Person Page - 847

     Joyce Holcombe was born circa 1925. She was the daughter of Donald Holcombe and Ethel Patterson. Joyce Holcombe died in October 1989.

     Roseanna Jane Cook was also known as Roseanna Jane Koch. She was born on 22 August 1876 at Cherry Hills, Cherry Twp., PA. She was the daughter of Joseph Cook and Hanna Sick. Roseanna Jane Cook married Survellon Burr Holcombe, son of Pierson Alonzo Holcombe JP and Sophia Elizabeth Mott, on 29 November 1900 at Dushore, Sullivan Co., PA. Roseanna Jane Cook died in January 1969 at Dushore, Sullivan Co., PA, at age 92.

     Joseph Cook was born circa 1853. He married Hanna Sick, daughter of Francis Charles Sick and Hannah Reinfried, on 15 September 1873. Joseph Cook died in 1893.

     Hanna Sick was born on 10 May 1853. She was the daughter of Francis Charles Sick and Hannah Reinfried. Hanna Sick married Joseph Cook on 15 September 1873. Hanna Sick died on 17 March 1924 at age 70.

     Every genealogist prays for the day he finds a book like Aunt Paulie's Book. It is what makes all these dry dates and places come alive. I only hope that I can adequately represent her prose here and elsewhere in this database. The original I used was from Linda Mutzer. At her request, as I finished it I forwarded it to the Salmon Brook Historical Society in Granby, CT, for their permanent collection.

"Pauline Holcombe, founder and staunch supporter of the Sullivan County Historical society until the time of her death in 1992, would have been proud an dpleased with the historical events that were held in the county over the past weekend.

"The parade and historical pageant marking the bicentennial of the first permanent settlers in the dense wilderness in 1794 of what is now sullivan county would have given her great satisfaction after years of working to preserve the traditions, customs and artifacts fo the county in what was now turned out to be a shining example of a fine small museum.

"Miss Holcombe had an abiding interest and great knowledge of local history passed down from her parents and through personal observations and memories. At 89, she still had a remarkable memory and took great interest in her nieces and nephews, in wildflowers, in sewing, in making jellies and hosting Easter Egg coloring gatherings for the youngsters of her family, and in holding her famous tea parties.

"In 1976 she took great pleasure in writing, along with Carol St. Clair, the historical pageant which was presented at that time in connection with the Bicentennial obsrvance of our country. This pageant was again presented on Sunday evening and think how pleased she would have been to see the great audience and the almost 300 people who gave of their time to re-create the pageant this year.

"And think how pleased she would have been with the parade and celebration in Laporte and with the large number of people who took the time to visit her museum and to examine the wonderful memories of Sullivan County it contains.

"Pauline Holcombe made us aware of the importance of our history and of preserving it for future generations." 'Remembering Pauline Holcombe,' from The Sullivan Review, July 1994, as quoted in Aunt Paulie's Book

"Pauline, a teacher all her live, was principal of Dushore High School when it closed. She also taught high school in Mansfield, Canton and Towanda.

"In addition, she was a charter member of the Dushore Music club; a member of Alpha Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma society International; and was a member of St. Basil's Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. She assisted many Boy Scouts in obtaining Eagle Merit badges in nature and citizenship studies." Aunt Paulie's Book.
Pauline Cook Holcombe was born on 1 June 1903. She was the daughter of Survellon Burr Holcombe and Roseanna Jane Cook. Pauline Cook Holcombe died on 18 August 1992 at Dushore, Sullivan Co., PA, at age 89.¹

     "(Alice) was always sweet; and good and very pretty. Even as a toddler she could keep her dresses clean and neat. Her hair was very dark brown and lightly curled around Mamas finger.

"If I 'got into things' she would go along, but I remember only once when Momma was really dismayed at her. I went down the street to Grandma Cook's almost as early as I could walk and often was not home to play with her. Once Momma had a pretty printed silk cloth spread out on the dining table and was remaking or changing as a 'shirtwaist.' she had to go outside or something and when she returned alice was sitting on the table just cutting a sleeve into bits. She must have been less than three years old. I suppose she got spanked a little - but come to think of it I can't remember ever seeing her get spanked or even scolded much.

"She developed her sewing ability by working with Mama and because we shared clothes, she could take a straight dress (as they were when we were teenagers) of mine and baste some tucks inside, make it fit, and look like a different and stylish dress - especially on her. After she was married I think she took a correspondence course in sewing or cooking or something.

"After she was married she had a busy house. She managed always to keep calm in spite of the waiting meals; the bookkeeper around underfoot. Often they had a 'girl' to keep up with the ouse and/or the bookkeeping. It seems to me that Jerry was a tax-collector and constable and thet explained some of the work. The house was unfinished for some months and additins and changes were often made.

"She was always very devout - saying the rosary in the car aloud, etc. (Mary E. Note: From as far back as I can remember we always said the rosary as a family every day till her death. Even boy friends and girl friends who were visiting said the rosary with us.)

"Ann, Charlie's wife, was her great friend and each relied on the other for everything - friendship, advice and help." Aunt Paulie's Book

"(Jerrry) and his brother Charlie, Ann Burns and Alice came here one weekend - about 1926 or so - maybe 1927. (Alice and Jerry were married in 1928.)

"He seemed very, very tall. He was quiet,polite andolder than Alice. He was shy at first but soon talked with Dad about politics or a few mutual friends they knew in politics. When I went over there, he'd take us out to eat at night at least once during the weekend. That was unusual then.

"He had an interesting family of sisters. Especially Aunt Ella who worked as a secretary in Scranton. She and her husband, Uncle Jimmy, were jovial, friendly people. They had no children. She was very allergic to something on the farm and seldom came home.

"Both Charlie and Jerry did some farming - Jerry less than Charlie. Both had one or more hired man around. Jerry leased out cattle here and there where a young man could take care of three or four more than he could afford to buy, as far as I could see keeping records in his head and always on a friendly basis. He constantly went to sales. Once or twice he asled me to go along and help with the records of sales. At the sales he bought almost anything - once a string (bunch) of bananas - another time late in the day - a bushel of peaches. I know he bought farm machinery to sell again, etc." Aunt Paulie's Book

"Amid the preparations for Pan & Kevin's wedding Aug. 18, 1992 I am reminded of other weddings.

"For Alice's, Mama, Alice and I drove to Elmira one day and bought a white crepe de chine and chiffon dress and a white horse-hair large plain hat with silk flowers on one side for Alice and a shorter dress of shades of peach and pink for me, as well as a horsehair hat. I think Alice's dress cost $35.00, mine $25.00. Alice bought another dress for special occasions also. (Mary E. Note: I have the wedding dress and hat. they're in pretty good shape for being over 60 years old.)

"Mama made arrangements with Mrs. Wilbur H. DuBois, a good friend who once lived next door, to come and oversee the dinner which was good capon chicken, etc. I think besides real angel food cake made by beating 11 egg whites, we had special block ice cream (one could get here at Harrington & Co.), perhaps with a bell on top of each piece.

"Guests included: Aunt Emma & Uncle vince Lynch & children; Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Carl & Marion Lilley; Uncle Charlie & Aunt Ann McCarthy - not married yet, and Jerry's sisters and their families if any - Uncle Jimmy robinson and Aunt ella in particular.

"Alice's special friends: I think maybe Blanche Carroll (later Frawley) and Ethel Hester Martin Keller may have been invited to the house. People in those days went to the church and did not all expect to eat at the home with the families.

"Alice had a big prayer book which had many pages that were loose and ws full of loose 'holy cards' which she carried with her white bouquet, a floral cascade of white roses, up the aisle. At one point in the marriage ceremony or Mass I guess where the rings were exchanged, she surprised me by handing it all to me, and one of us let it drop, scattering all these loose pages and cards on the altar like leaves on the ground. I ignored it till afterward.

"I could hear Aunt Lizzie crying. I don't remember about music. I guess Alice Bahl played the organ and sang as she did for everything like that.

"It was a rainy day. Somebody had told Si that the bride's brother should throw a shoe at the bride for good luck. Well, he did leaving a muddy mark on the front of her white lace dress. The couple planned to drive to Michigan to visit Aunt Belle and Uncle Tom in Manistee. Lew Connolly (garageman) and a few others 'fixed' up their car, wiring a bell in a different place underneath. Those guys also got into Jerry's suitcase and put rice in the pocket of everything so that in church a week later, Jerry scattered rice when he pulled out a handkerchief. They also put a live chicken in at the last minute, which Jerry tried to give away at their first stop, but people were suspicious and wouldn't take it. Getting married wasn't easy with a crown like we belonged to." Aunt Paulie's Book.
Alice Elizabeth Holcombe was born on 13 April 1905. She was the daughter of Survellon Burr Holcombe and Roseanna Jane Cook. Alice Elizabeth Holcombe married Jeremiah Joseph McCarthy on 21 July 1928. Alice Elizabeth Holcombe died on 22 February 1955 at age 49.

     Pierson Joseph Holcombe was born on 2 February 1907 at Dushore, Sullivan Co., PA.² He was the son of Survellon Burr Holcombe and Roseanna Jane Cook. Pierson Joseph Holcombe married Ada Lucille Comfort, daughter of Burt Comfort and Alta Wheeler, on 4 July 1931 at Moundsville, Marshall Co., WV. Pierson Joseph Holcombe died on 21 August 2002 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., PA, at age 95.² He was buried on 24 August 2002 at Benton Cemetery, Benton, PA.

"When Pierson was little, we called him "Pierson," later Si after he made a hit in a school play where he was a "rube" called Si Perkins.


"Pierson was raised on canned milk; knocked down by a Brogan - broken front tooth. Loved a horse Aunt Lizzie gave him. He was round and roly-poly at about 2 years. He loved to see horses "there goes another one." Music practice and downtown fire crackers.


"Pierson always played in the local bands and usually was a member of a dance band he kept organized. He even played in one at college. Until after his operation for appendicitis he played trumpet. That summer the Michiganders were here and he and Alice Morris 'The Never Swek Club' had an excuse to sit around. He played banjo then.


"One night Pier took the band out to play somewhere. The members sat on quilt-like pieces used to protect finish on furniture. Some band members must have been smoking. It was a summer night when Pierson came home and I kept smelling smoke, and finally could see light down thru the door of the barn where Pier parked the truck he had used. I shouted, 'There's a fire in the garage.' Everyone hopped to his job. The boys had the truck backed out in no time, and the smoldering packing material shoveled into the creek. I phoned the fire company but everything was safe before they got here. Dad got up, got dressed, including necktie. Then we all went in the house and back to bed. Dad had often told each one what to do in case of fire. The plan worked." Aunt Paulie's Book


from The Sullivan Review Dushore PA, August 29, 2002:


Pierson J. "Si" Holcombe, 95, formerly of Benton and Bloomsburg, and currently of Brighton Gardens, Cherry Hill, NJ died August 21, 2002 at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia where he had been a patient since August 17. He had been in failing health for the past several years.


Born February 2, 1907 in Dushore, Sullivan County, he was a son of Vell B. Holcombe and R. Jennie (Cook) Holcombe. He and his wife, the former Ada Lucille Comfort of Troy, celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this past July 4th.


Mr. Holcombe was a longtime Benton businessman. He owned and operated the P.J. Holcombe Funeral Home in Benton and also the Holcombe Furniture Store. He and his wife moved to Benton in 1947 when they took over the former Chapin Funeral Home which they operated until 1965.


He later opened an accounting business on Main Street in Benton until his final retirement.


Mr. Holcombe served in WWII as a Technician Fifth Grade, Company C in the 66th Infantry Training Battalion. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was discharged on September 4, 1945.


While living in Benton, Mr. Holcombe was an active member of the Benton United Methodist Church. After moving to Bloomsburg in 1981 he and his wife joined St. Matthew Lutheran Church. In 1997 they moved to Cherry Hill.


Mr. Holcombe was a 1925 graduate of Dushore High School and a 1930 graduate of Penn State University where he earned his B.S. in Commerce and Finance.


He received his mortuary school training at the Renard School of Embalming in Manhattan, NY, graduating in 1936.


Long active in community and civic affairs, Mr. Holcombe was a 50 year member of Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A.M. of Bloomsburg. He was also a member of the Bloomsburg American Legion; the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge; a former member of the Chimney Stack Rod and Gun Club in Red Rock; the "Stuffer's Club" of Benton and the former Kiwanis Club of Benton.


Mr. Holcombe served on the board of directors for the Benton Cemetery Association for many years.


He was involved with several professional organizations including the national Funeral Directors Association, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and he was a past president of the Central Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association.


An avid Penn State fan, he was also a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.


His hobbies included making furniture and woodworking. He was also a Civil War history buff.


Surviving in addition to his wife, Ada, are three children: Pierson J. Holcombe, Jr., of Advance, NC; Mrs. Michael (Susan L.) Rhoads, of Medford, NJ; Mrs. Gary (Mariane) Bettis, of Prescott, AZ.


Also surviving are seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and a brother, Richard L. Holcombe of Dushore.


He was preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Holcombe and Alice McCarthy and by a brother, Vell H. Holcombe and by an infant grandson.


Funeral services were held Saturday, August 24th, 2002 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, with the Rev. Ralph D. Sigler, presiding. Burial was in the Benton Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by the Benton V.F.W. and Benton Masonic Lodge conducted services at the gravesite as well.


In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the Sullivan County Historical Society, Laporte, PA 18626.


Arrangements were under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Benton.

     Additional information on Vell Carl Holcombe is from Linda L. Mutzer, gmutzer@bellatlantic.net. She cites, among other sources Pioneer and Patriot Families of Bradford Co. Pennsylvania 1770-1825 vols I and II, 1913 and 1915, Bradford Star Print, Towanda, PA, and personal interviews. Vell Carl Holcombe was born on 10 July 1913. He was the son of Survellon Burr Holcombe and Roseanna Jane Cook. Vell Carl Holcombe died on 22 November 1999 at age 86. He was buried on 24 November 1999 at Mt. Ash Cemetery, Laporte, Sullivan Co., PA.

     Carl Randel Lilley was born on 8 November 1872. He married Phoebe Elizabeth Holcombe, daughter of Pierson Alonzo Holcombe JP and Sophia Elizabeth Mott, in May 1898 at LeRoy, Bradford Co., PA. Carl Randel Lilley died on 16 November 1953 at Athens, Bradford Co., PA, at age 81.

     Marion E. Lilley was born on 6 April 1904. She was the daughter of Carl Randel Lilley and Phoebe Elizabeth Holcombe. Marion E. Lilley died in 1995.

     Lester West died at Rochester, Monroe Co., NY. He was born circa 1886 at LeRoy, Bradford Co., PA. He married Sarah Arsenah Holcombe, daughter of Pierson Alonzo Holcombe JP and Sophia Elizabeth Mott, circa 1908.

     Mabel Jefferson was born on 23 April 1898 at Alba, Bradford Co., PA. She married Hiram Lamarr Holcombe, son of Pierson Alonzo Holcombe JP and Sophia Elizabeth Mott, in 1922. Mabel Jefferson died on 26 January 1985 at Troy, Bradford Co., PA, at age 86.

     Mary Holcombe was born in 1923. She was the daughter of Hiram Lamarr Holcombe and Mabel Jefferson. Mary Holcombe married Robert Day. Mary Holcombe died at Troy, Bradford Co., PA.

FISHING TRIP TO CANADA

by Mary Holcombe Conkling

"Lamarr and Mabel loved outdoor live. On a trip to Canada in 1933 they found an ideal camping spot at HuneyLake, Ontario. (Huney Lake Provincial Park) The fishing was superb because there were no boats. Soon Lamarr's brothers were interested. Matthew helped Lamarr design and build a wood rowboat, Lamarr made a boat trailer of old 'Model T' parts. Vell bought a boat and for several summers the brothers made the 400 mile trip, two lane road through Syracuse, ferry crossing the St. Lawrence at Clayton, NY, and the last 60 miles of the trip by dirt highways. Vell made tables and chairs out of tree branches, Jennie cooked on a two burner gas stove even when she had to wear a bee keepers helmet she was so allergic to the black flies. Matt brought his homemade house trailer but Vell and Lamarr used tents. All their children were invited and many came. The main dish was fish fresh caught, blue-berry pie, oatmeal with evaporated milk, etc. The nearest market was in Pombaihe, Ontario, 60 miles down the dirt highway. Aunt Paulie's Book.

     George Granger III was born on 3 September 1740 at Westfield, Hampden Co., MA.¹ He was the son of George Granger and Ann Holcombe. George Granger III died on 29 January 1812 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA, at age 71.²

     Lucy Granger was born on 29 January 1767 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA. She was the daughter of George Granger III and Lucy Campbell.¹ Lucy Granger married Silas Noble Jr., son of Silas Noble and Bethia Dewey, on 5 January 1786.² Lucy Granger died on 23 August 1851 at Russell, Hampden Co., MA, at age 84.

     Silas Noble Jr. was born on 9 March 1760 at Blanford, Hampden Co., MA.¹ He was the son of Silas Noble and Bethia Dewey.² Silas Noble Jr. married Lucy Granger, daughter of George Granger III and Lucy Campbell, on 5 January 1786.¹ Silas Noble Jr. died on 23 January 1837 at Russell, Hampden Co., MA, at age 76.¹

     Bethia Noble was born on 24 February 1787 at Russell, Hampden Co., MA.¹ She was the daughter of Silas Noble Jr. and Lucy Granger. Bethia Noble married Alexander Gowdy on 16 February 1809. Bethia Noble died on 11 October 1867 at Chicopee, MA, at age 80.²

     Alexander Gowdy was born in 1786. He married Bethia Noble, daughter of Silas Noble Jr. and Lucy Granger, on 16 February 1809. Alexander Gowdy died in 1823.

     Hannah Sophie Gowdy was born on 10 August 1811.¹ She was the daughter of Alexander Gowdy and Bethia Noble. Hannah Sophie Gowdy died on 11 May 1862 at Russell, Hampden Co., MA, at age 50.¹

     Amanda Maria Parks was the daughter of Vestus Haley Parks and Hannah Sophie Gowdy.

     Edward Eugene Bradley was the son of Almenus Dickinson Bradley and Amanda Maria Parks.¹

     Eugene Parks Bradley was the son of Edward Eugene Bradley and Lois Cutler Gates.¹ Eugene Parks Bradley married Adaline Mary Tucker R.N.¹

     Adaline Mary Tucker R.N. was born circa 1886 at NY.¹ She married Eugene Parks Bradley, son of Edward Eugene Bradley and Lois Cutler Gates.²

     Ruth Duncan notes that the Canton First Congregational Church record show his death as 24 March while the Cemetery record shows 23 March. Bera Case was born on 22 July 1790 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Asa Case and Lois Dill. Bera Case married Sarah Humphrey, daughter of Benajah Humphrey and Thede Case, on 15 April 1810 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. Bera Case died on 24 March 1865 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT, at age 74. He was buried at Canton Center, CT.

     Dosa Case was born on 7 March 1788 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Asa Case and Lois Dill.

     Hosea Neri Case was born on 13 June 1794 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Asa Case and Lois Dill.

     Sarah Humphrey was born on 8 June 1793 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. She was the daughter of Benajah Humphrey and Thede Case. Sarah Humphrey married Bera Case, son of Asa Case and Lois Dill, on 15 April 1810 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. Sarah Humphrey died on 23 July 1874 at New Haven, New Haven Co., CT, at age 81.

     Lucian Benajah Case was born on 22 November 1812 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Bera Case and Sarah Humphrey. Lucian Benajah Case was baptized on 20 February 1818 at Canton Center, CT. He married Mary Examia Mills, daughter of Gardner Mills and Mary Skinner, on 30 May 1839 at Canton, Hartford Co., CT. Lucian Benajah Case died on 15 October 1885 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 72. He was buried at Canton Center, CT.