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Leila's parents were:
Daniel Asbury 'D.A.' Boone Covington, b. Mar. 28, 1812 in Richmond County, VA. and d. Sep. 17, 1897 in Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA. &
Mary E. Horton, b. Oct. 12, 1825 in Huntingdon, Carroll, TN. and d. 1867 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS.
Leila's parents, Daniel Covington & Mary Horton were marr. Nov. 25, 1841 in Carroll, TN.
Daniel and Mary Covington had thirteen children, of which Leila was the youngest.
1. William Dockery Covington, b. Mar. 30, 1843 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS. and d. Jul. 14, 1934...
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Leila's parents were:
Daniel Asbury 'D.A.' Boone Covington, b. Mar. 28, 1812 in Richmond County, VA. and d. Sep. 17, 1897 in Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA. &
Mary E. Horton, b. Oct. 12, 1825 in Huntingdon, Carroll, TN. and d. 1867 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS.
Leila's parents, Daniel Covington & Mary Horton were marr. Nov. 25, 1841 in Carroll, TN.
Daniel and Mary Covington had thirteen children, of which Leila was the youngest.
1. William Dockery Covington, b. Mar. 30, 1843 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS. and d. Jul. 14, 1934 in San Timoteo Canyon, San Bernardino County, CA.
2. Julia Ann Covington, b. 1844 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS. and d. Apr. 27, 1934 in Fresno, CA. Julia marr. 1) Harris A. Hamner on Apr. 30, 1872 in San Bernardino, CA. and 2) Samuel N.Black on Mar. 7, 1880 in San Bernardino, CA.
3. Caroline Morning Covington, b. Aug. 18, 1845 and d. Jun. 19, 1925 in Riverside County, CA. Caroline marr. Samuel Volturner Tripp in 1871 in San Bernardino, S.B., CA.
4. Peter Horton Covington, b. Apr. 4, 1847 in Grenada, Grenada County, MS. and d. Jun. 15, 1917 in Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA.
5. Martha Elvira Covington, b. Aug. 1849 in Chickasaw, MS. and d. May 18, 1927 in Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA. Martha marr. James Martin Carter.
6. Mary 'Sissy' Covington, b. 1850 in Chickasaw, MS. and d. before 1897 in Ardmore, Carter, OK. - *Alive and living with the family in the 1870 U. S. census.
7. Josephine Covington, b. Jul. 10, 1852 in Calhoun City, Calhoun County, MS. and d. Oct. 11, 1942 in Ardmore, Carter County, OK. Josephine marr. Winfield Featherstone Bounds.
8. Daniel Asbury Covington Jr., b. Oct. 1853 and d. after 1920 in CA.
9. Margaret Ada Covington, b. Dec. 16, 1854 in Chickasaw, MS. and d. Jun. 6, 1936 in Redlands, San Bernardino, CA. Margaret marr. James I. Cook.
10. Charles Thomas Covington, b. Oct. 12, 1859 in Calhoun, MS. and d. Mar. 27, 1923 in San Bernardino, CA.
11. Viola Ida Covington, b. May 17, 1861 in Coffeeville, Yalobusha, MS. and d. Nov. 1, 1935 in Riverside, Riverside County, CA. Viola marr. Shasta Augusta Tripp.
12. Edward B. Covington, Jul. 1863 in Calhoun County, MS and d. May 17, 1932.
13. Leila Elizabeth Covington, b. Dec. 19, 1865 in Calhoun County, MS. and d. Sep. 10, 1951 in San Bernardino County, CA. Leila marr. Francis Leroy Holcomb
In the Jul. 27, 1860 U. S. census, (about 5 years before Leila was born), her 48 yr. old father, Daniel Covington, a farmer, b. in NC., was living in Calhoun (Post Office: Banner), MS. with his
35 yr. old wife, Mary Covington, b. in TN.
17 yr. old son, William Covington, b. in MS.
16 yr. old daughter, Julia Covington, b. in MS.
15 yr. old daughter, Caroline Covington, b. in MS.
13 yr. old son, Peter Covington, b. in MS.
12 yr. old daughter, Martha Covington, b. in MS.
10 yr. old daughter, Mary Covington, b. in MS.
7 yr. old daughter, Josephine Covington, b. in MS.
6 yr. old son, Daniel Covington, b. in MS.
5 yr. old daughter, Margaret Covington , b. in MS.
3 yr. old son, Charles Covington, b. in MS.
Daniel's real estate was valued at: $6000 and his personal estate at $24,500
Personal Estate Value: 24500
In the 1870 U. S. census, 4 yr. old Louella [Leila] Covington, b. in MS., was living in Township 13 Range 1 West (Post office: Pittsboro), Calhoun, MS. with her
57 yr. old (widowed) father, Daniel Covington, b. in NC.
24 yr. old sister, Caroline Covington, b. in MS.
19 yr. old sister, Mary Covington, b. in MS.
16 yr. old brother, Daniel Covington, b. in MS.
14 yr. old sister, Margaret Covington, b. in MS.
12 yr. old brother, Charlie Covington, b. in MS.
9 yr. old sister, Viola Covington, b. in MS.
7 yr. old brother, Edwin Covington, b. in MS.
51 yr. old African-Amer. domestic servant, Celia Prescoat, unable to read & write, b. in GA.
13 yr. old 'mulatto' farm laborer, Burrel Prescoat, unable to read & write, b. in MS.
Leila's family emigrated west in 1870, and she remembers that after landing in San Francisco, they transferred from the train to a coastal “wind jammer” and sailed south to Wilmington. An old fashioned stage coach of “six” provided the family with transportation to San Bernardino.
On Aug. 1, 1875, in San Bernardino County, CA., Leila's father, Daniel Asbury Covington marr.
2) Malinda (Allen) Guinn (Find A Grave #57841643), widow of Robert Guinn.
Leila E. Covington & Francis Leroy Holcomb were married Aug. 1, 1883 in San Bernardino County, CA., according to CA. Select Marriages for 1850-1945.
Frank & Leila 'Lulu' Holcomb were the parents of 8 children:
1. Flora Evelyn Holcomb, b. sometime after 1883 and d. before sometime before 1900.
(*Mentioned with her siblings in the '3rd generation' in a San Bernardino Daily Sun article, (S.B., CA.), P. 19, Col. 4-6, Tue., Nov. 15, 1938.)
2. Avis Esther Holcomb, b. Mar. 9, 1886 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County and d. in Aug. 1976. Avis marr. James Francis Graham.
3. Minnie Mabel Holcomb, b. Sep. 27, 1889 in CA. and d. Apr. 15, 1969 in San Bernardino County, CA. Mabel marr. John James Miller.
4. Frances Lillian Holcomb, b. May 10, 1892 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Sep. 20, 1967 in San Bernardino County, CA. Frances marr. Allen R. Baird.
5. Hazel Bernadino Holcomb, b. Feb. 1894 in CA. and d. Jan. 16, 1938 in San Bernardino County, CA.
6. Sommers Covington Holcomb, b. Oct. 20, 1895 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 6, 1971 in Trinidad, Humboldt County, CA.
7. Howard Lee Holcomb, b. Feb. 5, 1898 in CA. and d. Jun. 7, 1971 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Howard marr. Frances Crawford.
8. Scott Holcomb, b. Mar. 16, 1900/01 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Sep. 25, 1969 at Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, CA. Scott marr. Ruth Thayer.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Dec. 24, 1897
Item from: PROBATE
Attorney H. Conner yesterday filed petition for letters of administration on the estate of D.A. Covington (Leila's father) who died September 17, 1897, and F.L. (Francis Leroy) Holcomb (Leila's husband) and P. H. (Peter Horton) Covington (Leila's older brother) ask, at the request of the widow, to be appointed to administer on the estate. This consists of real estate upon which there are four houses, the whole worth $3,000; personal property in household furniture and a horse amounting to $250 more.
The next of kin are Melinda Covington, the widow; D. A. (Daniel Asbury) Covington Jr., a son, and Leila E. Holcomb, a daughter, all residing in San Bernardino; W.D. (William Dockery) Covington, P.A. Covington, sons; Martha E. Carter and Margaret Cook, daughters, and C. T. (Charles Thomas) Covington, a son, all residing in Redlands; Julia A. Black, a daughter, Sanger, California; Caroline M. Tripp and Viola Tripp, daughters, Radac, California; Josie L. Bonds, daughter, Nevada, Texas; E.(Edward) B. Covington, a son; Emma, Texas. There was no will.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 34 yr. old Leila E Holcomb, b. Dec. 1865 in CA., was living at 1279 Base Line in San Bernardino Ward 5, San Bernardino, CA. with her
37 yr. old husband, Fran (Frank/Francis) Holcomb, ab farmer, b. May 1863 in Mississippi
14 yr. old daughter, Avis Holcomb, attending school, b. Mar. 1886 in CA.
8 yr. old daughter, Frances L Holcomb, attending school, b. May 1892 in CA.
10 yr. old daughter, Minnie M Holcomb, attending school, b. Sep. 1889 in CA.
6 yr. old daughter, Hazel B Holcomb, b. Feb. 1894 in CA.
4 yr. old son, Somers Holcomb, b. Oct. 1895 in CA.
2 yr. old son, Howard L Holcomb, b. Feb. 1898 in CA.
3 mth. old son, Scott Holcomb, b. Feb. 1900 in CA.
Frank & Leila had been marr. for 16 yrs. Leila was the mother of 8 children, 7 of them still alive by this census. (*Flora had died before 1900.)
Frank's father was b. in NC. and his mother in TN.
Leila's parents were both b. in IA.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 44 yr. old Leila Holcomb, b. in MS., was living at 1194 Base Line St. in San Bernardino Ward 5, San Bernardino, CA. with her
46 yr. old husband, Francis L Holcomb, a sell-employed rancher on a ranch he owned free and clear, b. in CA.
23 yr. old daughter, Aires (Avis) R. Holcomb, a public school teacher, b. in CA.
20 yr. old daughter, Mabel Holcomb, a public school teacher, b. in CA.
17 yr. old daughter, Frances Holcomb, b. in CA.
14 yr. old son, Somers Holcomb, attending school, b. in CA.
12 yr old son, Howard Holcomb, attending school, b. in CA.
10 yr. old son, Scott Holcomb, attending school, b. in CA.
18 yr. old boarder, Roy Soules, attending school - no occupation, b. in MI.
Francis' father was b. in IN. and his mother in IA.
Francis and Leila had been marr. for 26 yrs.
Leila was the mother of 8 children, only 6 alive by this census.
In the 1920 U. S. census, 54 yr. old Leila E Holcomb, b. in MS., was living on a farm in Highland, San Bernardino, CA. with her
56 yr. old Frances (Francis) L. Holcomb, a self-employed farmer, b. in CA.
30 yr. old daughter, Minnie M. Holcomb, a teacher, b. in CA.
28 yr. old daughter, Francis (Frances) L. Holcomb, no occupation, b. in CA.
19 yr. old son, Scott Holcomb, a laborer, b. in CA.
Francis' father was b. in IN. and his mother in IA.
Leila's parents were both b. in NC.
In the 1930 U. S. census, 64 yr. old Leila E Holcomb, b. in MS., was living on E. Base Line in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with her
66 yr. old husband, Frank L. Holcomb, working on his own account on a farm, b. in CA.
There was not a radio set in the house.
Francis was 20 yrs. old and Leila was 17 at the time they married.
Leila's father was b. in NC. and her mother in TN. Francis' parents were both b. in IA.
In the 1940 U. S. census, 74 yr. old widow, Lula Holcomb, b. in MS., was living alone in a home (not a farm), which rented for $18 at 279 11th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA.
She was living in the same house in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. in 1935.
The highest grade Leila had completed in school was 8th.
Leila didn't work at all in 1939, but she had income from other sources.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 18, Col. 2
Fri., Sep. 12, 1941
Excerpt from: Business Girls Guild Holds Meet
Business Girls Guild of the First Presbyterian church were entertained at the home of the pastor and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. John B. Cavitt, Tuesday evening. Twenty-four members of the recently organized guild met.
Miss Doris Sischo, president, was in charge of the program, and Miss Lucille Day, new missionary at the Home of Neighborly Service, gave the devotional message. It being admission day in California, Mrs. Leila Holcomb, pioneer member of the church, gave an interesting talk on early days and interesting events.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 3
Sat., Nov. 16, 1946
Excerpt from: Bible Class Guests of the Berean Group
At the November meeting of the Berean class of the First Presbyterian church, members of the Westminster Bible class were special guests, this being an annual custom. The president of the hostess class, Mrs. John J. Miller welcomed the guests, in an interesting way, referring to the fact that 24 years ago, her mother, Mrs. Leila Holcomb was the first president of the class, and served five years.
The Colton Courier (Colton, CA.), P. 2, Col. 3
Wed., Apr. 23, 1947
Item from: Notes About People and Events
Mrs. Leila Holcomb of San Bernardino is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Allen Baird of Colton. A semi-invalid, Mrs. Holcomb is able to have visitors. She will remain in Colton for an indefinite period.
The Grizzly (Big Bear Lake, CA.), P. 5, Col. 1-3
Fri., Mar. 18, 1949
OUR PIONEERS RECALL
(This feature is another in the series of interviews with old-timers at Big Bear valley, prepared for weekly presentation.)
MRS. F. L. HOLCOMB
Daughter-in-Law of of Bill Holcomb
In the effort to preserve the records of an early day, a writer tries in so far as possible to make “living contacts” with the day of which he writes. Of course, the more remote the day, the less the opportunity to make these contacts until finally one must depend upon hearsay - second or third hand - or perhaps a few written records, for the most part written at a time when the potential value of events was not recognized.
Although not well known in Big Bear valley and holcomb valley even in the early days, Mrs. F. L. Holcomb, 279 11th St., San Bernardino, is one of the two remaining contacts which dates back to a family-tie with the fabulous Bill Holcomb, discoverer of Holcomb valley and the gold it contained.
Mrs. Holcomb is a daughter-in-law of Bill. Her husband, F. L. Holcomb, long since passed on, was one of the younger children of the original Holcomb family. A daughter, Mamie Robinson, wife of Rev. James Scott Robinson, resides in Downey.
This week’s “oldtimer” spotlight is directed to the charming, lovable Mrs. F. L. Holcomb, nee Leila Elizabeth Covington. She was the youngest of 13 children, born in Calhoun Co., Mississippi, Dec. 19, 1865. Her 85 years has not not dimmed her memory in the least, and she takes great pride and satisfaction in her recollections of times and events which now to most of us, seems a long, long way back.
Holcomb valley was at its peak of excitement. Thousands from the four corners of the world were swarming into the valley, many with none too good a purpose, when she was born.
Her family emigrated west in 1870, and she remembers that after landing in San Francisco, of transferring from the train to a coastal “wind jammer” and sailing south to Wilmington. An old fashioned stage coach of “six” provided the family with transportation cross country again to what she called the “hick village” of San Bernardino. She recalls they were “put-up” at the old Starkey Hotel.
Her father became interested in land in San Time canyon during the next few years, and as a little girl she remembers seeing the great 20 mule teams driven by a “jerk line” pass on their way to Arizona mines in an almost endless procession.
Jerk line outfits were driven with one hand, the driver usually riding the off-hand wheel animal. When the lead team was to be turned to the left he simply pulled the line steadily, when the outfit was to turn right the driver gave a husky jerk and the animals of the lead team resisting the jerk, turned to the right.
Bill Holcomb, having worked out his claims in Holcomb and Big Bear valley, and after having been engaged several years in the making of “clap boards” many of which still may be seen on the older cabins hereabouts, moved down to San Bernardino.
As had been his way of life, he served in various capacities as public official and along in 1883 Bill was county clerk of san Bernardino. His son, F.L. Holcomb, was a deputy. Among other things which made the Holcomb family famous was the ability of almost every member to be an unexcelled penman.Early recordings and entries made in the county records by Bill and his son are specimens of the writer’s art. This had something to do perhaps too, with their holding so many public offices. There were no typewriters available in that day and all records were hand written.
Leila Covington was a slip of a girl just approaching her 17th birthday, when her family moved again into San Bernardino. Social affairs then mostly revolved around church organizations, or societies of a similar nature.
Among these clubs was one called the Good Templars, a temperance organization which took pledges from their membership, to not use liquor, not gamble, and not do anything which the organizers believed to be of bad nature for their flocks.
Penmanship once again had a part in the destiny of the Holcombs and F. (Frank) L. Holcomb was named secretary of the going little group. He was approaching his own 20th birthday. Frank and Leila met at the meetings and “fell in love”.
Strangely enough, Frank as a deputy clerk made out his own marriage certificate under date of Aug. 1, 1883. He wrote in the required information stating that “each has the consent of their parents,” and it was duly signed by his father, Bill Holcomb, as clerk of the county of San Bernardino.
Eight children were born to the union, six of whom are still living and all have made for themselves useful and successful lives, some on the field of politics and others in industry. The name of Holcomb still is an important name in the civic and business affairs of San Bernardino county.
Frank went from the clerk’s office to deputy sheriff and finally sheriff of San Bernardino county. His was a day long before the automobile and walkie-talkie advantages.
Mrs. Holcomb’s memory of the days as wife of the sheriff are thrilling and she tells of many incidents of dangerous and exciting episodes.
She tells of one case where a pair of horse thieves had been chased out of Arizona badlands and were reported to be heading for California. Here husband and a deputy by the name of Orboise, with an Indian runner, started out for the capture.
Along the old wagon road to the east, the posse of three came across a sort of old stopping place where a man had a grocery store. No exact information was available on the approaching horse thieves who were reputed to be “bad hombres”, so the Indian runner was detailed to scout the pair in advance of their possible arrival at the store.
Mrs. Holcomb says it was one of the sensational scouting trips of the day. The Indiana, after several miles of climbing and running along the territory adjacent to the supposed route, finally spotted the two bandits. he circled them without being seen and ran back to the old store and reported that “they be here pronto”.
Holcomb and Orboise assumed the role of proprietor and clerk behind the old rough lumber counter and waited. Sure enough the bandits came up, tied their saddle sack at the hitching post and walked into the store for supplies. The thieves made their purchase, not suspecting the trap but when they started to make payment, Holcomb and Orboise drew their guns and made the capture so quickly that the bad men had no opportunity to flee or fight.
Often Frank’s duties as sheriff brought him to Big Bear valley and the country made famous by his father. And often Mrs. Holcomb, and even the children came to the valley with Bill and camped beneath the pines and along the streams long before the country had more than a few settlers.
She knew personally most of the early day people whose names are now a part of the tradition and history of the country, and the name of her own family, Covington, corned no small niche in the annals of San Bernardino county history.
She is often consulted by the many organizations and societies and individuals who feel the need of a first hand report on the affairs of nearly 60 years ago.
So, Mrs. F. L. Holcomb, the Grizzly salutes you as a pioneer of the past, a grand woman of charm, excellent memory and helpfulness in the effort to compile an unbroken story of Big Bear and Holcomb valley’s interesting story.
San Bernardino Sun Telegram (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 48, Col. 1
Sun., May 20, 1951
Excerpt from: Berean Class Has Mother’s day Meeting
Mother’s day was the theme of the May meeting of the Berean class members, First Presbyterian church, who met in their room at the church for the occasion.
Mrs. John Miller was in charge of devotions, closing her talk with an original poem, “Thoughts of Eighty and One,” written by her mother, Mrs. Leila Holcomb. The devotions were ended with a prayer for all the mothers of the world.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 17, last column
Wed., Sep. 12, 1951
Pioneer Woman of Valley Dies
Mrs. Holcomb Came to S. B. in 1871
Funeral services for Mrs. Leila Covington Holcomb, 85, pioneer of san Bernardino resident, will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Stephens & Bobbitt chapel.
Mrs. Holcomb died Monday at a San Bernardino rest home.
She was the widow of Frank L. Holcomb, former sheriff of San Bernardino county and mother of County Supervisor Howard L. Holcomb.
Mrs. Holcomb came to California in 1871 from Mississippi, making the trip by horseback, train, steamboat and stagecoach. She spent her first night in San Bernardino at the old Starke hotel on Third street. Her father owned a farm on Mt. Vernon avenue, which he sold to the Santa Fe railroad for the site of their depot and shops.
ACTIVE CHURCH MEMBER
She was married at her father’s home in 1883. Mrs. Holcomb was noted for her interest in the religious, educational and political life of the community. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church, a charter member and first president of the Westminster class, past matron of silver wave chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and a charter member of the Daughters of the Confederacy.
Besides her son Howard, Mrs. Holcomb is survived by two other sons, Sommers Holcomb of Helendale and Scott Holcomb of San Bernardino; three daughters, Mrs. James F. Graham and Mrs. J. Miller of San Bernardino and Mrs. Allen Baird of Colton; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Two of her daughters were teachers in the city schools.
Burial will be in the Pioneer Memorial cemetery. |
