Person Page - 1156

     James Griswold was born on 21 August 1784 at CT. He was the son of Ozias Griswold and Anna Stanley. James Griswold married Lucy Robbins on 22 January 1812 at Rocky Hill, Hartford Co., CT. James Griswold died on 20 October 1863 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT, at age 79.

No record has been found that proves James is a son of Ozias.

     Lucy Robbins was born circa 1783 at CT. She married James Griswold, son of Ozias Griswold and Anna Stanley, on 22 January 1812 at Rocky Hill, Hartford Co., CT. Lucy Robbins died on 19 June 1855 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT.

     James Stanley Griswold was born in May 1815 at CT. He was the son of James Griswold and Lucy Robbins. James Stanley Griswold married Eunice S. Robbins. James Stanley Griswold died on 5 February 1906 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT, at age 90.

     Eunice S. Robbins was born in August 1817 at CT. She married James Stanley Griswold, son of James Griswold and Lucy Robbins. Eunice S. Robbins died on 1 March 1906 at Plantsville, Hartford Co., CT, at age 88.

     Arthur H. Griswold was born on 28 November 1860 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of James Stanley Griswold and Eunice S. Robbins. Arthur H. Griswold married Hattie Standish in 1885. Arthur H. Griswold died on 14 August 1946 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT, at age 85.

     Hattie Standish was born on 30 November 1863 at CT. She married Arthur H. Griswold, son of James Stanley Griswold and Eunice S. Robbins, in 1885. Hattie Standish died on 20 May 1938 at age 74.

     Harry Newton Griswold was born on 21 March 1889 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Arthur H. Griswold and Hattie Standish. Harry Newton Griswold married Edith Lillian Hubby in 1923. Harry Newton Griswold died on 3 October 1985 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT, at age 96.

     Edith Lillian Hubby was born on 10 May 1899 at Winsted, Litchfield Co., CT. She married Harry Newton Griswold, son of Arthur H. Griswold and Hattie Standish, in 1923. Edith Lillian Hubby died on 21 August 1980 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 81.

     James Standish Griswold was born on 26 November 1928 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Harry Newton Griswold and Edith Lillian Hubby. James Standish Griswold died on 16 November 2020 at age 91.

From the Hartford Courant, 22 Nov 2020:

James "Jesse" S. Griswold, 91, of Wethersfield, Waterford and Tequesta, Fl., passed away on November 16, 2020. He was born in Wethersfield, CT, to the late Harry and Edith Griswold, along with siblings Mary, Lucy and Newton. He attended Wethersfield High School and married Lillian Whitehead. He leaves daughters, Sharon Virgulto of Guilford, CT and Gail Burkett of Bean Station, TN, along with 2 grandchildren, Kim Wolf of Wethersfield and Jim Hart of Carlisle, MA., 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jess was a Shriner, he enjoyed golfing, boating, model A's, spending summers in CT and winters in FL. He will be missed.

     Glenn P. Griswold Sr. was born on 7 January 1940 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of James Monroe Griswold and Helen May Connor. Glenn P. Griswold Sr. married Anne Rataic. Glenn P. Griswold Sr. died on 18 November 2020 at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 80.

Glenn P. Griswold, Sr., 80, of Ellington, beloved husband of 58 years to the late Anne (Rataic) Griswold who passed away October 15, 2020, died peacefully on Thursday, November 18, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Hartford, the son of the late James and Helen (Connor) Griswold, he grew up and lived in Hartford and East Hartford before moving to Ellington 54 years ago. Glenn proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy. Prior to his retirement in 2010, Glenn was an auto mechanic for most of his life. Glenn enjoyed auto racing, riding motorcycles, and going to the casino with friends. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Glenn Griswold, Jr. of Vernon, Laurie Griswold of Ellington, and Kim Sponsler of Front Royal, Virginia, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the family home, 5 Penfield Avenue, Ellington. Face coverings are required.

     Anne Rataic married Glenn P. Griswold Sr., son of James Monroe Griswold and Helen May Connor. Anne Rataic died on 15 October 2020.

     Daniel Manley was born in 1760 at Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., MA.¹ He married Desire Sumner. Daniel Manley married Grace Loomis, daughter of Capt. Noah Loomis and Rhoda L. Clark, on 2 April 1799 at Bethlehem, Berkshire Co., MA.¹

     Desire Sumner was baptized on 29 September 1765 at Middletown, Middlesex Co., CT.¹ She married Daniel Manley. Desire Sumner died on 17 December 1798 at Bethlehem (now Otis), Berkshire Co., MA, at age 33.¹

     Bazeleel Rudd married Grace Holcombe, daughter of Martin Holcombe and Grace Loomis, on 17 September 1818 at North West Society, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.¹

     Naomi Christina Biden was born on 8 November 1971 at Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE. She was the daughter of President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. and Neilia Hunter. Naomi Christina Biden died on 18 December 1972 at age 1. She was buried on 20 December 1972 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE.¹

     Catherine Eugenia Finnegan was born on 7 July 1917 at Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA.^1,2 She was the daughter of Ambrose Joseph Finnegan and Geraldine Catharine Blewitt.² Catherine Eugenia Finnegan married Joseph Robinette Biden, son of Joseph Harry Biden and Mary Elizabeth Robinette, on 30 May 1941 at Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA.^1,2 Catherine Eugenia Finnegan died on 8 January 2010 at Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE, at age 92.^1,2

     Joseph Robinette Biden was born on 13 November 1915 at Baltimore, MD.^1,2 He was the son of Joseph Harry Biden and Mary Elizabeth Robinette.² Joseph Robinette Biden married Catherine Eugenia Finnegan, daughter of Ambrose Joseph Finnegan and Geraldine Catharine Blewitt, on 30 May 1941 at Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA.^3,2 Joseph Robinette Biden died on 2 September 2002 at Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE, at age 86.^1,2 He was buried at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Greenville, New Castle Co., DE.¹

     Susanna E. Jones was born in March 1841 at Paris Township, Portage Co., OH. She married Watson Holcombe, son of Calvin Holcombe and Eunice Reed, in 1859. Susanna E. Jones died on 14 May 1864 at Paris Township, Portage Co., OH, at age 23.

     Martin Jacob Holcombe was born on 30 November 1889 at Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., OH.¹ He was the son of Martin Ellsworth Holcombe and Cora Ellen Everett.¹ Martin Jacob Holcombe married Jessie Emma Rowell on 30 June 1918 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Martin Jacob Holcombe died on 1 August 1959 at Oak Creek, Milwaukee Co., WI, at age 69.¹

     Cora Ellen Everett was born on 10 February 1865 at Paris Township, Portage Co., OH.¹ She married Martin Ellsworth Holcombe, son of Watson Holcombe and Susanna E. Jones, on 12 December 1888 at Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., OH.¹ Cora Ellen Everett died on 16 February 1930 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, at age 65.¹ She was buried at Arlington Park Cemetery, Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., WI.¹

     Douglas Martin Holcombe was born on 9 February 1921 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI.² He was the son of Martin Jacob Holcombe and Jessie Emma Rowell.¹ Douglas Martin Holcombe died on 3 February 2008 at Dunmore, Lackawanna Co., PA, at age 86.²

From the Scranton Times-Tribune, 6 Feb 2008:

Born Feb. 9, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wis., he was the son of the late Martin and Jesse Rowell Holcomb. After serving in the Navy in World War II, Mr. Holcomb graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he played several sports; his collegiate career was highlighted by a Big 10 basketball championship. He continued playing basketball in the early days of the NBA with the Baltimore Bullets. After his NBA career, he came to Northeastern Pennsylvania to play for the Scranton Miners. He later became head basketball coach at the University of Scranton, while also earning his master's degree in education. In 1990, he was inducted into the Chic Feldman Hall of Fame.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Holcomb served as director of public relations for Scranton Broadcasters Inc., which included CBS-affiliate stations WGBI-AM, FM and WDAU-TV. In his professional career, he served as a director of the Pennsylvania Broadcasters Association. He organized and directed the WDAU Women's Bowling Tournament for more than 20 years. He was very active in the community and is remembered fondly for his work with Goodwill Industries, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Lake Foundation. He was a long-serving member of the board of directors of the Lake Ariel Landowners' Association and a lifetime member of the Scranton Club.

Also surviving are seven children, Douglas F. Holcomb and wife, Lorna, Peckville; Ellen Holcomb Cullen and husband, Dr. Edward Cullen, Washington, D.C; Ann Holcomb, Arlington, Va; Katharine Holcomb, Dunmore; Kevin Holcomb, Germantown, Md; Frank Holcomb and wife, Jackie, Clarks Summit; and Grace Holcomb, Richmond, Va; 13 grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Veazie, Miami; and a brother, Howard Holcomb, Germantown, Wis.

Services will be Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St. Those planning to attend the service should go directly to the church. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.

Friends may call today, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Eugene A. Cusick Funeral Home, 217 Jefferson Ave. In lieu of flowers, at the family's request, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

     Jessie Emma Rowell was born on 28 February 1890 at Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., WI. She married Martin Jacob Holcombe, son of Martin Ellsworth Holcombe and Cora Ellen Everett, on 30 June 1918 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Jessie Emma Rowell died on 27 May 1974 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, at age 84.

     Howard Wilbur Holcombe was born on 31 December 1926 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI.¹ He was the son of Martin Jacob Holcombe and Jessie Emma Rowell.¹ Howard Wilbur Holcombe died on 29 April 2011 at Menomonee Falls, Waukesha Co., WI, at age 84.¹

     Rebecca Sherk was born on 5 March 1821 at Sherkston, Onterio, Canada. She married Craten John Holcombe, son of John Holcombe and Mary Lynde, on 25 March 1845. Rebecca Sherk died on 1 December 1873 at Chippawa, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, at age 52.

     Everett Watson Holcombe was born on 25 November 1892 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI.¹ He was the son of Martin Ellsworth Holcombe and Cora Ellen Everett.¹ Everett Watson Holcombe died on 13 December 1974 at Ft. Wayne, Allen Co., IN, at age 82.¹ He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery, Huntington, Huntington Co., IN.¹

     Alice Marion White was born on 18 April 1853 at Forestville, Chautauqua Co., NY.² She married Benjamin John Holcombe, son of Craten John Holcombe and Rebecca Sherk, on 3 March 1875 at Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., NY.² Alice Marion White died on 11 December 1937 at Carrington, Foster Co., ND, at age 84.²

     Herbert Ellsworth Holcombe was born on 20 March 1898 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI.¹ He was the son of Martin Ellsworth Holcombe and Cora Ellen Everett.¹ Herbert Ellsworth Holcombe died on 28 October 1979 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, at age 81.¹ He was buried at Arlington Park Cemetery, Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., WI.¹

     Ethel Cora Cooper was born on 31 December 1883 at Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA.² She married Creighton Warren Holcombe, son of Benjamin John Holcombe and Alice Marion White, on 15 June 1908 at Carrington, Foster Co., ND.² Ethel Cora Cooper died on 29 July 1972 at Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA, at age 88.²

     Henry Solomon Holcombe was born on 12 June 1800 at Ulster, Ulster Co., NY.¹ He was the son of John Holcombe and Mary Lynde.¹ Henry Solomon Holcombe died on 14 July 1854 at Jackson Co., MI, at age 54.¹ He was buried at Crouch Cemetery, Spring Arbor, Jackson Co., MI.¹

There is dispute among internet sources about Henry's parents with at least one source claiming that he is the son of Ebenezer and Margaretta (Johnson) Holcomb.

     Ethel Irene Lovik was born on 19 August 1923 at Forest City, Winnebago Co., IA.¹ She married Donald Cooper Holcombe, son of Creighton Warren Holcombe and Ethel Cora Cooper, on 5 December 1942 at St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. Ethel Irene Lovik died on 16 March 2012 at Pleasant Hill, Polk Co., IA, at age 88.¹

     Craten John Holcombe was born on 20 February 1820 at Plattsburgh, Clinton Co., NY. He was the son of John Holcombe and Mary Lynde. Craten John Holcombe married Rebecca Sherk on 25 March 1845. Craten John Holcombe died on 20 October 1859 at Chippawa, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, at age 39.

     Benjamin John Holcombe was born on 17 August 1849 at Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada.¹ He was the son of Craten John Holcombe and Rebecca Sherk.¹ Benjamin John Holcombe married Alice Marion White on 3 March 1875 at Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., NY.² Benjamin John Holcombe died on 5 March 1942 at Carrington, Foster Co., ND, at age 92.¹ He was buried at Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, Foster Co., ND.¹

     Creighton Warren Holcombe was born on 22 July 1881 at Chippawa, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.¹ He was the son of Benjamin John Holcombe and Alice Marion White.¹ Creighton Warren Holcombe was also known as Crayton Warren Holcombe. He married Ethel Cora Cooper on 15 June 1908 at Carrington, Foster Co., ND.² Creighton Warren Holcombe died on 17 March 1972 at Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA, at age 90.¹ He was buried at Hazelwood Cemeterey, Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA.¹

     Sandra L. Holcombe was born on 19 August 1950 at Aliquippa, Beaver Co., PA. She was the daughter of James Joseph Holcombe and Garnet Flora Shouse.¹ Sandra L. Holcombe died on 6 May 2011 at West Hills Health and Rehabilitation, Moon Township, Beaver Co., PA, at age 60.

From the Allegheny Times, 9 May 2011:

Sandra L. Holcomb, 60, of Hopewell Township, passed away Friday, May 6, 2011, in West Hills Health and Rehabilitation, Moon Township.

Born August 19, 1950, in Aliquippa, a daughter of the late James and Garnet (Shouse) Holcomb, she was Presbyterian by faith.

Ms. Holcomb was an employee of Service Link in Hopewell Township and was a member of Hopewell VFW Post #8805 Ladies Auxiliary. Sandra was an avid Steelers fan.

She is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russell and Lorraine Bailes, Darlington, and Daniel Bailes, Hopewell Township; a daughter, Teresa Bailes, Hopewell Township; six grandchildren, Kat, D. J., Rusty, Mikey, Kristen and Eric; a sister and brotherin-law, Connie and James Fike, Aliquippa; many loving nieces and nephews, and her dearest best friend, Patti DiBartolo, Hopewell Township.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Jerry Holcomb.

Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the TATALOVICH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 2205 McMinn St., Aliquippa, www.tatalovich funeralhome.com., where a service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Sandra was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

     Donald Cooper Holcombe was born on 16 September 1915 at Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA.¹ He was the son of Creighton Warren Holcombe and Ethel Cora Cooper.¹ Donald Cooper Holcombe married Ethel Irene Lovik on 5 December 1942 at St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. Donald Cooper Holcombe died on 31 July 1976 at Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, at age 60.¹ He was buried at Hazelwood Cemeterey, Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., IA.¹

     Garnet Flora Shouse was born on 7 December 1925 at Rochester, Beaver Co., PA. She married James Joseph Holcombe, son of Robert Solomon Holcombe and Eva V. Pugh. Garnet Flora Shouse died on 28 October 1991 at Aliquippa, Beaver Co., PA, at age 65.

     Dennis L. Holcombe was born on 8 May 1944 at Cresco, Howard Co., IA. He was the son of Donald Cooper Holcombe and Ethel Irene Lovik. Dennis L. Holcombe died on 30 November 2020 at Wesbury Methodist Community, Meadville, Crawford Co., PA, at age 76.

From the Meadville Tribune, 2 Dec 2020:


Dennis L. Holcomb, 76, of Meadville, died Monday, November 30, 2020, at Wesbury Methodist Community where he had been a resident for the past 4 years. Born May, 8, 1944, in Cresco, Iowa, he was the son of Donald C. and Ethel I. Lovik Holcomb. He married Suellen Shimmel on July 3, 1976, and she survives.

He was a 1963 graduate of Saydel High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Drake University.

Dennis worked as an Outside Salesman for Carnation Feed Company and Safegard Manufacturing. In 2002 he purchased Park Avenue News in Meadville and operated it until his retirement in 2006.

He loved to raise and show rabbits and was a life member and judge of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and served as the President from 1981-1982.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Diana L. Holcomb and her husband Dr. Eric Liao, MD, of Washington, DC, and Jennifer S. Holcomb of Sharon, PA. Three sisters, Sharon A. Middleton of Des Moines, Iowa, Cynthia D. Moreno (Edward) of Cornelius, Oregon, and Crystal J. Woodard (Richard ) of Des Moines, Iowa, and a brother, Ronald L. Holcomb of Big Fork, Montana. One nephew, One nephew, four nieces and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Ross Holcomb.

Due to Covid, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date and will be announced. The DICKSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, INC., Cochranton, is in care of arrangements and condolences and memories can be shared on the website, www.dicksonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

     Eva V. Pugh was born on 20 February 1883 at Waverly, Wood Co., WV.¹ She married Robert Solomon Holcombe, son of Joseph C. Holcombe and Lucinda Jane Williams, on 25 December 1907 at New Cumberland, Hancock Co., WV.¹ Eva V. Pugh died on 27 June 1963 at Rochester, Beaver Co., PA, at age 80.¹

     James Joseph Holcombe was born on 12 February 1923 at Congo, Hancock Co., WV.¹ He was the son of Robert Solomon Holcombe and Eva V. Pugh.^2,3 James Joseph Holcombe married Garnet Flora Shouse. James Joseph Holcombe died on 20 April 1995 at Aliquippa, Beaver Co., PA, at age 72.¹

     Lucinda Jane Williams was born on 5 September 1858. She married Joseph C. Holcombe, son of Samuel Carr Holcombe and Nancy Perry. Lucinda Jane Williams died on 19 March 1932 at Cedar Grove, Kanawha Co., WV, at age 73.

     Robert Solomon Holcombe was born on 19 October 1884 at Erbacon, Webster Co., WV.¹ He was the son of Joseph C. Holcombe and Lucinda Jane Williams. Robert Solomon Holcombe married Eva V. Pugh on 25 December 1907 at New Cumberland, Hancock Co., WV.² Robert Solomon Holcombe died on 5 March 1940 at New Brighton, Beaver Co., PA, at age 55.¹ He was buried at Hookstown Cemetery, Hookstown, Beaver Co., PA.¹

     Nancy Perry was born in September 1823 at Greenbrier Co., VA (now WVA). She married Samuel Carr Holcombe, son of Timothy Holcombe II and Mary A. Chesnut, on 4 July 1842 at Bath Co., VA. Nancy Perry died in 1885 at WV.

     President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on 20 November 1942 at St. Mary's Hospital, Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA.¹ He was the son of Joseph Robinette Biden and Catherine Eugenia Finnegan.^2,1 President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. married Neilia Hunter on 27 August 1966 at Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., NY.¹

The headline in the New York Times on 21 January 2021 read "Democracy Has Prevailed: Biden Pledges to Seek Unity" which was an acknowledgement that Joe Biden took office peacefullly despite that just a week before Donald Trump had incited a mob to seige the capitol building in an attempt to reverse what he lead them to believe was a "stolen election.


His Inaugural speach as transcribed by the Washington Post:

Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris. Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, McConnell, Vice President Pence, my distinguished guests and my fellow Americans, this is America's day.

This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope of renewal and resolve through a crucible for the ages. America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

From now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol's very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries.

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know, I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation. As does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I've just taken the sacred oath. Each of those patriots have taken. The oath, first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us, on we the people who seek a more perfect union.

This is a great nation. We are good people. And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we've come so far. But we still have far to go. We'll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities, much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.

Few people in our nation's history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we're in now. Once-in-a-century virus that silently stalks the country. It's taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some four hundred years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

The cry for survival comes from planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity, unity.

In another January, on New Year's Day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, and I quote, “if my name ever goes down into history, it'll be for this act. And my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul was in it today. On this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the foes we face: anger, resentment, hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity, we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus. We can reward, reward work and rebuild the middle class and make health care secure for all. We can deliver racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we're all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never assured.

Through civil war, the Great Depression, world war, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us, enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward. And we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we've acted together.

And so today at this time in this place, let's start afresh, all of us. Let's begin to listen to one another again. Hear one another see one another, show respect to one another. Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn't have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans. We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this. And I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome, as was mentioned earlier, completed amid the Civil War, when the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. Yet we endured, we prevailed.

Here we stand looking out in the great mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand, where 108 years ago, at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we marked the swearing in of the first woman in American history elected to national office: Vice President Kamala Harris. Don't tell me things can't change.

Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace. And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground.

It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign, I'm humbled by the faith you've placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree so be it. That's democracy. That's America. The right to dissent, peaceably, the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation's greatest strength.

Yet hear me clearly: disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you, I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago. Saint Augustine, a saint in my church, wrote to the people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor and yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand, like my dad, they lay in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering, can I keep my health care? Can I pay my mortgage? Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it.

But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don't look like look like you or worship the way you do, or don't get their news from the same sources you do. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we're willing to stand in the other person's shoes, as my mom would say, just for a moment, stand in their shoes. Because here's the thing about life. There's no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days, when you need a hand. There are other days when we're called to lend a hand. That's how it has to be. That's what we do for one another. And if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we're going to need each other. We need all our strength to to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as One Nation. One Nation.

And I promise you this, as the Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will get through this together. Together.

Look, folks, all my colleagues I served with in the House of the Senate up there, we all understand the world is watching, watching all of us today. So here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's challenges. And we’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

We'll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security. Look, you all know, we've been through so much in this nation. And my first act as president, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those who we lost this past year to the pandemic. Those four hundred thousand fellow Americans, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors and coworkers. We will honor them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be. So I ask you, let's say a silent prayer for those who've lost their lives, those left behind and for our country.

Amen.

Folks, this is a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America's role in the world. Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is, we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we've had. Now we're going to be tested. Are we going to step up? All of us? It’s time for boldness, for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you, we will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion, is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I'm sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we'll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It's called American Anthem. There's one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:

The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.

What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let me know in my heart when my days are through.

America, America, I gave my best to you.

Let's add. Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children's children will say of us: They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.

My fellow Americans, I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath before God and all of you. I give you my word, I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I'll defend our democracy. I'll defend America and I will give all, all of you. Keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities, not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch, but thrived. That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction, devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.