Holcomb was born January 27, 1831 in Tippecanoe County, IN. William traveled to the west with his uncle where he prospected. In 1859 he came to Big Bear Valley where gold had been discovered. The next valley which is named for him, Holcomb Valley, was the site of the largest gold discovery in the area. He married Nancy Celia Stewart on November 8, 1860 in San Bernardino. Nancy was born November 25, 1838 in Hancock County, IL. William died January 25, 1912 and Nancy died November 16, 1890. Both are buried at Pioneer Cemetery in San Bernardino, CA.
Photo courtesy of City of San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society