected, serving as ex-officio County Recorder, County Auditor, Clerk of Boards of Supervisors and equalizers; as vice-president, president and historian of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers from its organization, Jan. 21, 1888 until his death. The Society requested him Dec. 2, 1899 to write the “History of Bear and Holcomb Valleys”, which was published from his pen in installments and interviews, which he gave. In closing these, he recorded his gratitude for Divine protection throughout such a long life.
He married in San Bernardino Co., Calif., Nov. 8, 1860 Nancy Celicia Stewart, b. Adams Co., Ill. Mar. 25, 1838, and d. San Bernardino Co., Calif. Nov. 16, 1919, daughter of John M. and Mary (Nancy King?) _, who also “crossed the plains” from Utah.
William Francis Holcomb gave to each of his children a home and a heritage in his career of endurance, courage and accomplishment. He preserved almost a daily diary of his eventful life, now cherished by all Holcomb kin.
Excerpt from William's death notice:
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 1
Fri., Jan. 26, 1912
*Note: In columns 2-4, is published much of W. F. Holcomb’s dairy found in this biography section - but with additional details.)
Excerpts from: “Uncle Billy” Holcomb Tires of This Life
SEEKS FINAL REST FROM LINGERING ILLNESS
Prominent Figure in the early Settlement of This County
William Francis Holcomb, a pioneer of the San Bernardino valley, ended his earthly career last night at 9:30 o’clock by an act of his own hand, shooting himself with a rifle. He was breathing his last when members of the family found him with his hands folded across his breast.
The old gentleman, known as “Uncle Billy” to hundreds of people in the valley, had been sick for a couple of weeks and there possibly came to him a realization that his illness might end in death, or perhaps he might have to remain in retirement as an invalid. He arose from his bed, secured his rifle and stepped into an outer room, where he lay on the floor, and in an instant it was all over.
Great Friend of Boys
He was a great friend of the boys and was a member of the local council of the Boy Scouts. The boys never tired of listening to his accounts of fights with the Indians and with wild animals.
The deceased pioneer is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1860 in this city. She was the daughter of John M. Stewart. The children left to mourn the passing of their father are: W.W. Holcomb, F. I. Holcomb, of this city; C.S. Holcomb, of Banning; George V. Holcomb, of Chino; Mrs. Harley Swarthout, of this city, and Mrs. James Robinson of Santa Paula.
The Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 39 - (- takes up most of the page)
Excerpts from: How Bill Holcomb hit gold, became Uncle Billy
Bill, as we’ll call him in his younger days, got support from his uncle in talking Mom into permitting him to “go west, get rich and hustle back.”
No denying, 1860 was a big year. The South rose up in all its might. Down in Atlanta, old Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara were shaking things up. In May of that year, Bill Holcomb, now all of 29, got Holcomb Valley named after him - and found gold in it. About that time, a brave young widow, Nancy Stewart Dougall, took her baby and one cow and joined a wagon train in Utah. She was heading to rejoin her parents in booming Big Bear. She was all of 22.
Bill and nancy wed, as young people will do. The wedding party came down the hill into San Bernardino on November 8, 1860 - and got back up just in time to be snowed in for the winter. But if you’re young, newlywed, and have plenty of venison and bear steaks in icy storage, what’s wrong with being snowed in?
“Most people, “ says Beryl Holcomb, “think of Uncle Billy as being a wandering gold hunter, living off his rifle Old Smoke with wild game. But he was married, too - a family man.” - “Not every married man’s a family man,” I say. -“Read some of his letters”, she says.
And there, from the table with the rich spoor of Bill Holcomb’s long life, we read letters. -He had gone to San Francisco on business and thought that was a pretty swinging city. -He wrote he liked to take the Bible, which he knew nearly by heart, along on his trips.
-Lonely nights: he sleeps but there is “no baby” by his side, and no one to talk to when he eats his lonely breakfast of trout or fried rabbit. -Here was a letter, too, from his mother, written about the time Abe Lincoln was slain, telling Bill he could bring his family back, away from all those Western rowdies, and take over her farm when she died. Bill never got around to that offer.
I gingerly finger several disintegrating pocket diaries Bill kept: Nov. 29, 1880. Up late, slept to 10 a.m. Got breakfast, had fried trout - cold morning. -Tues., Nov. 30. I was awoke by cry - damn broke! I ran to mill to get help. Fixed by 11:30. Caught several big fish. Wrote wife. Nothing more.
Bill survived to become Uncle Billy and a noted man about town. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Pioneer Society, when it was formed, jan. 21, 1888. He was a country fiddler - a real hoedowner - and his violin is still a treasured family heritage.
His deer rifle, Old Smoke, graces a family mantelpiece.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 9, Col. 1-3
Mon., Sep. 19, 1955
Excerpt from: Plaque Unveiled to Holcomb At Valley He Made Famous
Holcomb Valley, which 95 years ago was the scene of Southern California’s greatest gold rush, was visited Sunday by historically-minded residents from all parts of the Southland headed by some 100 members of E. Clampus Vitus, fun-loving group.
E.C. Cooper of Burbank, head of the Clampers, unveiled a bronze plaque to the memory of the gold’s discoverer, William Francis Holcomb. The plaque was set at a road intersection on the Hitchcock Ranch, less than 100 year’s from where Holcomb’s log cabin stood. The actual cabin is in a pasture away from the road.
Thirty-seven descendants of William Francis Holcomb, including his only surviving child, Mrs. Maymie Holcomb Robertson, were guests of honor at the plaque dedicatory ceremonies. They were introduced by Howard Holcomb of San Bernardino, former county supervisor.
RECALLS STORIES
Mrs. Robertson spoke briefly in appreciation of the plaque placing and recalled stories her father and mother had told of the early Holcomb Valley days.
Arthur Woodward of Altadena, who recently retired as chief curator of history at the Los Angeles County Museum, was chairman of the Sunday program and recounted how the E. Clampus Vitus organization had dedicated numerous similar plaques at outstanding sites of historic significance throughout the southern part of the state.
L. Burr Belden of The Sun-Telegram staff gave the dedicatory address, drawing on an autobiographical account by William Francis Holcomb of the discovery. Belden sketched the history of the gold rush from the first discovery to the date little more than a year later when Belleville, principal gold rush town, had a far larger population than San Bernardino.
William Francis Holcomb's parents were:
Zephaniah/Zaphaniah Holcomb, b. 1800 in VA. and d. 1843 in Van Buren County, IA. &
Mary Ann Collins, b. Nov. 19, 1794 in VA. and d. Aug. 15, 1867. She is buried in IA.
On May 13, 1820, Zaphaniah Holcomb & Mary Collins were marr. in Gallia County, OH.
Zaphaniah & Mary Holcomb's children were:
1. Evaline Holcomb, b.(twin of Roxsena?) Vinton, OH. Feb. 8, 1820 (1821?) in Gallia County, OH. and d. 1854 in Multnomah County, OR. Evaline marr. first, John Aldridge in IA. (and had two children, Charity, b. in 1835 & Lucinda, b. in 1839) and second, Henry Baker Bones - married Feb. 29, 1840 in Wapello Co., IA.
2. Roxsena Jane Holcomb, b. Feb. 3, 1821 in Vinton, OH. and d. Nov. 28, 1893.
Roxsena marr. Harrison Jackson.
3. Stephen Allen Holcomb, b. Nov. 1822 (or Sep. 1, 1822) in Vinton, OH. and d. Jun. 11, 1901 in West Union, Washington County, OR.
4. Zephaniah Drennan Holcomb, b. Oct. (or Apr.) 11, 1824 in Vinton, Gallia County, OH. and d. Jun. 7, 1900 in Robinson, Brown County, KS.
5. Susan/Susannah Finette Holcomb, b. Oct. 16, 1825 (1827), in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Dec. 27, 1898. Susan marr. Joseph Bones.
6. Mary Louise Holcomb, b.& d. in Vinton, OH., not sure of exact dates, but buried in the Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, OH. - so assume that she must have died prior to the Holcomb departure from Vinton in the summer of 1830.
7. Elizabeth Ann Holcomb, b. Nov. 19 1828 in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Oct. 31, 1864 in Rio, Knox County, IL. Elizabeth marr. Benjamin F. Mayo.
8. William Francis Holcomb, b. Jan. 27, 1831 in Tippecanoe County, IN. and d. Jan. 25, 1912 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
9. Asenath Rachel Holcomb, b. 1832, Tippecanoe County, IN.
10. Mary Holcomb, b. 1833, Tippecanoe County, IN.
11. John J. Holcomb, died in infancy
12. Virginia Laura Holcomb, died in infancy
William was born in Tippecanoe County, IA. and arrived in California in 1850.
He struck gold and hunted bear in the San Bernardino mountain valley now bearing his name.
He also served as county assessor during the 1870's and as county clerk from 1882-1890.
He married Nancy Cecelia (Stewart) Dougall on Nov. 8, 1860, San Bernardino, CA.
There was 9 children (the first child was from Nancy's previous marriage).
He was the great-grandfather of W. R. "Bob" Holcomb, the Mayor of San Bernardino from 1971 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1993.
Photographs provided by the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society
Cause of death inquest; suicide gunshot
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-5
Tue., Nov. 15, 1938
Covered Wagon Families
‘BILL’ HOLCOMB DEVELOPED GOLD MINE IN MOUNTAINS IN SIXTIES
Adventurous Settler Long Famed as Pioneer
Holcomb, William Francis, born in Tippicanoe county, Indiana, Jan. 27, 1831, and Nancy Celicia Stewart Holcomb, born in Illinois, Nov. 25, 1838, married at San Bernardino, Nov. 8, 1860. (-*Verified by CA. Marriage records).
William & Nancy Holcomb's children were:
1. Charles Stewart Dougall Holcomb ( - son of Nancy Stewart Dougall and her first husband, Hugh Dougall - and adopted by William Francis Holcomb), born Feb. 22, 1859 in UT. and d. Apr. 9, 1935 following an operation in Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA.
Charles was raised by W. F. Holcomb and treated as his son in all things. Charles marr. Frances Kiehl in San Bernardino. Engaged in mining in Tombstone, Arizona. For many years was a successful hardware merchant in Banning.
2. William Winfield Holcomb, born Aug. 20, 1861 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 11, 1939 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
William married Isabella Grant, daughter of John and Margaret (Nish) Grant at Santa Maria. Engaged in the lumber business, later for many years in the feed and fuel business. He lived on the property given him by his father on his twenty-first birthday.
3. Francis Leroy Holcomb, born May 21, 1863 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Aug. 22, 1939 in San Bernardino County, CA.
Francis married Leila Covington Holcomb, daughter of D.A. Covington. In 1881 Mr. Covington paid $1300 for an improved farm home on Fourth street and Mt. Vernon, the present site of the Santa Fe shops. F. L. Holcomb was partner with W.W. Holcomb in the lumber and in the feed and fuel business. He served as deputy county clerk under his father, deputy sheriff and sheriff.
4. Minnie Holcomb, b. July 16, 1865 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jun. 19, 1946 in Willow Brook, Los Angeles County, CA.
Minnie married Harley Martin Swarthout.
5. George Vernon Holcomb, born Feb. 20, 1869 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 25, 1936 in Upland, San Bernardino County, CA.
George marr. Sadie Ann Barton Knapp. For many years he ran a general store in Chino, which his son, “Tobe” now operates.
6. Henry Clay Holcomb
7. Anna Laura Holcomb
8. Mary Jane 'Maymie' Holcomb, b. Sept. 29, 1875.
Maymie marr. Rev. James Robertson from Edenboro [Edinburgh], Scotland.
9. Lewis Clark Holcomb, b. Sep. 15, 1877 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 22, 1892 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
By MABEL HOLCOMB MILLER (-*Most of the following was taken almost word for word from W. F. Holcomb's diary)
W.F. Holcomb wrote a journal of his early life and this interesting book in his own handwriting is in the possession of his grandson, Attorney, Grant Holcomb. His parents were from Virginia and his grandparents were of the Highland Scotch.
Soon after his birth the family moved to Illinois, and in the year 1839 pushed into the wilds of Iowa territory. Here the family developed a very prosperous farm. In 1845 an uncle, Robert V. Holcomb, and a brother, Stephen A. Holcomb, crossed the plains to the almost unknown land called Oregon. One of the descendants of this brother is May Victor Marks (deceased), wife of Rev. W. H. Marks, formerly of Highland, now of Pasadena.
While the gold rush of 1849 was on, the uncle returned to Iowa for a visit, with $10,000 in gold which he had mined in California in three months’ time. Young Bill Holcomb’s father had passed away and he was needed on the farm. But at last the boy, with the help of his uncle, persuaded his mother to let him go to California, expecting to get rich and return in a year. Another youth, Jack Martin, joined him in his plans. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin remained partners and friends through a long and adventurous life. With the advice and financial aid of the uncle they got together a fine outfit, consisting of three yoke of oxen and a covered wagon complete with everything needed for the trip. They impatiently waited for spring and on May 5th, 1850, they started.
They crossed the Missouri river safely and joined a company of 28 wagons under the leadership of Captain Crouch. The company called themselves the Prairie Rovers. The wagon train made good progress. But when they reached the Green river in Wyoming disaster befell the two boys. Here at the Cublette cut-off the raft carrying their wagon and cattle went to pieces in the rough waters and all their possessions were swept down the stream.
REACH HANGTOWN
The boys escaped drowning and saved their guns. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin were determined to get to California even if they had to walk. Eight hundred miles of mountains, desert and wilderness lay before them. Everyone tried to discourage them, but they had the courage and daring of true pioneers.They set off on a half-blind trail which they had heard of as a more direct route though the Rockies. They met with great hardships and dangers. But at last they reached Hangtown, now known as Placerville, in the heart of the gold fields. The first thing that attracted their attention was a sign on a hut, “Mush and milk, $150 per bowl.”
They did not find the pot of gold at their journey’s end and were glad to hire out to work in the placer fields. They prospected along the American river and Feather river and drifted about for several years prospecting and firing out. They finally discovered a very rich quartz ledge which caused considerable excitement and the claim was bonded to a company for $100,000 with a down payment of $7,000 in cash. They two young men went to San Francisco to enjoy their riches. But the quartz vein proved to be of very limited extent and the company abandoned the claims with no further payments. Bill Holcomb went to Oregon to visit his brother. He returned to California in 1859 and joined his old pal, Jack Martin, now married, in Los Angeles.
ENTER MOUNTAINS
They heard of the discovery of gold in Big Bear valley in the San Bernardino mountains, and still looking for adventure, set out on horseback to find the place. It was winter time and there was a heavy snow on the mountains. But with great difficulty they reached the valley and joined a small company of miners. From there, Bill Holcomb and his faithful gun, Old Smoke, now in possession of Grant Holcomb, tramped all over the mountains, hunting; and many are the bear stories he could tell.
One day he looked down from a hill into a most beautiful valley which he had never seen before. He told his friends about it and differentness joined him on his hunting trips into what they began to call Holcomb’s valley. Jack Martin was away after supplies when Holcomb and a part-Indian friend, Ben Choteau, went into the valley, and it was on this day that he discovered gold. It was May 5, 1860, just 10 years after he left Iowa. The news spread like wildfire and by July 1 Holcomb valley was swarming with prospectors.
CAMPS FLOURISH
For several years the two valleys were flourishing mining camps. The diggings were shallow and easily worked and large quantities of gold were taken out. A 40-stamp mill was erected at Gold Mountain in Big Bear valley and a 10-stamp mill, of which Lucky Baldwin was part owner. A new town sprung up in Upper Holcomb valley and here they held the first Fourth of July celebration. Mrs. Fred Van Leuven furnished the American flag for the occasion and the place was named Belleville in honor of her little daughter, Belle. Jack Martin’s family joined him, his wife riding horseback from Los Angels with a small baby, the well-known Billy Martin of North G street.
All supplies had to be carried over a narrow trail by pack train, and the settlers decided to build a road so as to reduce freight charges. By popular subscription they raised $1,500 for which sum Mr. Van Leuven built a wagon road from Holcomb valley down the northwestern side of the mountain, across the desert, and up to the summit of Cajon pass where it met the road made by John Brown Sr., leading into the San Bernardino valley.
EARLY SETTLERS
Among the early settlers in Holcomb valley were John Martin Stewart and his family. He had brought his wife, Nancy King Stewart and family from Illinois to Iowa, then in 1851 on to Salt Lake City. Their children were Margaret Stewart Van Leuven, Nancy Stewart Holcomb, Mary Emma Stewart Lander, Matricia Stewart Hudson, and Eliza Stewart Egloff, who was born on the overland journey. In Salt Lake, Nancy Stewart met and married Hugh Dougall, and one son was born to them, Charles Stewart Dougall. John M. Stewart whose wife had passed away brought his family to California, and in 1859 Nancy Stewart Dougall and baby joined them.
They went to Big Bear valley where John M. Stewart opened a blacksmith shop. On Nov. 8, 1860, William F. Holcomb and Nancy Stewart Dougall, accompanied by a large party of friends rode horseback down the mountains, and were married by Judge Boren in San Bernardino. They returned to Holcomb valley where they worked at mining. Their son, William Winfield Holcomb, was born there.
When eventually the gold was exhausted they moved to San Bernardino, but Bill Holcomb spent most of his time in the mountains making clapboards. He still felt the call of adventure and on one of his prospecting trips he went to Arizona. There he was one of the discoverers of the famous Vulture mine from which more than $8,000,000 were taken. He sold his third of the claim for $500 to his partner, Dick Gird, who also discovered the mines at Tombstone, Ariz.
HELD PUBLIC OFFICE
Returning to San Bernardino, he worked at lumbering in various parts of the mountains, which he loved so well. W.F. Holcomb always took an active interest in the political life of his community. For 16 years he served as county assessor, tax collector and county clerk. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, which was organized Jan. 21, 1888, in the old courthouse. In his writings are to be found the names of many pioneer families. The friendship of these early settlers remained strong and true through the years. Their common courage and vision light the pages of the history of San Bernardino valley with a strong and steady glow.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 40 yr. old William Holcomb, a lumberman, b. in IN., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
37 yr. old wife, Nancy Holcomb, b. in IL.
11 yr. old (adopted) son, Charles S. Holcomb, b. in UT.
8 yr. old son, William Holcomb, b. in CA.
7 yr. old son, Francis Holcomb, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Minna Holcomb, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, George V. Holcomb, b. in CA.
In the 1880 U.S. census, 49 yr. old William F. Holcum [Holcomb], a farmer, b. in IN., was living at 25 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
42 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcum, keeping house, b. in IL.
18 yr. old son, William W. Holcum, working on a farm, b. in CA.
17 yr. old son, Francis L. Holcum, attending school and working on a farm, b. in CA.
14 yr. old daughter, Minnie C. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
11 yr. old son, George V. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Mary Jane Holcum, b. in CA.
2 yr. old son, Lewis Clark Holcum, b. in CA.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
In the June, 1900 U. S. census, 69 yr. old Wm F. Holcombe, a laborer, b. Jan. 1831 in IN., was living in a rented home at 569 Union in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
62 yr. old wife, Nancy S Holcombe, b. May 1838 in IL.
24 yr. old daughter, Mary J Holcombe, a school teacher, b. Sep. 1875 in CA.
William and Nancy had been married for 39 years.
Nancy was the mother of 9 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 79 yr. old William F. Holcomb, b. in IN., was living living off his own income in a home he owned free and clear, at 569 Union Ave. in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcomb, b. in IL.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
William and Nancy had been married for 49 years. The census says that it was a first marriage for them both (but Nancy had been married once previously).
Nancy was the mother of 10 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 6
Fri., Aug. 25, 1911
NIGHT BIVOUAC IS BOY SCOUTS’ LATEST
Will Camp Out Friday Night on the old School Grounds
Under the critical eyes of “Uncle Bill” Holcomb, Tony Woodward and John Brown, the San Bernardino Boy Scouts will learn how to make their beds, build camp-fires and sleep in the open, according to approved pioneer methods.The youngsters will remain out all night, taking “rations” along for supper and breakfast.
The camp will be pitched on the old school grounds in the eastern part of the city. The boys will march to the scene about 6 o’clock, each carrying six sandwiches; three for the evening meal and three for breakfast. The camp equipment will be taken out in an automobile.
The first lesson will be in building camp-fired, then in making beds. Holcomb, Woodward and Brown will tell the boys some stories, and remain out-of-doors with them all night. In the morning reveille will be sounded, camp broken and the boys marched back to headquarters where they will disperse.
From: The Holcombes, Nation Builders… their biographies, genealogies and pedigrees, P. 36-38
William Francis Holcombe left his mother’s home in Wapello Co., IA. in the “Gold Rush” in Calif., starting May 5, 1850 from Ottumwa, IA. with a companion, Jack Martin. They had a wagon loaded with provisions and supplies for “crossing the plains” drawn by 3 yokes of oxen, routed through Ft. Laramie, Green River, the Sublette Cut-Off, Salt Lake, Carson River and the sink of Humboldt River. They had come safely through skirmishes with Indians and reached the crossing of the Green River the raging waters of which carried away and sank the ferry boat with their entire outfit, drowning all their oxen. Holcomb lost his boots trying to save the oxen. They secured a pack mule and continued on foot - barefooted - to within 75 mi. of Salt Lake, where the mule was sold and their belongings were carried on their own backs.
Near the sink of Humboldt River they were so destitute as to have only rose buds to eat for 6 days. In starting to cross 55 miles of desert to Carson River in such famished condition they were doubtless saved only by finding a sack full of edible provisions and coffee lying in the middle of the trail - left there by the humanity of a preceding pilgrimage for just such luckless followers. They took from it only the amount needed to reach Carson River. On their arrival there they were reduced to a half conscious state from lack of nutrition and nausea until they had slept long by the side of the trail. After resting and recuperating there they reached Placerville (“Hangtown”), Calif., Aug. 28, 1850 without money.
During the first year in Calif. William Francis Holcomb engaged in mining at many point with varying success; then went to Oregon, Vancouver, British Columbia and was soon back hunting, prospecting and mining in Northern Calif. until the Fall of 1859, when with his comrade, Jack Martin, and family, went to Los Angeles where, finding no work, all were most gloomy until they met a merchant friend there from “diggins” on Kern River, who found Martin a house for his family and soon heard through an old mountaineer here of “Bear Valley” 100 miles east, so-called from the numerous bear in it. They agreed to explore and prospect it. They had worked hard in California gold fields for nearly 10 years, making little more than current expenses. Holcomb’s capital for their new venture was little more than his horse and rifle. He and Martin left Los Angeles for Bear Valley, camping the second night near George Lord’s ranch on Little Creek; were directed up the Santa Ana River canyon to an old settler for further directions to Bear Valley, who told them that a party was already there.
Following the trail of its burros their horses floundered from the depth of the snow on the summit, but reached their camp in which were James Caldwell, Josiah Jones, Jack Elmore, James Ware, and Madison Chaney, who had found gold, but not in paying quantities. After prospecting until they had a substantial amount of gold dust Martin returned to Los Angeles via San Bernardino to bring his family and supplies.
Improvidently, - or from necessity, - at both towns he paid for substantial purchases for his family and for future mining activities with gold dust. At both places, this caused excitement and started other prospectors to Bear Valley.
Holcomb, finding provisions, other than venison, scarce in Bear Valley, decided to wait there for bear to come out in the Spring and stayed and worked on; climbed to summit of a divide of headwaters of Santa Ana and Mojave Rivers. There he saw a beautiful little valley 2 miles northerly, which he reported at camp, where companions jokingly named it “Holcomb’s Valley” by which name it has ever since been known. Companions offered to go with him to explore it. He took Dr. Whitlock with him two miles down the valley and bagged two monster grizzly bears. By crawling to within 35 yards of them he shot one and while the other sought to revive and run away afforded Holcomb time to quickly re-load his rifle. As the second bear stood up and sighted Holcomb the second shot killed it. Dr. Whitlock refused to go with him again because he took long risks. The mining camp smoke-house thereafter was not clear of bear meat while Holcomb worked there.
With another prospecting companion he found four bears feeding. He crept within a good range and killed one. The others fell to fighting each other and as he reloaded, rushed past within 20 feet of him until he killed another at the root of a tree which his companion had climbed. The other two escaped. He dressed the two bears and next day companions from camp came for the meat while Holcomb and another companion, equipped for prospecting the valley, shot another big grizzly about sundown, - only wounding it, the companion’s gun missing fire when it ran past him, darkness ending the pursuit. Next morning, taking up the trail of the wounded bear again, it led across a quartz ledge on which they stopped, examined and found gold.
A handkerchief filled with the dirt, panned in nearest water and others during the day, elated them with prospects. Their report at camp that night was celebrated with a bonfire. Holcomb returned next day, May 5, 1860, exactly ten years from date of his start from Iowa to Calif. in quest of gold, - and there, staked his claim.
This discovery spread like wildfire and the “rush” began. Log cabins began to appear at Bear Valley like magic, followed by stores, blacksmith shops, etc.
Holcomb gave to his companion, Jack Martin, his interest in the mine at Bear Valley and moved in a party of eight to new “gold diggins” in Holcomb Valley. There he camped on the main gulch between the upper and lower valleys May 10, 1860; unpacked and cooked dinner. Then he walked down the lower valley with his rifle; found four bears feeding; killed one, the other three fell to fighting over the carcass long enough to permit him to reload and fire until the four were killed.
He started washing gold here May 11, 1860, using rockers and so succeeded from the first that by July 10, 1860 Holcomb Valley was swarming with prospectors. A short road was built through Holcomb Pass to connect Bear and Holcomb Valleys. In 1861 there were 1,500 people in Holcomb Valley. Lumber made only by whip saw sold for $100 per thousand board feet.
Gold from these valleys and mountains was soon scattered in all avenues of trade. Strangers were told truthfully that miners were earning $5 to $10 each per day. Many new claims paid well. Stores and blacksmith shops were opened. Scarcity of water caused relocation in lower end of the valley where a comfortable log cabin was built to which “pay dirt’ was brought with horse and cart or in sacks on burros.
Belleville, a new town, arose from mines and water in the upper valley where the first celebration was held July 4.
Miners subscribed for construction of a road down the slope of a mountain to connect with a toll road through Cajon Pass and connected Bear and Holcomb valleys to bring in supplies. In the Presidential election of 1860, Belleville cast 100 votes.
Snow beginning Nov. 15, 1860 covered the valley five feet deep. Stores, butcher shops, restaurants and a hotel opened in Spring of 1861, followed by the usual bad men, saloons, gambling dens, etc. bringing disorder, endangering all, although of the 40 or more killings only 3 or 4 were innocent victims of the feuds, the bad element being mainly strangers. The protection by citizens from a mob attacking the constable, who killed a desperado in self-defense, and his acquittal, was notice ending a reign of bad men.
People coming to these mountains and valleys were mainly honest, industrious and anxious to earn.
The richest parts of the placer “diggins” were soon worked out and excitement subsided, but deeper placer workings and the building of several quartz mills in Bear and Holcomb valleys, - and in 1870 a stamp mill at Cold Mountain in Bear Valley, - all producing much gold raised the yield and increased the wealth of San Bernardino, Calif.
Holcomb and Dick Gird became the discoverers of the since famous Vulture Mine at Tombstone, Arizona in which he owned a one-third interest and worked there in 1863 and 1864. He collected only $500 for his interest in it, which has since yielded $8,000,000.00.
He next returned to San Bernardino, Calif. where he thereafter made his permanent home although he continued mining with success for several years. He owned a 14 acres farm at I St. and Base Line Road in San Bernardino, which he planted to fruit, making it thereby very valuable.
In the latter part of 1865 he was in consultation with Jack Martin, Yank Shadrick, and Dock Hemmenway who decided to drive away the Indians, who were lurking about the toll gate in the Cajon Canyon, which they had attacked. Leaving his family at the toll home they went in pursuit through Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Mountains down Rock Creek, over Elizabeth’s Lake to Tehachapi; lost trail and returned after 16 days campaign of exposure, fatigue, hunger or thirst.
The next raid of Indians was from the desert, plundering, stealing stock, destroying property and killing a Mexican at his home a few miles N.E. of San Bernardino. In pursuit a Mexican died of exhaustion at the top of the mountain and pursuit had to be abandoned to return his corpse.
Early in 1866 Pah, Ute and Chimahuavea tribes crossed the desert; invaded mountains; stealing and plundering and alarming settlers. Holcomb’s family lived in Bear Valley where he saw Indian tracks daily and had to conceal his fears from his family. He had to go to the city, 15 miles away and left Bill Kane with his family. While in the city dead bodies of three of the best known citizens of a nearby ranch were reported as found ambushed Mar. 25, 1866 while gathering their animals. Holcomb raced home, staggering in from fright and exhaustion to find his family safe, but took his family to the city and returned to work.
The saw mill west of Little Bear Valley was spied upon and Bill Kane’s house robbed and burned while he was away at work. Holcomb joined Sheriff A. J. Miller to trail these Indians but night came without finding them. Next day, the mill owners and Kane trailing them, Kane’s horse was wounded by an arrow, causing the horse to throw him and lose his gun.
A big Indian with bow bent, rushed on Kane, so disarmed, when Frank Talmage cooly pulled the trigger killing the Indian.
The next day an encounter was had in rocky bluffs, some being wounded. Consulting at night and reinforcements being had, the Indians were hemmed and 5 were captured, others escaping. The wounded were carried to San Bernardino, others continued pursuit encounters 8 escaping Indians. A few advanced to parley, when the 5 prisoners broke for liberty, all 13 being killed.
This ended Holcomb’s campaign of 32 days with them. The party returned by Cajon Pass and the Toll Gate through snow, sleet, hail, cold wins and hunger - greatly fatigued. At the Gate of the old Rocky Mountain hero, John Brown Sr., hospitality entertained them.
Thereafter the mountains remained safe and became a famous summer resort.
William Francis Holcomb became a lumberman in San Bernardino, Calif. in 1870; in 1872 was elected Assessor and Treasurer of San Bernardino Co., which office he held for the next 8 years. In this position, - to enforce payment of taxes by the Santa Fe R.R., - he chained one of its locomotives to the rails.
He next served as Superintendent of a mining ditch for the Tombstone Mill and Mining Co. in Arizona; was elected in 1882 County Clerk of San Bernardino; was re-elected, serving as ex-officio County Recorder, County Auditor, Clerk of Boards of Supervisors and equalizers; as vice-president, president and historian of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers from its organization, Jan. 21, 1888 until his death. The Society requested him Dec. 2, 1899 to write the “History of Bear and Holcomb Valleys”, which was published from his pen in installments and interviews, which he gave. In closing these, he recorded his gratitude for Divine protection throughout such a long life.
He married in San Bernardino Co., Calif., Nov. 8, 1860 Nancy Celicia Stewart, b. Adams Co., Ill. Mar. 25, 1838, and d. San Bernardino Co., Calif. Nov. 16, 1919, daughter of John M. and Mary (Nancy King?) _, who also “crossed the plains” from Utah.
William Francis Holcomb gave to each of his children a home and a heritage in his career of endurance, courage and accomplishment. He preserved almost a daily diary of his eventful life, now cherished by all Holcomb kin.
Excerpt from William's death notice:
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 1
Fri., Jan. 26, 1912
*Note: In columns 2-4, is published much of W. F. Holcomb’s dairy found in this biography section - but with additional details.)
Excerpts from: “Uncle Billy” Holcomb Tires of This Life
SEEKS FINAL REST FROM LINGERING ILLNESS
Prominent Figure in the early Settlement of This County
William Francis Holcomb, a pioneer of the San Bernardino valley, ended his earthly career last night at 9:30 o’clock by an act of his own hand, shooting himself with a rifle. He was breathing his last when members of the family found him with his hands folded across his breast.
The old gentleman, known as “Uncle Billy” to hundreds of people in the valley, had been sick for a couple of weeks and there possibly came to him a realization that his illness might end in death, or perhaps he might have to remain in retirement as an invalid. He arose from his bed, secured his rifle and stepped into an outer room, where he lay on the floor, and in an instant it was all over.
Great Friend of Boys
He was a great friend of the boys and was a member of the local council of the Boy Scouts. The boys never tired of listening to his accounts of fights with the Indians and with wild animals.
The deceased pioneer is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1860 in this city. She was the daughter of John M. Stewart. The children left to mourn the passing of their father are: W.W. Holcomb, F. I. Holcomb, of this city; C.S. Holcomb, of Banning; George V. Holcomb, of Chino; Mrs. Harley Swarthout, of this city, and Mrs. James Robinson of Santa Paula.
The Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 39 - (- takes up most of the page)
Excerpts from: How Bill Holcomb hit gold, became Uncle Billy
Bill, as we’ll call him in his younger days, got support from his uncle in talking Mom into permitting him to “go west, get rich and hustle back.”
No denying, 1860 was a big year. The South rose up in all its might. Down in Atlanta, old Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara were shaking things up. In May of that year, Bill Holcomb, now all of 29, got Holcomb Valley named after him - and found gold in it. About that time, a brave young widow, Nancy Stewart Dougall, took her baby and one cow and joined a wagon train in Utah. She was heading to rejoin her parents in booming Big Bear. She was all of 22.
Bill and nancy wed, as young people will do. The wedding party came down the hill into San Bernardino on November 8, 1860 - and got back up just in time to be snowed in for the winter. But if you’re young, newlywed, and have plenty of venison and bear steaks in icy storage, what’s wrong with being snowed in?
“Most people, “ says Beryl Holcomb, “think of Uncle Billy as being a wandering gold hunter, living off his rifle Old Smoke with wild game. But he was married, too - a family man.” - “Not every married man’s a family man,” I say. -“Read some of his letters”, she says.
And there, from the table with the rich spoor of Bill Holcomb’s long life, we read letters. -He had gone to San Francisco on business and thought that was a pretty swinging city. -He wrote he liked to take the Bible, which he knew nearly by heart, along on his trips.
-Lonely nights: he sleeps but there is “no baby” by his side, and no one to talk to when he eats his lonely breakfast of trout or fried rabbit. -Here was a letter, too, from his mother, written about the time Abe Lincoln was slain, telling Bill he could bring his family back, away from all those Western rowdies, and take over her farm when she died. Bill never got around to that offer.
I gingerly finger several disintegrating pocket diaries Bill kept: Nov. 29, 1880. Up late, slept to 10 a.m. Got breakfast, had fried trout - cold morning. -Tues., Nov. 30. I was awoke by cry - damn broke! I ran to mill to get help. Fixed by 11:30. Caught several big fish. Wrote wife. Nothing more.
Bill survived to become Uncle Billy and a noted man about town. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Pioneer Society, when it was formed, jan. 21, 1888. He was a country fiddler - a real hoedowner - and his violin is still a treasured family heritage.
His deer rifle, Old Smoke, graces a family mantelpiece.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 9, Col. 1-3
Mon., Sep. 19, 1955
Excerpt from: Plaque Unveiled to Holcomb At Valley He Made Famous
Holcomb Valley, which 95 years ago was the scene of Southern California’s greatest gold rush, was visited Sunday by historically-minded residents from all parts of the Southland headed by some 100 members of E. Clampus Vitus, fun-loving group.
E.C. Cooper of Burbank, head of the Clampers, unveiled a bronze plaque to the memory of the gold’s discoverer, William Francis Holcomb. The plaque was set at a road intersection on the Hitchcock Ranch, less than 100 year’s from where Holcomb’s log cabin stood. The actual cabin is in a pasture away from the road.
Thirty-seven descendants of William Francis Holcomb, including his only surviving child, Mrs. Maymie Holcomb Robertson, were guests of honor at the plaque dedicatory ceremonies. They were introduced by Howard Holcomb of San Bernardino, former county supervisor.
RECALLS STORIES
Mrs. Robertson spoke briefly in appreciation of the plaque placing and recalled stories her father and mother had told of the early Holcomb Valley days.
Arthur Woodward of Altadena, who recently retired as chief curator of history at the Los Angeles County Museum, was chairman of the Sunday program and recounted how the E. Clampus Vitus organization had dedicated numerous similar plaques at outstanding sites of historic significance throughout the southern part of the state.
L. Burr Belden of The Sun-Telegram staff gave the dedicatory address, drawing on an autobiographical account by William Francis Holcomb of the discovery. Belden sketched the history of the gold rush from the first discovery to the date little more than a year later when Belleville, principal gold rush town, had a far larger population than San Bernardino.
Zephaniah/Zaphaniah Holcomb, b. 1800 in VA. and d. 1843 in Van Buren County, IA. &
Mary Ann Collins, b. Nov. 19, 1794 in VA. and d. Aug. 15, 1867. She is buried in IA.
On May 13, 1820, Zaphaniah Holcomb & Mary Collins were marr. in Gallia County, OH.
Zaphaniah & Mary Holcomb's children were:
1. Evaline Holcomb, b.(twin of Roxsena?) Vinton, OH. Feb. 8, 1820 (1821?) in Gallia County, OH. and d. 1854 in Multnomah County, OR. Evaline marr. first, John Aldridge in IA. (and had two children, Charity, b. in 1835 & Lucinda, b. in 1839) and second, Henry Baker Bones - married Feb. 29, 1840 in Wapello Co., IA.
2. Roxsena Jane Holcomb, b. Feb. 3, 1821 in Vinton, OH. and d. Nov. 28, 1893.
Roxsena marr. Harrison Jackson.
3. Stephen Allen Holcomb, b. Nov. 1822 (or Sep. 1, 1822) in Vinton, OH. and d. Jun. 11, 1901 in West Union, Washington County, OR.
4. Zephaniah Drennan Holcomb, b. Oct. (or Apr.) 11, 1824 in Vinton, Gallia County, OH. and d. Jun. 7, 1900 in Robinson, Brown County, KS.
5. Susan/Susannah Finette Holcomb, b. Oct. 16, 1825 (1827), in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Dec. 27, 1898. Susan marr. Joseph Bones.
6. Mary Louise Holcomb, b.& d. in Vinton, OH., not sure of exact dates, but buried in the Holcomb Cemetery, Vinton, OH. - so assume that she must have died prior to the Holcomb departure from Vinton in the summer of 1830.
7. Elizabeth Ann Holcomb, b. Nov. 19 1828 in Vinton, Gallia county, OH. and d. Oct. 31, 1864 in Rio, Knox County, IL. Elizabeth marr. Benjamin F. Mayo.
8. William Francis Holcomb, b. Jan. 27, 1831 in Tippecanoe County, IN. and d. Jan. 25, 1912 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
9. Asenath Rachel Holcomb, b. 1832, Tippecanoe County, IN.
10. Mary Holcomb, b. 1833, Tippecanoe County, IN.
11. John J. Holcomb, died in infancy
12. Virginia Laura Holcomb, died in infancy
William was born in Tippecanoe County, IA. and arrived in California in 1850.
He struck gold and hunted bear in the San Bernardino mountain valley now bearing his name.
He also served as county assessor during the 1870's and as county clerk from 1882-1890.
He married Nancy Cecelia (Stewart) Dougall on Nov. 8, 1860, San Bernardino, CA.
There was 9 children (the first child was from Nancy's previous marriage).
He was the great-grandfather of W. R. "Bob" Holcomb, the Mayor of San Bernardino from 1971 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1993.
Photographs provided by the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society
Cause of death inquest; suicide gunshot
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-5
Tue., Nov. 15, 1938
Covered Wagon Families
‘BILL’ HOLCOMB DEVELOPED GOLD MINE IN MOUNTAINS IN SIXTIES
Adventurous Settler Long Famed as Pioneer
Holcomb, William Francis, born in Tippicanoe county, Indiana, Jan. 27, 1831, and Nancy Celicia Stewart Holcomb, born in Illinois, Nov. 25, 1838, married at San Bernardino, Nov. 8, 1860. (-*Verified by CA. Marriage records).
William & Nancy Holcomb's children were:
1. Charles Stewart Dougall Holcomb ( - son of Nancy Stewart Dougall and her first husband, Hugh Dougall - and adopted by William Francis Holcomb), born Feb. 22, 1859 in UT. and d. Apr. 9, 1935 following an operation in Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA.
Charles was raised by W. F. Holcomb and treated as his son in all things. Charles marr. Frances Kiehl in San Bernardino. Engaged in mining in Tombstone, Arizona. For many years was a successful hardware merchant in Banning.
2. William Winfield Holcomb, born Aug. 20, 1861 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 11, 1939 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
William married Isabella Grant, daughter of John and Margaret (Nish) Grant at Santa Maria. Engaged in the lumber business, later for many years in the feed and fuel business. He lived on the property given him by his father on his twenty-first birthday.
3. Francis Leroy Holcomb, born May 21, 1863 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Aug. 22, 1939 in San Bernardino County, CA.
Francis married Leila Covington Holcomb, daughter of D.A. Covington. In 1881 Mr. Covington paid $1300 for an improved farm home on Fourth street and Mt. Vernon, the present site of the Santa Fe shops. F. L. Holcomb was partner with W.W. Holcomb in the lumber and in the feed and fuel business. He served as deputy county clerk under his father, deputy sheriff and sheriff.
4. Minnie Holcomb, b. July 16, 1865 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jun. 19, 1946 in Willow Brook, Los Angeles County, CA.
Minnie married Harley Martin Swarthout.
5. George Vernon Holcomb, born Feb. 20, 1869 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 25, 1936 in Upland, San Bernardino County, CA.
George marr. Sadie Ann Barton Knapp. For many years he ran a general store in Chino, which his son, “Tobe” now operates.
6. Henry Clay Holcomb
7. Anna Laura Holcomb
8. Mary Jane 'Maymie' Holcomb, b. Sept. 29, 1875.
Maymie marr. Rev. James Robertson from Edenboro [Edinburgh], Scotland.
9. Lewis Clark Holcomb, b. Sep. 15, 1877 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 22, 1892 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
By MABEL HOLCOMB MILLER (-*Most of the following was taken almost word for word from W. F. Holcomb's diary)
W.F. Holcomb wrote a journal of his early life and this interesting book in his own handwriting is in the possession of his grandson, Attorney, Grant Holcomb. His parents were from Virginia and his grandparents were of the Highland Scotch.
Soon after his birth the family moved to Illinois, and in the year 1839 pushed into the wilds of Iowa territory. Here the family developed a very prosperous farm. In 1845 an uncle, Robert V. Holcomb, and a brother, Stephen A. Holcomb, crossed the plains to the almost unknown land called Oregon. One of the descendants of this brother is May Victor Marks (deceased), wife of Rev. W. H. Marks, formerly of Highland, now of Pasadena.
While the gold rush of 1849 was on, the uncle returned to Iowa for a visit, with $10,000 in gold which he had mined in California in three months’ time. Young Bill Holcomb’s father had passed away and he was needed on the farm. But at last the boy, with the help of his uncle, persuaded his mother to let him go to California, expecting to get rich and return in a year. Another youth, Jack Martin, joined him in his plans. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin remained partners and friends through a long and adventurous life. With the advice and financial aid of the uncle they got together a fine outfit, consisting of three yoke of oxen and a covered wagon complete with everything needed for the trip. They impatiently waited for spring and on May 5th, 1850, they started.
They crossed the Missouri river safely and joined a company of 28 wagons under the leadership of Captain Crouch. The company called themselves the Prairie Rovers. The wagon train made good progress. But when they reached the Green river in Wyoming disaster befell the two boys. Here at the Cublette cut-off the raft carrying their wagon and cattle went to pieces in the rough waters and all their possessions were swept down the stream.
REACH HANGTOWN
The boys escaped drowning and saved their guns. Bill Holcomb and Jack Martin were determined to get to California even if they had to walk. Eight hundred miles of mountains, desert and wilderness lay before them. Everyone tried to discourage them, but they had the courage and daring of true pioneers.They set off on a half-blind trail which they had heard of as a more direct route though the Rockies. They met with great hardships and dangers. But at last they reached Hangtown, now known as Placerville, in the heart of the gold fields. The first thing that attracted their attention was a sign on a hut, “Mush and milk, $150 per bowl.”
They did not find the pot of gold at their journey’s end and were glad to hire out to work in the placer fields. They prospected along the American river and Feather river and drifted about for several years prospecting and firing out. They finally discovered a very rich quartz ledge which caused considerable excitement and the claim was bonded to a company for $100,000 with a down payment of $7,000 in cash. They two young men went to San Francisco to enjoy their riches. But the quartz vein proved to be of very limited extent and the company abandoned the claims with no further payments. Bill Holcomb went to Oregon to visit his brother. He returned to California in 1859 and joined his old pal, Jack Martin, now married, in Los Angeles.
ENTER MOUNTAINS
They heard of the discovery of gold in Big Bear valley in the San Bernardino mountains, and still looking for adventure, set out on horseback to find the place. It was winter time and there was a heavy snow on the mountains. But with great difficulty they reached the valley and joined a small company of miners. From there, Bill Holcomb and his faithful gun, Old Smoke, now in possession of Grant Holcomb, tramped all over the mountains, hunting; and many are the bear stories he could tell.
One day he looked down from a hill into a most beautiful valley which he had never seen before. He told his friends about it and differentness joined him on his hunting trips into what they began to call Holcomb’s valley. Jack Martin was away after supplies when Holcomb and a part-Indian friend, Ben Choteau, went into the valley, and it was on this day that he discovered gold. It was May 5, 1860, just 10 years after he left Iowa. The news spread like wildfire and by July 1 Holcomb valley was swarming with prospectors.
CAMPS FLOURISH
For several years the two valleys were flourishing mining camps. The diggings were shallow and easily worked and large quantities of gold were taken out. A 40-stamp mill was erected at Gold Mountain in Big Bear valley and a 10-stamp mill, of which Lucky Baldwin was part owner. A new town sprung up in Upper Holcomb valley and here they held the first Fourth of July celebration. Mrs. Fred Van Leuven furnished the American flag for the occasion and the place was named Belleville in honor of her little daughter, Belle. Jack Martin’s family joined him, his wife riding horseback from Los Angels with a small baby, the well-known Billy Martin of North G street.
All supplies had to be carried over a narrow trail by pack train, and the settlers decided to build a road so as to reduce freight charges. By popular subscription they raised $1,500 for which sum Mr. Van Leuven built a wagon road from Holcomb valley down the northwestern side of the mountain, across the desert, and up to the summit of Cajon pass where it met the road made by John Brown Sr., leading into the San Bernardino valley.
EARLY SETTLERS
Among the early settlers in Holcomb valley were John Martin Stewart and his family. He had brought his wife, Nancy King Stewart and family from Illinois to Iowa, then in 1851 on to Salt Lake City. Their children were Margaret Stewart Van Leuven, Nancy Stewart Holcomb, Mary Emma Stewart Lander, Matricia Stewart Hudson, and Eliza Stewart Egloff, who was born on the overland journey. In Salt Lake, Nancy Stewart met and married Hugh Dougall, and one son was born to them, Charles Stewart Dougall. John M. Stewart whose wife had passed away brought his family to California, and in 1859 Nancy Stewart Dougall and baby joined them.
They went to Big Bear valley where John M. Stewart opened a blacksmith shop. On Nov. 8, 1860, William F. Holcomb and Nancy Stewart Dougall, accompanied by a large party of friends rode horseback down the mountains, and were married by Judge Boren in San Bernardino. They returned to Holcomb valley where they worked at mining. Their son, William Winfield Holcomb, was born there.
When eventually the gold was exhausted they moved to San Bernardino, but Bill Holcomb spent most of his time in the mountains making clapboards. He still felt the call of adventure and on one of his prospecting trips he went to Arizona. There he was one of the discoverers of the famous Vulture mine from which more than $8,000,000 were taken. He sold his third of the claim for $500 to his partner, Dick Gird, who also discovered the mines at Tombstone, Ariz.
HELD PUBLIC OFFICE
Returning to San Bernardino, he worked at lumbering in various parts of the mountains, which he loved so well. W.F. Holcomb always took an active interest in the political life of his community. For 16 years he served as county assessor, tax collector and county clerk. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, which was organized Jan. 21, 1888, in the old courthouse. In his writings are to be found the names of many pioneer families. The friendship of these early settlers remained strong and true through the years. Their common courage and vision light the pages of the history of San Bernardino valley with a strong and steady glow.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 40 yr. old William Holcomb, a lumberman, b. in IN., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
37 yr. old wife, Nancy Holcomb, b. in IL.
11 yr. old (adopted) son, Charles S. Holcomb, b. in UT.
8 yr. old son, William Holcomb, b. in CA.
7 yr. old son, Francis Holcomb, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Minna Holcomb, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, George V. Holcomb, b. in CA.
In the 1880 U.S. census, 49 yr. old William F. Holcum [Holcomb], a farmer, b. in IN., was living at 25 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
42 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcum, keeping house, b. in IL.
18 yr. old son, William W. Holcum, working on a farm, b. in CA.
17 yr. old son, Francis L. Holcum, attending school and working on a farm, b. in CA.
14 yr. old daughter, Minnie C. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
11 yr. old son, George V. Holcum, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Mary Jane Holcum, b. in CA.
2 yr. old son, Lewis Clark Holcum, b. in CA.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
In the June, 1900 U. S. census, 69 yr. old Wm F. Holcombe, a laborer, b. Jan. 1831 in IN., was living in a rented home at 569 Union in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
62 yr. old wife, Nancy S Holcombe, b. May 1838 in IL.
24 yr. old daughter, Mary J Holcombe, a school teacher, b. Sep. 1875 in CA.
William and Nancy had been married for 39 years.
Nancy was the mother of 9 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 79 yr. old William F. Holcomb, b. in IN., was living living off his own income in a home he owned free and clear, at 569 Union Ave. in San Bernardino Ward 4, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Nancy C. Holcomb, b. in IL.
William's father was b. in OH. and his mother in VA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in KY.
William and Nancy had been married for 49 years. The census says that it was a first marriage for them both (but Nancy had been married once previously).
Nancy was the mother of 10 children, only 6 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 6
Fri., Aug. 25, 1911
NIGHT BIVOUAC IS BOY SCOUTS’ LATEST
Will Camp Out Friday Night on the old School Grounds
Under the critical eyes of “Uncle Bill” Holcomb, Tony Woodward and John Brown, the San Bernardino Boy Scouts will learn how to make their beds, build camp-fires and sleep in the open, according to approved pioneer methods.The youngsters will remain out all night, taking “rations” along for supper and breakfast.
The camp will be pitched on the old school grounds in the eastern part of the city. The boys will march to the scene about 6 o’clock, each carrying six sandwiches; three for the evening meal and three for breakfast. The camp equipment will be taken out in an automobile.
The first lesson will be in building camp-fired, then in making beds. Holcomb, Woodward and Brown will tell the boys some stories, and remain out-of-doors with them all night. In the morning reveille will be sounded, camp broken and the boys marched back to headquarters where they will disperse.
From: The Holcombes, Nation Builders… their biographies, genealogies and pedigrees, P. 36-38
William Francis Holcombe left his mother’s home in Wapello Co., IA. in the “Gold Rush” in Calif., starting May 5, 1850 from Ottumwa, IA. with a companion, Jack Martin. They had a wagon loaded with provisions and supplies for “crossing the plains” drawn by 3 yokes of oxen, routed through Ft. Laramie, Green River, the Sublette Cut-Off, Salt Lake, Carson River and the sink of Humboldt River. They had come safely through skirmishes with Indians and reached the crossing of the Green River the raging waters of which carried away and sank the ferry boat with their entire outfit, drowning all their oxen. Holcomb lost his boots trying to save the oxen. They secured a pack mule and continued on foot - barefooted - to within 75 mi. of Salt Lake, where the mule was sold and their belongings were carried on their own backs.
Near the sink of Humboldt River they were so destitute as to have only rose buds to eat for 6 days. In starting to cross 55 miles of desert to Carson River in such famished condition they were doubtless saved only by finding a sack full of edible provisions and coffee lying in the middle of the trail - left there by the humanity of a preceding pilgrimage for just such luckless followers. They took from it only the amount needed to reach Carson River. On their arrival there they were reduced to a half conscious state from lack of nutrition and nausea until they had slept long by the side of the trail. After resting and recuperating there they reached Placerville (“Hangtown”), Calif., Aug. 28, 1850 without money.
During the first year in Calif. William Francis Holcomb engaged in mining at many point with varying success; then went to Oregon, Vancouver, British Columbia and was soon back hunting, prospecting and mining in Northern Calif. until the Fall of 1859, when with his comrade, Jack Martin, and family, went to Los Angeles where, finding no work, all were most gloomy until they met a merchant friend there from “diggins” on Kern River, who found Martin a house for his family and soon heard through an old mountaineer here of “Bear Valley” 100 miles east, so-called from the numerous bear in it. They agreed to explore and prospect it. They had worked hard in California gold fields for nearly 10 years, making little more than current expenses. Holcomb’s capital for their new venture was little more than his horse and rifle. He and Martin left Los Angeles for Bear Valley, camping the second night near George Lord’s ranch on Little Creek; were directed up the Santa Ana River canyon to an old settler for further directions to Bear Valley, who told them that a party was already there.
Following the trail of its burros their horses floundered from the depth of the snow on the summit, but reached their camp in which were James Caldwell, Josiah Jones, Jack Elmore, James Ware, and Madison Chaney, who had found gold, but not in paying quantities. After prospecting until they had a substantial amount of gold dust Martin returned to Los Angeles via San Bernardino to bring his family and supplies.
Improvidently, - or from necessity, - at both towns he paid for substantial purchases for his family and for future mining activities with gold dust. At both places, this caused excitement and started other prospectors to Bear Valley.
Holcomb, finding provisions, other than venison, scarce in Bear Valley, decided to wait there for bear to come out in the Spring and stayed and worked on; climbed to summit of a divide of headwaters of Santa Ana and Mojave Rivers. There he saw a beautiful little valley 2 miles northerly, which he reported at camp, where companions jokingly named it “Holcomb’s Valley” by which name it has ever since been known. Companions offered to go with him to explore it. He took Dr. Whitlock with him two miles down the valley and bagged two monster grizzly bears. By crawling to within 35 yards of them he shot one and while the other sought to revive and run away afforded Holcomb time to quickly re-load his rifle. As the second bear stood up and sighted Holcomb the second shot killed it. Dr. Whitlock refused to go with him again because he took long risks. The mining camp smoke-house thereafter was not clear of bear meat while Holcomb worked there.
With another prospecting companion he found four bears feeding. He crept within a good range and killed one. The others fell to fighting each other and as he reloaded, rushed past within 20 feet of him until he killed another at the root of a tree which his companion had climbed. The other two escaped. He dressed the two bears and next day companions from camp came for the meat while Holcomb and another companion, equipped for prospecting the valley, shot another big grizzly about sundown, - only wounding it, the companion’s gun missing fire when it ran past him, darkness ending the pursuit. Next morning, taking up the trail of the wounded bear again, it led across a quartz ledge on which they stopped, examined and found gold.
A handkerchief filled with the dirt, panned in nearest water and others during the day, elated them with prospects. Their report at camp that night was celebrated with a bonfire. Holcomb returned next day, May 5, 1860, exactly ten years from date of his start from Iowa to Calif. in quest of gold, - and there, staked his claim.
This discovery spread like wildfire and the “rush” began. Log cabins began to appear at Bear Valley like magic, followed by stores, blacksmith shops, etc.
Holcomb gave to his companion, Jack Martin, his interest in the mine at Bear Valley and moved in a party of eight to new “gold diggins” in Holcomb Valley. There he camped on the main gulch between the upper and lower valleys May 10, 1860; unpacked and cooked dinner. Then he walked down the lower valley with his rifle; found four bears feeding; killed one, the other three fell to fighting over the carcass long enough to permit him to reload and fire until the four were killed.
He started washing gold here May 11, 1860, using rockers and so succeeded from the first that by July 10, 1860 Holcomb Valley was swarming with prospectors. A short road was built through Holcomb Pass to connect Bear and Holcomb Valleys. In 1861 there were 1,500 people in Holcomb Valley. Lumber made only by whip saw sold for $100 per thousand board feet.
Gold from these valleys and mountains was soon scattered in all avenues of trade. Strangers were told truthfully that miners were earning $5 to $10 each per day. Many new claims paid well. Stores and blacksmith shops were opened. Scarcity of water caused relocation in lower end of the valley where a comfortable log cabin was built to which “pay dirt’ was brought with horse and cart or in sacks on burros.
Belleville, a new town, arose from mines and water in the upper valley where the first celebration was held July 4.
Miners subscribed for construction of a road down the slope of a mountain to connect with a toll road through Cajon Pass and connected Bear and Holcomb valleys to bring in supplies. In the Presidential election of 1860, Belleville cast 100 votes.
Snow beginning Nov. 15, 1860 covered the valley five feet deep. Stores, butcher shops, restaurants and a hotel opened in Spring of 1861, followed by the usual bad men, saloons, gambling dens, etc. bringing disorder, endangering all, although of the 40 or more killings only 3 or 4 were innocent victims of the feuds, the bad element being mainly strangers. The protection by citizens from a mob attacking the constable, who killed a desperado in self-defense, and his acquittal, was notice ending a reign of bad men.
People coming to these mountains and valleys were mainly honest, industrious and anxious to earn.
The richest parts of the placer “diggins” were soon worked out and excitement subsided, but deeper placer workings and the building of several quartz mills in Bear and Holcomb valleys, - and in 1870 a stamp mill at Cold Mountain in Bear Valley, - all producing much gold raised the yield and increased the wealth of San Bernardino, Calif.
Holcomb and Dick Gird became the discoverers of the since famous Vulture Mine at Tombstone, Arizona in which he owned a one-third interest and worked there in 1863 and 1864. He collected only $500 for his interest in it, which has since yielded $8,000,000.00.
He next returned to San Bernardino, Calif. where he thereafter made his permanent home although he continued mining with success for several years. He owned a 14 acres farm at I St. and Base Line Road in San Bernardino, which he planted to fruit, making it thereby very valuable.
In the latter part of 1865 he was in consultation with Jack Martin, Yank Shadrick, and Dock Hemmenway who decided to drive away the Indians, who were lurking about the toll gate in the Cajon Canyon, which they had attacked. Leaving his family at the toll home they went in pursuit through Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Mountains down Rock Creek, over Elizabeth’s Lake to Tehachapi; lost trail and returned after 16 days campaign of exposure, fatigue, hunger or thirst.
The next raid of Indians was from the desert, plundering, stealing stock, destroying property and killing a Mexican at his home a few miles N.E. of San Bernardino. In pursuit a Mexican died of exhaustion at the top of the mountain and pursuit had to be abandoned to return his corpse.
Early in 1866 Pah, Ute and Chimahuavea tribes crossed the desert; invaded mountains; stealing and plundering and alarming settlers. Holcomb’s family lived in Bear Valley where he saw Indian tracks daily and had to conceal his fears from his family. He had to go to the city, 15 miles away and left Bill Kane with his family. While in the city dead bodies of three of the best known citizens of a nearby ranch were reported as found ambushed Mar. 25, 1866 while gathering their animals. Holcomb raced home, staggering in from fright and exhaustion to find his family safe, but took his family to the city and returned to work.
The saw mill west of Little Bear Valley was spied upon and Bill Kane’s house robbed and burned while he was away at work. Holcomb joined Sheriff A. J. Miller to trail these Indians but night came without finding them. Next day, the mill owners and Kane trailing them, Kane’s horse was wounded by an arrow, causing the horse to throw him and lose his gun.
A big Indian with bow bent, rushed on Kane, so disarmed, when Frank Talmage cooly pulled the trigger killing the Indian.
The next day an encounter was had in rocky bluffs, some being wounded. Consulting at night and reinforcements being had, the Indians were hemmed and 5 were captured, others escaping. The wounded were carried to San Bernardino, others continued pursuit encounters 8 escaping Indians. A few advanced to parley, when the 5 prisoners broke for liberty, all 13 being killed.
This ended Holcomb’s campaign of 32 days with them. The party returned by Cajon Pass and the Toll Gate through snow, sleet, hail, cold wins and hunger - greatly fatigued. At the Gate of the old Rocky Mountain hero, John Brown Sr., hospitality entertained them.
Thereafter the mountains remained safe and became a famous summer resort.
William Francis Holcomb became a lumberman in San Bernardino, Calif. in 1870; in 1872 was elected Assessor and Treasurer of San Bernardino Co., which office he held for the next 8 years. In this position, - to enforce payment of taxes by the Santa Fe R.R., - he chained one of its locomotives to the rails.
He next served as Superintendent of a mining ditch for the Tombstone Mill and Mining Co. in Arizona; was elected in 1882 County Clerk of San Bernardino; was re-elected, serving as ex-officio County Recorder, County Auditor, Clerk of Boards of Supervisors and equalizers; as vice-president, president and historian of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers from its organization, Jan. 21, 1888 until his death. The Society requested him Dec. 2, 1899 to write the “History of Bear and Holcomb Valleys”, which was published from his pen in installments and interviews, which he gave. In closing these, he recorded his gratitude for Divine protection throughout such a long life.
He married in San Bernardino Co., Calif., Nov. 8, 1860 Nancy Celicia Stewart, b. Adams Co., Ill. Mar. 25, 1838, and d. San Bernardino Co., Calif. Nov. 16, 1919, daughter of John M. and Mary (Nancy King?) _, who also “crossed the plains” from Utah.
William Francis Holcomb gave to each of his children a home and a heritage in his career of endurance, courage and accomplishment. He preserved almost a daily diary of his eventful life, now cherished by all Holcomb kin.
Excerpt from William's death notice:
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 1
Fri., Jan. 26, 1912
*Note: In columns 2-4, is published much of W. F. Holcomb’s dairy found in this biography section - but with additional details.)
Excerpts from: “Uncle Billy” Holcomb Tires of This Life
SEEKS FINAL REST FROM LINGERING ILLNESS
Prominent Figure in the early Settlement of This County
William Francis Holcomb, a pioneer of the San Bernardino valley, ended his earthly career last night at 9:30 o’clock by an act of his own hand, shooting himself with a rifle. He was breathing his last when members of the family found him with his hands folded across his breast.
The old gentleman, known as “Uncle Billy” to hundreds of people in the valley, had been sick for a couple of weeks and there possibly came to him a realization that his illness might end in death, or perhaps he might have to remain in retirement as an invalid. He arose from his bed, secured his rifle and stepped into an outer room, where he lay on the floor, and in an instant it was all over.
Great Friend of Boys
He was a great friend of the boys and was a member of the local council of the Boy Scouts. The boys never tired of listening to his accounts of fights with the Indians and with wild animals.
The deceased pioneer is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1860 in this city. She was the daughter of John M. Stewart. The children left to mourn the passing of their father are: W.W. Holcomb, F. I. Holcomb, of this city; C.S. Holcomb, of Banning; George V. Holcomb, of Chino; Mrs. Harley Swarthout, of this city, and Mrs. James Robinson of Santa Paula.
The Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 39 - (- takes up most of the page)
Excerpts from: How Bill Holcomb hit gold, became Uncle Billy
Bill, as we’ll call him in his younger days, got support from his uncle in talking Mom into permitting him to “go west, get rich and hustle back.”
No denying, 1860 was a big year. The South rose up in all its might. Down in Atlanta, old Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara were shaking things up. In May of that year, Bill Holcomb, now all of 29, got Holcomb Valley named after him - and found gold in it. About that time, a brave young widow, Nancy Stewart Dougall, took her baby and one cow and joined a wagon train in Utah. She was heading to rejoin her parents in booming Big Bear. She was all of 22.
Bill and nancy wed, as young people will do. The wedding party came down the hill into San Bernardino on November 8, 1860 - and got back up just in time to be snowed in for the winter. But if you’re young, newlywed, and have plenty of venison and bear steaks in icy storage, what’s wrong with being snowed in?
“Most people, “ says Beryl Holcomb, “think of Uncle Billy as being a wandering gold hunter, living off his rifle Old Smoke with wild game. But he was married, too - a family man.” - “Not every married man’s a family man,” I say. -“Read some of his letters”, she says.
And there, from the table with the rich spoor of Bill Holcomb’s long life, we read letters. -He had gone to San Francisco on business and thought that was a pretty swinging city. -He wrote he liked to take the Bible, which he knew nearly by heart, along on his trips.
-Lonely nights: he sleeps but there is “no baby” by his side, and no one to talk to when he eats his lonely breakfast of trout or fried rabbit. -Here was a letter, too, from his mother, written about the time Abe Lincoln was slain, telling Bill he could bring his family back, away from all those Western rowdies, and take over her farm when she died. Bill never got around to that offer.
I gingerly finger several disintegrating pocket diaries Bill kept: Nov. 29, 1880. Up late, slept to 10 a.m. Got breakfast, had fried trout - cold morning. -Tues., Nov. 30. I was awoke by cry - damn broke! I ran to mill to get help. Fixed by 11:30. Caught several big fish. Wrote wife. Nothing more.
Bill survived to become Uncle Billy and a noted man about town. He was a charter member of the San Bernardino Pioneer Society, when it was formed, jan. 21, 1888. He was a country fiddler - a real hoedowner - and his violin is still a treasured family heritage.
His deer rifle, Old Smoke, graces a family mantelpiece.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 9, Col. 1-3
Mon., Sep. 19, 1955
Excerpt from: Plaque Unveiled to Holcomb At Valley He Made Famous
Holcomb Valley, which 95 years ago was the scene of Southern California’s greatest gold rush, was visited Sunday by historically-minded residents from all parts of the Southland headed by some 100 members of E. Clampus Vitus, fun-loving group.
E.C. Cooper of Burbank, head of the Clampers, unveiled a bronze plaque to the memory of the gold’s discoverer, William Francis Holcomb. The plaque was set at a road intersection on the Hitchcock Ranch, less than 100 year’s from where Holcomb’s log cabin stood. The actual cabin is in a pasture away from the road.
Thirty-seven descendants of William Francis Holcomb, including his only surviving child, Mrs. Maymie Holcomb Robertson, were guests of honor at the plaque dedicatory ceremonies. They were introduced by Howard Holcomb of San Bernardino, former county supervisor.
RECALLS STORIES
Mrs. Robertson spoke briefly in appreciation of the plaque placing and recalled stories her father and mother had told of the early Holcomb Valley days.
Arthur Woodward of Altadena, who recently retired as chief curator of history at the Los Angeles County Museum, was chairman of the Sunday program and recounted how the E. Clampus Vitus organization had dedicated numerous similar plaques at outstanding sites of historic significance throughout the southern part of the state.
L. Burr Belden of The Sun-Telegram staff gave the dedicatory address, drawing on an autobiographical account by William Francis Holcomb of the discovery. Belden sketched the history of the gold rush from the first discovery to the date little more than a year later when Belleville, principal gold rush town, had a far larger population than San Bernardino.
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