Compiled from two incomplete record books kept in Viola's own hand, found by Virginia Vanderburgh Robison and Margaret Vanderburgh, and transcribed by Virginia V. Robison and Susan V. Flanagan.

John and Betsy Holman were married in Kentucky, moved to Missouri a few years later, raised a large family and there the mother died.

The Oregon country was most of the talk at that time. Horace Greely advised "Go West young man". Grandpa was not young but caught the fever. In the spring of 1843, he and son Daniel decided to go, but not until Grandpa had been promised by each of his children they would follow if he reported favorably.

Joined the first emigrant train. There was no wagon road, and much of the distance not even a trail. They left in the old fashioned covered wagon drawn by oxen. Nothing special happened on the trip and they arrived in the Willamette Valley in late October. He liked the country and at once he and son began falling trees and soon had a large log house. The building and making of furniture left them busy all winter.

There was a yearly mail. Grandpa wrote for all the families to come it's a grand country. Mailed his letter, as all were those days, to be carried by the FIRST train going back. There was always one returning as well as one coming. They rec. letter late that fall and prepared to start in early spring. Most of them came that year, 1845. My mother was with them. They arrived in [Nov.?]

Little unusual transpired, but the ambition of the young men was to carve his name and date on Pikes Peak. One day a group were so occupied when the alarm Indians coming was heard. All left at once, but George Lovejoy had carved George Love only and the others said the Love was there but the Joy all gone. It proved a fake alarm, but the young man said that some day he would finish it. He did 20 years later.

When they reached their destination found a good home all ready, with the happiest father imaginable, a big fire, room for all and vegetables for them and for friends as well. They had not only these, but dried fruit, wild strawberries and gooseberries, the only fruit available, bacon, corned and fresh beef. Plenty for all and a feast after the poor food on trip.

Soon all had located on donation farms of 640 acres each. He [Grandfather Holman] had the usual donation claim of 640 acres and most of his children had near, two of them adjoining. Grandpa taught the first school in Yamhill Co., Oregon in the little log house. As he had the largest sitting room, there being no school house, taught in that room. Church services were also held there.

He had the children read such books and papers as could be found. Once to his surprise, a bright youth read of the Passify Cocean, again the Passify Cocean, pronounced cosheen. Son, how is that spelled? Imagine his surprise when the reply was PACIFIC OCEAN. But Passify Cocean was long remembered.

One daughter and family could not leave in 1845 but did the next year, and in the meantime met Mr. J. L. Clinkinbeard, decided he was a fine man as well as ambitious young man who wanted to go, but a single man could hardly manage. It was decided to accept his offer to join them, he to help in provisions or food, drive a team, or in fact be a handy man. So he was as one of the family. It proved a good thing for all. They met with trouble. A little two-year old daughter died. They buried her, leveled off the grave smooth, scattered the soil, then formed a corral for the cattle (ox team), by placing the wagons in a circle. The cattle were there one day and night. No sigh of a grave was seen. This was done because the Indians dug up, desecrated all graves discovered. My father said it was the saddest day of his life.

In 1849 he and my mother, Mary Ann Holman, were married in the church, sitting room, in the old home. Dr. McBride the minister married James L. Clinkinbeard and Mary Holman.

California and Gold was heard on all sides. Gold discovered in Calif. Then the rush. My father left at once, was successful, as well as homesick, and returned to his bride. He located in Portland and built the first sawmill there, also a nice little cottage. He did well, but the wanderlust still survived. Went south til he reached Wilbur, Douglas Co., thought it the most beautiful place he had ever seen. He bought a large place with house, vegetable garden, and orchard near [or?] in the village, consisting of a school house of logs and a church were combined. He helped build the Academy, the highest school south of Salem [also?] Portland. Father donated the ground, and also for the Methodist parsonage. He built the first hard finished (or planked, as then called) in Wilbur. A really nice house. Lived in it til burned in 1871. Moved to Marshfield, Coos Co., in 1875.

One day while living in Portland, Mother visited the best store, and to her joy was shown a German-silver safety pin. She bought one, a friend with her another. Then a young man saw them and at once purchased a fine gift for his sweetheart and proudly presented her with a shawl pin.

Mother used hers for the first baby born in Portland, when no longer needed put it carefully away. This was done for the next eleven babies. Then, oh, it was lost. So the last two had the common pin with no clasp.

All went well till in 1860, never to be forgotten. War was imminent. Lincoln was elected President, and soon was was declared, 1861. The telegraph was put through, but no office in Wilbur. Nearest office was in Roseburg, and when anyone went there, learned of news of battles etc., on returning rode through Wilbur, calling the news. Then the glorious news "Lee has surrendered to Grant." War was ended.

Later, but not long after this, one dark, stormy night, rain came in torrents, we were all seated by a good fire in the big fireplace, when we heard a rap at the front door. Sister Ada answered. Pa sat with the big family Bible on his knee, reading a chapter, beginning family prayer. When the door was opened, John Wesley Kukendall, a young friend, walked through the hall, stood in living room door, water dropping from coat and hat, said I have just come from Roseburg and have sad news. Lincoln is dead. He died this morning. He was in a theatre when John Wilkes Booth jumped onto the stage where he was seated with his wife, fired a bullet into his head. He lived till this morning. Seward was ill in bed near there. A man entered his room and stabbed him. He is not expected to live. It seemed too horrible. Next morning the bell was tolled for an hour.

Later, preparations were made fro the memorial service, and all Wilbur as well as the nation was mourning. Mrs. Royal, wife of Prof. Royal, composed a hymn for the occasion, then drilled ten little girls to sing it. I was chosen with nine others as having the best voices. The hymn - Rest, Lincoln, Rest - was sung to the tune of Rest, Brother, Rest. I can remember two verses only, the first and second.

Lincoln rest from sin and sorrow,
rest thine earthly race is run.
Upon thy slumbers dawns no morrow.
Rest the heavenly crown is won.

Chorus: Rest, Lincoln, rest.
(repeated several times)

Murdered by a southern traitor
While his friends were near his side.
Asking God to bless his country,
Lincoln for the Union died.

Christian Commission

A national organization of the women of U.S. One was formed by the women of Wilbur. They knit socks, sewed, did everything possible to raise money for the soldiers. They were to hold a Fair, so made things to sell, shirts, socks etc.

One day a lady said I think it would be nice for the little girls of Wilbur to piece a quilt, and we quilt it for them. All agreed. So we pieced a block each, a [9?] patch. Took a long time, as we felt each stitch must be perfect. A lady said in answer to our wonder, how much will it bring. She said ten dollars. Oh the pride, glory. $10.00 Another said, it may bring $15.00 Then the long-awaited Fair:

Things were auctioned, then near the last, Auctioneer held up our quilt, said I have here this beautiful quilt, made by the little girls of Wilbur, not one of whom was more than ten years of age. He spread it out to best advantage, asked what am I bid for this beautiful quilt? A voice, $5.00, another $6.00... 7...8..9...10. Oh, our hearts were full...Who bids? 12...13...15...20...21... 22...22.50...23...23.50...24...25...and on to 30.

A little old man had kept the bidding going. Then, Who bids? etc., but it was sold to the little old man. He stood at the back of the crowd, walked through the middle aisle onto the platform. Placed the money and, oh, part of it was gold, then took the quilt, held it up turned it every way. Then draped it around his sounders saying never have I possessed anything I so hightly prize as I do this quilt pieced by the little girls of Wilbur, not one of whom is more than ten years of age. With it draped around him, he bowed and thanked us, marched around and around through different circles, then danced down the aisle bowing to right and left to those little girls, none of whom could ever forget it. Nothing more thrilling ever did or could happen to the little girls of Wilbur.

One bright sunny morning, we children were playing in the front yard when the rooster strutted by us, went to the front door which was open. He stood looking into the hall, flapped his wings, crowed twice, then turned went to door of our playhouse, crowed seven times.

We rushed in told Mother that visitors are coming, two ladies and seven children. Why do you think so? We know, the rooster crowed, etc., so we had better get ready. She said all right. Catch the chickens to fry. We did, she dressed them, hung them down in a deep and very cold well. We picked and shelled peas, enough for all, scraped new potatoes, prepared a good dinner. We were scarcely finished when two ladies came, one had three children, the other four.

We never knew the rooster to be mistaken.

In her old age, Grandmother C. told me, "John Brown, whose soul goes marching on", was a relative (a cousin, 2nd) of hers. His father and her grandfather were cousins. She had never told her children. Years later I told W.S. [Winfield Scott Vanderburgh] and he was very much amused. I later told Aunt Philura. She thought it amusing as did we. We decided Grandfather objected to their knowing of the disgrace. My mother was as prejudiced as were others, but she refused to let us sing, "John Brown's body lies a mouldering in the ground, and his soul goes marching on."

A pity to us for it was a very popular song.

Wilbur is surrounded by hills, covered with rock and in some area caves. One such was not very far from our home. A cave in the side of a hill, had an entrace so low that we had to get on our hands and knees to enter. The ceiling was higher than we could reach, was 12 or 15 feet long and nearly as wide. A wonderful place for a playhouse. We carpeted it with moss, a dark green that looked like plush, and could be lifted, carried in as large pieces as 2 or more could manage. Also had the usual things, table dishes etc.

Ada and I were there one A.M. when we heard Ma call. Ada, Lola [Viola's nickname], come to dinner. We started put our hands out then saw an immense goat with horns that looked 3 ft. or more long. He stamped his feet shook his head, so we darted back, watied a while, looked and still he stamped, shook his head.

Ma called again. What could we do? Decided to pray. Always a hymn before prayer, so we sang Jesus, Lover of my soul, every verse. Ada prayed, then we looked out. Still there so we sang from Greenlands Icy Mts. or something as long, and I prayed. Looked out, still there so we sang again and joined in prayer, repeating all we remembered used in "meeting". Looked out, and oh our prayer was answered. He was nowhere in sight. We rushed home, told Ma all about it how he shook his head, long horns so fiercely. She said you did just right. Always pray when in trouble and God will answer.

The Sitkum Siwash

One day a squaw with her baby came. She wanted apples I believe. Pa said that skookum papoose. She beamed. Then he said "Hi you skookum Sitkum Siwash."

She almost threw the baby down turned on him, pulling his hair kicking, and it looked for a time as if he would get a good thrashing. She was so angry, insulted. Her baby was full blooded Siwash. Not a halfbreed as he said.

She was as much insulted as a white woman would have been under the circumstances. No halfbreeds wanted or admitted as such by any self-respecting Indian woman.

One day in the spring brother John was down near a swale, as it was called. A stream that seemed to be still, not flowing, and was a fine place for gooseberries. He had picked a lot when he saw a little wild duck, a day or two old, strayed from its mother. He picked it up, and hunted for her, but could not find her, so concluded to take it home with him. He did and we cared for it. Grew fast and seemed as content as the chickens. We called it ducky. It never strayed and was a pet. One day late in the fall, we were feeding chickens and duckie, when he gave a peculiar cry. Looked up as we heard wild ducks passing. He flapped his wings and away he flew, up into the sky, joined the flock, and never again did we see ducky.

Oregon produced excellent hazel nuts, but unfortuantely not near enough our home to enable us to pick any. We knew how to secure them easily. Indians would come with loads of them and we bought them. A little string or even a few bright beads would buy a bushel, sometimes two bushel sacks full fo the nuts. We also [?] pieces of bright ribbons, which they eagerly sought. So we laid in a winter supply of hazel nuts. Did we cheat? Indians did not think so. Do you? If so, recall how Manhattan was bought.

They, Indians, had a happy hunting grounds, otherwise a cemetary in southern Oregon, and each year, they met from all over the state, and journeyed to decorate and pay honor to their dead. They passed by our home, led by their princess on a wonderfully decorated pony. She was always dressed in splendor, the brightest colors to be had, beads, brass jewlry etc. Her pony the same, as highly decorated. Then followed on pony or foot all the members who could possibly attend. They knew we had a good many sweet apples, and we always gave them. Not one would taste them til the princess and pony was loaded with all they could carry or could be hung on pony. When she began to eat, all j ined in the feast and departed with every tooth showing in a grin. These are my earliest memories of meeting Royalty.

In July of that year my father was quite sick. Mother sent the little folks out to play to avoid their noise. They played in the oak grove near, and that evening all three, Freddy, Allie, and two-year old Dill, became very sick. Pronounced it poisoning. Freddy, the eldest, near 5 years, was unconscious from the first. Allie could remember they found and ate some sweet gum. A neighbor had put poison in sweetened dough to kill squirrels. They found it, thought it gum. Freddy died that night, the 24th of July, 1870. The other two recovered after weeks of suffering. My mother said to all of us we must never mention the poisoning as we think it was. He would feel so badly so tell no one what we think. The doctor thought she was right. Our neighbor friend never knew the circumstances, just poison of some kind.

I mention this so you may know how kind and thoughtful my mother was in this as in all I knew of her.

The next year, 1871, our house was burned with much of its contents early in October. We lived in rented houses until Father sold the home place and moved to Marshfield, Coos Co., in 1875. This was early in May, and the following August the two couples were married. All lived in Coos Co. for many more years. [Married August 29, 1875 - Viola Clinkinbeard and Winfield Scott Vanderburgh; and John Jay Clinkinbeard and Philura Vanderburgh.]

In 1879, my mother visited Lish Sprague and Mary, son in law and daughter. They lived in Empire. They decided to have a little picnic on the beach opposite Empire. Invited Alf Sprague, a brother, and Louisa Stokes, a friend, to join them. It was a beautiful day, and they were enjoying themselves. They had their luncheon, then strolled along the beach for some time. They noticed an unusually large wave coming. Ma [remarked] quoted "Thus far shalt thou come and no farther." The wave hit a log lying on the beach, threw it back, where it struck her. A knot pierced her heart. She died with a smile on her face. She was brought home and funeral [?] Methodist church, of which she was a member. The text was "Therefore be ye always ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." She died the 5th day of Feb, 1879. Pa died the 5th day of Feb, 1897, just 18 yaers, passed away that morning in his sleep. Hymns sung at Mother's funeral were "Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Servant of God, well done." The latter from the Methodist hymn book.

In October and November, 1918, Flu was epidemic in San Francisco. I was in Honolulu and very anxious to return, and passage hard to secure, so I booked on three vessels, with intention to take the first wtih a vacancy. All were booked full, but with a chance one or more would leave the boat at Honolulu. One did and I took the stateroom, on a little Dutch vessel, the Kawi, a foreign vessel, so I must have a passport.

First must have photos, taken by authority. I was seated with a flash or very bright light overhead and in front of me, and one at my feet. The result was amusing but not really flattering. Rec. photos, was sent to an official who asked the following questions.

Where was your father born, but first, Of what country are you a citizen? U.S.
Where was your father born? Kentucky
Where was your mother born? Missouri
Where were you born? Oregon
In what county? Douglas
In what town? Wilbur
In what year? 1855
In what month? November
On which day? 5th
How tall are you? 5 ft. 2.5 inches
Weight? 125

Looked at me, wrote complexion medium, hair dark gray, eyes blue, chin pointed.

He then fastened a photo to papers with above questions, filed one, made two more. Sent me to another official with the two papers. He filed one, sent the other to S.F.

We sailed the 8th of November, lovely weather and fine crew and passengers.

Nothing unusual till the 11th when we were informed a wireless message states the Armistice has been signed. Cheering, shouting, words fail to describe it. When we went to dinner the front wall was decorated with U.S. flag draped around large picture of Pres. Wilson in center, on right, British Flag and King George. Left, France with their King, on other walls were flag of Holland and and many more, flowers and evergreens everywhere.

Dinner was wonderful, prepared by a chef, said to be as good as the world can produce, with fruit, meat of various kinds, vegetables, all fresh. Truly a splendid dinner. Long tables were placed with aisles between. Three long tables.

Dessert was brought in. First came a bearer of a British Lion, he passed up first aisle, followed by one with the Lily of France. Then came the Statue of Liberty enlightening the world. All were large, Lion about two ft. (perhaps more) long, others as large. All in ice cream, but looking like the most perfect marble. The wonder was how it was possible on a small vessel and a long journey. The first officer was the speaker and certainly good. He congratulated the Allies, etc. Ended by saying while we rejoice with you we feel that all should sympathize wtih Holland, poor Holland in her deep humiliation. She has the Kaiser.

Dinner over, all on deck, where flags, wreaths, and other decorations. The piano had been brought out, and we had music. An opera co. was on board, or should say a few not entire company. They sang first the Star Spangled Banner, God Save the King and Marseilles and again and again at intervals all through the night, dancing, promenading and a wonderful time, kept up all night.

When we arrived in quarantine at S.F. Officers in masks, boarded the ship, and informed us anyone appearing on the streets without a mask would be arrested. What can we do? There will be plenty on hand for sale. There was and we joined the crowd. Officers informed us the Flu was about under control but great caution was necessary.

When I reached home, baby John sat in his carriage with a mask securely fastened. No child, or person dared step outside without one. Our little folks were well trained, put on a mask before opening the door.

After Queen Liliuokalani was dethroned, Hawaii became a Republic. Judge Dole was elected President. The Queen was in retirement for several years. She would occasionally take a walk, otherwise was in seclusion. She built a large and fine residence and named it Washington Place, in honor of President [Cleveland?] who had befriended her.

Mella was to give a concert here. Judge Dole, the Governor and in fact everyone thought it would please the ex-Queen to be specially invited to attend. She accepted. The house was crowded, a box was given for her to Judge Dole. He was on the stage when she was announced, and went to meet her at the door. The audience rose, musicians played Aloha Oe. He gave her his arm and they walked up the aisle, onto the stage, and were seated. The audience then resumed seats. The Queen was tall slender and very graceful, not beautiful at all, but had a lovely smile. She was dressed in lavender satin, with rich lace and diamonds. Judge Dole was tall, dignified, and they looked a royal couple.

Mella sang, a glorious voice. As the song ended a young man came in with an armfull of [cereus] in bloom at the time. He passed on to the stage handed them to Mella. She seemed overwhelmed, smiled, bowed, then took one and fastened to dress as a corsage, then turned, went to the Queen and handed them to her. Music, Aloha Oe, and cheering. It was all very impressive and solemn. Liliuokalani composed words and music of Aloha.

After this tribute she accepted invitations and went in society at times. She lived for several years afterward and was always treated wtih honor. After her death, Washington Place was brought by the Territory for a residence for Governors. Her room was left just as she occupied it, very fine and rather massive furnituyre, rugs, toilet articles, and pictures. Simple but elegant furniture. Always open to visitors, who wish to see it. I attended the concert, also visited the room.

This sounds fit for "Believe it or Not" column, but is strictly true.

When we lived in Marshfield, Oregon, we had a few chickens also a gray cat. The two were born companions, inseparable. Never did we see one without the other.

When the cat decided to take a nap in the sun, the hen settled down at his side. When she went to her nest he stayed beside her, and the children said he tried to cackle with her. When she went in to roost he could not cling but stayed as close as possible.

My greatest ambition, when a child, was to become a spy. I had read the Nurse and Spy, a thrilling war time story, a genuine Civil War production, describing the horrors, as well as her great help in winning. A wonderful woman also a wonderful spy.

My second ambition was to join Christian and his family in their journey through life. The book Pilgrims Progress was given me as a prize for having committed the most verses in my Sunday school class. Christian led a very exciting life, especially thrilling when he met Lions Lovely when he crossed the river Jordon.

I will soon be 85 years old, and if I could gain knowledge of Hitlers intentions, that would be of assistance to the Allies, in this terrible war. Still think I'd love to be a spy.

As to the river think I could enter as calmly as did Christian.

Since the above was written I have passed my 85th birthday, Nov. 5th. It was a lovely day and I rec. gifts, books, flowers etc. The house was full of them. Thanksgiving will soon be here, and we have much to be thankful for.

Dear Margaret,

I have tried to write the family record, also incidents of years long since passed, as you requestd. Am sorry it is so poorly done, record not complete, have tried to get the missing dates, but failed. Hope you will do better when you reach the age of