Person Page - 1

     James Hallowell Holcombe Jr. was born on 24 August 1947 at St. Vincent Hospital, Sherman, Grayson Co., TX.¹ He was the son of LTC James Hallowell Holcombe and Ann Josephine Skinner.¹ James Hallowell Holcombe Jr. was christened on 3 September 1947 at St. Mary's, Sherman, Grayson Co., TX.

I was born in Sherman while Dad was assigned to Perrin Field as part of a post-war project to dismantle Army Air Fields. Harry Truman was President and the post-war economy allowed even military personnel a measure of prosperity. Whenever possible, we were enrolled in Catholic schools. We moved through a succession of military assignments. My earliest memories are of the times I spent on the farm with my grandparents. Riding on the tractor, eating watermelon, and playing in the hay loft are the things I remember most.


When I was very young, probably about 1954, I distinctly remember the first color TVs. Disney produced the Sunday night Disney show in color. I attended High School at Kapaun Memorial in Wichita, KS, and then graduated from Seoul American HS in Seoul, Korea. I distinctly remember the day Kennedy was shot while we lived in Wichita; we were out of school on Thanksgiving vacation.


I attended Santa Clara for one year before the family returned to the US and then I transferred to Dad's Alma Mater, NC State. However, in 1968 the pressures of grades and patriotism caused me to enlist in the Army on 15 April where I attended OCS before being sent to Vietnam as a platoon leader in the 1st Air Cav Division. I earned purple hearts, bronze stars, air medals and a CIB but don't remember the incidents very well. I do remember comrades who died very well. Sgt. Richard Knapp was my platoon sergeant. He was promoted and shortly thereafter, 29 January 1970, was killed as we moved through a wood line. During the same contact, Private Roy Stringer, a new guy in my platoon, was killed by an RPG.


One incident I do remember well was an accident in a helicopter. I was riding from a firebase back to the battalion headquarters when the helicopter crashed into the Song Be River. Two of the crew members and one other passenger drowned. I was able to swim to the bank and walk back to the firebase.

On another occasion we were joined by a new company commander and were attacked that same night and the new company commander was seriously wounded and was sent back to the states (that was an occasion when I was wounded). During the same contact, one of my platoon, Specialist Don Ray McIntire, was killed when a grenade landed near him.

Another time my platoon was ordered to move quite a distance through thick jungle to aid another platoon that had come under heavy fire from a bunker complex and had taken a number of casualties. Just as we arrived at the site, so did a medivac helicopter that was promptly shot down on top of the two combined platoons. This caused additional casualties and prompted a major medivac operation that was conducted entirely at night. The following morning, the combined platoons withdrew to watch Phantom Jets bomb and napalm the bunker complex. When we finally went back into the bunkers, there were only the remains of the enemy that had been there, badly charred by the napalm. There were a number of casualties in the other platoon, but none in mine this time.

After about 8 months in the field as a platoon leader, I was assigned to the Battalion S3-Air position, where I planned the daily helicopter activity. It was much safer and kept me out of harm's way until my tour was up.

I extended in Vietnam for about 10 weeks so that when I reached the States I had less than 90 days remaining in my commitment so they released me early, 21 December just in time for Christmas, 1970. Immediately following my discharge, I re-entered NCSU majoring in Economics and also began working for the school yearbook. It was there that I was introduced to Molly, by her supervisor at Southern Bell who was dating a friend of mine.


Molly grew up in the exclusive Dallas Highland Park neighborhood. She attended the Robert S. Hayer Grade School, which in 2001 looked just the same as it had in 1957 when she left for Highland Park Junior High (now torn down and rebuilt) . Molly was disappointed when Claude's job took the family to Albuquerque, NM, during High School. There she attended Sandia High School and fell in love with motorcycles; a love that was not reciprocal as she had numerous serious accidents. Her experiences on motorcycles are legendary in the hospitals in Texas and New Mexico.


She began college at North Texas State, but returned to Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico for her remaining education, graduating with honors and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.


Molly traveled to Charlotte, NC to visit a cousin and be near a friend, Mel Grotberg. A short summer visit turned into a longer stay so she got a job at Southern Bell as a College recruiter. After being introduced to Jim, they began dating between Charlotte and Raleigh.


Over the summer of 1975 Jim transferred his hours to UNC-Charlotte and they were married in Raleigh. After considerable cajoling by Molly, Jim received his degree in 1976 from UNC-Charlotte and immediately began work, also at Southern Bell, in the marketing department where Molly had herself been transferred.


In May 1977, Molly was promoted and they moved to Atlanta where she was an instructor in the Learning Center and Jim was in the Marketing Department. Molly was shortly promoted again while Jim was responsible for major accounts like the Braves, CNN, the Falcons, Six Flags and other media accounts in Georgia. By the time the census was taken in 1980, we had moved to 3600 Eaglerock Dr., DeKalb Co., GA, where we lived for at least twenty-seven years (at this writing), and raised our two children.


At the divesture of AT&T, we both went with AT&T, still in marketing assignments. In the early eighties, desktop computers were introduced and were accepted into the Holcombe household early on. Brad learned his alphabet on a TI-99er. Jim picked up computer skills early and used them on the job and in genealogy.


Like most members of the "Baby-Boomer" generation, Molly and Jim were caught up in the fitness craze of the 1970's and 80's. They ran in many consecutive Peachtree Road Races, starting in 1979, Atlanta Half-Marathon's and Jim even ran an Atlanta Marathon and a number of triathlons. Both also enjoyed bicycling, often with Brad in a child seat riding behind Jim. However, once the distances got longer than 50 miles, Brad was left at home and a lighter bike was used. Both Molly and Jim enjoyed skiing and did not let the arrival of little ones deter them from continuing to travel, mostly to the West, to ski, but the added responsibilities of ferrying around two very active children to soccer, swimming, and ballet reduced the frequency of the trips to the slopes.

In 1994 I was diagnosed with diabetes that considerably slowed my activities. Denial did not help improve the condition. Worsening eyesight and fatigue finally forced me to better manage my diet and exercise.

While Jim and the children attended Holy Cross Church in Tucker, Molly found attending the Atkinson Road Baptist Church in Lawrenceville rewarding for the first time in her life. Everyone was delighted when she was baptized there to start the New Year in 1997 by Dr. David Zimmerman. She even traveled to the Middle East where she was baptized in the Jordan River.


Jim continued a long family tradition of encounters with wildlife in the household. He was awakened late one night by Molly who had spotted an opossum in the living room. Jim chased the opossum around the room until both he and the animal arrived at the top of the stairs simultaneously. Both fell headlong down the stairs and ended up, stunned, lying at the bottom of the stairs. Jim, however, jumped up quickly and grabbed the opossum behind the neck (stupid!) and took it outside into the driveway. He grabbed a shovel and was raising it to permanently dispatch the opossum when he realized his left arm wouldn't move! It had been dislocated in the fall! The opossum was no dummy and quickly ran off into the azaleas. (He was later captured and shown no mercy!)


October 1995 saw Hurricane Opal come through Georgia and even though we were spared any damage, Georgia was flooded. Brad and Dad joined the Telephone Pioneers and went south to help some folks whose trailer park had been swamped with water over the roofs of the trailers. It was some of the nastiest work we have ever done, but the folks were really appreciative.


Active lifestyles made adapting another of the twentieth century’s golden inventions a natural, the cell-phone. This is one technology that Molly took to like a duck to water. Wireless technologies made coordinating all of the evening activities a lot easier. Each of us quickly had our own cell phone and Molly picked up on this technology faster than most.


The winter of 2000 saw the first reunion of "Charlie" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Regiment, First Air Cav Division. By coincidence, it was held in Atlanta and I was able to attend. I only recognized about two of my buddies, but with a little imagination was able to recognize the rest (the years had added a few pounds and removed a little hair).

August 2003 found Molly, Jim, and Tally at Gulfshores beach in a condo rented from cousin Bill Bender. After a little tug-of-war, Tally got a Henna tattoo of a peace dove on her left shoulder. Jim and Molly temporarily ignored diets and ate out frequently, especially breakfast at Tacky Jack's. This was the week that Mars was the closest to earth it had been in 60,000 years so an additional pleasure was watching the full moon and Mars rise together at night. Tally and Molly caught up on their reading while Jim worked on his genealogy; Tally dragged Dad up on a para-sailing trip which both enjoyed. Brad stayed in Atlanta studying for the GRE and attending the funeral of friend Guy Luke.

The end of 2003 found Jim's job outsourced to Hewlett Packard so he retired from AT&T after 27 years on March 15, 2004. In part to celebrate, the family went to St. Simons Island for a week and, again, ate themselves silly, but had a wonderful time. Retirement gave Jim the time to do a few chores around the house, like having hardwood floors installed, replacing all the blinds, getting the inside of the house painted, and redoing the bathroom. Jim even got back into bike riding. But all of this activity eventually wore him out so in September, he went back to work for King & Spalding, an Atlanta law firm, in their IT department.

Molly too, finally accepted the inevitable in March 2006 and retired from AT&T after 36 years. It really didn't change her lifestyle much, she just started playing more tennis! With both kids off to school, we filled in the void with two GoldenDoodles, Brandy and Clancy. Brad and Tally were a little put out that we had finally gotten dogs after they left. Molly's tennis was a good excuse to vacation twice a year at Hilton Head where Molly attended a tennis camp and Jim worked on his genealogy.

May 2006 was the occassion of a number of significant events in the family, not the least being Molly and Diane's 60th birthdays. So the whole family assembled in Hilton Head for a week of meeting and eating.

     LTC James Hallowell Holcombe was born on 29 September 1916 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC.^5,6 He was christened at First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC. He was the son of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell. LTC James Hallowell Holcombe married Ann Josephine Skinner, daughter of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty, on 29 January 1942 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. LTC James Hallowell Holcombe appeared on the census at Ft. Belvoir, VA. He appeared on the census at 404 Zuckerman, Ft. Benning, GA. He was retired on 31 July 1967 at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. He appeared on the census at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. He left a will on 11 July 1976 at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. He died on 31 October 1976 at Moncrief Army Hospital, Ft. Jackson, Richland Co., SC, at age 60^4,6,7, and was buried on 2 November 1976 at Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry, Newberry Co., SC.

Jas was born at home at Wat Coosa Farm, Fayetteville, on Wilmington Road, about 2-3 miles south of Fayetteville. The 1920 US Census shows James living with his parents. He was born when Woodrow Wilson was president and just as America entered World War I.

Frank Holcombe lost the farm during the depression and the family moved across the road to a house that they still owned. They moved to Fayetteville in 1927 to Russell St. and lived there until January 1934 when they moved to the Cottonade Farm. Cottonade was six miles northwest of Fayetteville on the road to Sanford, next to Fort Bragg. The family resided there until after Frank Holcombe's death in 1952.

Jas graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1934, in the midst of the depression, shortly after Franklin Roosevelt took office as president. His school yearbook noted "Captain Freshman basketball '31; Varsity Basketball '32-'34; Varsity Football '32-'34; President Garden Club '31; Track '31; Glee Club '33; Monogram Club '33-'34; HiY '33-'34; Handsomest '34; French Club '34; "Zig-Zag" Staff '34. He then attended Mount Hermon School, Mt. Hermon, Mass., where his father had also attended, for the 1934-1935 school year.

He graduated from N. C. State College in June 1940 with a degree in Engineering and an ROTC commission in the U.S. Army in 1940. Member Upsilon Sigma Alpha (ROTC fraternity). He stayed out one year (Sept. 36-Sept. 37) to work at the Cumberland Dairy. He used to tell a story about the boarding house he stayed in near campus. He roomed there with Bill Friday who later became chancellor of the North Carolina University System. It was virtually unheated and snow blew into the room through cracks in the roof. They slept in their overcoats.

His first assignment in the Army was to the Office of US Army District Engineer, Mobile, Alabama. He was the inspector of construction on the Aircraft Engine Test Building and Aircraft Hangers at the Brookley Army Air Base. He was assigned there from July 1941 to January 1942.

While in Mobile James found lodging at the family residence of the Skinners at 8 Sims Street. While there everyone assumed and encouraged a romance with Margaret Rose. However, James soon began courting Ann.

Like Aunt Sallie, Ann's birth year was a mystery to her family and friends, but the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception confirmed that she was born on October 30th 1915. When they were children, Ann's Grandfather McCafferty (died 1919) would come visiting every Sunday bringing all sorts of goodies. At the time their house had a white picket fence and Grandfather Skinner, who was about 80 then, vaulted over the fence rather than use the gate. Ann remembered pleading with her father for a baby cow. He finally relented, bringing home a cow and calf. Joseph Edward Skinner had a vegetable garden and he let the children sit on the plow as he worked. He often took the children, even the girls, target practicing with a rifle. He gave Ann a gold ring that had been given to him by Margaret Rose, it had a diamond and a ruby.

The family spent the summers over the bay at Battle's Wharf. They enjoyed swimming, fishing, catching craps and floundering. They had bonfires and 'weener' roasts and the ice cream wagon came every afternoon. Their mother loved to plan outings that would teach them how things were made. She took them to the bakery to watch them make bread and rolls; she took along butter so they could have hot rolls just as they came from the big ovens. She took them to the candy store to watch them make huge, long strips of peppermint candy. She planned trips to Monroe Park so they could enjoy the rides. Their father would read to them at night while their mother was doing the dinner dishes. They had many pets; dogs, cats, flying squirrels, possums, rabbits, "coons", and even an alligator that their mother made them get rid of in a very short time.

Ann's family had moved to Monteray Street in 1925, shortly before her mother's death. After her death, her sister, Sarah McCafferty, moved in to help take care of the seven children. The family moved to a larger house at 8 Sims Street.

Ann and her sisters attended the Visitation Academy where Ann graduated in 1934. Ann was chosen Queen of the Coronation during her senior year. After her mother's death Ann tried so hard to please her Grandmother McCafferty and Aunt Sallie, but she felt that she could never do anything as well as her sister Margaret Rose. Even though it was the depression and there were few jobs available, their father insisted that they stay busy so they went to work at a bank for little or no money at all. Eventually Ann went to work permanently at the Waterman Shipyard. She was working there when the war began and the Army asked Mobile residents to make rooms available for soldiers.

In November 1941 Ann chose James to escort her as she led the Zinnias Cotillion at the Visitation Academy. They probably danced to tunes by Glenn Miller, maybe "In the Mood", that was popular then. Because of his impending transfer to Langly Army Air Base, they moved their wedding from April (Easter) to January.

They were married on Thursday, January 29, in the rectory of St. Mary's Church (James was a Presbyterian and they were not permitted to be married in the church.) Monsignor J. R. O'Donoghue officiated at the ceremony, Margaret Rose Skinner was the maid of honor and Ann Spencer was bridesmaid. The best man was E.A. Hirs, ushers were John T. Skinner and Donald J. Skinner. Ann's uncle, E. R Skinner, gave her away in marriage. She wore a gown of ivory faille, made on old-fashioned lines, with a square neck and fitted basque. White calla lilies fashioned her bouquet. The bride's ornament was an antique gold cross and chain which is a family heirloom. Ann was married with her mother's wedding ring, this heavy gold ring being inscribed on one side with her father's name to his bride, and on the other side Lieutenant Holcombe to his bride.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of Sarah McCafferty, and then they honeymooned at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. They then left in a new car to visit James' family in Fayetteville. The family was not able to attend because of the sudden change in plans that was necessitated by James' reassignment to Langly AAB.

James' assigment at Langly Army Air Base was the headquarters of the newly formed 21st Engineer Aviation Regiment. From June 1942 to December 1942 he was a Company Commander in the 21st. He trained a company of approximately 170 men and officers in techniques and know-how of airfield construction prior to their overseas movement. From March 1943 to December 1943 he was the company commander of an Engineer Aviation Company in North Africa where he directed an operations company of approximately 170 men and officers in construction of temporary and semi-permanent airfields. It was there that he fashioned special handgrips for his service 45 made of the clear windows from a bomber so that you could see a photo of Ann that was under it.

From December 1943 until August 1945 he was the Battalion Executive Officer, 838th Engineer Aviation Bn. in North Africa and Italy. He supervised approximately 800 men and officers in design and construction of temporary and permanent airfields to include runways, taxiways and necessary facilities. The Engineer Aviation Battalion was a unique organization established during WWII for the specific purpose “of independently constructing an advanced airdrome and all appurtenances.’’ It had a lavish amount of equipment, numbering 220 items for construction and 146 vehicles—diesel tractors with bulldozers, carry-all scrapers, graders, gasoline shovels, rollers, mixers, air compressors, drills, trucks, trailers, asphalting and concreting equipment, rock crushers, draglines, and pumps—for its mission. Only in the United States could engineers plan on such a scale. The 838th EAB and others in the 21st were unique for another reason: they were almost exclusively manned by black enlisted men under the then segregated system existing in the US Army. Managing units of this size and composition in the South created special problems of their own. The Battalion arrived in North Africa on 15 February 1943. It transferred to Italy on 29 September 1944. It was given credit for participation in the “North Apennines” campaign, 10 September 1944 – 4 April 1945. It appears the Battalion was assigned to the 12^th Air Force during it deployment to Africa and Italy.

In addition to airfield construction, the engineers were also responsible for repairing water systems wherever they were. At one location, they found an ice plant that was not servicable, and, while not part of their mission, they made a deal with the owner that if they repaired it, he would supply them with ice. Once they had the ice, they began to make ice cream. They traded a day's supply of ice cream with the quartermaster for first pick on the equipment and supplies they needed.

Upon returning after the war James was assigned to supervise the demolition of Foster and Perrin Fields in Victoria and Sherman, Texas, as Post Engineer. From December 1946 until April 1947 he was an observer with Admiral Byrd's 1946-'47 Antarctic Expedition. While with the expedition he directed part of the construction of the base and emergency camps. Upon completion of the expedition, James returned to Texas where Jim was born in Sherman.

In July 1948 James was promoted to Captain and in August they moved to Ft. Belvoir where he attended the Advanced Engineer Officers Course. While at Ft. Belvoir, Joseph, their second son was born. Following the Advanced Course, Capt. Holcombe was Chief, Civil components Branch, Dept of Extension Instruction, the Engineer School, charged with preparing and assembly of unit training material to Engineering units of the National Guard and ROTC. He was later Student Supervisor, the Engineer School, to approximately 3,000 students (officers and EM) enrolled in various engineering resident courses.

While in Ft. Belvoir, the family first saw a television. It had a round, green screen in a large wood console. It was a time of many technological changes that would affect the family. They lived on 65 Jadwin Loop, Ft. Belvoir, during the 1950 census. The proximity to Fayetteville permitted many trips via US Highway 1. The trip down the two-lane road was enhanced by miles of wild day-lilies that lined the sides of the roads.

From December 1951 to December 1952 James was assigned as Operations Officer, Army Section and Staff Engineer, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Indo-China (Vietnam). As such he was Engineer Consultant to the French Armed Forces. He fondly remembers riding a Lambretta up Highway 1 from Saigon to Hanoi. The family continued to receive Christmas cards from acquaintances James made in what became North Vietnam until 1965. While James was in Vietnam, the family stayed in Fayetteville and spent a lot of time with the Struthers relatives. Randy was born and James' arrival home in the middle of the night was made all the more exciting by the arm full of oriental presents he brought.

In January 1953 he was assigned as the Executive Officer for the US Army district Engineer, Buffalo, NY. During this tour, the District designed and constructed the US portion of Niagara Falls Remedial work, designed and completed the first year of construction on the US portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The family, now with four sons, traveled often to Canada and Niagara Falls. There were so many boys that James bought the family a pet, a dachshund, so they could all pat it at the same time. It was beloved by the children, but was left behind when they transferred again. Rick was born while they lived there at 88 West Cleveland Drive. James constructed the largest imaginable swing-set in the back yard that was enjoyed by all the children in the neighborhood.

July 1956 found the family reassigned to Alaska. It became the family practice to make these transfers during school's summer break. They would load up the family station wagon, in this case a 1955 Chevy wagon, and travel cross-country and visit all the relatives. This time the trip included Yellowstone Park. Initially, the family was assigned quarters on Ft. Richardson and the family quickly settled into those many activities available in a near wilderness for four young boys. Jim Jr. and Joe hunted and camped with their Dad while the whole family skied and ice-skated all winter. After a year the family moved into larger quarters on Elmendorf AFB. James had been assigned there as Chief of Construction and Real Estate, Alaska Command and was responsible for review of all Army and Air Force master Plans. He had made Major with the move to Alaska. It was with great regret that the family left Alaska in the summer of 1959. Again they traveled across country, however, this time with a 19 ft trailer, visiting the northern cousins, including Auntie Jane in Iowa, where the family visited the Hallowell family homes.

They came to rest at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where James was a student at the US Army Command and General Staff College. The trailer that everyone had loved became their home for the four months of the course and was not so fondly remembered afterwards.

James' next assignment, from January to September 1960 was as CO, 2d Engineer Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA. They lived one block from the officers' golf course, at 404 Zuckerman, where James and Jim Jr. often played.

The family was then moved back to Kansas this time Wichita, where James was first Deputy Engineer, then Engineer of the Corps of Engineers Ballistic Missile Construction Office (CEBMCO). He was responsible for the construction of 18 Titan II missile-launching facilities and the associated on-base support facilities. He administered contracts amounting to over $108 million and employed over 200 military and civilian personnel. He received much recognition for having the best safety record of all such facilities and still coming in under budget and on time. It was a record he was very proud of. The family first lived off post in Derby, Kansas, and then found post housing at McConnell AFB. The family was in Kansas from October 1960 to December 1963. There the boys started high school and started driving.

In the middle of the school year, January 1964, the family transferred to Seoul Korea, where James was Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, PROVMAAG-K. There he advised the Korean Armed Forces of the US policies and positions and assisted them on all construction, maintenance and repair matters. The family had initially been horrified about moving to Korea, but quickly fell in love with the Yong-San facility and its residents. Ann quickly found that prices for all goods and services were remarkably low and soon had a full-time maid, Miss "E" who spoiled the family with her cooking. Without household chores to take up their time, the family quickly became involved in the many social activities at the facility; James in golf, Ann in bridge, Jim and Joe in judo, and all of the kids in the teen club and other on-post activities.

James' final assignment before retirement was from August 1966 to July 31, 1967, was as the Deputy Director, Department of Mechanical and Technical Equipment, US Army Engineer School, Ft. Belvoir, VA. James retired to become the director of the Physical Plant at Newberry College, SC. It was a job that perfectly suited his skills and their social lives. They lived in a large house at 1925 Harrington Street for many years where they were known for hosting an Easter Party each year that brought out all of Newberry's society to hunt for "Easter Eggs" (miniature liquors) in the back yard. After suffering with emphysema for a few years, James finally died from complications, including lung cancer, from the years of smoking since his childhood.



In August 1986, the Skinner clan had a reunion at Gulf Shores, Alabama, just across the bay from Mobile. Most of the families were represented, with even some of Donald's children attending. The highlight of the reunion was the grand entrance of Aunt Sally, who couldn't climb the stairs to the elevated first floor of the condominium so had to be carried by her "sons" up the stairs.

Even though she was first diagnosed with uterine or cervical cancer in 1970, and had a total hysterectomy, Ann was cancer-free until the last year of her life, when she contracted colon cancer. She lived longer than the doctors had predicted, probably because of the nursing of her sister Billie. Ann and James are buried together in the Rosemont Cemetery. Randy's baby is buried at their feet.

     Frank Lanman Holcombe was born on 29 September 1885 at North Granby, Granby, Hartford Co., CT.^5,6 He was the son of Amherst Lanman Holcombe and Clara Frances Babbitt. Frank Lanman Holcombe was baptized on 23 June 1889 at Asylum Hill Church, Hartford, Hartford Co., CT; Page 159 of the Minister's Book, #389. He married Amy Inez Hallowell, daughter of Peter Joseph Hallowell and Matilda G. Scott, on 6 February 1914 at Dow City, Crawford Co., IA. Frank Lanman Holcombe left a will on 11 March 1918 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC; Page 83. He died on 13 June 1952 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC, at age 66. He was buried on 15 June 1952 at Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC; Lot 4 of Block 2 of Cemetery 3. His estate was probated on 27 September 1954 at Cumberland Co., NC.

The Granby Vital Records, page 66, in the Granby Town Hall, indicate that Frank was born to Amherst L. Holcomb, age 63, farmer, and Clara F. Babbit, other, age 36, born MA.

Frank's family moved to Hartford, CT, in September 1887. His mother remarried following Amherst's death, and they moved to Southern Pines, NC, in approximately 1896.

The life of a child in a middle-class home in 1900 was changing. People were moving from the farms to urban America. Amherst's young wife had probably convinced him to move to Hartford so they could enjoy the social life and the amenities of an urban city. Certainly they then enjoyed indoor plumbing. The Scott brother's first mass-marketed toilet tissue in 1900.

Children in rural communities spent much of their time working at home and in the fields, but they found time to explore, play, and enjoy the countryside. Even in Granby, though, Frank, while spending considerable time helping with household chores, was probably not required to work outside of the home. In fact, he was given a better education than most youngsters of the time. Frank and Inez were well-fed, and saw the emergence of telephone, electricity, and other developments that were changing the face of the world like nothing had before. Children were generally happy in the schoolroom, and enthusiasm for education abounded. While corporal punishment for misbehavior was common, not all had unpleasant experiences under the watchful and often stern eye of their educator. Frank passed these stern lessons to his children and his grandchildren. One of Inez' fond memories was of riding in a sleigh through the snow to visit neighbors.

For elementary aged children, playground games such as "Fox and Geese," "Ring around a Rosy," and "Cat's Cradle" allowed them the privilege of competing among peers, testing strength and stamina, and using their very active imaginations. Interestingly, these simple games have a long history---some dating back to the Bubonic Plague of the fourteenth century in Europe.

Childhood toys ranged from the new Teddy's Bear and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls (together with accompanying storybooks) to mechanical banks. These toys served as lessons as well as playthings for children. Mechanical banks taught the importance of frugality and saving money while the latest dolls encouraged little girls to enjoy the domestic roles of being a mother.

When outdoor play was unavailable because of weather conditions, popular children's books served to entertain, and to educate. Little Lord Fauntleroy, Little Women, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, for example, were popular books of the day.

Frank would have enjoyed the new national pastime--baseball. Its popularity began several decades earlier, but by the new century, everyone was playing some variation of the sport.

Frank attended Mount Herman School 1903-1907, Iowa State College 1907-1911. He returned to Fayetteville, NC, in the fall of 1911. It was while at Iowa State that Frank and Inez met, in Zoology class, so the story goes. Inez' wedding ring is engraved on the inside with 'Zoo 2-6-1914'. Nearly a century later that ring is still worn by Molly Holcombe, her granddaughter-in-law.

Inez attended Iowa State College 1906-1910. Then worked at the YWCA Cafeteria, Des Moines, Iowa, June 1910-April 1911; the YWCA Cafeteria, St. Louis, May 1911-December 1913.

Frank was enumerated in the 1910 Ames, Story Co., IA, federal census. He was 24.

Frank and Inez were married just outside Dow City, Iowa, at Inez' home, in a blizzard. "To the strains of Lohengrin's wedding march, played by Miss Jennie Hallowell (Jane Elizabeth), the bridal couple took their places promptly at 3 o'clock, under a beautiful white wedding bell hung in the big bay window, where they were met by Rev. Joseph Stephen, pastor of the M.E church, who read the marriage lines. The bride was dressed in a beautiful white silk crepe meteor, trimmed with shadow lace and carried roses. Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe departed Friday evening for Ft. Dodge, where they will visit Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Rule, later going to Ames and Manning to spend a few days with friends, after which they will return here. They expect to leave here Saturday for Chicago, then on to Richmond, VA., at which place they will visit before going on to Fayetteville, where they will reside." (from the Dow City paper)

Frank and Inez began their married life on a farm located on the Wilmington road, two miles south of Fayetteville, where he established an up-to-date dairy, naming his farm Wat Coosa, after a local tribe of Indians that roamed the Cape Fear valley and the vicinity of the farm now bearing their name. Within four years they build up a heard of 45 head of the Holstein and Jersey cattle, from which they furnished a large number of patrons with milk and cream, using two wagons daily making deliveries.
He also developed one of the finest droves of Rhode Island Red chickens in the State, having taken premiums at a number of fairs. They changed the farm from an old, abandoned place to an up-to-date and modern farm with more than 10,000 feet of drainage tile, producing large crops of oats, corn, hay and peas. Frank was the pioneer alfalfa farmer in the county.

Frank registered for the World War I draft on 11 September 1918 in Fayetteville. He was a farmer age 32 and listed Inez as his closest relative.

"F. L." and Inez were enumerated on Wilmington Road in the 1920 Pearces Mill Township, Cumberland County, NC, federal census, on Willmington Road, ED 65, page 4A. He was a dairy farmer, age 34, she was 33. James and Harold were in the household.

It was probably at this farm where, James, as a young man, helped Frank track down a varmit that was raiding their henhouse. Late one night Frank, still in his nightshirt, woke James and gave him a lantern. He had heard a commotion in the henhouse and hoped to catch the culprit in the act. He carried a shotgun and used it to nudge open the door to the henhouse and told James to hold up the lantern so he could see. Just about then, Bowzer, the family hound, stuck his cold nose up Frank's night shirt. The resulting blast from the shotgun probably didn't kill the varmit but apparently scared it off as he was not seen again; however many of the hens were not so lucky!

Frank L. and Inez H. were enumerated in the 1930 Cross Creek Township, Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC, federal census, on Russell Street. He was a landscape contractor, age 44; she was also 44. Children in the household were James H. 13, Harold M. 11, and Jane G. 8.

Frank and Inez had lost their farm during the early days of the depression and in 1930 he had not yet been made manager of Cottonade.

Frank had a prize bull that he trailered around to provide stud services. The bull once was so agitated about getting into the trailer that he turned it over on Frank. That may be why, with his technical agricultural education, that Frank was a leader in using artificial insemination in dairy cattle.


Frank was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and teacher and past superintendent of Sunday School at the Campbellton Presbyterian Church. He was a director of the North Carolina Milk Producers Association, and director of the North Carolina Dairy Foundation and was very active in county and state Farm Bureau work.

Frank and Inez were a transitional generation. Frank's family had been farmers for 200 years in Granby. He was too, but they both went to college, a first, and Frank was known for his technical advancements in farm management. None of their descendants farmed, but all went to college.

Frank raised his family strictly, probably the same way he was raised. When a child sassed, the slap was immediate and remembered for a lifetime. The week was consumed with work, but Sunday afternoon was a time to pick a ripe watermelon, put it on ice and then strip the grandkids and let them get face down in the juicy melon slices while the older folks told stories and laughed at the antics of the children.

Inez had a quick wit and lovely smile. She loved to tease her grandchildren with her long hair that she brushed out in the evening. She wore it in a bun her whole life, but when down, it reached her waist. There was no better cook anywhere; after all, that was her college major. She was famous for lemon-meringue pie. Even in her nineties she was pestered to make those pies by her grandchildren. She sewed for her family using a treadle sewing machine that fascinated her grandchildren as she worked, spinning all the wheels.

Inez lived the final years of her life, sharing a small house in Sanford, NC, with her sister. All of her family lived close by and visited often. A big gathering was held for her 90th birthday at the Struthers' farm in Lemon Springs and her cake was decorated with 'trick' candles that would not extinguish.

Frank and Inez are buried in a family plot in downtown Fayetteville in a spot that can be seen from the corner of Lamon and Ann Streets.

Frank's will was handwritten and, when probated, a typed copy was certified and submitted. He named his wife "Inez Hallowell Holcombe", as sole beneficiary and executrix.

Inez wrote a will in 1977, but never signed it. In it she designated her daughter, Jane H. Struthers, as executrix and bequeathed her estate to her grandchildren. By state law her estate then went to her two surviving children, Harold and Jane, who decided to distribute it according to her wishes in the will; $500 to the Jonesboro Presbyterian Church of Sanford and the remaining to her surviving grandchildren.

     Ann Josephine Skinner was born on 30 October 1915 at Providence Hospital, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL,^3,4 She was the daughter of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty, and was christened on 14 November 1915 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.⁵ Ann Josephine Skinner married LTC James Hallowell Holcombe, son of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell, on 29 January 1942 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. Ann Josephine Skinner witnessed the will of LTC James Hallowell Holcombe on 11 July 1976 at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. Ann Josephine Skinner lived on 1 January 1980 at 2703 Collinswood Dr., Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. She left a will on 30 November 1988 at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. She died on 12 May 1989 at Newberry, Newberry Co., SC, at age 73^3,6, and was buried on 15 May 1989 at Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry, Newberry Co., SC. Her estate was probated on 30 June 1989 at Newberry Co., SC.

     Joseph Lanman Holcombe was born on 29 March 1949 at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax Co., VA.³ He was the son of LTC James Hallowell Holcombe and Ann Josephine Skinner. Joseph Lanman Holcombe was christened on 19 April 1949 at St. Martin's Chapel, Fort Belvoir, Fairfax Co., VA. He lived on 1 January 1980 at 963 Lincoln Blvd., Presidio of San Francisco, CA. He lived on 1 January 1990 at 16750 Dry Creek Ct., Morgan Hill, Santa Clara Co., CA. He lived on 1 April 2000 at 205 Park Knoll Lane, Apex, NC.

Joe was born 6:30 am March 29, 1949 at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County, Virginia. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Joseph Edward Skinner, and his paternal grandfather, Frank Lanman Holcombe. (Frank's father was Amherst Lanman Holcombe. Frank's first son, Joe's uncle, was also Amherst Lanman Holcombe, who died as an infant.) Birth certificate is in volume 4668, file number 14730. He was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on April 19, 1949 at Saint Martin's Chapel, Fort Belvoir by Father Joseph Parent, Chaplain, US Army. His godparents were John Thomas Skinner (proxy was Charles Mewshaw) and Willie Mae Skinner Corey, siblings of Joe's mother Ann. The certificate of baptism is on file with the Military Ordinariate, record number 113,715.

During Joe's early years he was called Lanny, probably until about 1957 when he chose to be called Joe. He was the second of four boys and learned a great deal from his older brother, Jim - like how to pile toys into the corner of the playpen so he could climb out. Once, in Fayetteville, NC, Joe had a craving for his favorite cookie, Fig Newtons. He asked Mother for one, she reached to the top cupboard and pulled down the package - full of ants! He remembers that disappointment to this day. Sometime when Joe was visiting Cottonade, his grandparents farm in Fayetteville right next to Ft. Bragg, he fell onto a board and shoved a nail through his right hand (at the base of his thumb). He still has scars on both sides. One time in the basement in Alaska, Joe was hanging by one hand from the pipes in the ceiling while shooting a toy gun with the other. The guys on TV could do it. He slipped and landed chin first on the concrete floor. Three stitches. He never thought his first son, Rob, would get a scar to match, but years later he did.

One of the favorite places to camp and fish in Alaska was Hidden Lake. On one trip, Joe was climbing the hills around the area and fell down a very steep hill and split his head open on the left side near the temple. He walked back to camp, stunned and covered with blood. In spite of profuse bleeding, he was OK but still has the scar. He remembers the last trip to Hidden Lake. He climbed one of the hills and lay down on a large rock. He looked out on the lake and the surrounding hills and the beautiful sky and promised himself that he would never forget this wonderful place.

In Fort Leavenworth, KS, they lived in a travel trailer while Dad attended an Army school (Command & General Staff College). It was crowded with four boys and surely tested Mother's patience. It was only for a few months, but seemed like a long time. Joe attended the fifth grade at St. Joseph's. He remembers a few things that happened that remained with him for the rest of his life. He learned to put potato chips in hamburgers. WOW! Hamburgers were never the same. He never realized years later his kids would think he was nuts. During choir practice shortly after school started, the nun stopped everyone, looked around, came up to Joe and said he was not required to sing anymore. Joe's own children have reinforced her instructions.

By far Joe's most cherished memories in Fort Benning, were of Boy Scouts. They had a wonderful Troop and spent a lot of time getting ready for the summer camporee. Joe's father was Battalion Commander of the Engineer battalion, so the Boy Scouts got three sided log cabins built for the camporee. Joe remembers skinny dipping in the river, raiding the Girl Scouts' camp, poison ivy, water moccasins, compass courses, becoming an expert in knots and lashings (as an adult Joe would become a Pioneering merit badge counselor), and many other wonderful times. This short time in Fort Benning would have an influence on Joe for the rest of his life. He would be assigned there twice as an adult.

One of the highlights was earning his Eagle Scout on October 19, 1963, Troop 620, Wichita Kansas. He also earned his Ad Altare Dei (To The Altar Of God), the Catholic award in Scouting while at McConnell AFB, May 13, 1963. Joe started high school at Kapaun Memorial High School in Wichita, September 1963. This was an all boys school taught by Jesuit priests. It was an excellent school with a top quality newspaper that inspired him to work on the paper at his next high school. The football team was number one in the state that year.

They left for Korea that December. Joe's two and a half years at Seoul American High School are some of his fondest memories. Many students still stay in touch through the alumni association, SAHS Brats, and have had several reunions. One of the main reasons he enjoyed high school was the fact that he "majored" in extracurricular activities. It was because of this that he was named "Outstanding Sophomore Boy" in 1965. In 1966 Joe was awarded the US Ambassador's Award. The guidance counselor called him in before the announcement and let him know that even though the award was supposed to be for outstanding achievement in service and scholarship, this year it was given primarily for service and certainly not scholarship. It's not that Joe's grades were bad, but they certainly did not merit any special recognition. They were good enough to be named to the National Honor Society. Joe was active in the American Red Cross when mostly girls joined. (Maybe this is why Joe was so active?) The summer after his sophomore year he was selected to represent the school at the International Leadership Training Center in Oiso, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This was about a week long program at a hotel on the beach. Schools from all over the Far East were represented. From that group, Joe was named Outstanding Citizen, Editor of the ARC newspaper, and elected to the Student Council. Some of the activities Joe was involved in include: Editor-in- chief of the newspaper, Falcon Crier; yearbook, layout editor and photographer; Latin Club president; National Thespian Society; Institute of Logopedics; Quill and Scroll; Student Council; Key Club; Prom Chairman; Knights of the Altar; Newman Club president; Lettermen's Club; Wrestling; Swimming Instructor; Judo, Team Captain, 2nd degree Black Belt.

Joe's activities at West Point included the Dialectic Society, Yearbook (Howitzer), Water Safety Instructor, SCUBA club, (taught underwater photography), Judo club, (National Collegiate Championships, 1970), wrestling, gymnastics, Sport Parachute Team, Soccer. Over the years Joe had injured his shoulders several times. His medical records said "20-40 dislocations and subluxations". Finally, one day while doing sit-ups with his hands behind his neck both shoulders popped out. Surgery followed in December 1969. Joe's senior yearbook, "Howitzer" reads: "Smiling Joe was what most people knew him by, because Joe always seemed to find something about cadet life to smile about. It was hard to find Joe without a camera. Not a better photographer was to be found. He took pictures for everybody and everything. Come parade, drill, or inspection time and Joe and his camera were nowhere to be found. All of his activities made Joe a man capable of giving advice on a wide spectrum of subjects, and it was hard to disagree with a Black Belt in judo. The colorful pictures in our Howitzer will forever remind us of our good friend Joe. Judo Team 4, 3, 2, 1; Dialectic Society 4, 3, 2, 1; Wrestling 4; Gymnastics 4; Sport Parachute Team 2, 1; SCUBA Club 2, 1; Howitzer 4, 3, 2, 1." Joe was a member of the Cadet Honor Company that marched in the funeral cortege honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington, DC on Monday, March 31, 1969.

After graduation, the Army gave 60 days of leave before starting training. This was frequently called Honeymoon Leave since many graduates got married. Dianne and Joe were married July 24, 1971 at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Newberry. Jim was Joe's best man, Sara Jane McDonald was the matron of honor. Father Robert T. Kennedy presided, concelebrated by the local pastor Father Peter K. Berberich. Father Kennedy was the civilian chaplain at West Point that had given Dianne so much help with the Catholic faith. He made a special trip to be there on his way back from a trip to Rome. Joe's first day of work at Ft. Benning, after "honeymoon leave" was quite a surprise and a foreshadowing of the rest of his life. Dianne got up that morning and saw all of his fatigues scattered around the living room. Joe had to go through all of them to find a pair of pants that he could still get into. His whole life he had been a skinny kid. He always wanted to be big. (Be careful what you wish for...) He never paid much attention to his weight, but would for the rest of his life. In 1974 Joe got down to 139 pounds for awhile when he was competing for a place on the Armed Forces Judo Team. Somewhere in his 30's, he went over 200 pounds and spent most of the rest of his life bouncing between 195 and 225. Joe put on 30 pounds the year he got out of the military, 1984.

In February, 1972 the family moved to Copperas Cove (Ft. Hood, TX) and bought a mobile home while Joe was assigned to the First Cav Division. He continued judo training in the Army and was on the All Army Team 1972 - 1974, the last year as coach / captain. In 1974 he made the United States Armed Forces Judo Team and competed in the CISM Games in Rio de Janeiro. He competed in the AAU National Championships each year 1972 - 1975. The family moved back to Ft. Benning in 1975. With about two weeks notice, they were transferred to California in May, 1979. During that time they bought a 25 foot travel trailer which the family enjoyed for many years. For the first time ever he shaved off his mustache that he grew right after Ranger School in 1972. It was recommended because he was getting an official Army photo taken and some reviewers may not like it. No problem. Except for Melissa Jane. She wouldn't look at him! She was mad because she didn't understand what Joe had done with / to her daddy! She got over it in about a week. The next time Joe shave it off was in 1984 when he got out of the Army and was told that civilian recruiters may not like facial hair. Ricky James was with them by then, and remembering the first time, let him help shave it off. The two recruiters that interviewed for Texas Instruments both had handle bar mustaches!!

From May 17, 1979 - December 31, 1979 Joe was assigned as Chief of Market Studies and Analysis (MSA), Western Region Recruiting Command (WRRC), United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC). He then went to Operations Research Systems Analysis (ORSA MAC I) on temporary duty from January 1, 1980 - April 11, 1980. Probably the most important thing learned was the need for a masters degree which he began and completed April 17, 1982. (Master of Business Administration, Management, Pepperdine University). Joe's final military assignment was as Chief of the Branch Assistance Team, Infantry, Army Readiness and Mobilization Region IX (ARMR IX) from July 13, 1982 - January 31, 1984. The family moved back to Texas and Joe was part of Engineering Training for the Equipment Group, Texas Instruments.

Joe's first real contract as a private consultant was with the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University July 27-August 7, 1987. Joe continued doing many public seminars with The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. While presenting an Advanced Seminar June 4, two employees of Valisys (CIGMA at that time) told the founder of the company that he should hire Joe. June 19 Joe interviewed and July 11-14 they flew the whole family to San Jose to convince them to come back to California. The seven and a half years in Morgan Hill, CA were wonderful in many ways. The family took numerous trips all over the state and went camping and backpacking. Rick and Joe were heavily involved in Boy Scouts. The family went skiing, rock climbing, parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, and a wide variety of other activities. After two years, Joe decided to try full time consulting in March 1990 and formally started his own company, JLH Engineering Support. It was quite successful for the first two years, but then died during the recession. 1992 was a tough year, 1993 he was essentially unemployed since he had three major contracts canceled. In 1994 he decided to look for a regular job again which eventually led to them moving to North Carolina. When Dianne got a job so quickly in Treyburn, that completed the decision.

     Amy Inez Hallowell was born on 20 January 1886 at Dow City, Crawford Co., IA.¹ She was the daughter of Peter Joseph Hallowell and Matilda G. Scott. Amy Inez Hallowell married Frank Lanman Holcombe, son of Amherst Lanman Holcombe and Clara Frances Babbitt, on 6 February 1914 at Dow City, Crawford Co., IA. Amy Inez Hallowell witnessed the will of Frank Lanman Holcombe on 11 March 1918 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC; Page 83. Amy Inez Hallowell witnessed the will of Frank Lanman Holcombe on 11 March 1918 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC; Page 83. Amy Inez Hallowell died on 27 November 1977 at Sanford, Lee Co., NC, at age 91.^1,2 She was buried on 29 November 1977 at Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC; Lot 4 of Block 2 of Cemetery 3. Her estate was probated on 27 November 1978 at Lee Co., NC; 77-E158.

"Miss Inez was born and raised in this community, and is thus a good example of Crawford county product. Her character is as spotless as new fallen snow, her grace of manners and sweet disposition winning her numberless friends. She graduated from our local high school, afterward entering the ranks as teacher in the rural schools. Later she decided on entering the Iowa State college at Ames, where she took the whole four years course and graduated with honors. She accepted a position as secretary of the Y.W.C.A. at Des Moines and after a few months resigned it to accept a similar position at St. Louis, which she held until about six weeks ago. The wedding is a culmination of a college romance." From the Dow City paper.

"On the day of the wedding the mercury was down to 40 below zero and the young lady should appreciate a home where the thermometer does not forget itself and treat brides in that shabby fashion." From a local North Carolina paper.

     Amherst Lanman Holcombe was born on 2 July 1915 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC. He was the son of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell. Amherst Lanman Holcombe died on 8 December 1915 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC, at age 0. He was buried at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC.

     Harold Milton Holcombe was born on 14 December 1918 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC. He was the son of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell. Harold Milton Holcombe married Elizabeth Hawks Pott, daughter of Walter Hawks Pott and Elizabeth Washington Fisher, on 20 October 1954 at Greenville, NC. Harold Milton Holcombe died on 24 August 1991 at Charleston, SC, at age 72. He was cremated on 27 August 1991 at First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, Horry Co., SC.¹

World War II Army veteran, serving in the South Pacific; graduate of NC State University, School of Engineering; Union Carbide District Manager. Services were at the First Presbyterian Chruch of Myrtle Beach, the body was cremated. Betty was a graduate of St. Mary's College in Raleigh, NC, and attended the Art Students League in New York. They moved to the Myrtle Beach area in 1981 from Sanford, NC, and were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach.

     Jane Garland Holcombe was born on 8 August 1921 at Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC. She was the daughter of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell. Jane Garland Holcombe married Thomas Carl Struthers, son of Jay Thomas Struthers and Caroline Jane Williamson, on 10 October 1948 at Philadelphia, PA.¹ Jane Garland Holcombe witnessed the probate of the estate of Amy Inez Hallowell on 27 November 1978 at Lee Co., NC; 77-E158. Jane Garland Holcombe died on 28 January 1992 at Lemon Springs, Lee Co., NC, at age 70.

Jane died at home in Lemon Springs, where she had lived for most of her married life. There was a memorial service on Friday, January 31 at the Lemon Springs United Methodist Church. (They were members of the Sanford Presbyterian Church at the time of her death, but it was temporily closed for repairs). The flag at the post office across the street where she had worked many years was at half staff. She was cremated. Jane had worked as a dietitian at Yale and as a home economist for Carolina Power and Light.

     Elizabeth Hawks Pott was born on 22 March 1924 at Shanghai, China. She was the daughter of Walter Hawks Pott and Elizabeth Washington Fisher. Elizabeth Hawks Pott married Harold Milton Holcombe, son of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell, on 20 October 1954 at Greenville, NC. Elizabeth Hawks Pott died on 17 December 1992 at Surfside Beach, SC, at age 68. She was cremated.¹

     Amherst Lanman Holcombe was born on 29 March 1822 at North Granby, Granby, Hartford Co., CT.^4,5 He was the son of James Holcombe and Miriam Colt. Amherst Lanman Holcombe was baptized on 23 June 1822 at First Congregationalist Church, North Granby, Hartford Co., CT.⁶ He married Julia A. Jones, daughter of Meriam H. (?), on 31 October 1850. Amherst Lanman Holcombe married Clara Frances Babbitt, daughter of Harrison Willard Babbitt and Marilla Theresa Converse, on 30 November 1882 at Barre, Worcester Co., MA. Amherst Lanman Holcombe left a will on 22 May 1893 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He died on 14 October 1894 at Blue Hills, Hartford, Hartford Co., CT, at age 72.⁵ He was buried on 16 October 1894 at Center Cemetery, Granby, Hartford Co., CT; Lot IV-67.⁷ His estate was probated on 17 October 1894 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.

McPherson states: "There is also a report of a marriage of 'Amherst Lanman Holcomb' to Julia Jones." Because of the ommission of this marriage and its two offspring, the reference numbers of the following children are incorrect.


Amherst was enumerated in the 1850 Granby, Hartford Co., CT, census as a 28 year old farmer.


Amherst and Julia were enumerated in the 1860 Granby, Hartford Co., CT, census (West Granby Post Office). James L. was age 5. Miriam Jones, age 71, Amherst's mother-in-law, was in the household.


Amherst and Julia were enumerated in the 1870 Granby, Hartford Co., CT, census, page 33. There were no children listed. A farm laborer, Edney C. Babbitt, age 19, born in Massachusetts, was in the household, probably the brother of Clara Frances Babbit.


Amherst and Julia were enumerated in the 1880 Granby, Hartford Co., CT, census. He was a farmer. Julia is listed as having a disability. His half-sister Emily Cowdry is living with them as is a foster-child Thomas (--?--), age 12, and a boarder.


Amherst was listed in the 1888 Greer's City Directory.


Amherst spelled his name "Holcomb". After his death, Frank Lanman and Aunt Kate decided to add the "e". (From Jane Holcombe Struthers)


The Obituary of Amherst L. Holcomb as it appeared in The Hartford Daily Courant, October 15, 1894:


Amherst L. Holcomb died at his home on the Brinley place, Blue Hills, yesterday, aged 72 years. Mr. Holcomb was formerly a resident of Granby, but purchased the Brinley place and moved from Granby in September 1887. In Granby, Mr. Holcomb carried on the business of farming and was an esteemed citizen of the town. He was a member of the Congregational Church in that town, but since coming to this city joined the Asylum Hill Church. He filled many important town offices while living in Granby. He was interested in the old-time militia of the state and served as quartermaster and paymaster in the Seventeenth Regiment, Connecticut Militia, in 1845 and 1846, respectively.


Mr. Holcombe leaves a wife and two children, a son, aged 9, and a daughter aged 5 years. The funeral will take place from his late home, No. 2 Holcomb Street, Blue Hills, to-morrow morning at 8:30 o'clock. The Rev. Joseph H. Twichell will officiate. The burial will be at Granby.


From The Converse Family and Allied Families Clara Frances Babbitt, born in Worcester, Mass., 5 June 1849; united with the Congregational Church in Barre in Sept. 1871; resided for some years in Franklin and Fitchburg, Mass., and taught school one year in Hartland, Conn., where she met Amherst Lanman Holcombe, and was married to him at the family home, in Barre, 30 Nov. 1882, by Rev. Joseph F. Gaylord. Mr. Holcombe was born in Granby, Conn., 29 March 1822, and was the son of James and Miriam (Colt) Holcombe. Amherst Lanman Holcombe was a successful farmer, and, on his hillside farm in Granby, Conn., they lived until Sept., 1887, when they moved to Hartford, Conn., where, in exchange for the Granby farm, he had taken a smaller farm on "Brindly Hill" just within the city limits of Hartford. Mr. Holcombe died there 14 Oct. 1894. He was an industrious and thrifty farmer, a good financier, interested in local and national affairs, and a member of the Congregational Church.


Mrs. Holcombe continued to live in the Hartford home until her second marriage, in Hartford, 8 Dec 1897, by Rev. Joseph H. Twitchell of Hartford, to Lusias Sanborn Johnson, who was born in Newport, ME., 15 June 1845, the son of John and Mary (Rowley) Johnson, lived in Manchester, N.H., after he was three years old. He removed to Southern Pines, N.C., in February 1893, where Mr. and Mrs. Johnson reside on his farm, and where she is a member of the Congregational Church.

     Thomas Carl Struthers was born on 2 September 1913 at Marion, OH. He was the son of Jay Thomas Struthers and Caroline Jane Williamson. Thomas Carl Struthers married Jane Garland Holcombe, daughter of Frank Lanman Holcombe and Amy Inez Hallowell, on 10 October 1948 at Philadelphia, PA.¹ Thomas Carl Struthers lived on 1 April 2000 at Exton, PA. He died on 18 October 2002 at PA at age 89.

     Scott Garland Struthers was born at Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was the son of Thomas Carl Struthers and Jane Garland Holcombe. Scott Garland Struthers died at Highsmith-Rainey Hospital, Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., NC.

     Harry Claude Moore Jr. was born on 12 March 1909 at Webb City, Jasper Co., MO.^2,3 He was the son of Harry Claude Moore and Valera Mae Chappell. Harry Claude Moore Jr. married Jewel Wolfe. Harry Claude Moore Jr. and Jewel Wolfe were divorced in August 1931. Harry Claude Moore Jr. married Maurine Garrett, daughter of Boyd Roberts Garrett and Euleta Maffett, on 23 December 1933 at Highland Park Methodist, Dallas, TX. Harry Claude Moore Jr. and Maurine Garrett were divorced on 21 February 1944 at Dallas Co., TX. Harry Claude Moore Jr. married Nan Alsup Norton, daughter of George Harvey Norton and Zinn Tallie Alsup, at Kaufman, Kaufman Co., Texas.⁴ Harry Claude Moore Jr. lived in 1952 at 3923 Hanover St., Dallas, Dallas Co., TX. He lived in September 1960 at 2945 Bel Air, Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co, NM. He lived in 1970 at 4618 Monette Drive, Corpus Christi, TX. He died on 7 March 1985 at 316 Walnut St., Whitewright, Grayson Co., TX, at age 75; of cardiac arrest^2,5, and was buried on 9 March 1985 at Blue Ridge Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Collin Co., TX.

When he applied for a Social Security Number on January 14, 1936, Claude was living at 1008 N. Preston, Ennis, TX, and working at H. Hentz & Co., Republic National Bank Bldg, Dallas, TX.


Claude and Nan retired and moved to Corpus Christi some time in 1970, before 12 August.


They sold the house on Monette in December 1984 and moved to the Dallas area. They were building a house in the Sudderth Addition, Leonard, Fannin County, TX, and living in a rental house that belonged to the developer at 316 Walnut St., Whitewright, Grayson Co., TX. Before the house was completed, Claude had a heart attack and died. Nan moved into an apartment in McKinney and sold the property in Leonard on 13 January 1986.

     Nan Alsup Norton was born on 28 November 1919 at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.^3,4 She was the daughter of George Harvey Norton and Zinn Tallie Alsup. Nan Alsup Norton married James Vick. Nan Alsup Norton and James Vick were divorced at Dallas, Dallas Co., TX. Nan Alsup Norton married Harry Claude Moore Jr., son of Harry Claude Moore and Valera Mae Chappell, at Kaufman, Kaufman Co., Texas.⁵ Nan Alsup Norton died on 16 October 1988 at 123 Wilson Creek Blvd, Apt 82, McKinney, Collin Co., TX, at age 68.^6,3 She was buried on 19 October 1988 at Blue Ridge Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Collin Co., TX.

When Nan filled out her application for a Social Security number on 5 Dec 1938 she and her first husband were living at 2115 Wentworth, Houston, TX, and she was working at the Pillot Book Store.

     Joseph Edward Skinner was born on 26 August 1881 at Tornet, AL. He was the son of Judge George Gaines Skinner and Mary Eugenia Hill. Joseph Edward Skinner married Margaret Rose McCafferty, daughter of John Thomas McCafferty and Sarah Ann McDonald, on 12 November 1913 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepti, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. Joseph Edward Skinner died on 5 February 1941 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL, at age 59. He was buried on 7 February 1941 at Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.

Jospeh's WWI draft registration card listed his address as 521 Sprint Hill Ave., Mobile; he was a clerk at the Van Antwerp Drug Corp; his nearest RElative was Margaret Rose Skinner; he was tall and slender with grey eyes.

Mr. Skinner was self employed in the wholesale candy business and later worked for "Baunhouer" distributors. He was a member of St. Mary's church and the Knights of Columbus. He was married At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama on 12 November 1913 by the Rev. E. J. Hackett. John and Sallie McCafferty were witnesses.


In the 1920 census he was listed as the head of the family, his wife was Margaret Rose, with daughters Margaret Rose, Annie Josephine, Willie May, and son Joseph Edward (Reel 34, Enumeration District 120, Page 5B), they were living on Springhill Ave.


Joseph was enumerated in the 1930 Mobile, Mobile Co., AL, federal census, district 76, page 11B, in the household of mother-in-law Sarah, 22 South Monteray St. Joseph's children listed were Margaret 15, Annie 14, Willie May 12, John 10, Donald 8, and Sarah 4.

The family home was called "Cannon Gate" because there was a very large, real cannon in the center of the front lawn where large oak trees outlined the property. He smoked a pipe his entire adult life. He had a humidor where he put apple peels to keep the tobacco fresh. His main interest in life was target shooting. He also enjoyed taking the boys hiking, most likely out near Springhill College. He had a uniform, possibly from the Spanish American War.

Because of the death of Margaret Rose during the flu epidemic in Mobile in 1926, Joe and his six children went to live with the children's aunt, Sarah Gertrude McCafferty and her mother. Margaret, Ann and Billie were sent to the Visitation Academy, a private boarding and day school in Mobile. The other children, John, Donald and Sara remained with their father in the McCafferty home.

He died of Stomach Cancer.

     Margaret Rose McCafferty was born on 29 October 1888 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. She was the daughter of John Thomas McCafferty and Sarah Ann McDonald. Margaret Rose McCafferty married Joseph Edward Skinner, son of Judge George Gaines Skinner and Mary Eugenia Hill, on 12 November 1913 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepti, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. Margaret Rose McCafferty died on 8 February 1926 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL, at age 37. She was buried at Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.

Died of pneumonia.

     Margaret Rose Skinner was born on 11 September 1914 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. She was the daughter of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty. Margaret Rose Skinner married Fred Lyon Ingate on 28 January 1950 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. Margaret Rose Skinner died on 26 December 1994 at Silver Springs, MD, at age 80. She was buried on 29 December 1994 at Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.

from the Mobile Press Register, Wednesday, December 28, 1994 "Highland Park, N.J.--Margaret Rose Skinner Ingate, a retired antique appraiser who founded the Mobile Tree Commission, died Monday in Silver Spring, Md., at the age of 80.

"A native and former longtime resident of Mobile, Mrs. Skinner had resided in Highland Park for the past two years.

"Mrs. Ingate was active in many Mobile civic organizations. She founded the Mobile Tree Commission and retired from the organization in 1966 after five years, during which time she served as president and secretary.

"She also served in various capacities in other organizations, including the Historic Mobile Preservation Society, the Mobile Symphony Guild, Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Providence Hospital Auxiliary, the Joe Jefferson Players, the Children's Theater of Joe Jefferson Players.

"In March 1964, her article `Mobile, History in Towns' appeared in Antiques Magazine. "She received the M.O. Beale Scroll of Merit in August 1958 and March 1966.

"She was a graduate of the Visitation High School and attended Xavier College in Cincinnati.

"She is survived by four children, Margaret Ingate-Simen of Highland Park, Lila Ingate-McHenry of Maitland, Fla., Mary Randall Ingate of Silver Spring (MD) and Frederick John Ingate of Taylors, SC; two sisters, Sarah Ferchaud of St. Louis, Mo., and Billie Corey of Greenwood, S.C; one brother, Donald Skinner of Plymouth, Mich; and seven grandchildren.

"The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to the Alzheimer's Association. "Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Today at Radney Funeral Home in Mobile with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church with interment in Magnolia Cemetery."

from the Mobile Press Register, Friday December 30, 1994

"Mrs. Margaret Rose Ingate--Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated from St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, December 29, 1994 at 10:00 am with Rev. Msgr. Kenneth Klepac as celebrant. Presiding was the most Rev. Oscar H. Lipscomb, Archbishop of Mobile. Con-Celebrants were; Very Rev. G. Warren Wall, Very Rev. John Aherne V.G., Rev. Paul tipton S.J. and Rev. Austin Conry. Honorary pallbearers were; Jack Bender and Donald Skinner; active pallbearers weres; Scott McHenry, William c. Hathaway, Joe Holcombe, Fred Ingate Jr., Slade Hooks and Davids Simen. Interment was in Magnolia Cemetery."

After the burial family and friends met that the home of Missy and Roy Benton.

     Willie May Skinner was born on 22 May 1917 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. She was the daughter of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty. Willie May Skinner married Stanley Benson Corey, son of George Holton Corey and Alice Elizabeth Benson, on 24 July 1943 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. Willie May Skinner died on 30 June 1998 at Greenwood, SC, at age 81. She was buried on 3 July 1998 at Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, SC.

When Billie was too young to be in Kindergarten she went to the Visitation Academy because Margaret Rose promised to keep track of her. Billie was hiding under a bed and got a fanny full of splinters from the bed slats. The girls liked to go to the grotto at the Visitation academy and smoke and climb over the wall to go to the ice cream parlor. They put on plays at the Visitation academy using costumes donated from the Marti Gras.

As the girls grew older, they were allowed to see the boys from Spring Hill (which at the time had high school). Ann dated a boy named Frank Sneringer (later involved in an air plane tragedy) and also Paul Brunson (now Judge, blind from a hunting accident). Billie dated a boy named Earl Cunney (joined priesthood) and Paul Wood (still lives in Mobile). They used to have 'snipe hunts' at the 'Hill' at the gully and winnie roasts. They had treasure hunts and scavenger hunts. At the visitation academy Billie played the part of a Roman Soldier in a play written by one of the Morston girls. When Billie was in Visitation, Sister Mary Theresa Cohn (holy terror-Latin teacher) told her to color her hair, Billie didn't say anything, but next day came to class wearing a red 'fright wig', went to her seat and didn't say anything. Sister Mary Theresa ignored her, Billie said nothing, and the next thing you know one of the other sisters came in and said "the bishop is coming down the hall and will be here in a minute.

When they graduated they wore white caps and gowns, one of Billie's good friends was Dorethia Owens, she had a roadster named 'Pat' and everyone wanted to ride in the rumble seat. One occasion Billie had a date and Sarah was hiding behind the sofa and Billie's date offered Sarah a dime to get lost but Sarah held out for a quarter. Ann was dating a boy who lived on Spring Hill Avenue, he bought Sarah a stuffed rabbit for Easter but didn't get anything for Ann. Billie and Ann belonged to a Mystic Organization called Neredies (Marte Gras Organization). Ann also belonged to the Zenias (old Maids-if you got married you got kicked out). All the Skinners (maybe not John who may have been off in the Army) were in Mobile for Billie's wedding. Billie was dating a boy named Brown Mercer, who at that time of his life was "going over fool's hill", Cedia thoroughly disapproved of him and there was no way in this world that she was going to let any of her girls go out with him (he liked his beer too much). Billie thought he was the cats meow. She told Brown to call on her over at the Benders house and what time. He called her at the Benders but the phone lines were crossed and Cedia overheard them making plans go out and interrupted them and forbid them.

There were 4 girls at visitation convent, one of them Loraine Walsh, who stayed out too late and were afraid they would get caught and so stayed out all night then went home and told their parents they had been kidnapped. Ann was running for May queen, by selling tickets, and wanted to win in the worst way. Anita Herndon was leading the contest who had a wealthy grandma. Cedia raised more money. You had to take the money to Mr. Sidney Simon at the shoe store on Dalton Street. Cedia went in with all the tickets, and Ann was ahead, at 2 minutes to 6pm when Anita's grandma came in with $60 and it would have made here the winner but Mr. Simon took too long to count it and he declared the $60 too late. Ann got to select the King - Carl McEvoy. She wore a white dress and carried a bouquet of talisman roses with Queen Ann's lace. Cutest little boy as crown bearer named Myer who lived on Spring Hill Ave. Myar Bennett did all kinds of acrobatics Anita was the first lady in waiting. Her classmates were the other members of the court. When Ann graduated she was the number 1 student and received a scholarship.

Following graduation from the Visitation Academy, Billie worked fro the Department of Public Welfare. After being there for a year she became secretary to the Manager of the Mobile Water Works. Later, she accepted a job as secretary to the Ground Training Officer at Squadron 8B, Perdido Beach, Florida. This squadron was part of the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Here she met Cadet Stanley Benson Corey. Four months later, after he was commissioned, they were married in Mobile. Alabama.

Stan was a pilot at the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Billie was Stan's Commanding Officers' secretary. They were married in the rectory and the reception was held at 8 Simms Ave. and Billie wore Ann's wedding dress. Bridesmaids were Naomi Whitton and sister Sarah. Naomi's father was a close friend of Frank Lanman Holcombe, Billie's brother-in-law's father. Stan was assigned as a flight instructor for most of the war and flew patrols over the Caribbian. In 1945 he was transferred to San Diego in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Immediately after the war Stan got a job with TWA and in 1946 they moved first to Bayside, then to Flushing NY; in 1953 the family moved to Setauket, New York.

Billie was an avid supporter of the Greenwood Museum, she was also an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, The Woman's Club, The Keowee Study Club, The Tulip Garden Club, and the MNM Book Club.

A funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Hayden J. Vaverick and Father Charles J. Day officiating. Pallbearers were nephews Jim, Joe, Randy and Rick Holcombe. Arrangements were by the Blyth Funeral Home.

     Joseph Edward Skinner Jr. was born on 2 April 1919 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. He was the son of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty. Joseph Edward Skinner Jr. died on 2 December 1921 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL, at age 2; of diphtheria.

     Maj. John Thomas McCafferty Skinner was born on 8 March 1920 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL. He was the son of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty. Maj. John Thomas McCafferty Skinner died on 18 June 1968 at Petersburg, VA, at age 48. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

John was born on March 8th, 1920, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in Mobile with his family of four sisters, Margaret Rose, Ann, Willie Mae (Billie), Sarah, and his younger brother, Donald. His mother died when he was a young child, and his Mother's sister, Sarah G. McCafferty (Aunt Sallie) became an integral part of his family. As years went by, John often said he considered Aunt Sallie to be his Mother, based on the love and devotion she gave him over the years. Early in John's youth he exhibited an interest in the military, and later, he devoted his life to a military career. He joined the National Guard of the State of Alabama when he was 18 years old, in July 1938. Because of a change in residence in 1940 out of state, he was honorably discharged from the National Guard, and was commended for "Honest and Faithful Service". There are family pictures of John as a Private in the National Guard, 31st Inf. Div., looking happy and proud in his uniform. From June 1939 to December 1940, John was a cadet seaman with the Waterman Steamship Corp, Mobile, and he traveled to England, Hawaii, China, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. This period of his life reflected his love of the sea, boats, and travel to far off places.


From October 1941 to September 1945, John was in the US Army Air Force. During World War II, John worked as a supply specialist in the Army Air Corps in WW II. He was first sent to North Africa in the early phase of the war, and from there went to Italy and was stationed in Italy, near Foggia, with the 774th Bomb Squadron, 463rd Bomb Group, which was flying B-17 bomb missions in Europe. He was discharged in September 1945 as a Staff Sgt.


He then attended Alabama Poly Technic Institute from January 1946 to January 1947, and attended Iowa State University from January 947 to January 1948. At this point in his life he decided that he wanted to return to a military career, and he entered the US Army Quartermaster Corps in February 1948. In November 1950, he received a commission as a second LT. He retired as a Major in 1965. He was a Petroleum Operations Officer in the Quartermaster Corps. He was qualified to conduct all resident petroleum officers' instructional courses at Fort Lee, Va. In several assignments he was the senior officer for the management and operation of petroleum tank farms between American Army and German/Korean/Japanese agencies. The military career became his life's work until he retired from the Army in July 1965, at the age of 45 years. John's military career was distinguished by his devotion to duty at all times. He was a true soldier, both as an enlisted man and as an officer. At the time that John retired, he was married, and had three young children. John and his wife, Alice, were living in Petersburg, VA.


He went on to pursue a second career with the Department of Defense, as a Quality Assurance Specialist, at the Defense General Supply Center, in Richmond, VA, and succeeded in his second career outstandingly. John was a highly decorated soldier, and participated in several campaigns during W.W. II. He contributed significantly to our nation's security and to the maintenance of freedom throughout the world. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack on June 18, 1968, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

     Donald Joseph Skinner was born on 28 September 1922 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of Joseph Edward Skinner and Margaret Rose McCafferty. Donald Joseph Skinner witnessed the christening of James Hallowell Holcombe Jr. on 3 September 1947 at St. Mary's, Sherman, Grayson Co., TX. Donald Joseph Skinner died on 16 July 2003 at Plymouth, Wayne Co., MI, at age 80.¹


If Mark Twain were to have written the proper sequel to "Tom Sawyer" it would be the life story of Donald Skinner.


Raised by a spinster Aunt Sally, it seems that Donald only stopped pulling pranks long enough to go fishing. Taught to spit and play marbles by his older sister Margaret Rose, Donald joined the Marines at 17 rather than be drafted but Aunt Salli would not sign his enlistment papers, so uncle John did.


Donald served in the Pacific during World War II with the 5th Communications Brigade of the 4th Marine Division including service on Tinian, Saipan, Guam, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and Japan. It was in Iwo Jima where a mortar round landed nearby and collapsed his foxhole on top of him; he was buried alive and injured his back. He declined many of the medals he earned, including the Purple Heart, because he did not approve of the way other Marines sought them out. He mustered out in 1946.


While he was stationed in Florida after the war, he went on a blind date and met Seaman 1st Class Mary Katherine Kessler. She was a member of the WAVES, a lab technician. Kay was impressed because he was so much more polite than the other Marines. Donald and Kay knew each other for only a short time before she went home on the train for a couple of weeks. Donald wrote to her while she was gone and when she stepped off the train on her return, he proposed. He loved her so much he gave up his childhood home in Mobile to live in hers in Michigan.


About 1971 Donald bought the family farmhouse of Mr. Daisy, of Daisy B.B.Guns for $200 and moved it to its current location on Ann Arbor Trail.


"He retired as an engineer for Michigan Bell Telephone after 40 years. He came to the Plymouth community in 1950 from Canton. He was a member of the Plymouth Rotary Club, where he served on the foundation Board; a member of the Knights of Columbus in Plymouth; member of the Plymouth Township Planning Commission. He worked with Junior Achievement in Plymouth in the early 1970s. He served on the Little League Baseball Board in Plymouth. He interviewed candidates for the Military Academy for Carl Pursell. He received an award from the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce for Community Service. From 1984 to 1985 he was the board chairman for the Plymouth United Way. He received an award from the Community Federal Credit Union for community service." ²


He helped lay the foundation of the original church where his family grew up, were married, and where his funeral service was held.


When he died, his family respected his wishes, and his ashes were returned to Mobile Bay.

     Harry Claude Moore was born on 9 October 1877 at Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was the son of Nathan Thomas Moore and Sarah Louisa Manker. Harry Claude Moore married Valera Mae Chappell, daughter of Rev. Robert Thomas Chappell and Martha Thomason, in 1905. Harry Claude Moore died on 27 May 1935 at Dallas, Dallas Co., TX, at age 57; gravestone reads "1877-1937." He was buried on 15 May 1937 at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX; Section E, Space 3&4, Lot 17, Bl