Person Page - 155

     Pauline Erma Poates was born on 18 December 1904 at Arlington, NJ.¹ She was the daughter of Albert Ellsworth Poates and Anna Taylor Whiston. Pauline Erma Poates married Howell Dutton Holcombe, son of Worthington Eugene Holcombe and Rhetta Mae Pratt, on 25 May 1924 at Claremont, CA. Pauline Erma Poates died on 10 May 2000 at Winsted, Litchfield Co., CT, at age 95;

from the Idyllwild Town Crier


"The mother is a gardener „ planting the seeds of faith, truth and love that develop into the fairest flowers of her character: virtue and happiness in the lives of her children." J. H. Quinn

Pauline "Polly" E. Holcomb, 95, went into the sleep of death on Wednesday evening, May 10, 2000.

She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Dec. 18, 1904 and raised in New Hartford, Conn.

Mrs. Holcomb's maiden name was Poates, a name familiar to many old-time Idyllwilders. She and her husband, the late Howell "Hal" D. Holcomb, were owners of the Rustic Tavern in Idyllwild during the 1920s and 1930s. Losing it during the Great Depression in 1934, they moved to Northern California. They made their home in the Nevada City-Grass Valley area until 1973 when they sold their home and moved to Winsted, Conn., where they resided until their deaths.

Polly was beloved as a devoted wife, wonderful mother and friend to all.

Among her many accomplishments, gardening was her passion and her seeds of love will carry on indefinitely.

She always welcomed one and all into her home and heart. Her life revolved around her devotion to God and her dedicated service to Him for the past 60 years as a faithful witness of Jehovah.

She has been buried alongside her husband and numerous other relatives in the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery in Hemet.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters; and three children, Robert E. Holcomb, 2-year-old Howell D. Holcomb Jr. and 2-year-old Barbara Jean Holcomb.

She is survived by two daughters, Pauli Jayné and Penny Hurley and her husband Mickey Hurley, all of Winsted, Conn; a daughter-in-law, Jennie Holcomb of Carmichael, Calif; 10 grandchildren, Wendy Marchetti of Grass Valley, Glenn Holcomb of Oxford, N.Y., Karen Servin of Torrington, Conn., Michael Jayne of Atlanta, Patti Fugitt of Roseville, Calif., Rhonda Magdych of Cortland, Ohio, Jehu Mubarek of Winsted, Conn., and Jennifer, Christopher and Jonathan Hurley, all of Winsted, Conn; 18 great- grandchildren, Tessa and Megan Marchetti, both of Calif., Blythe and Darcie Holcomb, both of N.Y., Jared and Benjamin Servin, both of Torrington, Conn., Damon, Trevor and Mikele Jayne, all of Calif., Megan Searles of Vt., Micaiah, Brit, Sunnybrook and Collette Fugitt, all of Calif., Mathinyah, Aimalee and Royce Magdych, all of Ohio, and Jordyn Taylor Hurley of Winsted, Conn; and many nieces and nephews, including the Johnson family who are widely known in Idyllwild.¹

She was buried at San Jaciinto Valley Cemetery, Hemet, CA.

from the Idyllwild Town Crier


The mother is a gardener „ planting the seeds of faith, truth and love that develop into the fairest flowers of her character: virtue and happiness in the lives of her children." J. H. Quinn

Pauline "Polly" E. Holcomb, 95, went into the sleep of death on Wednesday evening, May 10, 2000.

She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Dec. 18, 1904 and raised in New Hartford, Conn.

Mrs. Holcomb's maiden name was Poates, a name familiar to many old-time Idyllwilders. She and her husband, the late Howell "Hal" D. Holcomb, were owners of the Rustic Tavern in Idyllwild during the 1920s and 1930s. Losing it during the Great Depression in 1934, they moved to Northern California. They made their home in the Nevada City-Grass Valley area until 1973 when they sold their home and moved to Winsted, Conn., where they resided until their deaths.

Polly was beloved as a devoted wife, wonderful mother and friend to all.

Among her many accomplishments, gardening was her passion and her seeds of love will carry on indefinitely.

She always welcomed one and all into her home and heart. Her life revolved around her devotion to God and her dedicated service to Him for the past 60 years as a faithful witness of Jehovah.

She has been buried alongside her husband and numerous other relatives in the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery in Hemet.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters; and three children, Robert E. Holcomb, 2-year-old Howell D. Holcomb Jr. and 2-year-old Barbara Jean Holcomb.

She is survived by two daughters, Pauli Jayné and Penny Hurley and her husband Mickey Hurley, all of Winsted, Conn; a daughter-in-law, Jennie Holcomb of Carmichael, Calif; 10 grandchildren, Wendy Marchetti of Grass Valley, Glenn Holcomb of Oxford, N.Y., Karen Servin of Torrington, Conn., Michael Jayne of Atlanta, Patti Fugitt of Roseville, Calif., Rhonda Magdych of Cortland, Ohio, Jehu Mubarek of Winsted, Conn., and Jennifer, Christopher and Jonathan Hurley, all of Winsted, Conn; 18 great- grandchildren, Tessa and Megan Marchetti, both of Calif., Blythe and Darcie Holcomb, both of N.Y., Jared and Benjamin Servin, both of Torrington, Conn., Damon, Trevor and Mikele Jayne, all of Calif., Megan Searles of Vt., Micaiah, Brit, Sunnybrook and Collette Fugitt, all of Calif., Mathinyah, Aimalee and Royce Magdych, all of Ohio, and Jordyn Taylor Hurley of Winsted, Conn; and many nieces and nephews, including the Johnson family who are widely known in Idyllwild.

     Robert Eugene Holcombe was born on 13 May 1926 at Long Beach, CA. He was the son of Howell Dutton Holcombe and Pauline Erma Poates. Robert Eugene Holcombe lived in 1988 at 3324 Mount Glen Court, Carmichael, CA. He died on 4 March 1994 at Carmichael, Sacramento Co., CA, at age 67.²

Robert was a Volvo automobile specialist, interested in mechanics; Bible research; Jehovah's Witness; golf, books, building autos and redesigning them.

     Barbara Jean Holcombe was born on 2 April 1929 at Long Beach, CA. She was the daughter of Howell Dutton Holcombe and Pauline Erma Poates. Barbara Jean Holcombe died on 4 March 1931 at age 1. She was buried at San Jacinto Cemetery, Hemet, CA.

     Howell Dutton Holcombe Jr. was born on 14 September 1940 at Grass Valley, Nevada Co., CA. He was the son of Howell Dutton Holcombe and Pauline Erma Poates. Howell Dutton Holcombe Jr. died on 2 June 1942 at age 1. He was buried at San Jacinto Cemetery, Hemet, CA.

     Jennie Almira Bradley was born on 14 November 1910 at Huntsville, Canaan, CT. She was the daughter of Leighton Bradley and Jennie Benson. Jennie Almira Bradley married Burton Avery Holcombe, son of Louis Herman Holcombe and Grace King Jennings, on 25 November 1930 at Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT. Jennie Almira Bradley died on 10 July 1980 at Sheffield, MA, at age 69. She was buried at Lee Memorial Cemetery, Southfield, New Marlborough, MA.

     Leighton Bradley married Jennie Benson.

     Jennie Benson married Leighton Bradley.

     Charlotte Elizabeth Holcombe was born on 12 February 1933 at Granby, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Burton Avery Holcombe and Jennie Almira Bradley. Charlotte Elizabeth Holcombe died on 19 August 2000 at Canaan, Litchfield Co., CT, at age 67.² They lived in Monterey, MA, but their mailing address is Canaan, CT; Charlotte crochets all sorts of beautiful things.

     Donald Lewis Holcombe was born on 11 June 1935 at Firetown Road, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Burton Avery Holcombe and Jennie Almira Bradley. Donald Lewis Holcombe died on 8 November 2009 at Bayside Medicl Center, Springfield, Hampden Co., MA, at age 74. He was buried at Saint Bridgets Cemetery, Great Barrington, Berkshire Co., MA.²


From the Courant on November 11, 2009:

Donald L. Holcomb, 74, of 226 Prospect St., Housatonic, Massachusetts, died Sunday, (November 8, 2009), at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. He was born in Simsbury, CT on June 11, 1935, son of Burton and Jennie Bradley Holcomb. He was a 1953 graduate of the former Sheffield High School. During the Korean War he served his country in the Army. He was employed by Sheffield Plastics as an inspector, retiring in 1997. Donald was a communicant of the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish and a member of Wyantenuck Country Club. Donald leaves his wife of 51 years, the former Jeanne M. Bertoli; three sons, Stephen and his wife, Beth Ann and their children, Juliana and Michael of South Windsor, CT, Thomas and his companion, Helen of Vista, California, and Peter and his wife, Tracy, and their children, Joshua and Olivia of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; four brothers, Edwin and Edmund, both of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Frank, of Bradenton, Florida., and Ernest Louison, of Brooklyn, New York; three sisters, Edythe Gerard, of Housatonic, Massachusetts, Eleanor VanDeusen, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and Susan J. Bryson, of Bradenton, Florida; several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was pre-deceased by one sister, Charlotte Rood. Funeral Services for Donald L. Holcomb, who died November 8, will be held on Thursday, November 12, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parrish, with the Reverend William P. Murphy, pastor officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11, from 4-7 p.m., at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, memorial expressions of sympathy may be made to the Southern Berkshire Elderly Transportation Association or to the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish Improvement Fund, in care of the funeral home, at 33 South St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230.

     Frank Bradley Holcombe was born on 31 August 1945 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Burton Avery Holcombe and Jennie Almira Bradley. Frank Bradley Holcombe died on 11 September 2016 at Bradenton, Manatee Co., FL, at age 71.

Frank was formerly on the police force, Great Barrington; he has been in law enforcement in Van Nuys, CA; now is director of parking at UC-SanDiego and has his own home page. He likes to play golf.

     Laviran Manning was born on 24 October 1915 at Revere, MA.¹ She was the daughter of Eugene Manning and Nina Clark. Laviran Manning married Orvis Gray Holcombe, son of Louis Herman Holcombe and Grace King Jennings, on 4 June 1933 at Congregational Church, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT. Laviran Manning died on 10 March 2003 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 87.¹ She was buried on 13 March 2003 at Simsbury Cemetery, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.^1,2

From the Hartford Courant, 12 March 2003:

Laviran (Manning) Holcomb, 87, of Higley Village, East Granby, wife of the late Orvis Gray Holcomb and mother of the late, Orvis E. Holcomb, Jr. and Eugene Holcomb, died Monday, (March 10, 2003) at Hartford Hospital. She was born October 24, 1915 in Revere, MA, daughter of the late Eugene and Nina (Clark) Manning and had lived in East Granby for over 15 years. She is survived by three daughters, Betty M. Duplin of Bloomfield, Helen Dashno of Concord, NC and Gladys Piette of Westfield, MA; several grandchildren; and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Thursday, March 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Roger Nicholson, officiating. Burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery, Simsbury. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, Connecticut Affiliate, P.O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492-7522.

     Orvis Eugene Holcombe was born on 8 December 1939 at Torrington, Litchfield Co., CT. He was the son of Orvis Gray Holcombe and Laviran Manning. Orvis Eugene Holcombe married Judith Ann Christian, daughter of Adrian Christian and Gladys Hargraves, on 9 September 1967 at Rockville, Tolland Co., CT. Orvis Eugene Holcombe died on 26 August 2001 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 61.² He was buried on 31 August 2001 at Simsbury Cemetery, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.³

from the Hartford Courant 28 Aug 2001, page b6:

Orvis had lived in Manchester prior to moving to East Granby four years ago. Mr. Holcomb was employed at Superior Sales in South Windsor; an avid racing fan at Stafford Motor Speedway, and enjoyed NASCAR racing. Besides his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Tina H. Hogan of Manchester, and Vicky Holcomb of East Hartford; two sons, Michael Holcomb of East Hartford and Jimmy Holcomb of East Granby; three sisters, Gladys Piette of Westfield, MA, Betty Duplin of Bloomfield, and Helen Dashno of Concord, NC; and ten grandchildren, Nicole, Alyssa, AJ, TJ, Maryssa, Dakota, Cheyanne, Corey, Destinee and Ryan. He was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Holcomb. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Thursday, August 30, 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be Friday, August 31, 10 a.m., at the Vincent Funeral Home, Simsbury. Burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004.

     Eugene Lewis Holcombe was born on 27 January 1943.² He was the son of Orvis Gray Holcombe and Laviran Manning. Eugene Lewis Holcombe lived in 1961 at 765 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT. He died on 10 February 1985 at Westfield, MA, at age 42.² He was buried at Center Cemetery, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.

     Mary Gridley was born on 9 November 1721 at Farmington. She was the daughter of John Gridley and Elizabeth Ellsworth. Mary Gridley married Abel Hawley on 19 August 1742 at Farmington. Mary Gridley died on 4 September 1753 at age 31.

     Abel Hawley was born on 20 October 1716 at Farmington. He married Mary Gridley, daughter of John Gridley and Elizabeth Ellsworth, on 19 August 1742 at Farmington. Abel Hawley died on 11 November 1799 at Meriden, CT, at age 83.

     Ezekiel Hawley was born on 14 October 1752 at Meriden, CT. He was the son of Abel Hawley and Mary Gridley. Ezekiel Hawley married Huldah Spicer on 17 September 1778. Ezekiel Hawley died on 21 September 1822 at Waitsfield, VT, at age 69.

     Huldah Spicer was born on 22 May 1760. She married Ezekiel Hawley, son of Abel Hawley and Mary Gridley, on 17 September 1778. Huldah Spicer died on 9 August 1797 at Waitsfield, VT, at age 37.

     Maj. James Fitch was born on 2 August 1649 at Saybrook, New London Co., CT. He was the son of Rev. James Fitch and Abigail Whitfield.³ Maj. James Fitch married Elizabeth Mason, daughter of Maj. John Mason and Ann Peck, in January 1676 at Norwich, New London Co., CT. Maj. James Fitch married Alice Bradford, daughter of Major William Bradford and Alice Richards, on 8 May 1687 at Canterbury, Windham Co., CT.⁴ Maj. James Fitch died on 10 November 1727 at Canterbury, Windham Co., CT, at age 78.

     Elizabeth Mason was born in August 1654 at Saybrook, New London Co., CT. She was the daughter of Maj. John Mason and Ann Peck. Elizabeth Mason married Maj. James Fitch, son of Rev. James Fitch and Abigail Whitfield, in January 1676 at Norwich, New London Co., CT.

     Rev. James Fitch was born on 24 December 1622 at Bocking, Co. Essex, England.² He was the son of Thomas Fitch and Anna Reeve. Rev. James Fitch married Abigail Whitfield in October 1648 at Saybrook, New London Co., CT.² Rev. James Fitch married Priscilla Mason, daughter of Maj. John Mason and Ann Peck, in October 1664 at Norwich, New London Co., CT.² Rev. James Fitch died on 18 November 1702 at Lebanon, New London Co., CT, at age 79.² He was buried at Old Cemetery, Lebanon, New London Co., CT.³

     Abigail Whitfield was born on 1 September 1622 at England. She married Rev. James Fitch, son of Thomas Fitch and Anna Reeve, in October 1648 at Saybrook, New London Co., CT.¹ Abigail Whitfield died on 9 September 1659 at Middlesex Co., CT, at age 37. She was buried at Saybrook Point, Middlesex Co., CT.²

     Capt. Joseph Fitch was born circa 1630 at Bocking, Co. Essex, England.¹ He was the son of Thomas Fitch and Anna Reeve. Capt. Joseph Fitch married Mary Stone, daughter of Rev. Samuel Stone and /Unknown/ (?), before December 1657 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.¹ Capt. Joseph Fitch died before 3 October 1727 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.¹

     Mary Stone was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Stone and /Unknown/ (?) Mary Stone married Capt. Joseph Fitch, son of Thomas Fitch and Anna Reeve, before December 1657 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.¹

     Thomas Fitch married Anna Reeve.

     Thomas Fitch was the son of Thomas Fitch and Anna Reeve. Thomas settled in Norwalk, Ct; was in 1663 its wealthiest citizen, and from whom a line of 3 generations, each bearing the same surname, descended Thomas Fitch, Gov. of the Col., 1754-60.

     Deacon Abner Reed was born on 13 November 1771 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Ebenezer Reed and Mary Fitch.

     Charlotte Sophia Reed was the daughter of Deacon Abner Reed and Elizabeth Loring. Charlotte Sophia Reed married Samuel Stiles, son of Asahel Stiles Capt. and Tryphena Chapin, in June 1825. Charlotte Sophia Reed died on 9 June 1869 at New York City, NY.

     Samuel Stiles was born on 15 July 1796 at East Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Asahel Stiles Capt. and Tryphena Chapin. Samuel Stiles married Charlotte Sophia Reed, daughter of Deacon Abner Reed and Elizabeth Loring, in June 1825. Samuel Stiles died on 3 April 1861 at New York City, NY, at age 64.

     Asahel Stiles Capt. married Tryphena Chapin. Asahel Stiles Capt. was born on 2 May 1753. He was the son of Israel Stiles and Martha Rockwell. Asahel Stiles Capt. died on 29 November 1833 at age 80.

     Tryphena Chapin married Asahel Stiles Capt., son of Israel Stiles and Martha Rockwell. Tryphena Chapin died on 21 April 1831 at East Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.

     Israel Stiles was born on 13 September 1719. He was the son of Lieut. John Stiles and Mary Osborn. Israel Stiles married Martha Rockwell, daughter of John Rockwell and Anne Skinner, circa 1748. Israel Stiles died on 13 September 1794 at age 75.

     Martha Rockwell was born on 28 August 1720. She was the daughter of John Rockwell and Anne Skinner. Martha Rockwell married Israel Stiles, son of Lieut. John Stiles and Mary Osborn, circa 1748. Martha Rockwell died on 3 December 1790 at age 70.

     Lieut. John Stiles was born on 17 December 1692 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of John Stiles and Ruth Bancroft. Lieut. John Stiles died on 20 July 1763 at East Windsor, Hartford Co., CT, at age 70.

     Dorcas Burt married John Stiles, son of John Stiles and Rachel (?), on 28 August 1658.