From "The Community Paper of Northern Summit County" Hudson, Ohio, May 21, 1926 (or 25). Volume V. Died In Hudson Aged 94 -- Born In Portage County Justin W. Holcomb, one of Hudson's most highly respected and honored citizens, died at his home on North Main street Friday evening at 7:30 at the great age of 94 years. His death was a merciful release from all the infirmities of his years and the suffering he endured in the months he had been confined to his bed from injuries he received from a fall early in January. He is survived by two children, Lewis of Massillon, and Lillian, who so tenderly cared for him in his declining years. Funeral services were held from his late home on Monday afternoon at 7:30 by Clarence S. Gee, pastor of the Congregational church officiating. The large company of friends and neighbors who gathered to show their last respect was a silent tribute to the great respect and honor they bore him, a respect which wealth alone could never have won. Burial was made in the family lot in Markillie cemetery. Mr. Holcomb was born in Paris, Portage county, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1830, and was one of the nine children of Jarvin and Candace Holcomb, who were among the pioneers of that county, having made the trip from their Connecticut home in a covered wagon. The family lived in a log cabin built in a clearing and altho life was hard and the days filled with work, there was still time to instill in their children those virtues for which the Puritans are still honored. In this simple home the boy learned those great virtues of truth, honesty and justice which have marked his life thru all these many years. It was during these many years spent in the forest that he developed that great love of nature which was one of his strong characteristics. As long as his health would permit he took long walks thru the woods and fields studying the birds, flowers and tress and in this way worshipped God in His great "out of doors." Mr. Holcomb had often told how when he was a boy his one great ambition was to make a violin and by music give expression to all the beauty he saw about him, and when but 12 years old he made a crude instrument out of shingles. When 18 years old he made his first practical violin and was very proud of his work, taking it with hi everywhere he went, but his joy was short-lived, for one night while at a party a companion stepped on it, damaging it to such an extent it was beyond repair. Instead of being discouraged this disaster only led to greater endeavor and he started making another instrument in his spare moments and from that time engaged in making violins as a pastime. His instruments are now scattered all over the state and 35 of them he considered very choice, and their value around one hundred dollars each. He made his last violin when he was 86 years old. A maker of fine instruments, he was also an expert musician, and was one of the best old-time fiddlers in this part of the country. Until his last illness it was his great delight to get out his violin and at twilight play the old tunes and love songs so popular when he was in great demand as a fiddler, and gave many of his friends great pleasure as they listened to his music and his interesting stories of those old days. Mr. Holcomb moved to Hudson in 1852, bringing with him his 18-year-old bride, Miss Caroline Sherman of Freedom. Here Mrs. Holcomb spent her married life, making a home and caring for their three children. She died Feb. 12, 1907, and since then the daughter, Lillian, has kept the home, not as a duty, but as a labor of love, giving freely of her time, strength and affection to give health and comfort to the brother and father she cared for. For 23 years Mr. Holcomb was employed in Massillon as superintendent of the Russell paint shop and where today his son, Lewis, holds an honored position with this firm. While in Massillon he and a group of friends formed a social club known as the "Holcomb Club" which is still functioning, having as its members the sons and daughters of the founders. As the years began to mount in his hourglass of time Mr. Holcomb returned to the family home and opened up a shop and for years repaired and refinished the beautiful old colonial furniture found in such quantities in the old homes thruout the Western Reserve. His shop was also a pleasant gathering place for his numerous friends and a mecca for former residents when they came back home. A man never afraid to express his opinions, he enjoyed talking about the principles of the great Republican party. All his life he was a staunch Republican and boasts that he helped to elect every Republican president since 1856. In 1852 when General Scott was the Whig candidate, he lacked a few months of reaching his majority, so cast his first vote in 1856 when John Fremont was the candidate on "The Free Soil Party" and has never missed being at the polls early on election day, and the last time he left his home was to cast his vote for Calvin Coolidge, Nov. 4. He has lived in the age when there was the greatest impetus to invention that the world has ever known and has watched civilisation progress from the on-cart to the flying machine. Born when each household had to supply its own wants he has seen machinery become the reigning monarch of industry. Thru all these changes he met progress with open hands, welcoming every invention that made life better for mankind. In the passing on of Mr. Holcomb this community has lost one more link binding us to the early pioneer days, a man who feared God and loved his fellow men, a man of clear, impartial judgment and whose honesty was never questioned. He was a true Christian gentleman and has left to his children that priceless heritage of a good name. A Note of Appreciation In the death of Mr. W. J. Holcomb I feel that I have lost a personal friend. I have known him for many years. He was the only man living whom I knew as a man when I was a boy. In fact he hardly ever seemed to me like an old man, until after he was laid aside because of his injuries. He evidently had the appearances of one who was young in his feelings and desires. He loved to be with young men and enjoyed their sports. Especially he was often seen upon the ball field with the boys and appreciated a good play as well as any of them. None of them could take longer walks than he. Furthermore until recent years he was busy in his shop. His activities were many and varied. To all appearances he was cheerful and hopeful. He evidently loved children and young people and I think his long life was the result of this. Hence after many years of experience in regard to such men as Mr. Holcomb I have come to the conclusion that a long life may often be attributed to association with young people. If one would keep young, associate with young people and be interested in them and in their welfare. Henry Farwell