Oliver E. Holcomb, the fourth child of O. E. and Sarah (Duntly) Holcomb, was born February 21, 1841, in Ashtabula County, Ohio. At the age of thirteen he came with his parents to Iowa, which State has since been his home. He was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, and attended the common schools of the neighborhood. His first business enterprise was undertaken in partnership with his brother, H. C.; they made a purchase of land which they sold to good advantage after three or four years cultivation. In 1872 Oliver E. bought forty acres of wild land which he began at once to improve; he erected a frame residence, buildings for stock and again, and placed the soil under high cultivation. He has added to the first small beginning until he now owns 170 acres, all in one body excepting ten acres of timber. Having taken it in its original state, its present advanced state of improvement reflects much credit upon the owner. Mr. Holcomb's life is a fair example of what a man can accomplish in this country, even though he start with nothing but ambition and a determination to succeed. He was compelled to endure most of the hardships that fall to the lot of a pioneer, but his courage did not forsake him, and to-day he occupies a position with the foremost men of the county. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in forwarding the principles of that body. He has served on the board of trustees of his township, and also on the board of education. Mr. Holcomb was married December 25, 1873, to Miss Mary L. Hawley, daughter of George and Ann (Hatfield) Hawley; she was born in Texas August 15, 1853, and died August 21, 1888. They are the parents of four children - George E., born January 18, 1875; Gertrude, January 2, 1877; Roscoe, October 1, 1879, and Leslie, October 16, 1883. They are members of the Latter-Day Saints church.