George Riley Holcomb, 80, who conducted the first shoe repair business in Urbandale, died of apoplexy this morning at 5:30 o'clock at his home, 72 Henry. He suffered a stroke of paralysis nearly six years ago and had been in poor health since that time. He was able to get about in a wheelchair.

Mr. Holcomb first came to Battle Creek about 26 years ago and bought a home In Urbandale. He opened a shoe repair business at about 112 East Main (now East Michigan avenue), but later moved the business to Urbandale. There he built a small wooden structure on the corner of West Michigan avenue and Bedford road, near where the lnterurban tracks used to run.

After his stroke, Mr. Holcomb sold his business to Don Lockwood.

Mr. Holcomb was born in Cleveland, December 27, 1853. For many years he owned a farm near North Wheeler in Midland county. Just before he came to Battle Creek he went to Montana and staked out a claim, but after about three years, sold the property and came here. Mrs. Holcomb died on April 2.

Surviving Mr. Holcomb are three daughters. Mrs. Aura C. Lyman of Dayton, Wash., Mrs. Clessa Bracey of 76 Henry, and Mrs. Bonnie Haywood of 702 East Michigan avenue: three sons, Rollin and Floyd R. of Vancouver, Wash., and Harley M., of 70 South avenue; one sister, Mrs. Adelia Holcomb of Hastings, who had made her home with him since his wife died.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Dowling church with the Rev. Ira S. Carley in charge. Burial will be made in the Dowling cemetery.

from Battle Creek Enquirer (Battle Creek, Michigan) 22 Aug 1934, Wed • Page 14

George Riley Holcomb, 80, who conducted the first shoe repair business in Urbandale, died of apoplexy this morning at 5:30 o'clock at his home, 72 Henry. He suffered a stroke of paralysis nearly six years ago and had been in poor health since that time. He was able to get about in a wheelchair.

Mr. Holcomb first came to Battle Creek about 26 years ago and bought a home In Urbandale. He opened a shoe repair business at about 112 East Main (now East Michigan avenue), but later moved the business to Urbandale. There he built a small wooden structure on the corner of West Michigan avenue and Bedford road, near where the lnterurban tracks used to run.

After his stroke, Mr. Holcomb sold his business to Don Lockwood.

Mr. Holcomb was born in Cleveland, December 27, 1853. For many years he owned a farm near North Wheeler in Midland county. Just before he came to Battle Creek he went to Montana and staked out a claim, but after about three years, sold the property and came here. Mrs. Holcomb died on April 2.

Surviving Mr. Holcomb are three daughters. Mrs. Aura C. Lyman of Dayton, Wash., Mrs. Clessa Bracey of 76 Henry, and Mrs. Bonnie Haywood of 702 East Michigan avenue: three sons, Rollin and Floyd R. of Vancouver, Wash., and Harley M., of 70 South avenue; one sister, Mrs. Adelia Holcomb of Hastings, who had made her home with him since his wife died.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Dowling church with the Rev. Ira S. Carley in charge. Burial will be made in the Dowling cemetery.

from Battle Creek Enquirer (Battle Creek, Michigan) 22 Aug 1934, Wed • Page 14