Holcomb, James Almond 1844 – 1919

HOLCOMB, COIL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/22/2025 at 12:24:28

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Aug. 8, 1919, P5 C6

OBITUARY.
Holcomb.
In the passing on of James Almond Holcomb, Albion township loses one of its pioneer citizens.
James Almond Holcomb, oldest child of Moses Nelson and Anna J. Holcomb, was born September 28, 1844, in Sandusky county, Ohio.
At an early age he with his parents moved from Ohio to the northern part of Michigan, staying there for a year or two, but not being satisfied with the country they returned to Sandusky county, Ohio. When he was eight years old his parents moved to Hillsdale county, Mich. After residing there for a few years, the family followed the trail of westward moving settlers, and in 1858, when James Almond was in his 14th year, they traveled by horse team from Hillsdale county, Mich., to Howard county, Iowa, settling upon a farm in Albion township, where James, his brother Henry E., and sister Marcella, grew to manhood and womanhood.
On February 23, 1876, James was united in marriage to Miss Emily Coil, and they settled on a farm adjoining that of his father, where like all early settlers they saw all the privations of pioneer life.
In the years of the wheat failures, while discouraged, yet he persevered and helped to pave the way for future generations.
While never a strong man, yet he endured through the years, and was always patient during the last three years of his life while he was practically helpless.
On Friday afternoon, Aug. 1, 1919, he was taken worse and in a few hours passed away, leaving his wife, three sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren to mourn his death.
The funeral service was at Albion M. E. church on Sunday afternoon Aug. 3rd, Rev. G. W. Turner officiating. Mrs. Turner sang “My Jesus as Thou Wilt” and “One Sweely{sic} Solmen{sic} Thought.” The burial took place in the family lot at Oaklawn cemetery, Cresco. C. B. Ashley, Robert Addie, Job Darrow, D. J. Eaton, Will Wells and Fred Roth acted as pall bearers. A large number of friends attended the services.
Amongst the many beautiful flowers was a sheaf of white roses bearing the name “Father,” and another of red roses sent by friends of the family. The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Mr. E. L. Bradley of Cresco.
Mrs. J. A. Holcomb and family wish to express their appreciation of sympathy and help shown to them at this time of their bereavement.

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Aug. 8, 1919, P8 C4

After a lingering and patient illness J. A. Holcomb, one of Albion’s pioneer farmers, passed away at his home Friday evening Aug. 1st. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at the church by Rev. Turner with burial at Oak lawn. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen