Person Page - 625

     Olive M. Holcombe was also known as Polly Holcombe. She was born in 1825.¹ She was the daughter of Webster Holcombe and Abigail Perkins.¹ Olive M. Holcombe died on 4 May 1880.¹

Isaac and Olive were enumerated in the 1850 Concord, Jefferson Co., WI, federal census. He was a farmer, age 28, she was 25. Children in the household were Merream 5, Chauncey 3, and Cinderilla 1.

This same family is found in 1860, however, John and Polly were enumerated in the 1860 Concord, Jefferson Co., WI, federal census. He was a farmer age 39, she was 35. Children in the household were Mariam 15, Chauncy 14, Cindirilla 11, David 8, Flavil 4, and Theodore 1.

     Thomas Baker was born circa 1804 at NY. He married Mary Ann (?)

     John Holcombe was born in 1804. He was the son of NY Holcombe. John Holcombe married Emily Jewell, daughter of Jonathan Jewell and Fanny Stroud, in 1833.¹ John Holcombe died in 1884.

from LaGrange Pioneers, published 1935 by LaGrange Ladies' Aid society, Walworth County, Wis.:

John Holcomb(e) (1804 - 1884) and his wife, Emily Jewell Holcomb and family came from Orleans Co., N.Y., in the forties and settled in Sec. 25 on the shore of Green Lake. Emily Jewell traced her ancestry to thomas Jewell who, at the age of 27, came from England to Massachusetts in the ship, Planter. He settled at Braintree where eh died leaving a will on record. On her mother's side she descended from Capt. Richard Stroud (1746-1819) of New London, Conn. His wife was Elizabeth Billings (1750-1833). When the British burned New London in 1791 Capt. Stroud was at sea. His wife put the silverware in teh well, and with her baby in her arms, accompanied by five other children, walked 30 miles to Stafford. One of those children, fanny Stroud, later married Jonathan Jewell -- the parents of our Emily Jewell. Her family moved to Murray, N.Y., where she married John Holcomb in 1833. They had five children: Frances, Mrs. Peter Shamp, Lincoln, Neb; Amy, who died young; Richard Billings; Julia; and John, who married Jane Niblack and went to Nebraska where they left many descendants. At her death, the body of Emily J. Holcomb was returned to New York for burial.

     Jonathan Jewell married Fanny Stroud, daughter of Capt. Richard Stroud and Elizabeth Billings.¹

     Sophrona Holcombe was born circa 1839 at OH.¹ She was the daughter of Webster Holcombe and Abigail Perkins.¹

     Capt. Richard Stroud was born in 1746.¹ He married Elizabeth Billings.¹ Capt. Richard Stroud died in 1819.¹

     Sarah Johnson was born in 1664. She married John Wolcott, son of George Wolcott and Elizabeth Treat, in 1684. Sarah Johnson died in 1732.

     William A. McCarthy married Lydia Holcombe, daughter of Worcester Holcombe and Mary Winters, on 7 February 1860 at Iowa Co., WI.¹

     Ezekiel Dudley Case was born on 19 July 1788 at Barkhamsted, Litchfield Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Ozias Case and Lucy Tuttle.¹ Ezekiel Dudley Case married Laura Hart on 10 December 1812 at Burlington, Hartford Co., CT.¹ Ezekiel Dudley Case died on 11 November 1866 at Ashtabula Co., OH, at age 78.^1,2

     Ann Sperry was born in 1696. She married John Wolcott, son of John Wolcott and Sarah Johnson, in 1722. Ann Sperry died in 1769.

     Thomas M. Luce married Laura Adelia Case, daughter of Ezekiel Dudley Case and Laura Hart, circa 1841.¹

     Ethel Breckenridge was born in June 1898.¹ She was the daughter of Major Shadford Breckenridge and Lucetta Baker.¹

     Ransom Benjamin Austin was born on 7 October 1854 at Warren, Trumbull Co., OH.¹ He was the son of George Austin and Martha Rose.¹ Ransom Benjamin Austin married Martha Luce, daughter of Thomas M. Luce and Laura Adelia Case, on 4 July 1876 at Dicksonburg, Crawford Co., PA.¹ Ransom Benjamin Austin died on 3 April 1932 at Andover, Ashtabula Co., OH, at age 77.

     Harley W. Smith married Lillie May Austin, daughter of Ransom Benjamin Austin and Martha Luce, on 4 December 1900 at Ashtabula Co., OH.¹

     Hannah (?) was born circa 1787. She married Laomi Holcombe, son of Noah Holcombe and Jerusha Buttolph.

     Dudley Strimple married Edith May Smith, daughter of Harley W. Smith and Lillie May Austin, on 22 June 1940 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Willard, Huron Co., OH.¹

     Deborah Holcombe was born on 29 February 1804 at Rochester, Monroe Co., NY.¹ She was the daughter of Laomi Holcombe and Hannah (?)¹ Deborah Holcombe married Jeremiah D. Hill on 6 August 1820 at Harrisville Twp., Medina Co., OH.¹ Deborah Holcombe died on 1 May 1852 at Concord, Jefferson Co., WI, at age 48.¹ She was buried at Concord, Jefferson Co., WI.¹

Jeremiah and Deborah were enumerated in the 1850 Harrisville, Medina Co., OH, federal census. He was a carpenter, age 55, she was 46. Children in the household were Adna 24, Jane 19, Polly 16, George 13, Lovina 11, and Florinda 4; Joshua, age 80 was also enumerated in the household.

     Catherine Sullivan married Daniel Holcombe, son of Worcester Holcombe and Mary Winters, on 1 January 1852 at Walworth Co., WI.¹

     Abigail Perkins was born circa March 1800.¹ She was the daughter of Josiah H. Perkins.² Abigail Perkins married Webster Holcombe, son of Laomi Holcombe and Hannah (?), on 2 January 1821 at Medina Co., OH.² Abigail Perkins died on 22 July 1854.² She was buried at Holcomb Cemetery, Concord, Jefferson Co., WI.²

     Capt. Nathaniel Austin was born on 23 May 1703 at Suffield, Hartford Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Nathaniel Austin Dr. and Abigail Hovey.¹ Capt. Nathaniel Austin married Agnes Adams on 16 May 1732 at Suffield, Hartford Co., CT.¹ Capt. Nathaniel Austin died on 13 April 1777 at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., MA, at age 73.¹

     Laura Hart was born on 29 December 1788 at Burlington, Hartford Co., CT.¹ She married Ezekiel Dudley Case, son of Ozias Case and Lucy Tuttle, on 10 December 1812 at Burlington, Hartford Co., CT.¹ Laura Hart died on 15 October 1871 at OH at age 82.¹

     John Austin was born on 1 August 1738 at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., MA.¹ He was the son of Capt. Nathaniel Austin and Agnes Adams.¹ John Austin married Lois Chapman on 7 May 1770 at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., MA.¹ John Austin died on 30 September 1823 at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., MA, at age 85.¹

     Caroline Baker was born in 1840. She was the daughter of Thomas Baker and Mary Ann (?) Caroline Baker married John Holcombe, son of Laomi Holcombe Jr. and Patience Pelton.

     Isaac C. Austin was born on 24 February 1771 at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., MA.¹ He was the son of John Austin and Lois Chapman.¹ Isaac C. Austin married Ann Belden circa 1793.¹ Isaac C. Austin died on 28 January 1827 at Canandaigua, Ontario Co., NY, at age 55.¹

     Hannah (?) was born circa 1818 at CT.¹ She married Daniel F. Holcombe, son of Charles Holcombe and Mercy (?).¹

     George Austin was born on 20 December 1796 at Canandaigua, Ontario Co., NY.¹ He was the son of Isaac C. Austin and Ann Belden.¹ George Austin married Martha Rose on 20 November 1845 at Howland, Trumbull Co., OH.¹ George Austin died on 28 May 1860 at Warren, Trumbull Co., OH, at age 63.¹

     Mary L. Holcombe was born circa 1857 at WI.¹ She was the daughter of Daniel F. Holcombe and Hannah (?)¹

     Anson Greene Phelps was born on 24 March 1781 at Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Lt. Thomas Phelps and Dorothy Lamb Woodbridge. Anson Greene Phelps married Olivia Egleston on 26 October 1806.¹ Anson Greene Phelps died on 30 November 1853 at age 72.

Anson G. Phelps's, mother died when he was 12 years old, and it is said that he was brought up in the house of the minister of Simsbury. 13 Oct., 1799, Anson Greene Phelps made choice of Thomas Woodbridge Phelps as his guardian. On May 5, 1799, the two brothers Thomas Woodbridge and Anson Greene Phelps were admitted to the Church in South Canton, the Rev. Jeremiah Hallock being pastor.

A few years after the three brothers, William, Thomas and Anson, and their cousin Job Phelps, left Simsbury, the first three settling West, while Anson G. Phelps settled in Hartford.

After settling in Hartford his first successful mercantile operation was in manufacturing a large number of saddles and shipping them South. At this time horse-back riding was the general mode of travel there. This, his first enterprise, was a very successful and profitable one. He continued to be a successful manufacturer and merchant in Hartford and erected a large brick building on North Main street, known as. "Phelps Block."

In 1812 Mr. Phelps removed to New York City and was associated in business with Elisha Peck under the firm name of Phelps, Peck & Co. They dealt in metals, iron, brass, etc.

Sheldon Smith induced him to invest in the industrialization of the area of Derby that came to be called Birmingham. Settled in 1651 as part of Derby, Ansonia was founded (1844). Thwarted in his efforts to expand his business farther north, he instead settled on the east bank of the Naugatuck River in what is now downtown Ansonia. That area might have become "Phelpsville", except that there was apparently another town by that name, so the new industrial village came to be called Ansonia.

Ansonia, (1990 pop. 18,403), of New Haven Co., Connecticut, on the Naugatuck River. Today it is a center for manufacture of plastics, latex foam, electronics, automatic screw machine products, and novelties.
Mr. Peck's father removed from Berlin, Ct., to Lenox, Mass., late in the last century. The descendants of this family are now one of the first families of Pittsfield.

They were successful and prosperous in their operations and accumulated a large fortune. This firm was dissolved about 1828, and Mr. Phelps organized the now well-known house of Phelps, Dodge & Company, composed of Anson G. Phelps, his son-in-law William Earl Dodge, and others of his relations.

Mr. Phelps's mercantile life was one of great prosperity, while he and his partner Mr. Dodge were acknowledged in the great mercantile community of New York as the type of Christian merchants.

Both were members of Dr. Spring's church, and the firm of "Phelps, Dodge & Co.," soon became everywhere identified with the interests of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Phelps's high standard of mercantile morality, his deep personal piety and decided interest in all good words and works, rendered him a tower of strength in the cause of Christ, and these qualities of head and heart, found their natural and joyous expression, in deeds of systematic benevolence, and in the promotion of philanthropic enterprises.

The "American Bible Society," the " American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions," the "American Home Missionary Society," the "Colonization Society," the "Blind Asylum " of New York City, all received his support, and of all of which he at one time was president. Many other societies and charitable institutions were largely aided by him during his life, and many of them generously remembered in his will. Among others his native town of Simsbury received $1000 for the poor. He may well be called the princely and philanthropic merchant of New York City, while the following memorial verses of Mrs. Sigourney thus fitly characterize the secret of Mr. Phelps's life

"The cares of commerce and the rush of wealth Swept not away his meekness, nor the time To cultivate all household charities; Nor the answering, conscientious zeal To consecrate a portion of his gains To man's relief and the Redeemer's cause."

The following clause of Mr. Phelps's will is characteristic of, and peculiarly illustrates the whole of his life.

"I give and bequeath to each of my grand-children, living at my decease, the sure of $5,000, to be paid them as they severally attain the age of 21 years. This latter bequest I direct to be accompanied by my executors with this injunction:-That each of my said grand-children shall consider the said bequest as a sacred deposit, committed to their trust, to be invested by each grand-child, and the income derived therefrom to be devoted to spread the gospel, and to promote the Redeemer's kingdom oil earth, hoping and trusting that the God of Heaven will give to each of that wisdom which is from above, and incline them to be faithful stewards, and transmit the same to their descendants, to be sacredly devoted to the same object.
I know this bequest is absolute and places the amount so given beyond my control; but my earnest hope is that my wish may be regarded as I leave it, an obligation binding simply on their integrity and honor.''

Mr. Phelps died at his residence, formerly the Coster place on the East River, 30th Nov., 1853, in his 73rd year, and was buried in his family lot in Greenwood Cemetery.

A sermon by the Rev. George L. Prentice was given at the Mercer Street Church, 11th Dec., 1853, on account of the death of Mr. Anson G. Phelps.

     Lucetta Baker was born in July 1867.^1,2 She was the daughter of Aaron Baker and Rosina Holcombe.¹ Lucetta Baker married Major Shadford Breckenridge on 26 February 1884.²

     William Earl Dodge was born on 4 September 1805 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of David Low Dodge and Sarah Cleveland. William Earl Dodge married Melissa Phelps, daughter of Anson Greene Phelps and Olivia Egleston. William Earl Dodge died on 9 February 1883 at age 77.

William Earl Dodge (1805-1883), was a New York businessman, referred to as one of the "Merchant Princes" of Wall Street in the years leading up to the Civil War. Dodge was also a noted abolitionist, and Native American rights activist and served as the president of the National Temperance Society from 1865 to 1883. Dodge represented New York in the U.S. Congress in 1866-67 and was a founding member of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

Dodge was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the second son of David Low Dodge, founder of the New York Peace Society, and his wife Sarah Cleveland. His wife was Melissa Phelps (1809-1903), the daughter of Anson Greene Phelps and Olivia Egleston. In 1833, Dodge and his father-in-law founded the mining firm Phelps, Dodge and Company, one of Americas foremost mining companies.

Dodge is the namesake of Dodge County, Georgia. A consortium of businessmen led by Dodge purchased large tracts of timberland in this area following the Civil War. They built the Macon and Brunswick Railroad, connecting Macon to what was then a remote area of the state. Dodge County was formed in 1870 and Eastman, the county seat, was established at the railroad's Station Number 13. Dodge visited the area only once, to dedicate a two-story courthouse that he donated to the county. Dodge's sons later administered the timber businesses in this area. The consortium's ownership of these lands led to land wars which resulted in nearly fifty years of court cases.

Dodge was active in the post-Civil War Indian reform movement. He joined Peter Cooper in organizing the privately funded United States Indian Commission in 1868 and helped institute Ulysses S. Grant's Peace Policy toward the Indians. In 1869, Dodge toured Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) and Kansas as a member of the government-sponsored Board of Indian Commissioners. He met and discussed U.S. Indian policy with representatives of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Kiowa. Dodge lobbied for the prosecution of the U.S. cavalry commanders responsible for the 1870 Massacre of the Marais in Montana, which left 173 Blackfeet dead. Dodge unsuccessfully campaigned to establish a cabinet level department for Indian Affairs. He also used his influence in Washington on behalf of Indian educational programs and the General Allotment Act of 1887. A monument to William E. Dodge stands on the North side of Bryant Park.

     Mary Ann (?) married Thomas Baker.

     Lt. Thomas Phelps was born on 17 July 1741 at Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Thomas Phelps and Margaret Watson.² Lt. Thomas Phelps married Dorothy Lamb Woodbridge. Lt. Thomas Phelps died on 28 February 1789 at age 47.

     Polly Hill was born circa 1833 at OH.¹ She was the daughter of Jeremiah D. Hill and Deborah Holcombe.¹

     Anson Greene Phelps was born on 13 October 1818 at New York City, NY. He was the son of Anson Greene Phelps and Olivia Egleston.

     Emily Jewell was the daughter of Jonathan Jewell and Fanny Stroud. Emily Jewell married John Holcombe, son of NY Holcombe, in 1833.¹

     Raymond S. Holcombe was born in June 1898 at CT.¹ He was the son of Luther Holcombe and Lizzie Lewis. Raymond S. Holcombe married Alma Carlton.¹

     Philothe Hayford Hill was born on 12 December 1823 at OH.¹ She was the daughter of Jeremiah D. Hill and Deborah Holcombe.¹ Philothe Hayford Hill married Cephas Holcombe, son of Laomi Holcombe and Hannah (?), circa August 1840. Philothe Hayford Hill died on 28 July 1872 at age 48.¹

     Jane Lois Hill was born on 15 April 1831 at OH.¹ She was the daughter of Jeremiah D. Hill and Deborah Holcombe.¹ Jane Lois Hill died on 24 March 1882 at age 50.¹

     Raymond S. Holcombe Jr. was born on 25 December 1920 at Nocatee, FL. He was the son of Raymond S. Holcombe and Alma Carlton. Raymond S. Holcombe Jr. married Beverly Westbrook.¹ Raymond S. Holcombe Jr. died on 18 November 2006 at CT at age 85.

from the Hartford Courant, 22 November 1966:

Ray S. Holcombe, husband of Clare Holcombe, died Saturday, (November 18, 2006) at the age of 85 in Venice, FL after a long illness.

An Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, Ray was well known in the area as founder and owner of Ray S. Holcombe Real Estate, South Windsor's first independent real estate company. He also served the town as a member of the Industrial Development Commission and as president of the Rotary Club. In addition, Ray was a longtime member of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce and of Wapping Community Church, and was an elder at Venice Presbyterian Church.

Ray was born on Christmas day, 1920, in Nocatee, FL. In the mid-1920's the family moved to East Hartford, where Ray met Beverly Westbrook, his future wife. Ray graduated from East Hartford High and Hillyer College (now the University of Hartford) and attended West Virginia Wesleyan with his older brother, Ralph (predeceased).

Enlisting in the Army in 1944, Ray spent two years in Lubbock, TX training to become a pilot. After several years of owning and managing a Sunoco station on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford, Ray entered the real estate business with Warren E. Howland of Manchester. Leaving the Howland agency in 1962, Ray established South Windsor's first independent agency.

Widowed after 38 years of marriage, Ray remarried in 1981 and spent 25 years with his wife Clare in Venice, FL. In addition to his wife, Clare, Ray leaves behind many friends and relatives. Beyond his Rotary Club, business and church friends, Ray leaves his son Kirby of Rangeley, ME; son Jeff, daughter Pam Beaudry, and daughter Willa Bulkley, all of South Windsor; his son Steven Hayes of East Hartford; daughter Laurie Pooler of Dickson, TN; and daughter Sue O'Reilly of Croton on Hudson, NY; his brother, Dick and his sister, Gail Van Scoter, both of Florida. In addition, Ray leaves ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Sunday Nov. 26 from 3-6 p.m. at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. The funeral will be held Monday, 11 a.m., at Wapping Community Church, 1790 Ellington Road, South Windsor. Burial will be in Wapping Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the stroke research division of the American Heart Association, 2550 US Highway One, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.

     Emily Holcombe was born circa 1836 at OH.¹ She was the daughter of Jonathan Holcombe and Huldah Rouse.¹