Person Page - 370

     Neville Irene Holcombe was born on 26 August 1914. She was the daughter of George Noble Holcombe and Lurley S. Morrison. Neville Irene Holcombe died on 4 October 1996 at Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, at age 82.¹

     Lurley Helen Holcombe was born on 1 November 1920. She was the daughter of George Noble Holcombe and Lurley S. Morrison. Lurley Helen Holcombe died on 10 March 1957 at San Antonio, TX, at age 36.

     George Noble Holcombe Jr. was born on 25 July 1918 at Richland, OR. He was the son of George Noble Holcombe and Lurley S. Morrison. George Noble Holcombe Jr. married Wadean Modell Rohner, daughter of William H. Rohner and Bertha (?), on 12 July 1942 at Wingville, Baker Co., OR. George Noble Holcombe Jr. died on 30 October 1995 at Baker City, OR, at age 77.

Additional information on this family is from correspondence with Wadean M. Holcomb.

     Wadean Modell Rohner was born on 1 May 1921 at Wingville, Baker Co., OR. She was the daughter of William H. Rohner and Bertha (?) Wadean Modell Rohner married George Noble Holcombe Jr., son of George Noble Holcombe and Lurley S. Morrison, on 12 July 1942 at Wingville, Baker Co., OR. Wadean Modell Rohner died on 2 February 2017 at Richland, Baker Co., OR, at age 95. She was buried at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Richland, Baker Co., OR.²

Wadean Modell Rohner Holcomb, 95, a Baker County resident for more than 90 years, died Jan. 12, 2017, at Ashley Manor Living Facility with her family at her bedside. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Richland Christian Church. Pastor Gordon Bond will officiate. There will be a reception afterward at the church’s Fellowship Hall. Wadean was born on May 1, 1921, at Wingville to William Henry Rohner and Bertha Tanner Rohner. She was raised at Wingville where she learned her hard work ethic on the family farm. Her many outdoor tasks included milking the cows and tending the chickens.
She married George Noble Holcomb on July 12, 1942, at Wingville. They resided at the Holcomb Ranch in Richland where they operated a sheep ranch that later became a full-time cattle ranch. Wadean contributed to the ranch by being a homemaker, which included preparing meals for the lambing crews, keeping a plentiful garden and preserving the harvest. Wadean attended Baker High School and Baker Business College. She studied home economics at Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) for two years. She was a member of the Baker County Garden Club and the Order of Eastern Star, Esther Chapter 11. She was blessed with a keen mind until recent years. Her many interests included her love of gardening and cooking. She was patriotic; the respect and honor she demonstrated to our U.S. military was without waver. In 2012, Wadean’s wish materialized as the John Holcomb Memorial Park was dedicated at Richland. She had a great love for Baker County and considered it “God’s country.” Wadean lived through the Great Depression during her early life and that helped to form her conservative frugal nature and the ideology of saving for a rainy day that she practiced daily.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two sons, John Noble and William Dean “Bill.” Survivors include her sister, Gloria Linebaugh of Bend; daughter-in-law, Wanda Holcomb of Richland; three granddaughters, Shannon (Marin) Miller, Gloria (Carlos) Montes and Christy Holcomb; and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Eagle Valley Ambulance or a charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. To light a candle in memory of Wadean, go to www.grayswestco.com.

     John Noble Holcombe was born on 11 June 1946 at Baker, OR. He was the son of George Noble Holcombe Jr. and Wadean Modell Rohner. John Noble Holcombe died on 3 December 1968 at Quan Loi, Vietnam, at age 22. He was buried at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Richland, Baker Co., OR.²

from the History of Baker County, Oregon

"John was outstanding in 4-H activities as well as athletics during his school years at Eagle Valley High School. He attended Eastern Oregon College and Oregon State University. In 1966 John enlisted in the United States Army and upon completion of his basic and advanced training he was ordered to Germany, where he served in the 3rd Armored Division until he was ordered to Vietnam in march of 1968. In Vietnam he was awarded two Bronze Stars with "V" device (for Valor), two Air Medals, Army Commendation with "V" device, Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart. On February 16, 1971, his parents and brother, Bill, were presented the Medal of Honor in ceremonies in the East room of the White House for his valorous action on December 3, 1968."

He served in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Calvary Division.

his citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Holcomb distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company D during a combat assault mission. Sgt. Holcomb's company assault had landed by helicopter and deployed into a hasty defensive position to organize for a reconnaissance-in-force mission when it was attacked from 3 sides by an estimated battalion-size enemy force. Sgt. Holcomb's squad was directly in the path of the main enemy attack. With complete disregard for the heavy fire, Sgt. Holcomb moved among his men giving encouragement and directing fire on the assaulting enemy. When his machine gunner was knocked out, Sgt. Holcomb seized the weapon ran to a forward edge of the position, and placed withering fire on the enemy. His gallant actions caused the enemy to withdraw. Sgt. Holcomb treated and carried his wounded to a position of safety and reorganized his defensive sector despite a raging grass fire ignited by the incoming enemy mortar and rocket rounds. When the enemy assaulted the position a second time, Sgt. Holcomb again manned the forward machinegun, devastating the enemy attack and forcing the enemy to again break contact and withdraw. During the enemy withdrawal an enemy rocket hit Sgt. Holcomb's position, destroying his machinegun and severely wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, Sgt. Holcomb crawled through the grass fire and exploding mortar and rocket rounds to move the members of his squad, everyone of whom had been woulded, to more secure positions. Although grievously wounded and sustained solely by his indomitable will and courage, Sgt. Holcomb as the last surviving leader of his platoon organized his men to repel the enemy, crawled to the platoon radio and reported the third enemy assault on his position. His report brought friendly supporting fires on the charging enemy and broke the enemy attack. Sgt. Holcomb's inspiring leadership, fighting spirit, in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."

     William Dean Holcombe was born on 5 December 1947 at Baker, Baker Co., OR. He was the son of George Noble Holcombe Jr. and Wadean Modell Rohner. William Dean Holcombe died on 21 January 2015 at Boise, Ada Co., ID, at age 67.¹ He was buried on 31 January 2015 at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Richland, Baker Co., OR.¹

Obituary - William Dean Holcomb, 67, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 in Boise, ID from respiratory failure. A Memorial Service ~ Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Richland Christian Church in Richland, Oregon. Interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception to be held immediately following the interment in the fellowship hall at the Richland Christian Church. William “Bill” Holcomb was born in Baker City, Oregon on December 5, 1947 to George and Wadean (Rohner) Holcomb. Bill grew up in Richland, Oregon where he attended Richland Elementary and graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1966. After high school Bill enlisted in the Army and served in Korea for 3 years.

After his stint in the service Bill married Marti Davis and had three daughters. He pursued an Associate's degree from Blue Mountain Community College in Animal and Agricultural management. During these years, Bill worked in Richland and also at the feed lot in Boardman. He and Marti divorced in the early 80's.

Bill later married Wanda (McAfee-Draze) on November 5, 1990 in Naknek, Alaska. They made their home in Basque, Oregon where Bill was employed by ODOT for 19 years, he retired in 2012. Bill and Wanda moved back to Richland in 2012.

Bill enjoyed many things in life including the outdoors, animals, team roping, ranch and farm work. He especially enjoyed hunting with his wife Wanda and his cousin Noble Keist. Bill had a great smile and big laugh; he always enjoyed a good party.

He was preceded in death by his father George Holcomb and brother John Holcomb.

Bill is survived by his wife Wanda; children; Shannon (Marin) Miller and children Louden, Aislynn and Liam of Tacoma, WA; Gloria (Carlos) Montes and children Davis, Saxon and Teague of Canby, Oregon; and Christy Holcomb of Portland, Oregon; Step Children: Ken (Trish) Draze of Ontario Oregon; Darlene Draze and children Brittani, Courtney, Christopher and Jordan of Fairbanks, Alaska; Joe (Jen) Draze and daughter Sarah of Meridian, Idaho; and Kris (Tim) Hank and children Jamie and Timothy of Anchorage, Alaska; one great grandson Aden; his mother Wadean Holcomb of Baker City, Oregon and favorite Aunt Gloria Linebaugh of Bend, Oregon; and numerous cousins.

     Thomas Stoughton was baptized on 9 July 1593 at Naughton parish, Suffolk, England.¹ He was the son of Rev. Thomas Stoughton.¹ Thomas Stoughton married Elizabeth Montpesan circa 1612.¹ Thomas Stoughton died on 25 March 1661 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT, at age 67.

Thomas grew up in a home where the burning religious issues of the times were discussed. He had two brothers, John, who was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, who became a minister, with "obnoxious views", objectionable to the government, and Israel, who emigrated to New England, probably about 1633. Israel returned to England, about 1643, to support Oliver Cromwell against the crown.


Thomas Stoughton came on the Mary and John in 1630, with children, Thomas Jr., Katherine and possibly his first wife, although she may have died in England. He became a freeman in Dorchester on 18 May 1631 and he served in the General Court until 1634. The same year he was one of ten persons chosen to "order the affairs of the plantation." His first service began on 23 Sept. 1630, when he was chosen Constable of Dorchester. Soon after, he was fined 5 pounds and sentenced to be jailed until his fine was paid, for marrying Clement Briggs & Joane Allen. He did not pay the fine, nor was he jailed, and in 1638 the fine was rescinded. Never the less, he was regarded as a man of "Prominence, property & social distinction," and was referred to as "ancient, which signified Ensign or standard bearer in a military company.


When the religious dissention began in Dorchester, Thomas, along with Henry Wolcott, Mr. Newberry, Roger Ludlow and John Mason, were appointed to establish a new settlement on the Connecticut River, near the Plymouth Trading Post. These men defrayed most of the expenses of the migration, and the new plantation. This settlement became known as Windsor, Conn. Some of the people moved in 1635 and the others followed in 1636. In that year Thomas was chosen to establish the boundaries of Windsor. He was elected to the court in 1638 and served until 1648, during which tie he was elected 11 times. ²³

     Anna Morton was born circa 1679.¹ She married Capt. Joseph Drake, son of John Drake and Hannah Moore, after 22 March 1695. Anna Morton died on 28 August 1717.¹

     Loomis does not mention this Benjamin's wife, but see TAG for an extensive explanation. Benjamin Loomis was born on 20 May 1679 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd. Benjamin Loomis married Ann Fitch, daughter of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone, on 6 January 1703.

     Samuel Fitch was born circa 1680. He was the son of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹

     Nathaniel Fitch was born on 17 March 1668. He was the son of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹ Nathaniel Fitch married Abigail Buttolph, daughter of Lt. John Buttolph and Hannah Gardener, on 23 November 1718 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. Nathaniel Fitch married Susannah Hills, daughter of Joseph Hills and Hannah Edwards, after 1726. Nathaniel Fitch died after 1742.

     Abigail Buttolph was born on 3 April 1683. She was the daughter of Lt. John Buttolph and Hannah Gardener. Abigail Buttolph married Nathaniel Fitch, son of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone, on 23 November 1718 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. Abigail Buttolph died on 4 April 1719 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT, at age 36.

     According to Gale Ion Harris in NEHGR, Susannah and her cousin Thomas had five children. Susannah's age at death is from her gravestone. Susannah Hills was born circa 1680. She was the daughter of Joseph Hills and Hannah Edwards. Susannah Hills married Thomas Kilbourn, son of Sgt. Thomas Kilbourn and Hannah Hills, on 1 February 1699/0 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. Susannah Hills married Nathaniel Fitch, son of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone, after 1726. Susannah Hills died on 11 February 1748/49 at East Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.

     Joseph's age at death, "64", is from his gravestone in the Glastonbury Green Cemetery, as cited by Dr. Harris. Joseph Hills was the son of William Hills and Mary (?) Joseph Hills was baptized on 17 March 1649/50 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He married Hannah Edwards, daughter of John Edwards and Dorothy Moulton, circa 1676. Joseph Hills married Mehitable Hinsdale, daughter of Samuel Hinsdale and Mehitabel Johnson, circa 1699. Joseph Hills married Elizabeth (?) circa 1702. Joseph Hills died on 8 November 1713 at Glastonbury, Hartford Co., CT.

     Thomas Kilbourn was born circa 1677. He was the son of Sgt. Thomas Kilbourn and Hannah Hills. Thomas Kilbourn married Susannah Hills, daughter of Joseph Hills and Hannah Edwards, on 1 February 1699/0 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. Thomas Kilbourn died on 3 October 1712.

     Rebecca Fitch was born in March 1663. She was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹

     Lydia Fitch was born say 1659.¹ She was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹

     Mary Fitch was born circa December 1657. She was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹ Mary Fitch married Samuel Burnham, son of Thomas Burnham and Anna Wright, by January 2, 1686/7.

     Joseph Fitch married Ann Porter, daughter of John Porter III and Joanna Gaylord. Joseph Fitch was born on 20 February 1665/66 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Capt. Joseph Fitch and Mary Stone.¹

     Dorothy Colt was born say 1672.³ She was the daughter of John Colt Sr. and Hester Edwards.³ Dorothy Colt married John Sparks before 4 November 1694.³ Dorothy Colt married John Parsons, son of William Parsons and Hannah Parkes, on 27 May 1712 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. Dorothy Colt died on 10 October 1712 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.³

     Benjamin Colt was born circa April 1669 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.² He was the son of John Colt Sr. and Hester Edwards.² Benjamin Colt died between 16 May 1739 and 30 June 1739 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.²

     Lydia Colt was born say 1678.² She was the daughter of John Colt Sr. and Hester Edwards.² Lydia Colt married Richard Fox Jr. in March 1704/5 at Glastonbury, Hartford Co., CT.² Lydia Colt died on 1 June 1712 at Glastonbury, Hartford Co., CT.²

     Samuel Colt was born in 1705. He was the son of John Colt Jr. and Sarah Lord. Samuel Colt died on 23 February 1743.

     Ruth Loomis was born on 16 October 1665 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.³ She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd. Ruth Loomis married Joseph Colt, son of John Colt Sr. and Hester Edwards, on 29 October 1691 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.³

     Hannah Loomis was born on 8 February 1657/58 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Hannah Fox. Hannah Loomis married Philip Judd, son of Thomas Judd, by 1681.

     Philip Judd was born in 1649.² He was the son of Thomas Judd. Philip Judd married Hannah Loomis, daughter of Thomas Loomis and Hannah Fox, by 1681. Philip Judd died in 1689 at Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT.²

     Mary Loomis was born on 16 January 1659/60 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.² She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Hannah Fox. Mary Loomis married Michael Taintor, son of Michael Taintor and Elizabeth (?), on 3 April 1679.^3,2 Mary Loomis died on 11 May 1695 at age 35.^3,2

     Michael Taintor was born in October 1652.¹ He was the son of Michael Taintor and Elizabeth (?) Michael Taintor married Mary Loomis, daughter of Thomas Loomis and Hannah Fox, on 3 April 1679.^1,2 Michael Taintor died in February 1730 at age 77.¹

     Elizabeth Loomis was born on 21 January 1663 or 1664 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd. Elizabeth Loomis married John Lee, son of John Lee and Mary Hart, on 27 December 1682.²

     John Lee was born on 11 June 1659. He was the son of John Lee and Mary Hart. John Lee married Elizabeth Loomis, daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd, on 27 December 1682.² John Lee died on 24 April 1723 at age 63.²

     Sarah Loomis was born on 1 February 1667 or 1668 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd. Sarah Loomis married Wakefield Dibble on 27 December 1692. Sarah Loomis died in 1693.

     Jeremiah Loomis was born on 3 July 1670 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd. Jeremiah Loomis died on 16 October 1672 at age 2.

     Wakefield Dibble was born on 15 September 1667. He married Sarah Loomis, daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd, on 27 December 1692.

     Mabel Loomis was born on 27 October 1672 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd.

     Mindwell Loomis was born on 6 August 1676 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Thomas Loomis and Mary Judd.

     Elizabeth Loomis was born on 7 August 1655 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.² She was the daughter of Nathaniel Loomis and Elizabeth Moore. Elizabeth Loomis married William Burnham, son of Thomas Burnham and Anna Wright, on 28 June 1681 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.³ Elizabeth Loomis died on 19 November 1717 at age 62.²

     William Burnham was born between November 1645 and October 1646. He was the son of Thomas Burnham and Anna Wright. William Burnham married Elizabeth Loomis, daughter of Nathaniel Loomis and Elizabeth Moore, on 28 June 1681 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.¹ William Burnham died after 5 July 1720 and before at probably Wethersfield, CT.

     Thomas Burnham was born say 1620. He died on 24 June 1688 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.

     Hephsibah Loomis was born on 2 December 1698. She was the daughter of David Loomis and Lydia Marsh. Hephsibah Loomis married Ichabod Loomis, son of Timothy Loomis and Rebecca Porter, on 20 December 1716.

     Anne (?) married John Loomis, son of John Loomis and Esther Gillet. Anne (?) died on 16 August 1771.

     Jonah Loomis was born on 5 May 1743 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.² He was the son of Daniel Loomis and Sarah Eno. Jonah Loomis died on 22 April 1813 at age 69.²