Joseph Enclio Hancock's parents were:
Solomon Hancock, b. Aug. 14, 1793 in Springfield, Hampden County, MA. and d. Dec. 2, 1847 in Pottawattamie County, IA. &
Alta Adams, b. Mar. 17, 1795 in Pawlet, Rutland County, VT. and d. Jan. 18, 1835 in Clay County, MO.
On Aug. 14, 1845, Joseph Hancock marr. 1st, Harriet Brook(s) in Hancock county, IL., according to IL. Compiled marriages for 1790-1860. Harriet was the daughter of Samuel Brook of Pennsylvania. Harriet died 1847 at Council Bluffs, IA.
On Aug. 31, 1848, Joseph marr. 2nd, Nancy Augusta Bemis, daughter of Alvin and Jerusha (Guernsey) Bemis, in Council Bluffs, IA.
Joseph & Nancy Hancock's children were:
1. Alvin R. Hancock, b. 1848 and d. 1849
2. Alvin Bemis Hancock, b. Jan. 13, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 24, 1896 by suicide (ingesting poison), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Alvin marr. Elizabeth Penman Nish.
2. Elenorah/Elnora Hancock, b. Mar. 19, 1851 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. (-who was almost buried alive as a tiny infant) and d. Jan. 26, 1949 in Highland, San Bernardino County, CA. Elenorah marr. George Miller
3. Solomon Hancock, b. Nov. 11, 1852 in Ogden, Weber county, UT. and d. Apr. 4, 1901 (in an insane asylum) in Highland, San Bernardino, CA. Solomon marr. Eudora I. Hammack.
4. Jerusha Hancock, b. Aug. 30, 1854 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 18, 1953 at the age of 99 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Jerusha marr. Charles Hudson Tyler.
5. Lucina Harriet Hancock, b. Apr. 29, 1856 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Apr. 22, 1938 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Lucina marr. George L. Lord
6. Foster K. Hancock, b. Oct. 21, 1857 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jul. 5, 1934 of a heart attack in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Foster marr. Catherine Mapstead.
7. Joseph Nephi Hancock, b. Nov. 25, 1867 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Mar. 3, 1917 by suicide (gunshot wound), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Joseph marr. Emma Le Meur.
In the Oct. 28, 1850 U. S. census, 29 yr. old Joseph Hancock, (no occupation listed - probably a farmer), b. in OH., was living in District 21, Pottawattamie, IA. with his
21 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
9 mth. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-4 and P. 19
Wed., Nov. 16, 1938
Excerpt from: Covered Wagon Families: JOSEPH HANCOCK, FAMILY REACHED VALLEY IN 1854
Wagon Train Nearly Perished From Thirst While in Desert
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown West - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kan.
Later his family went to Iowa.
An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851. The trip from Salt Lake to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
Of the trip across the plains in a covered wagon, Mr. Hancock told a reporter for The Sun on the occasion of his one hundredth birthday on May 7, 1922:
"Death came close to me in crossing the desert near Bitter Springs.
"I was ill in the wagon, chills and fever shaking me. The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
RAIN SAVES PARTY
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain. We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell
"A short time later we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had gone ahead to Bitter Springs and he came yelling, 'Water! Water'!"
A true pioneer, Joseph Hancock arrived in San Bernardino in a covered wagon in 1854.
The middle name Enclio is listed in the Bio section of the Arda Haenszel California Room in the Norman Feldheym Library, as well as San Bernardino vital stats.
The middle name Euclid is also attributed to him but may be a nickname. He signed legal documents with Enclio.
Euclid is near a village where he was born so either may be correct.
In the 1860 U. S. census, 37 yr. old Joseph Hantock (Hancock), a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
31 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hantock (Hancock), b. in NY.
10 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
9 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnorah Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
7 yr. old (inferred) son, Solomon Hantock (Hancock), b. in UT.
5 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Lucina Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
2 yr. old (inferred) son, Foster Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
Joseph's real estate was valued at: $400 and his personal estate at $800.
In the 1870 U. S. census, 48 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
41 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
19 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnora Hancock, b. in IA.
17 yr. old (inferred) son, Soloman Hancock, b. in UT.
15 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
14 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Suana (Lucina) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
12 yr. old (inferred) son, Forster (Foster) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
3 yr. old (inferred) son, Joseph N Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s real estate was valued at $400 and his personal estate at $2000
In the 1880 U. S. census, 58 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer and stock dealer, b. in OH., was living on 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
50 yr. old wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
30 yr. old son, Alvin B. Hancock, working on the farm, b. in IA.
28 yr. old son, Solomon Hancock, working the farm, b. in UT.
26 yr. old daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old son, Joseph N. Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s father was b. in MA. and his mother in VT.
Nancy's parents were both b. in VT.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
The Weekly Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Sat., Jan. 20, 1894
Item from: Pioneers' Meeting
Pioneer R. T. Roberds, for an in behalf of Mr. Joseph Hancock, presented the society with some articles of furniture for the Pioneer log cabin, consisting of wooden spoons and a three-legged campstool, made by Mr. Hancock, which were received with thanks.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
On Jun. 15, 1908, Joseph's wife, Nancy Hancock, died at the age of 79 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 37 (87) yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, living off his own income, b. in IA., was living on a farm on 9th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
43 yr. old son, (head of household) Joseph N. Hancock, a self-employed farmer on a hay farm, b. in CA.
34 yr. old daughter-in-law, Emma Hancock, b. in France
16 yr. old granddaughter, Esther M Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old granddaughter, Ruby M Hancock, b. in CA.
7 yr. old granddaughter, Irene E Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Jr.'s father was b. in OH. (IA.) and his mother in NY.
Joseph Sr.'s parents were both b. in MA.
Emma's parents were both b. in France.
Joseph and Emma had been married for 17 years.
Emma was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Tue., Feb. 17, 1914
Uncle Joe Hancock's Fiddle Box
Uncle Joseph Hancock was present with his revolutionary fife and also had with him an old fiddle box made by himself in the states and brought with him across the plains. While crossing the plains his little child, Elnora Hancock, became very ill and all thought she would have to be left on the desert with a little mound over her, and as there was no lumber of material out of which to construct a baby coffin, the father thought he would have to bury his little daughter in this fiddle box, but kind providence decreed otherwise, the little daughter recovered and now is Sister Elnora Hancock Miller, wife of President Miller, and today received that fiddle box from her father, which she will treasure and hand down to her children.
Divine blessing on these re-unions byElder Garner closed this interesting meeting.
Louisa Waters, Secretary Pro Tem
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 16
Sun., May 7, 1916
Excerpt from: Pioneers
Disinterested visitors at the log cabin in Pioneer park were signally favored yesterday in being able to participate in a gathering that in all probability will never be duplicated in this city. It was the ninety-fourth birthday of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and his family connections came to do him honor.
Chief among these was Aunt Nancy Daley, widow of the late Edward Daley, and daughter of the late Captain Hunt, and the mother of some of the most prominent residents in this valley.
Sister Day presented a motion of honor and respect for the guest of the day, and stated that she had known him for 82 years, ever since he came to her father's house when she was 7 years old, one evening, shouting, "Wolf! "Wold!" "Come out with your gun and shoot the wolf!" She said that in all the 82 years of acquaintanceship and friendship she had known Uncle Joseph as the soul of honor.
The meeting was called to order by President Boren at 2 o'clock. Sister Crouse at the piano and Brother Morse with the violin accompanied the opening ode, which was sung with fervor, all present participating. An invocation was offered by Chaplain Shaw. Uncle Joseph Hancock and Aunt Nancy Daley were the right and left hand supporters. The president thanked all those who had decorated the tables with beautiful flowers - Sisters Alexander, Harrison, Nora Miller, J. O. Lamb, Girard, Case, Hamilton and Crouse. There were roses, baby roses and roses grown up, and of many varieties, sweet william, carnations, geraniums, hollyhocks, Shasta daisies and greenery.
Russell Collins, a Poly High student, reported for about 50 other young people of the city, that grandchildren of pioneers had organized a society called "The Young Pioneer Club", to operate under the rules and regulations of the Pioneer society, with the main object of furnishing additions to the program of the Saturday afternoon Pioneer meetings.
Under "good of the order," the president called on Secretary John Brown Jr., to engineer the program of the day. The following relatives of Uncle Joseph Hancock were present and took part: Sister Nora Miller, a daughter; Sister Jerusha Tyler, a daughter; Sister Molly Tyler Bright, a granddaughter; and her mother, Sister J. S. Bright; our Sister J. O. Lamb, a granddaughter; Master James Lamb, Miss Myrtle Lamb, and Master Charles Bright, great-great-grandchildren.
It was reported that Miss Lois Erma Bausch, 2 days old, was great-great-granddaughter of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and that the little miss had four happy grandmothers and four proud grandfathers.
At this point the master of ceremonies spoke of Uncle Joseph Hancock, stating that his grandfather was Henry Hancock, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war, and a brother of John Hancock, chairman of the declaration of Independence committee, and one of the signers of that famous document. John Hancock was a shoemaker, and his hammer is now in the possession of the Pioneer Society, among its treasures.
Sister Nora Miller then stated that she would like to honor her mother's memory. Her name was Nancy A. Hancock, and she then unrolled a package in which was carefully preserved a pair of "cards" her mother had used, and proceeded to "card" some cotton, first making a "bat" to be used as stuffing for a quilt, and then a "roll" to be spun into thread, all of which was of exceeding interest to the entire company.
The guest of honor made a few remarks, expressing his delight at being present and stating that his present occupation was the very pleasant one of driving about the valley with his own horse and rig, calling on old acquaintances, and enjoying the outdoors. He stated that he had seen seven generations of his own blood relatives, having called on the latest baby, and having seen his honored grandfather.
Fitting resolutions were heartily passed extending to Father Hancock and also to Mother Daley the love and respect of the society and congratulating them on their remarkable preservation.
At this point, Sister Haddon was asked to take up the duties of master of ceremonies. Two magnificent candle-crowned birthday cakes were brought in, one made by Mrs. Charles Tyler and the other by Mrs. Molly Tyler Bright. Also, three other toothsome cakes. Also, a mug to be a token of love from the whole society, and a jar of marmalade from the Orange show by-product department.
The candles were lighted by the relatives of Father Hancock, he and Aunt Nancy Daley lighting a few.
Mrs. Bright sang "California" and "My Dear Little Irish Rose," with her usual gracious and pleasing manner.
The formal part was here quietly shaded into informalities, while Sister Clara Case and Brother Morse furnished appropriate music for the usual "light fantastic" and the partaking of refreshments.
John Brown Jr., Secretary.
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Wed., Oct. 10, 1917
HOLDS RECORD OF GRANDSONS WITH COUNTY
Joseph Hancock, Sr., Has 10 Relatives Summoned Into Nation's Service
Joseph Hancock, Sr., age 95, who traces his ancestry back to John Hancock, one of the original signers of the declaration of independence, is believed to hold all records in California for the number of grandsons called to the colors.
No less than ten of Hancock's grandsons have either been called to war or are awaiting a call after being subject to the draft. Hancock is proud of the honor for born of fighting stock himself, he has urged every one of his grandsons not to shirk the obligation and duty that confronts them.
The hale and hearty old veteran is bidding farewell to his children's children and sending them forth to what fate he knows not, cheerfully bidding them answer their county's call.
Here Is Roll Of Honor
The roll of honor includes James Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Dr. Earl Hancock, Beaufort Hancock, Sol Hancock, Phillip Hancock and the three sons of Mrs. Luvenia Lord and the son of Mrs. George Hiller of Highland.
Every branch of the army service will find the Hancocks, for one of the boys. Clyde, is with Company K, 160th regiment, Dr. Earl Hancock is in the dental reserve corps, others are in the draft army and one of the grandsons may be sent to the navy.
Grandfather Hancock is happy that ten of his grandsons will soon be in the service of Uncle Sam and he also realizes that he probably will have the honor of having more grandsons in the army than any other grandfather in the whole state.
In the 1920 U. S. census, 97 yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, no occupation, b. in OH., was living on Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
63 yr. old widowed daughter (and head of household), Lucina Lord, a Christian Science Practitioner, b. in CA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1
Sat., May 6, 1922
One Hundredth Birthday Will Be Celebrated By Joseph Hancock Today
Pioneer Has Lived 68 Years in San Bernardino; Has Vivid Remembrance of Notable Events of Last 94 or 95 Years; Still Active
Joseph Hancock has lived to know seven generations of his family. He, who is 100 years old today, has 63 living descendants - four children, 25 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
From himself to this great-great-grandchild are five generations. Joseph Hancock's father and mother and his grandparents are the other two of the seven generations. Sixty-eight of the 100 years were spent in San Bernardino.
During his century of life, Joseph Hancock of san Bernardino has used no tobacco in any form; has used no strong liquors; throughout his entire life he has never given a mortgage, it is said.
His life has been spent in the out-of-doors, with hard labor marking his days.
He doesn't attribute his long life to any of these factors; he doesn't attribute it to any one set of circumstances. They merely are stated for what they may be worth.
Sees West Grow
He has seen the growth of this land, not alone of the middle-western and western States, through which he trekked more than 3,000 miles in his youth and young manhood, beside the oxen that then were the fastest mode of travel, he has lived during the growth of the population of the entire United States from nine to one-half million to more than 107,000,000.
Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino was born in the time of the fifth President of the United States. Since that time 25 Presidents have been elected and all of these but three now are dead. And of those that have died, six were born at a later date than was Joseph Hancock. Two, Grant and Hayes, were born in the same year, 1822.
When Joseph Hancock was born, May 7, 1882, there were but 27 States in the Union and the population of all these States was less than the present population of the State of New York and but slightly more than the present population of Pennsylvania. During his life, 22 states have been added to the Union; the republican party has been born out of the Whigs; telephones, telegraphs, railroads, automobiles, multiple printing presses, typesetting machines, wireless, submarines, rapid fire guns, airplanes, electric lights, sanitary plumbing, paved streets, movies, tall buildings, elevators, cigarets, - it seems, when one starts a casual list, that everything in the world has been discovered, found or invented during the life of Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino.
Eighteen million, two hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and eighty-eight persons have died in the United States alone during the last 22 years of Joseph Hancock's life - from January 1, 1900 to January 1, 1922.
Has Vivid Memory
That is one of the features of his long life that strikes one, as he talks with him - his memory.
"I was almost drowned, when I was a boy," he said one afternoon, last week, when THE SUN representative called at 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, where Mr. Hancock lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord.
"I was about five or six years old, then," he continued, "and I had gone down to a little branch near my home in Ohio, with my brother, Charles, who was younger than I. We had a dog with us, and there was a log across the stream.
"I saw Charles start for the branch and I was afraid of the water. Father was across the branch, to the east, and waved his hand to us to go back. Charles was on the footling over the branch. The dog ran out and I was scraped into the water by the dog.
"That time I drowned," he said conclusively, "but they brought me to - worked over me.
"That was in Euclid, near Cleveland, where I was born."
And that was 94 or 95 years ago. A stretch of memory covering five or six years less than a century. The ability to look back over the years when the present world - the mechanical world - was in the making. That is one of Joseph Hancock's possessions.
He was in the yard of the home on Mt. Vernon, out in the sunlight.
Splits Wood
Seated in a chair, he was splitting wood, using a sledge of the six-pound sort, driving a wedge into the wood that had been cut to stove-length, and splitting it.
"I'm not as good at this as I used to be," he said as he laid aside the sledge. "With the trouble of my hip, I can't get around like I used to."
The trouble referred to is a slip-joint. Mr. Hancock now uses a cane and crutch as aids to walking. The slip-joint is the result of the continual strain of walking beside the oxen from Missouri to Utah, in 1851, and from Utah to San Bernardino, in 1854.
"Did you ever hear of the falling stars?" was another of his remarkable questions. "We were near Independence, then, and had camped at the side of the road. My little brother was lying beside the wagon. Everybody was scared."
The shower of stars referred to was in 1833. Independence, Mo., where the Hancock family lived for several years, was then the confluence of the "Big Blue" and "Little Blue", two streams that flow into the Kan, across from Kansas City, Kans. near the present site of Kansas City, Mo.
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown west - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kans.
Later, Joseph Hancock's family went to Iowa. An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah, and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph, married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
Shoots Buffalo
"On that trip I shot a buffalo," Joseph Hancock said. "I was the only one in our party that killed one. The animals came like a cloud."
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851.
The trip from Salt Lake City to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
"Six or eight wagons left Salt Lake City," Mr. Hancock said, "and as we came across the desert,, we picked up other wagons until we had a big train.
"Captain Abner Bell was the leader of our train, and he was a great man.
"In our train was my mother-in-law, Mother Bemis, with all her children. There was also Joseph Thorne, grandfather of John Osborn, who now is city clerk of San Bernardino."
The "Mother" Bemis referred to by Mr. Hancock, was Mrs. Jerusha Bemis, and in the party were her children, Amos, Samuel, Edward, Nancy, Harriet, Charles, Nephi, Harrison, Clarissa.
Samuel was afterward killed by a bear in the San Bernardino mountains, and Nephi, with two others, was killed by Indians in the same mountains.
Death Comes Close
Again death came closet Joseph Hancock. This was in crossing the desert, near Bitter Springs.
He was ill in the wagon, "chills and fever shaking me," he expresses it. Mrs. Hancock was driving the oxen.
The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
"But I didn't suffer," he said hastily. "I didn't suffer."
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain.
"We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell.
"It wasn't much, but we got a few drops in the bottom of the pans.
"And then we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had beat ahead to Bitter Springs, and he come yelling, 'Water! Water!'
"Sam was afterwards killed by a bear in the mountains."
When questioned as to his earlier life, Mr. Hancock told of coming down the Ohio in a lighter, a sailing boat, and then his family taking the Don Juan, a steamboat, at or near Cincinnati.
"And there was a wreck," he said. "Another boat collided with our boat, and tore off the rail. It was night and everybody was scared.
"We got off that boat.
Some families had come from Ohio with us," he went on. "I think there were four families - the Stantons and the Shepards were two of them, and I can't remember the others.
"We lost all of them after a while. They stayed in Illinois and Missouri, but we kept on.
"No," he answered a query, "we didn't have such a bad time coming here from Utah.
Indians Not Bad
"No, the Indians wasn't bad. They was just starved to death. They kept following us, and one time they come sliding down a bank, and the train stopped. We didn't know what they might do.
"Captain Bell watched them, and pretty soon he says they was hungry. We didn't have much food, hardly enough to get to San Bernardino, but we each put in a little flour - put it in a big dishpan.
"They wanted to take the dishpan, but we wouldn't let them. Then they took a blanket, and we poured the flour on it. They was so hungry they just grabbed it up in their hands and stuffed it in their mouths.
"We had some musty meal and we made it into mush and gave them that to eat.
"Next morning we had to put some sugar with it, to sweeten the musty taste."
Mr. Hancock also tells of the shifts to which the pioneers were put in caring for the feet of their cattle. The hoofs were wore down with the long trek, and he made a preparation of pitch, "slapped it on hot," as he says, and covered that with sand.
A calf had worn down hoofs until it could scarcely keep up with the train. This calf was given to the hungry Indians.
"Then they had a powwow all night, while the captain of the Indians talked," Mr. Hancock said. I guess he was telling them we were good folks - friends."
San Bernardino had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family, by the Mormons, three years prior to the coming of Joseph Hancock into this valley. He settled on a tract of land on West Fifth Street, across the Lytle Creek wash. The vagaries of the creek since have covered a part of this land.
Moves to Rancho
He then moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on West Ninth Street, a tract that he yet owns, and where he lived for 36 years, or until 1908, when at the death of his wife he came into the city to live with his daughter, Mrs. Lord.
"They didn't believe the railroad could come through here," he said, referring to the early days. "Everybody said it could never make it over the mountains. I remember when every man and boy was out working around where Rialto now is, cutting out the brush and getting ready for the railroad. But we didn't believe it would ever make it."
Seven children were born to the Hancocks, of which four are now living: Mrs. Elnorah Miller of Highland, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler of San Bernardino, Mrs. Lucina Lord of San Bernardino, and Foster Hancock of San Bernardino.
Those dead are Alvin, Solomon and Joseph Nephi.
Alvin had seven sons, all but one now living near San Bernardino and the seventh in Salt Lake City.
Living progeny of Joseph Hancock:
Mrs. Elnorah Miller, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler, Mrs. Lucina Lord, daughters, and Foster Hancock, son.
Robert, Will, Leslie, Alvin James, Beauford, Earl and Clyde, sons of Alvin Hancock;
Robert's three children: Alvin, Clifford and Marie;
Will's two children, Alvin and Robert;
Leslie's two children, Ruth and Helen;
Alvin James' two boys, Donald and Harold;
Earl's two children, John and Mary Elizabeth.
John Hancock, son of Earl Hancock, is the only one of the family, by the way, named for an illustrious ancestor, John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mrs. Elnorah Miller has five living children: Mrs. Gussie Crandall, Mrs. Ida Lamb, Mrs. Mary Rodgers, William and Charles Miller.
Mrs. Crandall has one daughter, Mrs. Grave Neily, who also has a daughter, Lois Boesch.
Of Fourth Generation
(check the newspaper article for this section of the article)
Sings Grandparent's Song
On May 7, 1921, at a gathering that kept the ninety-ninth birthday of Joseph Hancock, he sang a song of 24 verses, written by Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, his grandparents. It is a patriotic song and was first sung by Joseph and his brother, Charles, on July 4, 1837, while standing on the cornerstone of a meeting house that was building in Independence, Mo.
The first verse is:
"Come lovers of freedom to gather, And hear what we have to say. For surely we out to remember The cause which produced this great day. Oh, may we remember while singing, The pains and distresses once borne By those who have fought for our freedom And ofttimes for friends called to mourn."
The birth of a freedom to the Union was a recent event in the minds of the people when Joseph and his brother first sang the 24 verses of that patriotic song.
Mr. Hancock's voice is remarkably strong when one considers his extreme age; there is none of the quaver one expects; it is clear.
His eyes are dim.
"I can't see too well," he says.
Yet one is surprised at the strength of his sight. He has no difficulty in setting the wedges in the wood he splits. He seems to have a remarkable memory for faces, also.
Mrs. Oldaker was visiting her grandfather as the SUN men called to photograph Mr. Hancock.
"He asked me to put my foot on a stick of wood," she said, "and hold it for him while he started the ax into it.
"Then he told me he couldn't see the wood very well," she continued. "I told him he'd certainly have to see it very well if I held my foot near where he swung the ax."
Joseph Hancock grinned in his beard.
He is remarkably lively; likes to tell stories of his past that have some funny twist.
Makes Armchair
He is a member of the Society of Pioneers, and one of his gifts is an old armchair, made for him by William S. Tittle, another pioneer of the valley. As Mr. Hancock crept out to the front lawn, he shook his head doubtfully.
"I don't believe that chair will hold me," he called. "That's an old pioneer chair," he smiled, "and all us old pioneers are getting shaky."
This trait of sweetness, this ability to smile, to joke, to laugh with the world; to find the light side of life, leads one to the instant conclusion that Joseph Hancock's hundred years must have been wonder years in all the words imply. Undoubtedly he has had and has retained the rare ability to find the joys of life to the fullest. The depth to which he lives now, at 100 years, are a measure of the great joy of life when life was young in his veins.
He is the true incarnation of optimism. Perhaps that has aided to his century.
Out of the past he has saved several things other than memories. One of these is the old musket which he carried across the plains and the desert; another is the old-fashioned square lantern that lighted the covered wagon.
A powder horn and a set of candle moulds are other relics. And there is the old hand-made fife, which Mr. Hancock yet plays.
As the SUN representative left the home on Mt. Vernon Avenue and waited across the street for the downtown bus, car sound of the regular blows of the ax in Joseph Hancock's hands - one-hundred-year-old hands - came sturdily from the yard, where he sat under the fig tree, beside the woodpile.
An informal reception will be held this afternoon, from 2 to 5 o'clock, by Mr. Hancock at theme of Mrs. Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, for all relatives and friends.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 5
Wed., Mar. 29, 1922
PIONEER FIGHTS GUARDIAN PLAN
Ninety-nine Year Old Joseph Hancock Says He Can Handle Affairs
"Uncle" Joseph Hancock, aged 99 years, and one of San Bernardino valley's first white settlers, yesterday began a legal fight to prevent the Superior Court naming a guardian to direct his business affairs as asked in a petition to the court by James Miller, his son-in-law.
In a reply to the petition of Mr. Miller, the aged pioneer charges that the representations of his son-in-law are false and, admitting that he "is not as strong physically as in years gone by," and that his "mind is not as keen," "Uncle Joe" asserts that he is competent to control his affairs."
The petition to the court to appoint a guardian for him is but an effort to gain control of his property, the value of which was underestimated in Mr. Miller's petition, "Uncle Joe" charges in a reply to the petition filed by his attorney, Lester G. King, yesterday.
Claims Rent Is Due
In the petition filed by Mr. Miller, the value of Mr. Hancock's 28-acre place is named at $4,000; the annual rental is $250, and it is claimed that money due for rental has not been paid.
"Uncle Joe" states:
The value of the property is $12,000. The annual rental is $400 and denies there is any back rent due.
Has Advisors
"Uncle Joe" claims that he refused to rent the property to his children for $250 annually, because he did not believe that $250 was adequate for the use of the 28-acre tract and, in his opinion, the effort to have a guardian named for him, followed his refusal to acquiesce to the demands of his relatives. He also objects to the appointing of Amos H. Bemis as guardian, as requested by Mr. Miller stating that he knows Mr. Bemis "only in a general way," and that his is "surrounded by children and grand-children fully competent to advise" him and aid in the handling of his business.
The effort to have a guardian named has greatly upset "Uncle Joe," his friends say. It has affected his mind and he is unable to sleep or rest at night, they say.
It is understood that a family feud is looming. Talk of withdrawal of the petition is also heard and a compromise may be effected and the court battle between members of the Hancock family averted.
Needles Nugget (Needles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Fri., Jun. 13, 1924
Excerpt from: SURVIVORS OF 1854 OX TRAIN RECOUNT PAST
Seventieth Anniversary Observed By Program in Pioneer Park - Experiences Told - City's Earliest Citizens Dance Until Midnight in Log Cabin
Survivors of the ox-drawn train of covered wagons that arrived in San Bernardino Valley on June 5, 1854, lived again their thrilling days on the plains, blazing the trail westward across swollen streams, the desert and uncharted mountain passes yesterday in the Pioneer log cabin where a celebration in honor of their arrival was held.
"Uncle Joe" Hancock, the beloved pioneer, 102 years old, recounted his experiences. The snow-white haired centenarian, weak and feeble but with a remarkable clearness of mind, told how he killed a buffalo as the wagon train lumbered its way across the plains and divided the meat among the stalwarts who had left their homes in Illinois and Iowa for the long journey into the west. Fights with Indians, hardships encountered and the wondrous memories of camp life, the hospitality and friendliness of the pioneers as they moved onward, were told again as "Uncle Joe's" eyes sparkled with reminiscences of the past.
"Uncle Joe" Tells of Youth
Fearful lest he overtax his strength, the pioneers listened attentively and warned him not to become too excited as he talked of the days of his youth. He was with his daughter, Mrs. Lucinda Hancock Lord, herself a pioneer of the valley.
It was a picturesque sight - those pioneers, bent and gray, but with the hearts of youths, seated in a semi-circle in the log cabin, recalling the days of the past. The cabin was crowded to overflowing.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3 & 4
Sat., Jul. 19, 1924
Uncle Joe Hancock Dies After Living 102 Years
Country's Oldest Pioneer Leaves 69 Living Descendants
Four generations will mourn today at the grave of Joseph Hancock, Sr., San Bernardino centenarian and pioneer, who passed away peacefully into eternity early yesterday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Funeral services will begin at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the parlors of J. W. Woodhouse & Company, and interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Scores of relatives and friends will attend.
Passed Away While Asleep
Falling into a deep sleep Thursday afternoon from which he never awakened, Mr. Hancock, better known as "Uncle Joe", died painlessly, with a smile on his lips, at 2:10 a.m. Four children were at his bedside at the time.
Born near Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 1822, Mr. Hancock lived to see his one hundred and second birthday. He has 69 living descendants - four children, 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Three other children, all sons, are dead.
Lived in This City 70 Years
Seventy years of Mr. Hancock's life were spent in San Bernardino. He was one of the original American settlers of the state, coming here from Utah in 1854. During his progress westward from his native state, he lived successively in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Utah. From that state, hearing of the wonders of California, he and his second wife, formerly Nancy Bemis, joined a caravan for the long journey across the Rockies.
The hardships encountered by Mr. Hancock on that journey are too well known in San Bernardino to need repetition. Battles with Indians, suffering from lack of water, and exposure to the elements were all endured.
Early Hardships Are Recalled
It took the caravan, composed as it was of the slow, oxen-driven "schooners" of the time 11 months to travel from Salt Lake City to California. A few days ago an airplane flew the entire width of the continent in 21 hours!
When Mr. Hancock was born there were but 27 states in the Union, with a total population less than the present population of the State of New York. He lived to see the inventions of railroads, telephones, automobiles, radio, moving pictures, electric lights, submarines, skyscrapers, paved roads - hundreds of conveniences which now seem indispensable.
Was in Good Health to Last
Until almost the very day of his death, Mr. Hancock remained in good health and in possession of his faculties. He was wont to attribute the fact to his abstinence from tobacco and alcohol and to the rigorous life he led. There were few days of his last years that he was not able to indulge in his favorite hobby - chopping wood.
His memory, Mrs. Lord stated yesterday, had never failed him. About two weeks before his death he received word that Mrs. Altie Davis, a sister, was ill in Utah and would like to hear from him.
Wrote Verse Two Weeks Ago
In reply, Mr. Hancock sent the following verse, which he had memorized in his youth:
"We will rely on the arm of Jehovah;
"No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
"Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
"And shortly the hour of redemption will come."
Though affiliated with no church, Mr. Hancock was intensely religious. He was baptized a Mormon, but never considered himself a member of that sect, according to Mrs. Lord.
Mr. Hancock settled in San Bernardino immediately on coming to California. The city had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family by the Mormons three years prior to his arrival. He occupied a tract of land on what is now West Fifth Street, across the Lyle Creek wash.
Was of Early Colonial Stock
From there, however, he moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on the present West Ninth Street, a tract that he owned until his death and on which he lived until 1908. Mr. Hancock's last years were spent at the home of his daughter.
Coming off a long line of forbearers, Mr. Hancock belonged to the original American stock and was of English descent. His great-great grandfather's brother, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of Solomon and Alta Hancock.
Four children Are Living
Mr. Hancock's first marriage was to Harriet Brook, of Pennsylvania. She bore him no children, however, and died at Council Bluffs in 1847.
Seven children were born of the second wife. Three of them, Alvin R. Hancock, Solomon Hancock and Joseph N. Hancock are dead. The other four children are Eleanorah H. Miller, of Highland; Jerusha H. Tyler, of San Bernardino; Lucina H. Lord, of San Bernardino; and Foster Hancock, of San Bernardino.
The grandchildren are: Robert Hancock, William Hancock, Leslie Hancock, James Hancock, Buford Hancock, Earl Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Agusta Miller Crandall, Ida Miller Lamb, Mary Miller Rogers, William F. Miller, Charles B. Miller, Philip Hancock, Solomon Hancock Jr., Mollie Tyler Bright, Don Charles Tyler, Joseph H. Lord, Lena Lord Older, Harry G. Lord, Ernest C. Lord, Fred W. Lord, Charles Hancock, Agusta Hancock Garner, Belle Hancock Johnson, Esther Hancock Littlefield, Ruby Hancock Dedovich, Irene Hancock McCabe.
Had Been Weak For Several Days
The four living children were at Mr. Hancock's bedside when he died. They stated that he passed away without a tremor, seeming to be in a deep sleep.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Lord said, it was obvious that the end was near. Though Mr. Hancock's will remained as firm as ever, his body had become weaker and weaker. He was forced to live on a milk diet and fretted because he was no longer able to chop wood.
Appeared at Park June 5
Though Mr. Hancock is survived by four generations of his own kin, he lived through seven generations and was one of the few centenarians in the county. On his last birthday he expressed the hope of living another five years, but the grim reaper had been cheated too long.
A member of the Pioneer Society, Mr. Hancock's last public appearance was at a gathering on June 5 of that organization at Pioneer Park. He was strong enough at the time to make a lengthy speech, describing various buffalo hunts in which he was engaged.
Members of the Pioneer Society will be present at the funeral today, as will representatives from a number of social and patriotic organizations. The Rev. A. G. Fessenden will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be six grandchildren: Billy Miller, Charles Hancock, Dan Tyler, Harry Lord, Solomon Hancock and James Hancock.
Cause of death at age 102: Inanition (the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water).
Solomon Hancock, b. Aug. 14, 1793 in Springfield, Hampden County, MA. and d. Dec. 2, 1847 in Pottawattamie County, IA. &
Alta Adams, b. Mar. 17, 1795 in Pawlet, Rutland County, VT. and d. Jan. 18, 1835 in Clay County, MO.
On Aug. 14, 1845, Joseph Hancock marr. 1st, Harriet Brook(s) in Hancock county, IL., according to IL. Compiled marriages for 1790-1860. Harriet was the daughter of Samuel Brook of Pennsylvania. Harriet died 1847 at Council Bluffs, IA.
On Aug. 31, 1848, Joseph marr. 2nd, Nancy Augusta Bemis, daughter of Alvin and Jerusha (Guernsey) Bemis, in Council Bluffs, IA.
Joseph & Nancy Hancock's children were:
1. Alvin R. Hancock, b. 1848 and d. 1849
2. Alvin Bemis Hancock, b. Jan. 13, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 24, 1896 by suicide (ingesting poison), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Alvin marr. Elizabeth Penman Nish.
2. Elenorah/Elnora Hancock, b. Mar. 19, 1851 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. (-who was almost buried alive as a tiny infant) and d. Jan. 26, 1949 in Highland, San Bernardino County, CA. Elenorah marr. George Miller
3. Solomon Hancock, b. Nov. 11, 1852 in Ogden, Weber county, UT. and d. Apr. 4, 1901 (in an insane asylum) in Highland, San Bernardino, CA. Solomon marr. Eudora I. Hammack.
4. Jerusha Hancock, b. Aug. 30, 1854 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 18, 1953 at the age of 99 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Jerusha marr. Charles Hudson Tyler.
5. Lucina Harriet Hancock, b. Apr. 29, 1856 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Apr. 22, 1938 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Lucina marr. George L. Lord
6. Foster K. Hancock, b. Oct. 21, 1857 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jul. 5, 1934 of a heart attack in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Foster marr. Catherine Mapstead.
7. Joseph Nephi Hancock, b. Nov. 25, 1867 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Mar. 3, 1917 by suicide (gunshot wound), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Joseph marr. Emma Le Meur.
In the Oct. 28, 1850 U. S. census, 29 yr. old Joseph Hancock, (no occupation listed - probably a farmer), b. in OH., was living in District 21, Pottawattamie, IA. with his
21 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
9 mth. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-4 and P. 19
Wed., Nov. 16, 1938
Excerpt from: Covered Wagon Families: JOSEPH HANCOCK, FAMILY REACHED VALLEY IN 1854
Wagon Train Nearly Perished From Thirst While in Desert
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown West - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kan.
Later his family went to Iowa.
An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851. The trip from Salt Lake to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
Of the trip across the plains in a covered wagon, Mr. Hancock told a reporter for The Sun on the occasion of his one hundredth birthday on May 7, 1922:
"Death came close to me in crossing the desert near Bitter Springs.
"I was ill in the wagon, chills and fever shaking me. The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
RAIN SAVES PARTY
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain. We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell
"A short time later we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had gone ahead to Bitter Springs and he came yelling, 'Water! Water'!"
A true pioneer, Joseph Hancock arrived in San Bernardino in a covered wagon in 1854.
The middle name Enclio is listed in the Bio section of the Arda Haenszel California Room in the Norman Feldheym Library, as well as San Bernardino vital stats.
The middle name Euclid is also attributed to him but may be a nickname. He signed legal documents with Enclio.
Euclid is near a village where he was born so either may be correct.
In the 1860 U. S. census, 37 yr. old Joseph Hantock (Hancock), a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
31 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hantock (Hancock), b. in NY.
10 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
9 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnorah Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
7 yr. old (inferred) son, Solomon Hantock (Hancock), b. in UT.
5 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Lucina Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
2 yr. old (inferred) son, Foster Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
Joseph's real estate was valued at: $400 and his personal estate at $800.
In the 1870 U. S. census, 48 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
41 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
19 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnora Hancock, b. in IA.
17 yr. old (inferred) son, Soloman Hancock, b. in UT.
15 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
14 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Suana (Lucina) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
12 yr. old (inferred) son, Forster (Foster) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
3 yr. old (inferred) son, Joseph N Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s real estate was valued at $400 and his personal estate at $2000
In the 1880 U. S. census, 58 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer and stock dealer, b. in OH., was living on 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
50 yr. old wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
30 yr. old son, Alvin B. Hancock, working on the farm, b. in IA.
28 yr. old son, Solomon Hancock, working the farm, b. in UT.
26 yr. old daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old son, Joseph N. Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s father was b. in MA. and his mother in VT.
Nancy's parents were both b. in VT.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
The Weekly Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Sat., Jan. 20, 1894
Item from: Pioneers' Meeting
Pioneer R. T. Roberds, for an in behalf of Mr. Joseph Hancock, presented the society with some articles of furniture for the Pioneer log cabin, consisting of wooden spoons and a three-legged campstool, made by Mr. Hancock, which were received with thanks.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
On Jun. 15, 1908, Joseph's wife, Nancy Hancock, died at the age of 79 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 37 (87) yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, living off his own income, b. in IA., was living on a farm on 9th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
43 yr. old son, (head of household) Joseph N. Hancock, a self-employed farmer on a hay farm, b. in CA.
34 yr. old daughter-in-law, Emma Hancock, b. in France
16 yr. old granddaughter, Esther M Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old granddaughter, Ruby M Hancock, b. in CA.
7 yr. old granddaughter, Irene E Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Jr.'s father was b. in OH. (IA.) and his mother in NY.
Joseph Sr.'s parents were both b. in MA.
Emma's parents were both b. in France.
Joseph and Emma had been married for 17 years.
Emma was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Tue., Feb. 17, 1914
Uncle Joe Hancock's Fiddle Box
Uncle Joseph Hancock was present with his revolutionary fife and also had with him an old fiddle box made by himself in the states and brought with him across the plains. While crossing the plains his little child, Elnora Hancock, became very ill and all thought she would have to be left on the desert with a little mound over her, and as there was no lumber of material out of which to construct a baby coffin, the father thought he would have to bury his little daughter in this fiddle box, but kind providence decreed otherwise, the little daughter recovered and now is Sister Elnora Hancock Miller, wife of President Miller, and today received that fiddle box from her father, which she will treasure and hand down to her children.
Divine blessing on these re-unions byElder Garner closed this interesting meeting.
Louisa Waters, Secretary Pro Tem
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 16
Sun., May 7, 1916
Excerpt from: Pioneers
Disinterested visitors at the log cabin in Pioneer park were signally favored yesterday in being able to participate in a gathering that in all probability will never be duplicated in this city. It was the ninety-fourth birthday of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and his family connections came to do him honor.
Chief among these was Aunt Nancy Daley, widow of the late Edward Daley, and daughter of the late Captain Hunt, and the mother of some of the most prominent residents in this valley.
Sister Day presented a motion of honor and respect for the guest of the day, and stated that she had known him for 82 years, ever since he came to her father's house when she was 7 years old, one evening, shouting, "Wolf! "Wold!" "Come out with your gun and shoot the wolf!" She said that in all the 82 years of acquaintanceship and friendship she had known Uncle Joseph as the soul of honor.
The meeting was called to order by President Boren at 2 o'clock. Sister Crouse at the piano and Brother Morse with the violin accompanied the opening ode, which was sung with fervor, all present participating. An invocation was offered by Chaplain Shaw. Uncle Joseph Hancock and Aunt Nancy Daley were the right and left hand supporters. The president thanked all those who had decorated the tables with beautiful flowers - Sisters Alexander, Harrison, Nora Miller, J. O. Lamb, Girard, Case, Hamilton and Crouse. There were roses, baby roses and roses grown up, and of many varieties, sweet william, carnations, geraniums, hollyhocks, Shasta daisies and greenery.
Russell Collins, a Poly High student, reported for about 50 other young people of the city, that grandchildren of pioneers had organized a society called "The Young Pioneer Club", to operate under the rules and regulations of the Pioneer society, with the main object of furnishing additions to the program of the Saturday afternoon Pioneer meetings.
Under "good of the order," the president called on Secretary John Brown Jr., to engineer the program of the day. The following relatives of Uncle Joseph Hancock were present and took part: Sister Nora Miller, a daughter; Sister Jerusha Tyler, a daughter; Sister Molly Tyler Bright, a granddaughter; and her mother, Sister J. S. Bright; our Sister J. O. Lamb, a granddaughter; Master James Lamb, Miss Myrtle Lamb, and Master Charles Bright, great-great-grandchildren.
It was reported that Miss Lois Erma Bausch, 2 days old, was great-great-granddaughter of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and that the little miss had four happy grandmothers and four proud grandfathers.
At this point the master of ceremonies spoke of Uncle Joseph Hancock, stating that his grandfather was Henry Hancock, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war, and a brother of John Hancock, chairman of the declaration of Independence committee, and one of the signers of that famous document. John Hancock was a shoemaker, and his hammer is now in the possession of the Pioneer Society, among its treasures.
Sister Nora Miller then stated that she would like to honor her mother's memory. Her name was Nancy A. Hancock, and she then unrolled a package in which was carefully preserved a pair of "cards" her mother had used, and proceeded to "card" some cotton, first making a "bat" to be used as stuffing for a quilt, and then a "roll" to be spun into thread, all of which was of exceeding interest to the entire company.
The guest of honor made a few remarks, expressing his delight at being present and stating that his present occupation was the very pleasant one of driving about the valley with his own horse and rig, calling on old acquaintances, and enjoying the outdoors. He stated that he had seen seven generations of his own blood relatives, having called on the latest baby, and having seen his honored grandfather.
Fitting resolutions were heartily passed extending to Father Hancock and also to Mother Daley the love and respect of the society and congratulating them on their remarkable preservation.
At this point, Sister Haddon was asked to take up the duties of master of ceremonies. Two magnificent candle-crowned birthday cakes were brought in, one made by Mrs. Charles Tyler and the other by Mrs. Molly Tyler Bright. Also, three other toothsome cakes. Also, a mug to be a token of love from the whole society, and a jar of marmalade from the Orange show by-product department.
The candles were lighted by the relatives of Father Hancock, he and Aunt Nancy Daley lighting a few.
Mrs. Bright sang "California" and "My Dear Little Irish Rose," with her usual gracious and pleasing manner.
The formal part was here quietly shaded into informalities, while Sister Clara Case and Brother Morse furnished appropriate music for the usual "light fantastic" and the partaking of refreshments.
John Brown Jr., Secretary.
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Wed., Oct. 10, 1917
HOLDS RECORD OF GRANDSONS WITH COUNTY
Joseph Hancock, Sr., Has 10 Relatives Summoned Into Nation's Service
Joseph Hancock, Sr., age 95, who traces his ancestry back to John Hancock, one of the original signers of the declaration of independence, is believed to hold all records in California for the number of grandsons called to the colors.
No less than ten of Hancock's grandsons have either been called to war or are awaiting a call after being subject to the draft. Hancock is proud of the honor for born of fighting stock himself, he has urged every one of his grandsons not to shirk the obligation and duty that confronts them.
The hale and hearty old veteran is bidding farewell to his children's children and sending them forth to what fate he knows not, cheerfully bidding them answer their county's call.
Here Is Roll Of Honor
The roll of honor includes James Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Dr. Earl Hancock, Beaufort Hancock, Sol Hancock, Phillip Hancock and the three sons of Mrs. Luvenia Lord and the son of Mrs. George Hiller of Highland.
Every branch of the army service will find the Hancocks, for one of the boys. Clyde, is with Company K, 160th regiment, Dr. Earl Hancock is in the dental reserve corps, others are in the draft army and one of the grandsons may be sent to the navy.
Grandfather Hancock is happy that ten of his grandsons will soon be in the service of Uncle Sam and he also realizes that he probably will have the honor of having more grandsons in the army than any other grandfather in the whole state.
In the 1920 U. S. census, 97 yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, no occupation, b. in OH., was living on Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
63 yr. old widowed daughter (and head of household), Lucina Lord, a Christian Science Practitioner, b. in CA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1
Sat., May 6, 1922
One Hundredth Birthday Will Be Celebrated By Joseph Hancock Today
Pioneer Has Lived 68 Years in San Bernardino; Has Vivid Remembrance of Notable Events of Last 94 or 95 Years; Still Active
Joseph Hancock has lived to know seven generations of his family. He, who is 100 years old today, has 63 living descendants - four children, 25 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
From himself to this great-great-grandchild are five generations. Joseph Hancock's father and mother and his grandparents are the other two of the seven generations. Sixty-eight of the 100 years were spent in San Bernardino.
During his century of life, Joseph Hancock of san Bernardino has used no tobacco in any form; has used no strong liquors; throughout his entire life he has never given a mortgage, it is said.
His life has been spent in the out-of-doors, with hard labor marking his days.
He doesn't attribute his long life to any of these factors; he doesn't attribute it to any one set of circumstances. They merely are stated for what they may be worth.
Sees West Grow
He has seen the growth of this land, not alone of the middle-western and western States, through which he trekked more than 3,000 miles in his youth and young manhood, beside the oxen that then were the fastest mode of travel, he has lived during the growth of the population of the entire United States from nine to one-half million to more than 107,000,000.
Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino was born in the time of the fifth President of the United States. Since that time 25 Presidents have been elected and all of these but three now are dead. And of those that have died, six were born at a later date than was Joseph Hancock. Two, Grant and Hayes, were born in the same year, 1822.
When Joseph Hancock was born, May 7, 1882, there were but 27 States in the Union and the population of all these States was less than the present population of the State of New York and but slightly more than the present population of Pennsylvania. During his life, 22 states have been added to the Union; the republican party has been born out of the Whigs; telephones, telegraphs, railroads, automobiles, multiple printing presses, typesetting machines, wireless, submarines, rapid fire guns, airplanes, electric lights, sanitary plumbing, paved streets, movies, tall buildings, elevators, cigarets, - it seems, when one starts a casual list, that everything in the world has been discovered, found or invented during the life of Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino.
Eighteen million, two hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and eighty-eight persons have died in the United States alone during the last 22 years of Joseph Hancock's life - from January 1, 1900 to January 1, 1922.
Has Vivid Memory
That is one of the features of his long life that strikes one, as he talks with him - his memory.
"I was almost drowned, when I was a boy," he said one afternoon, last week, when THE SUN representative called at 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, where Mr. Hancock lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord.
"I was about five or six years old, then," he continued, "and I had gone down to a little branch near my home in Ohio, with my brother, Charles, who was younger than I. We had a dog with us, and there was a log across the stream.
"I saw Charles start for the branch and I was afraid of the water. Father was across the branch, to the east, and waved his hand to us to go back. Charles was on the footling over the branch. The dog ran out and I was scraped into the water by the dog.
"That time I drowned," he said conclusively, "but they brought me to - worked over me.
"That was in Euclid, near Cleveland, where I was born."
And that was 94 or 95 years ago. A stretch of memory covering five or six years less than a century. The ability to look back over the years when the present world - the mechanical world - was in the making. That is one of Joseph Hancock's possessions.
He was in the yard of the home on Mt. Vernon, out in the sunlight.
Splits Wood
Seated in a chair, he was splitting wood, using a sledge of the six-pound sort, driving a wedge into the wood that had been cut to stove-length, and splitting it.
"I'm not as good at this as I used to be," he said as he laid aside the sledge. "With the trouble of my hip, I can't get around like I used to."
The trouble referred to is a slip-joint. Mr. Hancock now uses a cane and crutch as aids to walking. The slip-joint is the result of the continual strain of walking beside the oxen from Missouri to Utah, in 1851, and from Utah to San Bernardino, in 1854.
"Did you ever hear of the falling stars?" was another of his remarkable questions. "We were near Independence, then, and had camped at the side of the road. My little brother was lying beside the wagon. Everybody was scared."
The shower of stars referred to was in 1833. Independence, Mo., where the Hancock family lived for several years, was then the confluence of the "Big Blue" and "Little Blue", two streams that flow into the Kan, across from Kansas City, Kans. near the present site of Kansas City, Mo.
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown west - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kans.
Later, Joseph Hancock's family went to Iowa. An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah, and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph, married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
Shoots Buffalo
"On that trip I shot a buffalo," Joseph Hancock said. "I was the only one in our party that killed one. The animals came like a cloud."
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851.
The trip from Salt Lake City to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
"Six or eight wagons left Salt Lake City," Mr. Hancock said, "and as we came across the desert,, we picked up other wagons until we had a big train.
"Captain Abner Bell was the leader of our train, and he was a great man.
"In our train was my mother-in-law, Mother Bemis, with all her children. There was also Joseph Thorne, grandfather of John Osborn, who now is city clerk of San Bernardino."
The "Mother" Bemis referred to by Mr. Hancock, was Mrs. Jerusha Bemis, and in the party were her children, Amos, Samuel, Edward, Nancy, Harriet, Charles, Nephi, Harrison, Clarissa.
Samuel was afterward killed by a bear in the San Bernardino mountains, and Nephi, with two others, was killed by Indians in the same mountains.
Death Comes Close
Again death came closet Joseph Hancock. This was in crossing the desert, near Bitter Springs.
He was ill in the wagon, "chills and fever shaking me," he expresses it. Mrs. Hancock was driving the oxen.
The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
"But I didn't suffer," he said hastily. "I didn't suffer."
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain.
"We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell.
"It wasn't much, but we got a few drops in the bottom of the pans.
"And then we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had beat ahead to Bitter Springs, and he come yelling, 'Water! Water!'
"Sam was afterwards killed by a bear in the mountains."
When questioned as to his earlier life, Mr. Hancock told of coming down the Ohio in a lighter, a sailing boat, and then his family taking the Don Juan, a steamboat, at or near Cincinnati.
"And there was a wreck," he said. "Another boat collided with our boat, and tore off the rail. It was night and everybody was scared.
"We got off that boat.
Some families had come from Ohio with us," he went on. "I think there were four families - the Stantons and the Shepards were two of them, and I can't remember the others.
"We lost all of them after a while. They stayed in Illinois and Missouri, but we kept on.
"No," he answered a query, "we didn't have such a bad time coming here from Utah.
Indians Not Bad
"No, the Indians wasn't bad. They was just starved to death. They kept following us, and one time they come sliding down a bank, and the train stopped. We didn't know what they might do.
"Captain Bell watched them, and pretty soon he says they was hungry. We didn't have much food, hardly enough to get to San Bernardino, but we each put in a little flour - put it in a big dishpan.
"They wanted to take the dishpan, but we wouldn't let them. Then they took a blanket, and we poured the flour on it. They was so hungry they just grabbed it up in their hands and stuffed it in their mouths.
"We had some musty meal and we made it into mush and gave them that to eat.
"Next morning we had to put some sugar with it, to sweeten the musty taste."
Mr. Hancock also tells of the shifts to which the pioneers were put in caring for the feet of their cattle. The hoofs were wore down with the long trek, and he made a preparation of pitch, "slapped it on hot," as he says, and covered that with sand.
A calf had worn down hoofs until it could scarcely keep up with the train. This calf was given to the hungry Indians.
"Then they had a powwow all night, while the captain of the Indians talked," Mr. Hancock said. I guess he was telling them we were good folks - friends."
San Bernardino had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family, by the Mormons, three years prior to the coming of Joseph Hancock into this valley. He settled on a tract of land on West Fifth Street, across the Lytle Creek wash. The vagaries of the creek since have covered a part of this land.
Moves to Rancho
He then moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on West Ninth Street, a tract that he yet owns, and where he lived for 36 years, or until 1908, when at the death of his wife he came into the city to live with his daughter, Mrs. Lord.
"They didn't believe the railroad could come through here," he said, referring to the early days. "Everybody said it could never make it over the mountains. I remember when every man and boy was out working around where Rialto now is, cutting out the brush and getting ready for the railroad. But we didn't believe it would ever make it."
Seven children were born to the Hancocks, of which four are now living: Mrs. Elnorah Miller of Highland, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler of San Bernardino, Mrs. Lucina Lord of San Bernardino, and Foster Hancock of San Bernardino.
Those dead are Alvin, Solomon and Joseph Nephi.
Alvin had seven sons, all but one now living near San Bernardino and the seventh in Salt Lake City.
Living progeny of Joseph Hancock:
Mrs. Elnorah Miller, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler, Mrs. Lucina Lord, daughters, and Foster Hancock, son.
Robert, Will, Leslie, Alvin James, Beauford, Earl and Clyde, sons of Alvin Hancock;
Robert's three children: Alvin, Clifford and Marie;
Will's two children, Alvin and Robert;
Leslie's two children, Ruth and Helen;
Alvin James' two boys, Donald and Harold;
Earl's two children, John and Mary Elizabeth.
John Hancock, son of Earl Hancock, is the only one of the family, by the way, named for an illustrious ancestor, John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mrs. Elnorah Miller has five living children: Mrs. Gussie Crandall, Mrs. Ida Lamb, Mrs. Mary Rodgers, William and Charles Miller.
Mrs. Crandall has one daughter, Mrs. Grave Neily, who also has a daughter, Lois Boesch.
Of Fourth Generation
(check the newspaper article for this section of the article)
Sings Grandparent's Song
On May 7, 1921, at a gathering that kept the ninety-ninth birthday of Joseph Hancock, he sang a song of 24 verses, written by Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, his grandparents. It is a patriotic song and was first sung by Joseph and his brother, Charles, on July 4, 1837, while standing on the cornerstone of a meeting house that was building in Independence, Mo.
The first verse is:
"Come lovers of freedom to gather, And hear what we have to say. For surely we out to remember The cause which produced this great day. Oh, may we remember while singing, The pains and distresses once borne By those who have fought for our freedom And ofttimes for friends called to mourn."
The birth of a freedom to the Union was a recent event in the minds of the people when Joseph and his brother first sang the 24 verses of that patriotic song.
Mr. Hancock's voice is remarkably strong when one considers his extreme age; there is none of the quaver one expects; it is clear.
His eyes are dim.
"I can't see too well," he says.
Yet one is surprised at the strength of his sight. He has no difficulty in setting the wedges in the wood he splits. He seems to have a remarkable memory for faces, also.
Mrs. Oldaker was visiting her grandfather as the SUN men called to photograph Mr. Hancock.
"He asked me to put my foot on a stick of wood," she said, "and hold it for him while he started the ax into it.
"Then he told me he couldn't see the wood very well," she continued. "I told him he'd certainly have to see it very well if I held my foot near where he swung the ax."
Joseph Hancock grinned in his beard.
He is remarkably lively; likes to tell stories of his past that have some funny twist.
Makes Armchair
He is a member of the Society of Pioneers, and one of his gifts is an old armchair, made for him by William S. Tittle, another pioneer of the valley. As Mr. Hancock crept out to the front lawn, he shook his head doubtfully.
"I don't believe that chair will hold me," he called. "That's an old pioneer chair," he smiled, "and all us old pioneers are getting shaky."
This trait of sweetness, this ability to smile, to joke, to laugh with the world; to find the light side of life, leads one to the instant conclusion that Joseph Hancock's hundred years must have been wonder years in all the words imply. Undoubtedly he has had and has retained the rare ability to find the joys of life to the fullest. The depth to which he lives now, at 100 years, are a measure of the great joy of life when life was young in his veins.
He is the true incarnation of optimism. Perhaps that has aided to his century.
Out of the past he has saved several things other than memories. One of these is the old musket which he carried across the plains and the desert; another is the old-fashioned square lantern that lighted the covered wagon.
A powder horn and a set of candle moulds are other relics. And there is the old hand-made fife, which Mr. Hancock yet plays.
As the SUN representative left the home on Mt. Vernon Avenue and waited across the street for the downtown bus, car sound of the regular blows of the ax in Joseph Hancock's hands - one-hundred-year-old hands - came sturdily from the yard, where he sat under the fig tree, beside the woodpile.
An informal reception will be held this afternoon, from 2 to 5 o'clock, by Mr. Hancock at theme of Mrs. Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, for all relatives and friends.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 5
Wed., Mar. 29, 1922
PIONEER FIGHTS GUARDIAN PLAN
Ninety-nine Year Old Joseph Hancock Says He Can Handle Affairs
"Uncle" Joseph Hancock, aged 99 years, and one of San Bernardino valley's first white settlers, yesterday began a legal fight to prevent the Superior Court naming a guardian to direct his business affairs as asked in a petition to the court by James Miller, his son-in-law.
In a reply to the petition of Mr. Miller, the aged pioneer charges that the representations of his son-in-law are false and, admitting that he "is not as strong physically as in years gone by," and that his "mind is not as keen," "Uncle Joe" asserts that he is competent to control his affairs."
The petition to the court to appoint a guardian for him is but an effort to gain control of his property, the value of which was underestimated in Mr. Miller's petition, "Uncle Joe" charges in a reply to the petition filed by his attorney, Lester G. King, yesterday.
Claims Rent Is Due
In the petition filed by Mr. Miller, the value of Mr. Hancock's 28-acre place is named at $4,000; the annual rental is $250, and it is claimed that money due for rental has not been paid.
"Uncle Joe" states:
The value of the property is $12,000. The annual rental is $400 and denies there is any back rent due.
Has Advisors
"Uncle Joe" claims that he refused to rent the property to his children for $250 annually, because he did not believe that $250 was adequate for the use of the 28-acre tract and, in his opinion, the effort to have a guardian named for him, followed his refusal to acquiesce to the demands of his relatives. He also objects to the appointing of Amos H. Bemis as guardian, as requested by Mr. Miller stating that he knows Mr. Bemis "only in a general way," and that his is "surrounded by children and grand-children fully competent to advise" him and aid in the handling of his business.
The effort to have a guardian named has greatly upset "Uncle Joe," his friends say. It has affected his mind and he is unable to sleep or rest at night, they say.
It is understood that a family feud is looming. Talk of withdrawal of the petition is also heard and a compromise may be effected and the court battle between members of the Hancock family averted.
Needles Nugget (Needles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Fri., Jun. 13, 1924
Excerpt from: SURVIVORS OF 1854 OX TRAIN RECOUNT PAST
Seventieth Anniversary Observed By Program in Pioneer Park - Experiences Told - City's Earliest Citizens Dance Until Midnight in Log Cabin
Survivors of the ox-drawn train of covered wagons that arrived in San Bernardino Valley on June 5, 1854, lived again their thrilling days on the plains, blazing the trail westward across swollen streams, the desert and uncharted mountain passes yesterday in the Pioneer log cabin where a celebration in honor of their arrival was held.
"Uncle Joe" Hancock, the beloved pioneer, 102 years old, recounted his experiences. The snow-white haired centenarian, weak and feeble but with a remarkable clearness of mind, told how he killed a buffalo as the wagon train lumbered its way across the plains and divided the meat among the stalwarts who had left their homes in Illinois and Iowa for the long journey into the west. Fights with Indians, hardships encountered and the wondrous memories of camp life, the hospitality and friendliness of the pioneers as they moved onward, were told again as "Uncle Joe's" eyes sparkled with reminiscences of the past.
"Uncle Joe" Tells of Youth
Fearful lest he overtax his strength, the pioneers listened attentively and warned him not to become too excited as he talked of the days of his youth. He was with his daughter, Mrs. Lucinda Hancock Lord, herself a pioneer of the valley.
It was a picturesque sight - those pioneers, bent and gray, but with the hearts of youths, seated in a semi-circle in the log cabin, recalling the days of the past. The cabin was crowded to overflowing.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3 & 4
Sat., Jul. 19, 1924
Uncle Joe Hancock Dies After Living 102 Years
Country's Oldest Pioneer Leaves 69 Living Descendants
Four generations will mourn today at the grave of Joseph Hancock, Sr., San Bernardino centenarian and pioneer, who passed away peacefully into eternity early yesterday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Funeral services will begin at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the parlors of J. W. Woodhouse & Company, and interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Scores of relatives and friends will attend.
Passed Away While Asleep
Falling into a deep sleep Thursday afternoon from which he never awakened, Mr. Hancock, better known as "Uncle Joe", died painlessly, with a smile on his lips, at 2:10 a.m. Four children were at his bedside at the time.
Born near Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 1822, Mr. Hancock lived to see his one hundred and second birthday. He has 69 living descendants - four children, 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Three other children, all sons, are dead.
Lived in This City 70 Years
Seventy years of Mr. Hancock's life were spent in San Bernardino. He was one of the original American settlers of the state, coming here from Utah in 1854. During his progress westward from his native state, he lived successively in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Utah. From that state, hearing of the wonders of California, he and his second wife, formerly Nancy Bemis, joined a caravan for the long journey across the Rockies.
The hardships encountered by Mr. Hancock on that journey are too well known in San Bernardino to need repetition. Battles with Indians, suffering from lack of water, and exposure to the elements were all endured.
Early Hardships Are Recalled
It took the caravan, composed as it was of the slow, oxen-driven "schooners" of the time 11 months to travel from Salt Lake City to California. A few days ago an airplane flew the entire width of the continent in 21 hours!
When Mr. Hancock was born there were but 27 states in the Union, with a total population less than the present population of the State of New York. He lived to see the inventions of railroads, telephones, automobiles, radio, moving pictures, electric lights, submarines, skyscrapers, paved roads - hundreds of conveniences which now seem indispensable.
Was in Good Health to Last
Until almost the very day of his death, Mr. Hancock remained in good health and in possession of his faculties. He was wont to attribute the fact to his abstinence from tobacco and alcohol and to the rigorous life he led. There were few days of his last years that he was not able to indulge in his favorite hobby - chopping wood.
His memory, Mrs. Lord stated yesterday, had never failed him. About two weeks before his death he received word that Mrs. Altie Davis, a sister, was ill in Utah and would like to hear from him.
Wrote Verse Two Weeks Ago
In reply, Mr. Hancock sent the following verse, which he had memorized in his youth:
"We will rely on the arm of Jehovah;
"No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
"Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
"And shortly the hour of redemption will come."
Though affiliated with no church, Mr. Hancock was intensely religious. He was baptized a Mormon, but never considered himself a member of that sect, according to Mrs. Lord.
Mr. Hancock settled in San Bernardino immediately on coming to California. The city had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family by the Mormons three years prior to his arrival. He occupied a tract of land on what is now West Fifth Street, across the Lyle Creek wash.
Was of Early Colonial Stock
From there, however, he moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on the present West Ninth Street, a tract that he owned until his death and on which he lived until 1908. Mr. Hancock's last years were spent at the home of his daughter.
Coming off a long line of forbearers, Mr. Hancock belonged to the original American stock and was of English descent. His great-great grandfather's brother, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of Solomon and Alta Hancock.
Four children Are Living
Mr. Hancock's first marriage was to Harriet Brook, of Pennsylvania. She bore him no children, however, and died at Council Bluffs in 1847.
Seven children were born of the second wife. Three of them, Alvin R. Hancock, Solomon Hancock and Joseph N. Hancock are dead. The other four children are Eleanorah H. Miller, of Highland; Jerusha H. Tyler, of San Bernardino; Lucina H. Lord, of San Bernardino; and Foster Hancock, of San Bernardino.
The grandchildren are: Robert Hancock, William Hancock, Leslie Hancock, James Hancock, Buford Hancock, Earl Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Agusta Miller Crandall, Ida Miller Lamb, Mary Miller Rogers, William F. Miller, Charles B. Miller, Philip Hancock, Solomon Hancock Jr., Mollie Tyler Bright, Don Charles Tyler, Joseph H. Lord, Lena Lord Older, Harry G. Lord, Ernest C. Lord, Fred W. Lord, Charles Hancock, Agusta Hancock Garner, Belle Hancock Johnson, Esther Hancock Littlefield, Ruby Hancock Dedovich, Irene Hancock McCabe.
Had Been Weak For Several Days
The four living children were at Mr. Hancock's bedside when he died. They stated that he passed away without a tremor, seeming to be in a deep sleep.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Lord said, it was obvious that the end was near. Though Mr. Hancock's will remained as firm as ever, his body had become weaker and weaker. He was forced to live on a milk diet and fretted because he was no longer able to chop wood.
Appeared at Park June 5
Though Mr. Hancock is survived by four generations of his own kin, he lived through seven generations and was one of the few centenarians in the county. On his last birthday he expressed the hope of living another five years, but the grim reaper had been cheated too long.
A member of the Pioneer Society, Mr. Hancock's last public appearance was at a gathering on June 5 of that organization at Pioneer Park. He was strong enough at the time to make a lengthy speech, describing various buffalo hunts in which he was engaged.
Members of the Pioneer Society will be present at the funeral today, as will representatives from a number of social and patriotic organizations. The Rev. A. G. Fessenden will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be six grandchildren: Billy Miller, Charles Hancock, Dan Tyler, Harry Lord, Solomon Hancock and James Hancock.
Cause of death at age 102: Inanition (the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water).
Joseph Enclio Hancock's parents were:
Solomon Hancock, b. Aug. 14, 1793 in Springfield, Hampden County, MA. and d. Dec. 2, 1847 in Pottawattamie County, IA. &
Alta Adams, b. Mar. 17, 1795 in Pawlet, Rutland County, VT. and d. Jan. 18, 1835 in Clay County, MO.
On Aug. 14, 1845, Joseph Hancock marr. 1st, Harriet Brook(s) in Hancock county, IL., according to IL. Compiled marriages for 1790-1860. Harriet was the daughter of Samuel Brook of Pennsylvania. Harriet died 1847 at Council Bluffs, IA.
On Aug. 31, 1848, Joseph marr. 2nd, Nancy Augusta Bemis, daughter of Alvin and Jerusha (Guernsey) Bemis, in Council Bluffs, IA.
Joseph & Nancy Hancock's children were:
1. Alvin R. Hancock, b. 1848 and d. 1849
2. Alvin Bemis Hancock, b. Jan. 13, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 24, 1896 by suicide (ingesting poison), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Alvin marr. Elizabeth Penman Nish.
2. Elenorah/Elnora Hancock, b. Mar. 19, 1851 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. (-who was almost buried alive as a tiny infant) and d. Jan. 26, 1949 in Highland, San Bernardino County, CA. Elenorah marr. George Miller
3. Solomon Hancock, b. Nov. 11, 1852 in Ogden, Weber county, UT. and d. Apr. 4, 1901 (in an insane asylum) in Highland, San Bernardino, CA. Solomon marr. Eudora I. Hammack.
4. Jerusha Hancock, b. Aug. 30, 1854 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 18, 1953 at the age of 99 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Jerusha marr. Charles Hudson Tyler.
5. Lucina Harriet Hancock, b. Apr. 29, 1856 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Apr. 22, 1938 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Lucina marr. George L. Lord
6. Foster K. Hancock, b. Oct. 21, 1857 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jul. 5, 1934 of a heart attack in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Foster marr. Catherine Mapstead.
7. Joseph Nephi Hancock, b. Nov. 25, 1867 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Mar. 3, 1917 by suicide (gunshot wound), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Joseph marr. Emma Le Meur.
In the Oct. 28, 1850 U. S. census, 29 yr. old Joseph Hancock, (no occupation listed - probably a farmer), b. in OH., was living in District 21, Pottawattamie, IA. with his
21 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
9 mth. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-4 and P. 19
Wed., Nov. 16, 1938
Excerpt from: Covered Wagon Families: JOSEPH HANCOCK, FAMILY REACHED VALLEY IN 1854
Wagon Train Nearly Perished From Thirst While in Desert
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown West - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kan.
Later his family went to Iowa.
An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851. The trip from Salt Lake to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
Of the trip across the plains in a covered wagon, Mr. Hancock told a reporter for The Sun on the occasion of his one hundredth birthday on May 7, 1922:
"Death came close to me in crossing the desert near Bitter Springs.
"I was ill in the wagon, chills and fever shaking me. The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
RAIN SAVES PARTY
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain. We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell
"A short time later we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had gone ahead to Bitter Springs and he came yelling, 'Water! Water'!"
A true pioneer, Joseph Hancock arrived in San Bernardino in a covered wagon in 1854.
The middle name Enclio is listed in the Bio section of the Arda Haenszel California Room in the Norman Feldheym Library, as well as San Bernardino vital stats.
The middle name Euclid is also attributed to him but may be a nickname. He signed legal documents with Enclio.
Euclid is near a village where he was born so either may be correct.
In the 1860 U. S. census, 37 yr. old Joseph Hantock (Hancock), a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
31 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hantock (Hancock), b. in NY.
10 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
9 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnorah Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
7 yr. old (inferred) son, Solomon Hantock (Hancock), b. in UT.
5 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Lucina Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
2 yr. old (inferred) son, Foster Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
Joseph's real estate was valued at: $400 and his personal estate at $800.
In the 1870 U. S. census, 48 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
41 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
19 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnora Hancock, b. in IA.
17 yr. old (inferred) son, Soloman Hancock, b. in UT.
15 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
14 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Suana (Lucina) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
12 yr. old (inferred) son, Forster (Foster) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
3 yr. old (inferred) son, Joseph N Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s real estate was valued at $400 and his personal estate at $2000
In the 1880 U. S. census, 58 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer and stock dealer, b. in OH., was living on 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
50 yr. old wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
30 yr. old son, Alvin B. Hancock, working on the farm, b. in IA.
28 yr. old son, Solomon Hancock, working the farm, b. in UT.
26 yr. old daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old son, Joseph N. Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s father was b. in MA. and his mother in VT.
Nancy's parents were both b. in VT.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
The Weekly Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Sat., Jan. 20, 1894
Item from: Pioneers' Meeting
Pioneer R. T. Roberds, for an in behalf of Mr. Joseph Hancock, presented the society with some articles of furniture for the Pioneer log cabin, consisting of wooden spoons and a three-legged campstool, made by Mr. Hancock, which were received with thanks.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
On Jun. 15, 1908, Joseph's wife, Nancy Hancock, died at the age of 79 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 37 (87) yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, living off his own income, b. in IA., was living on a farm on 9th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
43 yr. old son, (head of household) Joseph N. Hancock, a self-employed farmer on a hay farm, b. in CA.
34 yr. old daughter-in-law, Emma Hancock, b. in France
16 yr. old granddaughter, Esther M Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old granddaughter, Ruby M Hancock, b. in CA.
7 yr. old granddaughter, Irene E Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Jr.'s father was b. in OH. (IA.) and his mother in NY.
Joseph Sr.'s parents were both b. in MA.
Emma's parents were both b. in France.
Joseph and Emma had been married for 17 years.
Emma was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Tue., Feb. 17, 1914
Uncle Joe Hancock's Fiddle Box
Uncle Joseph Hancock was present with his revolutionary fife and also had with him an old fiddle box made by himself in the states and brought with him across the plains. While crossing the plains his little child, Elnora Hancock, became very ill and all thought she would have to be left on the desert with a little mound over her, and as there was no lumber of material out of which to construct a baby coffin, the father thought he would have to bury his little daughter in this fiddle box, but kind providence decreed otherwise, the little daughter recovered and now is Sister Elnora Hancock Miller, wife of President Miller, and today received that fiddle box from her father, which she will treasure and hand down to her children.
Divine blessing on these re-unions byElder Garner closed this interesting meeting.
Louisa Waters, Secretary Pro Tem
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 16
Sun., May 7, 1916
Excerpt from: Pioneers
Disinterested visitors at the log cabin in Pioneer park were signally favored yesterday in being able to participate in a gathering that in all probability will never be duplicated in this city. It was the ninety-fourth birthday of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and his family connections came to do him honor.
Chief among these was Aunt Nancy Daley, widow of the late Edward Daley, and daughter of the late Captain Hunt, and the mother of some of the most prominent residents in this valley.
Sister Day presented a motion of honor and respect for the guest of the day, and stated that she had known him for 82 years, ever since he came to her father's house when she was 7 years old, one evening, shouting, "Wolf! "Wold!" "Come out with your gun and shoot the wolf!" She said that in all the 82 years of acquaintanceship and friendship she had known Uncle Joseph as the soul of honor.
The meeting was called to order by President Boren at 2 o'clock. Sister Crouse at the piano and Brother Morse with the violin accompanied the opening ode, which was sung with fervor, all present participating. An invocation was offered by Chaplain Shaw. Uncle Joseph Hancock and Aunt Nancy Daley were the right and left hand supporters. The president thanked all those who had decorated the tables with beautiful flowers - Sisters Alexander, Harrison, Nora Miller, J. O. Lamb, Girard, Case, Hamilton and Crouse. There were roses, baby roses and roses grown up, and of many varieties, sweet william, carnations, geraniums, hollyhocks, Shasta daisies and greenery.
Russell Collins, a Poly High student, reported for about 50 other young people of the city, that grandchildren of pioneers had organized a society called "The Young Pioneer Club", to operate under the rules and regulations of the Pioneer society, with the main object of furnishing additions to the program of the Saturday afternoon Pioneer meetings.
Under "good of the order," the president called on Secretary John Brown Jr., to engineer the program of the day. The following relatives of Uncle Joseph Hancock were present and took part: Sister Nora Miller, a daughter; Sister Jerusha Tyler, a daughter; Sister Molly Tyler Bright, a granddaughter; and her mother, Sister J. S. Bright; our Sister J. O. Lamb, a granddaughter; Master James Lamb, Miss Myrtle Lamb, and Master Charles Bright, great-great-grandchildren.
It was reported that Miss Lois Erma Bausch, 2 days old, was great-great-granddaughter of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and that the little miss had four happy grandmothers and four proud grandfathers.
At this point the master of ceremonies spoke of Uncle Joseph Hancock, stating that his grandfather was Henry Hancock, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war, and a brother of John Hancock, chairman of the declaration of Independence committee, and one of the signers of that famous document. John Hancock was a shoemaker, and his hammer is now in the possession of the Pioneer Society, among its treasures.
Sister Nora Miller then stated that she would like to honor her mother's memory. Her name was Nancy A. Hancock, and she then unrolled a package in which was carefully preserved a pair of "cards" her mother had used, and proceeded to "card" some cotton, first making a "bat" to be used as stuffing for a quilt, and then a "roll" to be spun into thread, all of which was of exceeding interest to the entire company.
The guest of honor made a few remarks, expressing his delight at being present and stating that his present occupation was the very pleasant one of driving about the valley with his own horse and rig, calling on old acquaintances, and enjoying the outdoors. He stated that he had seen seven generations of his own blood relatives, having called on the latest baby, and having seen his honored grandfather.
Fitting resolutions were heartily passed extending to Father Hancock and also to Mother Daley the love and respect of the society and congratulating them on their remarkable preservation.
At this point, Sister Haddon was asked to take up the duties of master of ceremonies. Two magnificent candle-crowned birthday cakes were brought in, one made by Mrs. Charles Tyler and the other by Mrs. Molly Tyler Bright. Also, three other toothsome cakes. Also, a mug to be a token of love from the whole society, and a jar of marmalade from the Orange show by-product department.
The candles were lighted by the relatives of Father Hancock, he and Aunt Nancy Daley lighting a few.
Mrs. Bright sang "California" and "My Dear Little Irish Rose," with her usual gracious and pleasing manner.
The formal part was here quietly shaded into informalities, while Sister Clara Case and Brother Morse furnished appropriate music for the usual "light fantastic" and the partaking of refreshments.
John Brown Jr., Secretary.
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Wed., Oct. 10, 1917
HOLDS RECORD OF GRANDSONS WITH COUNTY
Joseph Hancock, Sr., Has 10 Relatives Summoned Into Nation's Service
Joseph Hancock, Sr., age 95, who traces his ancestry back to John Hancock, one of the original signers of the declaration of independence, is believed to hold all records in California for the number of grandsons called to the colors.
No less than ten of Hancock's grandsons have either been called to war or are awaiting a call after being subject to the draft. Hancock is proud of the honor for born of fighting stock himself, he has urged every one of his grandsons not to shirk the obligation and duty that confronts them.
The hale and hearty old veteran is bidding farewell to his children's children and sending them forth to what fate he knows not, cheerfully bidding them answer their county's call.
Here Is Roll Of Honor
The roll of honor includes James Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Dr. Earl Hancock, Beaufort Hancock, Sol Hancock, Phillip Hancock and the three sons of Mrs. Luvenia Lord and the son of Mrs. George Hiller of Highland.
Every branch of the army service will find the Hancocks, for one of the boys. Clyde, is with Company K, 160th regiment, Dr. Earl Hancock is in the dental reserve corps, others are in the draft army and one of the grandsons may be sent to the navy.
Grandfather Hancock is happy that ten of his grandsons will soon be in the service of Uncle Sam and he also realizes that he probably will have the honor of having more grandsons in the army than any other grandfather in the whole state.
In the 1920 U. S. census, 97 yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, no occupation, b. in OH., was living on Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
63 yr. old widowed daughter (and head of household), Lucina Lord, a Christian Science Practitioner, b. in CA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1
Sat., May 6, 1922
One Hundredth Birthday Will Be Celebrated By Joseph Hancock Today
Pioneer Has Lived 68 Years in San Bernardino; Has Vivid Remembrance of Notable Events of Last 94 or 95 Years; Still Active
Joseph Hancock has lived to know seven generations of his family. He, who is 100 years old today, has 63 living descendants - four children, 25 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
From himself to this great-great-grandchild are five generations. Joseph Hancock's father and mother and his grandparents are the other two of the seven generations. Sixty-eight of the 100 years were spent in San Bernardino.
During his century of life, Joseph Hancock of san Bernardino has used no tobacco in any form; has used no strong liquors; throughout his entire life he has never given a mortgage, it is said.
His life has been spent in the out-of-doors, with hard labor marking his days.
He doesn't attribute his long life to any of these factors; he doesn't attribute it to any one set of circumstances. They merely are stated for what they may be worth.
Sees West Grow
He has seen the growth of this land, not alone of the middle-western and western States, through which he trekked more than 3,000 miles in his youth and young manhood, beside the oxen that then were the fastest mode of travel, he has lived during the growth of the population of the entire United States from nine to one-half million to more than 107,000,000.
Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino was born in the time of the fifth President of the United States. Since that time 25 Presidents have been elected and all of these but three now are dead. And of those that have died, six were born at a later date than was Joseph Hancock. Two, Grant and Hayes, were born in the same year, 1822.
When Joseph Hancock was born, May 7, 1882, there were but 27 States in the Union and the population of all these States was less than the present population of the State of New York and but slightly more than the present population of Pennsylvania. During his life, 22 states have been added to the Union; the republican party has been born out of the Whigs; telephones, telegraphs, railroads, automobiles, multiple printing presses, typesetting machines, wireless, submarines, rapid fire guns, airplanes, electric lights, sanitary plumbing, paved streets, movies, tall buildings, elevators, cigarets, - it seems, when one starts a casual list, that everything in the world has been discovered, found or invented during the life of Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino.
Eighteen million, two hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and eighty-eight persons have died in the United States alone during the last 22 years of Joseph Hancock's life - from January 1, 1900 to January 1, 1922.
Has Vivid Memory
That is one of the features of his long life that strikes one, as he talks with him - his memory.
"I was almost drowned, when I was a boy," he said one afternoon, last week, when THE SUN representative called at 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, where Mr. Hancock lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord.
"I was about five or six years old, then," he continued, "and I had gone down to a little branch near my home in Ohio, with my brother, Charles, who was younger than I. We had a dog with us, and there was a log across the stream.
"I saw Charles start for the branch and I was afraid of the water. Father was across the branch, to the east, and waved his hand to us to go back. Charles was on the footling over the branch. The dog ran out and I was scraped into the water by the dog.
"That time I drowned," he said conclusively, "but they brought me to - worked over me.
"That was in Euclid, near Cleveland, where I was born."
And that was 94 or 95 years ago. A stretch of memory covering five or six years less than a century. The ability to look back over the years when the present world - the mechanical world - was in the making. That is one of Joseph Hancock's possessions.
He was in the yard of the home on Mt. Vernon, out in the sunlight.
Splits Wood
Seated in a chair, he was splitting wood, using a sledge of the six-pound sort, driving a wedge into the wood that had been cut to stove-length, and splitting it.
"I'm not as good at this as I used to be," he said as he laid aside the sledge. "With the trouble of my hip, I can't get around like I used to."
The trouble referred to is a slip-joint. Mr. Hancock now uses a cane and crutch as aids to walking. The slip-joint is the result of the continual strain of walking beside the oxen from Missouri to Utah, in 1851, and from Utah to San Bernardino, in 1854.
"Did you ever hear of the falling stars?" was another of his remarkable questions. "We were near Independence, then, and had camped at the side of the road. My little brother was lying beside the wagon. Everybody was scared."
The shower of stars referred to was in 1833. Independence, Mo., where the Hancock family lived for several years, was then the confluence of the "Big Blue" and "Little Blue", two streams that flow into the Kan, across from Kansas City, Kans. near the present site of Kansas City, Mo.
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown west - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kans.
Later, Joseph Hancock's family went to Iowa. An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah, and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph, married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
Shoots Buffalo
"On that trip I shot a buffalo," Joseph Hancock said. "I was the only one in our party that killed one. The animals came like a cloud."
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851.
The trip from Salt Lake City to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
"Six or eight wagons left Salt Lake City," Mr. Hancock said, "and as we came across the desert,, we picked up other wagons until we had a big train.
"Captain Abner Bell was the leader of our train, and he was a great man.
"In our train was my mother-in-law, Mother Bemis, with all her children. There was also Joseph Thorne, grandfather of John Osborn, who now is city clerk of San Bernardino."
The "Mother" Bemis referred to by Mr. Hancock, was Mrs. Jerusha Bemis, and in the party were her children, Amos, Samuel, Edward, Nancy, Harriet, Charles, Nephi, Harrison, Clarissa.
Samuel was afterward killed by a bear in the San Bernardino mountains, and Nephi, with two others, was killed by Indians in the same mountains.
Death Comes Close
Again death came closet Joseph Hancock. This was in crossing the desert, near Bitter Springs.
He was ill in the wagon, "chills and fever shaking me," he expresses it. Mrs. Hancock was driving the oxen.
The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
"But I didn't suffer," he said hastily. "I didn't suffer."
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain.
"We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell.
"It wasn't much, but we got a few drops in the bottom of the pans.
"And then we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had beat ahead to Bitter Springs, and he come yelling, 'Water! Water!'
"Sam was afterwards killed by a bear in the mountains."
When questioned as to his earlier life, Mr. Hancock told of coming down the Ohio in a lighter, a sailing boat, and then his family taking the Don Juan, a steamboat, at or near Cincinnati.
"And there was a wreck," he said. "Another boat collided with our boat, and tore off the rail. It was night and everybody was scared.
"We got off that boat.
Some families had come from Ohio with us," he went on. "I think there were four families - the Stantons and the Shepards were two of them, and I can't remember the others.
"We lost all of them after a while. They stayed in Illinois and Missouri, but we kept on.
"No," he answered a query, "we didn't have such a bad time coming here from Utah.
Indians Not Bad
"No, the Indians wasn't bad. They was just starved to death. They kept following us, and one time they come sliding down a bank, and the train stopped. We didn't know what they might do.
"Captain Bell watched them, and pretty soon he says they was hungry. We didn't have much food, hardly enough to get to San Bernardino, but we each put in a little flour - put it in a big dishpan.
"They wanted to take the dishpan, but we wouldn't let them. Then they took a blanket, and we poured the flour on it. They was so hungry they just grabbed it up in their hands and stuffed it in their mouths.
"We had some musty meal and we made it into mush and gave them that to eat.
"Next morning we had to put some sugar with it, to sweeten the musty taste."
Mr. Hancock also tells of the shifts to which the pioneers were put in caring for the feet of their cattle. The hoofs were wore down with the long trek, and he made a preparation of pitch, "slapped it on hot," as he says, and covered that with sand.
A calf had worn down hoofs until it could scarcely keep up with the train. This calf was given to the hungry Indians.
"Then they had a powwow all night, while the captain of the Indians talked," Mr. Hancock said. I guess he was telling them we were good folks - friends."
San Bernardino had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family, by the Mormons, three years prior to the coming of Joseph Hancock into this valley. He settled on a tract of land on West Fifth Street, across the Lytle Creek wash. The vagaries of the creek since have covered a part of this land.
Moves to Rancho
He then moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on West Ninth Street, a tract that he yet owns, and where he lived for 36 years, or until 1908, when at the death of his wife he came into the city to live with his daughter, Mrs. Lord.
"They didn't believe the railroad could come through here," he said, referring to the early days. "Everybody said it could never make it over the mountains. I remember when every man and boy was out working around where Rialto now is, cutting out the brush and getting ready for the railroad. But we didn't believe it would ever make it."
Seven children were born to the Hancocks, of which four are now living: Mrs. Elnorah Miller of Highland, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler of San Bernardino, Mrs. Lucina Lord of San Bernardino, and Foster Hancock of San Bernardino.
Those dead are Alvin, Solomon and Joseph Nephi.
Alvin had seven sons, all but one now living near San Bernardino and the seventh in Salt Lake City.
Living progeny of Joseph Hancock:
Mrs. Elnorah Miller, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler, Mrs. Lucina Lord, daughters, and Foster Hancock, son.
Robert, Will, Leslie, Alvin James, Beauford, Earl and Clyde, sons of Alvin Hancock;
Robert's three children: Alvin, Clifford and Marie;
Will's two children, Alvin and Robert;
Leslie's two children, Ruth and Helen;
Alvin James' two boys, Donald and Harold;
Earl's two children, John and Mary Elizabeth.
John Hancock, son of Earl Hancock, is the only one of the family, by the way, named for an illustrious ancestor, John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mrs. Elnorah Miller has five living children: Mrs. Gussie Crandall, Mrs. Ida Lamb, Mrs. Mary Rodgers, William and Charles Miller.
Mrs. Crandall has one daughter, Mrs. Grave Neily, who also has a daughter, Lois Boesch.
Of Fourth Generation
(check the newspaper article for this section of the article)
Sings Grandparent's Song
On May 7, 1921, at a gathering that kept the ninety-ninth birthday of Joseph Hancock, he sang a song of 24 verses, written by Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, his grandparents. It is a patriotic song and was first sung by Joseph and his brother, Charles, on July 4, 1837, while standing on the cornerstone of a meeting house that was building in Independence, Mo.
The first verse is:
"Come lovers of freedom to gather, And hear what we have to say. For surely we out to remember The cause which produced this great day. Oh, may we remember while singing, The pains and distresses once borne By those who have fought for our freedom And ofttimes for friends called to mourn."
The birth of a freedom to the Union was a recent event in the minds of the people when Joseph and his brother first sang the 24 verses of that patriotic song.
Mr. Hancock's voice is remarkably strong when one considers his extreme age; there is none of the quaver one expects; it is clear.
His eyes are dim.
"I can't see too well," he says.
Yet one is surprised at the strength of his sight. He has no difficulty in setting the wedges in the wood he splits. He seems to have a remarkable memory for faces, also.
Mrs. Oldaker was visiting her grandfather as the SUN men called to photograph Mr. Hancock.
"He asked me to put my foot on a stick of wood," she said, "and hold it for him while he started the ax into it.
"Then he told me he couldn't see the wood very well," she continued. "I told him he'd certainly have to see it very well if I held my foot near where he swung the ax."
Joseph Hancock grinned in his beard.
He is remarkably lively; likes to tell stories of his past that have some funny twist.
Makes Armchair
He is a member of the Society of Pioneers, and one of his gifts is an old armchair, made for him by William S. Tittle, another pioneer of the valley. As Mr. Hancock crept out to the front lawn, he shook his head doubtfully.
"I don't believe that chair will hold me," he called. "That's an old pioneer chair," he smiled, "and all us old pioneers are getting shaky."
This trait of sweetness, this ability to smile, to joke, to laugh with the world; to find the light side of life, leads one to the instant conclusion that Joseph Hancock's hundred years must have been wonder years in all the words imply. Undoubtedly he has had and has retained the rare ability to find the joys of life to the fullest. The depth to which he lives now, at 100 years, are a measure of the great joy of life when life was young in his veins.
He is the true incarnation of optimism. Perhaps that has aided to his century.
Out of the past he has saved several things other than memories. One of these is the old musket which he carried across the plains and the desert; another is the old-fashioned square lantern that lighted the covered wagon.
A powder horn and a set of candle moulds are other relics. And there is the old hand-made fife, which Mr. Hancock yet plays.
As the SUN representative left the home on Mt. Vernon Avenue and waited across the street for the downtown bus, car sound of the regular blows of the ax in Joseph Hancock's hands - one-hundred-year-old hands - came sturdily from the yard, where he sat under the fig tree, beside the woodpile.
An informal reception will be held this afternoon, from 2 to 5 o'clock, by Mr. Hancock at theme of Mrs. Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, for all relatives and friends.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 5
Wed., Mar. 29, 1922
PIONEER FIGHTS GUARDIAN PLAN
Ninety-nine Year Old Joseph Hancock Says He Can Handle Affairs
"Uncle" Joseph Hancock, aged 99 years, and one of San Bernardino valley's first white settlers, yesterday began a legal fight to prevent the Superior Court naming a guardian to direct his business affairs as asked in a petition to the court by James Miller, his son-in-law.
In a reply to the petition of Mr. Miller, the aged pioneer charges that the representations of his son-in-law are false and, admitting that he "is not as strong physically as in years gone by," and that his "mind is not as keen," "Uncle Joe" asserts that he is competent to control his affairs."
The petition to the court to appoint a guardian for him is but an effort to gain control of his property, the value of which was underestimated in Mr. Miller's petition, "Uncle Joe" charges in a reply to the petition filed by his attorney, Lester G. King, yesterday.
Claims Rent Is Due
In the petition filed by Mr. Miller, the value of Mr. Hancock's 28-acre place is named at $4,000; the annual rental is $250, and it is claimed that money due for rental has not been paid.
"Uncle Joe" states:
The value of the property is $12,000. The annual rental is $400 and denies there is any back rent due.
Has Advisors
"Uncle Joe" claims that he refused to rent the property to his children for $250 annually, because he did not believe that $250 was adequate for the use of the 28-acre tract and, in his opinion, the effort to have a guardian named for him, followed his refusal to acquiesce to the demands of his relatives. He also objects to the appointing of Amos H. Bemis as guardian, as requested by Mr. Miller stating that he knows Mr. Bemis "only in a general way," and that his is "surrounded by children and grand-children fully competent to advise" him and aid in the handling of his business.
The effort to have a guardian named has greatly upset "Uncle Joe," his friends say. It has affected his mind and he is unable to sleep or rest at night, they say.
It is understood that a family feud is looming. Talk of withdrawal of the petition is also heard and a compromise may be effected and the court battle between members of the Hancock family averted.
Needles Nugget (Needles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Fri., Jun. 13, 1924
Excerpt from: SURVIVORS OF 1854 OX TRAIN RECOUNT PAST
Seventieth Anniversary Observed By Program in Pioneer Park - Experiences Told - City's Earliest Citizens Dance Until Midnight in Log Cabin
Survivors of the ox-drawn train of covered wagons that arrived in San Bernardino Valley on June 5, 1854, lived again their thrilling days on the plains, blazing the trail westward across swollen streams, the desert and uncharted mountain passes yesterday in the Pioneer log cabin where a celebration in honor of their arrival was held.
"Uncle Joe" Hancock, the beloved pioneer, 102 years old, recounted his experiences. The snow-white haired centenarian, weak and feeble but with a remarkable clearness of mind, told how he killed a buffalo as the wagon train lumbered its way across the plains and divided the meat among the stalwarts who had left their homes in Illinois and Iowa for the long journey into the west. Fights with Indians, hardships encountered and the wondrous memories of camp life, the hospitality and friendliness of the pioneers as they moved onward, were told again as "Uncle Joe's" eyes sparkled with reminiscences of the past.
"Uncle Joe" Tells of Youth
Fearful lest he overtax his strength, the pioneers listened attentively and warned him not to become too excited as he talked of the days of his youth. He was with his daughter, Mrs. Lucinda Hancock Lord, herself a pioneer of the valley.
It was a picturesque sight - those pioneers, bent and gray, but with the hearts of youths, seated in a semi-circle in the log cabin, recalling the days of the past. The cabin was crowded to overflowing.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3 & 4
Sat., Jul. 19, 1924
Uncle Joe Hancock Dies After Living 102 Years
Country's Oldest Pioneer Leaves 69 Living Descendants
Four generations will mourn today at the grave of Joseph Hancock, Sr., San Bernardino centenarian and pioneer, who passed away peacefully into eternity early yesterday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Funeral services will begin at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the parlors of J. W. Woodhouse & Company, and interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Scores of relatives and friends will attend.
Passed Away While Asleep
Falling into a deep sleep Thursday afternoon from which he never awakened, Mr. Hancock, better known as "Uncle Joe", died painlessly, with a smile on his lips, at 2:10 a.m. Four children were at his bedside at the time.
Born near Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 1822, Mr. Hancock lived to see his one hundred and second birthday. He has 69 living descendants - four children, 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Three other children, all sons, are dead.
Lived in This City 70 Years
Seventy years of Mr. Hancock's life were spent in San Bernardino. He was one of the original American settlers of the state, coming here from Utah in 1854. During his progress westward from his native state, he lived successively in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Utah. From that state, hearing of the wonders of California, he and his second wife, formerly Nancy Bemis, joined a caravan for the long journey across the Rockies.
The hardships encountered by Mr. Hancock on that journey are too well known in San Bernardino to need repetition. Battles with Indians, suffering from lack of water, and exposure to the elements were all endured.
Early Hardships Are Recalled
It took the caravan, composed as it was of the slow, oxen-driven "schooners" of the time 11 months to travel from Salt Lake City to California. A few days ago an airplane flew the entire width of the continent in 21 hours!
When Mr. Hancock was born there were but 27 states in the Union, with a total population less than the present population of the State of New York. He lived to see the inventions of railroads, telephones, automobiles, radio, moving pictures, electric lights, submarines, skyscrapers, paved roads - hundreds of conveniences which now seem indispensable.
Was in Good Health to Last
Until almost the very day of his death, Mr. Hancock remained in good health and in possession of his faculties. He was wont to attribute the fact to his abstinence from tobacco and alcohol and to the rigorous life he led. There were few days of his last years that he was not able to indulge in his favorite hobby - chopping wood.
His memory, Mrs. Lord stated yesterday, had never failed him. About two weeks before his death he received word that Mrs. Altie Davis, a sister, was ill in Utah and would like to hear from him.
Wrote Verse Two Weeks Ago
In reply, Mr. Hancock sent the following verse, which he had memorized in his youth:
"We will rely on the arm of Jehovah;
"No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
"Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
"And shortly the hour of redemption will come."
Though affiliated with no church, Mr. Hancock was intensely religious. He was baptized a Mormon, but never considered himself a member of that sect, according to Mrs. Lord.
Mr. Hancock settled in San Bernardino immediately on coming to California. The city had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family by the Mormons three years prior to his arrival. He occupied a tract of land on what is now West Fifth Street, across the Lyle Creek wash.
Was of Early Colonial Stock
From there, however, he moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on the present West Ninth Street, a tract that he owned until his death and on which he lived until 1908. Mr. Hancock's last years were spent at the home of his daughter.
Coming off a long line of forbearers, Mr. Hancock belonged to the original American stock and was of English descent. His great-great grandfather's brother, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of Solomon and Alta Hancock.
Four children Are Living
Mr. Hancock's first marriage was to Harriet Brook, of Pennsylvania. She bore him no children, however, and died at Council Bluffs in 1847.
Seven children were born of the second wife. Three of them, Alvin R. Hancock, Solomon Hancock and Joseph N. Hancock are dead. The other four children are Eleanorah H. Miller, of Highland; Jerusha H. Tyler, of San Bernardino; Lucina H. Lord, of San Bernardino; and Foster Hancock, of San Bernardino.
The grandchildren are: Robert Hancock, William Hancock, Leslie Hancock, James Hancock, Buford Hancock, Earl Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Agusta Miller Crandall, Ida Miller Lamb, Mary Miller Rogers, William F. Miller, Charles B. Miller, Philip Hancock, Solomon Hancock Jr., Mollie Tyler Bright, Don Charles Tyler, Joseph H. Lord, Lena Lord Older, Harry G. Lord, Ernest C. Lord, Fred W. Lord, Charles Hancock, Agusta Hancock Garner, Belle Hancock Johnson, Esther Hancock Littlefield, Ruby Hancock Dedovich, Irene Hancock McCabe.
Had Been Weak For Several Days
The four living children were at Mr. Hancock's bedside when he died. They stated that he passed away without a tremor, seeming to be in a deep sleep.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Lord said, it was obvious that the end was near. Though Mr. Hancock's will remained as firm as ever, his body had become weaker and weaker. He was forced to live on a milk diet and fretted because he was no longer able to chop wood.
Appeared at Park June 5
Though Mr. Hancock is survived by four generations of his own kin, he lived through seven generations and was one of the few centenarians in the county. On his last birthday he expressed the hope of living another five years, but the grim reaper had been cheated too long.
A member of the Pioneer Society, Mr. Hancock's last public appearance was at a gathering on June 5 of that organization at Pioneer Park. He was strong enough at the time to make a lengthy speech, describing various buffalo hunts in which he was engaged.
Members of the Pioneer Society will be present at the funeral today, as will representatives from a number of social and patriotic organizations. The Rev. A. G. Fessenden will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be six grandchildren: Billy Miller, Charles Hancock, Dan Tyler, Harry Lord, Solomon Hancock and James Hancock.
Cause of death at age 102: Inanition (the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water).
Solomon Hancock, b. Aug. 14, 1793 in Springfield, Hampden County, MA. and d. Dec. 2, 1847 in Pottawattamie County, IA. &
Alta Adams, b. Mar. 17, 1795 in Pawlet, Rutland County, VT. and d. Jan. 18, 1835 in Clay County, MO.
On Aug. 14, 1845, Joseph Hancock marr. 1st, Harriet Brook(s) in Hancock county, IL., according to IL. Compiled marriages for 1790-1860. Harriet was the daughter of Samuel Brook of Pennsylvania. Harriet died 1847 at Council Bluffs, IA.
On Aug. 31, 1848, Joseph marr. 2nd, Nancy Augusta Bemis, daughter of Alvin and Jerusha (Guernsey) Bemis, in Council Bluffs, IA.
Joseph & Nancy Hancock's children were:
1. Alvin R. Hancock, b. 1848 and d. 1849
2. Alvin Bemis Hancock, b. Jan. 13, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 24, 1896 by suicide (ingesting poison), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Alvin marr. Elizabeth Penman Nish.
2. Elenorah/Elnora Hancock, b. Mar. 19, 1851 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. (-who was almost buried alive as a tiny infant) and d. Jan. 26, 1949 in Highland, San Bernardino County, CA. Elenorah marr. George Miller
3. Solomon Hancock, b. Nov. 11, 1852 in Ogden, Weber county, UT. and d. Apr. 4, 1901 (in an insane asylum) in Highland, San Bernardino, CA. Solomon marr. Eudora I. Hammack.
4. Jerusha Hancock, b. Aug. 30, 1854 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 18, 1953 at the age of 99 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Jerusha marr. Charles Hudson Tyler.
5. Lucina Harriet Hancock, b. Apr. 29, 1856 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Apr. 22, 1938 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Lucina marr. George L. Lord
6. Foster K. Hancock, b. Oct. 21, 1857 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jul. 5, 1934 of a heart attack in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Foster marr. Catherine Mapstead.
7. Joseph Nephi Hancock, b. Nov. 25, 1867 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Mar. 3, 1917 by suicide (gunshot wound), in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Joseph marr. Emma Le Meur.
In the Oct. 28, 1850 U. S. census, 29 yr. old Joseph Hancock, (no occupation listed - probably a farmer), b. in OH., was living in District 21, Pottawattamie, IA. with his
21 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
9 mth. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3-4 and P. 19
Wed., Nov. 16, 1938
Excerpt from: Covered Wagon Families: JOSEPH HANCOCK, FAMILY REACHED VALLEY IN 1854
Wagon Train Nearly Perished From Thirst While in Desert
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown West - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kan.
Later his family went to Iowa.
An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851. The trip from Salt Lake to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
Of the trip across the plains in a covered wagon, Mr. Hancock told a reporter for The Sun on the occasion of his one hundredth birthday on May 7, 1922:
"Death came close to me in crossing the desert near Bitter Springs.
"I was ill in the wagon, chills and fever shaking me. The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
RAIN SAVES PARTY
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain. We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell
"A short time later we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had gone ahead to Bitter Springs and he came yelling, 'Water! Water'!"
A true pioneer, Joseph Hancock arrived in San Bernardino in a covered wagon in 1854.
The middle name Enclio is listed in the Bio section of the Arda Haenszel California Room in the Norman Feldheym Library, as well as San Bernardino vital stats.
The middle name Euclid is also attributed to him but may be a nickname. He signed legal documents with Enclio.
Euclid is near a village where he was born so either may be correct.
In the 1860 U. S. census, 37 yr. old Joseph Hantock (Hancock), a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
31 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hantock (Hancock), b. in NY.
10 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
9 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnorah Hantock (Hancock), b. in IA.
7 yr. old (inferred) son, Solomon Hantock (Hancock), b. in UT.
5 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Lucina Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
2 yr. old (inferred) son, Foster Hantock (Hancock), b. in CA.
Joseph's real estate was valued at: $400 and his personal estate at $800.
In the 1870 U. S. census, 48 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
41 yr. old (inferred) wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) son, Alvin Hancock, b. in IA.
19 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Elnora Hancock, b. in IA.
17 yr. old (inferred) son, Soloman Hancock, b. in UT.
15 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
14 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Suana (Lucina) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
12 yr. old (inferred) son, Forster (Foster) Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
3 yr. old (inferred) son, Joseph N Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s real estate was valued at $400 and his personal estate at $2000
In the 1880 U. S. census, 58 yr. old Joseph Hancock, a farmer and stock dealer, b. in OH., was living on 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
50 yr. old wife, Nancy Hancock, b. in NY.
30 yr. old son, Alvin B. Hancock, working on the farm, b. in IA.
28 yr. old son, Solomon Hancock, working the farm, b. in UT.
26 yr. old daughter, Jerusha Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old son, Joseph N. Hancock, attending school, b. in CA.
Joseph Sr.'s father was b. in MA. and his mother in VT.
Nancy's parents were both b. in VT.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
The Weekly Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Sat., Jan. 20, 1894
Item from: Pioneers' Meeting
Pioneer R. T. Roberds, for an in behalf of Mr. Joseph Hancock, presented the society with some articles of furniture for the Pioneer log cabin, consisting of wooden spoons and a three-legged campstool, made by Mr. Hancock, which were received with thanks.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 78 yr. old Joseph Hancock, no occupation listed, b. May 1822 in OH., was living in a home he owned free and clear in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
71 yr. old wife, Macey (Nancy) Hancock, b. Jun. 1829 in NY.
Joseph and Nancy had been marr. for 51 yrs.
Joseph's parents were both b. in MA.
Nancy's parents were both b. in NY.
Living next door was their 33 yr. old son, Joseph Hancock, his 24 yr. old wife, Emma and their two daughters, 6 yr. old Esther and 3 yr. old Ruby.
On Jun. 15, 1908, Joseph's wife, Nancy Hancock, died at the age of 79 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 37 (87) yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, living off his own income, b. in IA., was living on a farm on 9th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
43 yr. old son, (head of household) Joseph N. Hancock, a self-employed farmer on a hay farm, b. in CA.
34 yr. old daughter-in-law, Emma Hancock, b. in France
16 yr. old granddaughter, Esther M Hancock, b. in CA.
13 yr. old granddaughter, Ruby M Hancock, b. in CA.
7 yr. old granddaughter, Irene E Hancock, b. in CA.
Joseph Jr.'s father was b. in OH. (IA.) and his mother in NY.
Joseph Sr.'s parents were both b. in MA.
Emma's parents were both b. in France.
Joseph and Emma had been married for 17 years.
Emma was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive by this census.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Tue., Feb. 17, 1914
Uncle Joe Hancock's Fiddle Box
Uncle Joseph Hancock was present with his revolutionary fife and also had with him an old fiddle box made by himself in the states and brought with him across the plains. While crossing the plains his little child, Elnora Hancock, became very ill and all thought she would have to be left on the desert with a little mound over her, and as there was no lumber of material out of which to construct a baby coffin, the father thought he would have to bury his little daughter in this fiddle box, but kind providence decreed otherwise, the little daughter recovered and now is Sister Elnora Hancock Miller, wife of President Miller, and today received that fiddle box from her father, which she will treasure and hand down to her children.
Divine blessing on these re-unions byElder Garner closed this interesting meeting.
Louisa Waters, Secretary Pro Tem
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 16
Sun., May 7, 1916
Excerpt from: Pioneers
Disinterested visitors at the log cabin in Pioneer park were signally favored yesterday in being able to participate in a gathering that in all probability will never be duplicated in this city. It was the ninety-fourth birthday of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and his family connections came to do him honor.
Chief among these was Aunt Nancy Daley, widow of the late Edward Daley, and daughter of the late Captain Hunt, and the mother of some of the most prominent residents in this valley.
Sister Day presented a motion of honor and respect for the guest of the day, and stated that she had known him for 82 years, ever since he came to her father's house when she was 7 years old, one evening, shouting, "Wolf! "Wold!" "Come out with your gun and shoot the wolf!" She said that in all the 82 years of acquaintanceship and friendship she had known Uncle Joseph as the soul of honor.
The meeting was called to order by President Boren at 2 o'clock. Sister Crouse at the piano and Brother Morse with the violin accompanied the opening ode, which was sung with fervor, all present participating. An invocation was offered by Chaplain Shaw. Uncle Joseph Hancock and Aunt Nancy Daley were the right and left hand supporters. The president thanked all those who had decorated the tables with beautiful flowers - Sisters Alexander, Harrison, Nora Miller, J. O. Lamb, Girard, Case, Hamilton and Crouse. There were roses, baby roses and roses grown up, and of many varieties, sweet william, carnations, geraniums, hollyhocks, Shasta daisies and greenery.
Russell Collins, a Poly High student, reported for about 50 other young people of the city, that grandchildren of pioneers had organized a society called "The Young Pioneer Club", to operate under the rules and regulations of the Pioneer society, with the main object of furnishing additions to the program of the Saturday afternoon Pioneer meetings.
Under "good of the order," the president called on Secretary John Brown Jr., to engineer the program of the day. The following relatives of Uncle Joseph Hancock were present and took part: Sister Nora Miller, a daughter; Sister Jerusha Tyler, a daughter; Sister Molly Tyler Bright, a granddaughter; and her mother, Sister J. S. Bright; our Sister J. O. Lamb, a granddaughter; Master James Lamb, Miss Myrtle Lamb, and Master Charles Bright, great-great-grandchildren.
It was reported that Miss Lois Erma Bausch, 2 days old, was great-great-granddaughter of Uncle Joseph Hancock, and that the little miss had four happy grandmothers and four proud grandfathers.
At this point the master of ceremonies spoke of Uncle Joseph Hancock, stating that his grandfather was Henry Hancock, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war, and a brother of John Hancock, chairman of the declaration of Independence committee, and one of the signers of that famous document. John Hancock was a shoemaker, and his hammer is now in the possession of the Pioneer Society, among its treasures.
Sister Nora Miller then stated that she would like to honor her mother's memory. Her name was Nancy A. Hancock, and she then unrolled a package in which was carefully preserved a pair of "cards" her mother had used, and proceeded to "card" some cotton, first making a "bat" to be used as stuffing for a quilt, and then a "roll" to be spun into thread, all of which was of exceeding interest to the entire company.
The guest of honor made a few remarks, expressing his delight at being present and stating that his present occupation was the very pleasant one of driving about the valley with his own horse and rig, calling on old acquaintances, and enjoying the outdoors. He stated that he had seen seven generations of his own blood relatives, having called on the latest baby, and having seen his honored grandfather.
Fitting resolutions were heartily passed extending to Father Hancock and also to Mother Daley the love and respect of the society and congratulating them on their remarkable preservation.
At this point, Sister Haddon was asked to take up the duties of master of ceremonies. Two magnificent candle-crowned birthday cakes were brought in, one made by Mrs. Charles Tyler and the other by Mrs. Molly Tyler Bright. Also, three other toothsome cakes. Also, a mug to be a token of love from the whole society, and a jar of marmalade from the Orange show by-product department.
The candles were lighted by the relatives of Father Hancock, he and Aunt Nancy Daley lighting a few.
Mrs. Bright sang "California" and "My Dear Little Irish Rose," with her usual gracious and pleasing manner.
The formal part was here quietly shaded into informalities, while Sister Clara Case and Brother Morse furnished appropriate music for the usual "light fantastic" and the partaking of refreshments.
John Brown Jr., Secretary.
The San Bernardino News (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Wed., Oct. 10, 1917
HOLDS RECORD OF GRANDSONS WITH COUNTY
Joseph Hancock, Sr., Has 10 Relatives Summoned Into Nation's Service
Joseph Hancock, Sr., age 95, who traces his ancestry back to John Hancock, one of the original signers of the declaration of independence, is believed to hold all records in California for the number of grandsons called to the colors.
No less than ten of Hancock's grandsons have either been called to war or are awaiting a call after being subject to the draft. Hancock is proud of the honor for born of fighting stock himself, he has urged every one of his grandsons not to shirk the obligation and duty that confronts them.
The hale and hearty old veteran is bidding farewell to his children's children and sending them forth to what fate he knows not, cheerfully bidding them answer their county's call.
Here Is Roll Of Honor
The roll of honor includes James Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Dr. Earl Hancock, Beaufort Hancock, Sol Hancock, Phillip Hancock and the three sons of Mrs. Luvenia Lord and the son of Mrs. George Hiller of Highland.
Every branch of the army service will find the Hancocks, for one of the boys. Clyde, is with Company K, 160th regiment, Dr. Earl Hancock is in the dental reserve corps, others are in the draft army and one of the grandsons may be sent to the navy.
Grandfather Hancock is happy that ten of his grandsons will soon be in the service of Uncle Sam and he also realizes that he probably will have the honor of having more grandsons in the army than any other grandfather in the whole state.
In the 1920 U. S. census, 97 yr. old widower, Joseph Hancock, no occupation, b. in OH., was living on Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
63 yr. old widowed daughter (and head of household), Lucina Lord, a Christian Science Practitioner, b. in CA.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1
Sat., May 6, 1922
One Hundredth Birthday Will Be Celebrated By Joseph Hancock Today
Pioneer Has Lived 68 Years in San Bernardino; Has Vivid Remembrance of Notable Events of Last 94 or 95 Years; Still Active
Joseph Hancock has lived to know seven generations of his family. He, who is 100 years old today, has 63 living descendants - four children, 25 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
From himself to this great-great-grandchild are five generations. Joseph Hancock's father and mother and his grandparents are the other two of the seven generations. Sixty-eight of the 100 years were spent in San Bernardino.
During his century of life, Joseph Hancock of san Bernardino has used no tobacco in any form; has used no strong liquors; throughout his entire life he has never given a mortgage, it is said.
His life has been spent in the out-of-doors, with hard labor marking his days.
He doesn't attribute his long life to any of these factors; he doesn't attribute it to any one set of circumstances. They merely are stated for what they may be worth.
Sees West Grow
He has seen the growth of this land, not alone of the middle-western and western States, through which he trekked more than 3,000 miles in his youth and young manhood, beside the oxen that then were the fastest mode of travel, he has lived during the growth of the population of the entire United States from nine to one-half million to more than 107,000,000.
Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino was born in the time of the fifth President of the United States. Since that time 25 Presidents have been elected and all of these but three now are dead. And of those that have died, six were born at a later date than was Joseph Hancock. Two, Grant and Hayes, were born in the same year, 1822.
When Joseph Hancock was born, May 7, 1882, there were but 27 States in the Union and the population of all these States was less than the present population of the State of New York and but slightly more than the present population of Pennsylvania. During his life, 22 states have been added to the Union; the republican party has been born out of the Whigs; telephones, telegraphs, railroads, automobiles, multiple printing presses, typesetting machines, wireless, submarines, rapid fire guns, airplanes, electric lights, sanitary plumbing, paved streets, movies, tall buildings, elevators, cigarets, - it seems, when one starts a casual list, that everything in the world has been discovered, found or invented during the life of Joseph Hancock of San Bernardino.
Eighteen million, two hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and eighty-eight persons have died in the United States alone during the last 22 years of Joseph Hancock's life - from January 1, 1900 to January 1, 1922.
Has Vivid Memory
That is one of the features of his long life that strikes one, as he talks with him - his memory.
"I was almost drowned, when I was a boy," he said one afternoon, last week, when THE SUN representative called at 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, where Mr. Hancock lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord.
"I was about five or six years old, then," he continued, "and I had gone down to a little branch near my home in Ohio, with my brother, Charles, who was younger than I. We had a dog with us, and there was a log across the stream.
"I saw Charles start for the branch and I was afraid of the water. Father was across the branch, to the east, and waved his hand to us to go back. Charles was on the footling over the branch. The dog ran out and I was scraped into the water by the dog.
"That time I drowned," he said conclusively, "but they brought me to - worked over me.
"That was in Euclid, near Cleveland, where I was born."
And that was 94 or 95 years ago. A stretch of memory covering five or six years less than a century. The ability to look back over the years when the present world - the mechanical world - was in the making. That is one of Joseph Hancock's possessions.
He was in the yard of the home on Mt. Vernon, out in the sunlight.
Splits Wood
Seated in a chair, he was splitting wood, using a sledge of the six-pound sort, driving a wedge into the wood that had been cut to stove-length, and splitting it.
"I'm not as good at this as I used to be," he said as he laid aside the sledge. "With the trouble of my hip, I can't get around like I used to."
The trouble referred to is a slip-joint. Mr. Hancock now uses a cane and crutch as aids to walking. The slip-joint is the result of the continual strain of walking beside the oxen from Missouri to Utah, in 1851, and from Utah to San Bernardino, in 1854.
"Did you ever hear of the falling stars?" was another of his remarkable questions. "We were near Independence, then, and had camped at the side of the road. My little brother was lying beside the wagon. Everybody was scared."
The shower of stars referred to was in 1833. Independence, Mo., where the Hancock family lived for several years, was then the confluence of the "Big Blue" and "Little Blue", two streams that flow into the Kan, across from Kansas City, Kans. near the present site of Kansas City, Mo.
When Joseph Hancock knew the place, Kansas City, Mo., was a mere outfitting station, where pioneers made ready for the long trip into the unknown west - which then was Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska. The big city at the junction of the rivers there, was Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kans.
Later, Joseph Hancock's family went to Iowa. An uncle, Joseph Hancock, had pioneered to Utah, and in 1851, three years after the nephew, Joseph, married Nancy Bemis, in Council Bluffs, the start was made to join the uncle in the land of the Mormons.
Shoots Buffalo
"On that trip I shot a buffalo," Joseph Hancock said. "I was the only one in our party that killed one. The animals came like a cloud."
The party arrived in Salt Lake City in October or November, 1851.
The trip from Salt Lake City to San Bernardino was started on March 20, 1854, arriving here in June, three months later.
"Six or eight wagons left Salt Lake City," Mr. Hancock said, "and as we came across the desert,, we picked up other wagons until we had a big train.
"Captain Abner Bell was the leader of our train, and he was a great man.
"In our train was my mother-in-law, Mother Bemis, with all her children. There was also Joseph Thorne, grandfather of John Osborn, who now is city clerk of San Bernardino."
The "Mother" Bemis referred to by Mr. Hancock, was Mrs. Jerusha Bemis, and in the party were her children, Amos, Samuel, Edward, Nancy, Harriet, Charles, Nephi, Harrison, Clarissa.
Samuel was afterward killed by a bear in the San Bernardino mountains, and Nephi, with two others, was killed by Indians in the same mountains.
Death Comes Close
Again death came closet Joseph Hancock. This was in crossing the desert, near Bitter Springs.
He was ill in the wagon, "chills and fever shaking me," he expresses it. Mrs. Hancock was driving the oxen.
The train was nearly out of water. There was but a pint in the Hancock wagon, with the burning heat of early summer biting into the pores of all.
"But I didn't suffer," he said hastily. "I didn't suffer."
"Joseph Thorne came back to our wagon, asked if we had any water. One of the boys had gone ahead, looking for a spring. Mother shared our pint with Joseph.
"A sudden cloud came into the skies and there were a few drops of rain.
"We hurried pans, buckets, kettles, everything out, and we got a few drops.
"The oxen lifted their heads and stood with them in the air, while the rain fell.
"It wasn't much, but we got a few drops in the bottom of the pans.
"And then we saw Sam Bemis coming with water. He had beat ahead to Bitter Springs, and he come yelling, 'Water! Water!'
"Sam was afterwards killed by a bear in the mountains."
When questioned as to his earlier life, Mr. Hancock told of coming down the Ohio in a lighter, a sailing boat, and then his family taking the Don Juan, a steamboat, at or near Cincinnati.
"And there was a wreck," he said. "Another boat collided with our boat, and tore off the rail. It was night and everybody was scared.
"We got off that boat.
Some families had come from Ohio with us," he went on. "I think there were four families - the Stantons and the Shepards were two of them, and I can't remember the others.
"We lost all of them after a while. They stayed in Illinois and Missouri, but we kept on.
"No," he answered a query, "we didn't have such a bad time coming here from Utah.
Indians Not Bad
"No, the Indians wasn't bad. They was just starved to death. They kept following us, and one time they come sliding down a bank, and the train stopped. We didn't know what they might do.
"Captain Bell watched them, and pretty soon he says they was hungry. We didn't have much food, hardly enough to get to San Bernardino, but we each put in a little flour - put it in a big dishpan.
"They wanted to take the dishpan, but we wouldn't let them. Then they took a blanket, and we poured the flour on it. They was so hungry they just grabbed it up in their hands and stuffed it in their mouths.
"We had some musty meal and we made it into mush and gave them that to eat.
"Next morning we had to put some sugar with it, to sweeten the musty taste."
Mr. Hancock also tells of the shifts to which the pioneers were put in caring for the feet of their cattle. The hoofs were wore down with the long trek, and he made a preparation of pitch, "slapped it on hot," as he says, and covered that with sand.
A calf had worn down hoofs until it could scarcely keep up with the train. This calf was given to the hungry Indians.
"Then they had a powwow all night, while the captain of the Indians talked," Mr. Hancock said. I guess he was telling them we were good folks - friends."
San Bernardino had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family, by the Mormons, three years prior to the coming of Joseph Hancock into this valley. He settled on a tract of land on West Fifth Street, across the Lytle Creek wash. The vagaries of the creek since have covered a part of this land.
Moves to Rancho
He then moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on West Ninth Street, a tract that he yet owns, and where he lived for 36 years, or until 1908, when at the death of his wife he came into the city to live with his daughter, Mrs. Lord.
"They didn't believe the railroad could come through here," he said, referring to the early days. "Everybody said it could never make it over the mountains. I remember when every man and boy was out working around where Rialto now is, cutting out the brush and getting ready for the railroad. But we didn't believe it would ever make it."
Seven children were born to the Hancocks, of which four are now living: Mrs. Elnorah Miller of Highland, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler of San Bernardino, Mrs. Lucina Lord of San Bernardino, and Foster Hancock of San Bernardino.
Those dead are Alvin, Solomon and Joseph Nephi.
Alvin had seven sons, all but one now living near San Bernardino and the seventh in Salt Lake City.
Living progeny of Joseph Hancock:
Mrs. Elnorah Miller, Mrs. Jerusha Tyler, Mrs. Lucina Lord, daughters, and Foster Hancock, son.
Robert, Will, Leslie, Alvin James, Beauford, Earl and Clyde, sons of Alvin Hancock;
Robert's three children: Alvin, Clifford and Marie;
Will's two children, Alvin and Robert;
Leslie's two children, Ruth and Helen;
Alvin James' two boys, Donald and Harold;
Earl's two children, John and Mary Elizabeth.
John Hancock, son of Earl Hancock, is the only one of the family, by the way, named for an illustrious ancestor, John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mrs. Elnorah Miller has five living children: Mrs. Gussie Crandall, Mrs. Ida Lamb, Mrs. Mary Rodgers, William and Charles Miller.
Mrs. Crandall has one daughter, Mrs. Grave Neily, who also has a daughter, Lois Boesch.
Of Fourth Generation
(check the newspaper article for this section of the article)
Sings Grandparent's Song
On May 7, 1921, at a gathering that kept the ninety-ninth birthday of Joseph Hancock, he sang a song of 24 verses, written by Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, his grandparents. It is a patriotic song and was first sung by Joseph and his brother, Charles, on July 4, 1837, while standing on the cornerstone of a meeting house that was building in Independence, Mo.
The first verse is:
"Come lovers of freedom to gather, And hear what we have to say. For surely we out to remember The cause which produced this great day. Oh, may we remember while singing, The pains and distresses once borne By those who have fought for our freedom And ofttimes for friends called to mourn."
The birth of a freedom to the Union was a recent event in the minds of the people when Joseph and his brother first sang the 24 verses of that patriotic song.
Mr. Hancock's voice is remarkably strong when one considers his extreme age; there is none of the quaver one expects; it is clear.
His eyes are dim.
"I can't see too well," he says.
Yet one is surprised at the strength of his sight. He has no difficulty in setting the wedges in the wood he splits. He seems to have a remarkable memory for faces, also.
Mrs. Oldaker was visiting her grandfather as the SUN men called to photograph Mr. Hancock.
"He asked me to put my foot on a stick of wood," she said, "and hold it for him while he started the ax into it.
"Then he told me he couldn't see the wood very well," she continued. "I told him he'd certainly have to see it very well if I held my foot near where he swung the ax."
Joseph Hancock grinned in his beard.
He is remarkably lively; likes to tell stories of his past that have some funny twist.
Makes Armchair
He is a member of the Society of Pioneers, and one of his gifts is an old armchair, made for him by William S. Tittle, another pioneer of the valley. As Mr. Hancock crept out to the front lawn, he shook his head doubtfully.
"I don't believe that chair will hold me," he called. "That's an old pioneer chair," he smiled, "and all us old pioneers are getting shaky."
This trait of sweetness, this ability to smile, to joke, to laugh with the world; to find the light side of life, leads one to the instant conclusion that Joseph Hancock's hundred years must have been wonder years in all the words imply. Undoubtedly he has had and has retained the rare ability to find the joys of life to the fullest. The depth to which he lives now, at 100 years, are a measure of the great joy of life when life was young in his veins.
He is the true incarnation of optimism. Perhaps that has aided to his century.
Out of the past he has saved several things other than memories. One of these is the old musket which he carried across the plains and the desert; another is the old-fashioned square lantern that lighted the covered wagon.
A powder horn and a set of candle moulds are other relics. And there is the old hand-made fife, which Mr. Hancock yet plays.
As the SUN representative left the home on Mt. Vernon Avenue and waited across the street for the downtown bus, car sound of the regular blows of the ax in Joseph Hancock's hands - one-hundred-year-old hands - came sturdily from the yard, where he sat under the fig tree, beside the woodpile.
An informal reception will be held this afternoon, from 2 to 5 o'clock, by Mr. Hancock at theme of Mrs. Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue, for all relatives and friends.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 5
Wed., Mar. 29, 1922
PIONEER FIGHTS GUARDIAN PLAN
Ninety-nine Year Old Joseph Hancock Says He Can Handle Affairs
"Uncle" Joseph Hancock, aged 99 years, and one of San Bernardino valley's first white settlers, yesterday began a legal fight to prevent the Superior Court naming a guardian to direct his business affairs as asked in a petition to the court by James Miller, his son-in-law.
In a reply to the petition of Mr. Miller, the aged pioneer charges that the representations of his son-in-law are false and, admitting that he "is not as strong physically as in years gone by," and that his "mind is not as keen," "Uncle Joe" asserts that he is competent to control his affairs."
The petition to the court to appoint a guardian for him is but an effort to gain control of his property, the value of which was underestimated in Mr. Miller's petition, "Uncle Joe" charges in a reply to the petition filed by his attorney, Lester G. King, yesterday.
Claims Rent Is Due
In the petition filed by Mr. Miller, the value of Mr. Hancock's 28-acre place is named at $4,000; the annual rental is $250, and it is claimed that money due for rental has not been paid.
"Uncle Joe" states:
The value of the property is $12,000. The annual rental is $400 and denies there is any back rent due.
Has Advisors
"Uncle Joe" claims that he refused to rent the property to his children for $250 annually, because he did not believe that $250 was adequate for the use of the 28-acre tract and, in his opinion, the effort to have a guardian named for him, followed his refusal to acquiesce to the demands of his relatives. He also objects to the appointing of Amos H. Bemis as guardian, as requested by Mr. Miller stating that he knows Mr. Bemis "only in a general way," and that his is "surrounded by children and grand-children fully competent to advise" him and aid in the handling of his business.
The effort to have a guardian named has greatly upset "Uncle Joe," his friends say. It has affected his mind and he is unable to sleep or rest at night, they say.
It is understood that a family feud is looming. Talk of withdrawal of the petition is also heard and a compromise may be effected and the court battle between members of the Hancock family averted.
Needles Nugget (Needles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Fri., Jun. 13, 1924
Excerpt from: SURVIVORS OF 1854 OX TRAIN RECOUNT PAST
Seventieth Anniversary Observed By Program in Pioneer Park - Experiences Told - City's Earliest Citizens Dance Until Midnight in Log Cabin
Survivors of the ox-drawn train of covered wagons that arrived in San Bernardino Valley on June 5, 1854, lived again their thrilling days on the plains, blazing the trail westward across swollen streams, the desert and uncharted mountain passes yesterday in the Pioneer log cabin where a celebration in honor of their arrival was held.
"Uncle Joe" Hancock, the beloved pioneer, 102 years old, recounted his experiences. The snow-white haired centenarian, weak and feeble but with a remarkable clearness of mind, told how he killed a buffalo as the wagon train lumbered its way across the plains and divided the meat among the stalwarts who had left their homes in Illinois and Iowa for the long journey into the west. Fights with Indians, hardships encountered and the wondrous memories of camp life, the hospitality and friendliness of the pioneers as they moved onward, were told again as "Uncle Joe's" eyes sparkled with reminiscences of the past.
"Uncle Joe" Tells of Youth
Fearful lest he overtax his strength, the pioneers listened attentively and warned him not to become too excited as he talked of the days of his youth. He was with his daughter, Mrs. Lucinda Hancock Lord, herself a pioneer of the valley.
It was a picturesque sight - those pioneers, bent and gray, but with the hearts of youths, seated in a semi-circle in the log cabin, recalling the days of the past. The cabin was crowded to overflowing.
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3 & 4
Sat., Jul. 19, 1924
Uncle Joe Hancock Dies After Living 102 Years
Country's Oldest Pioneer Leaves 69 Living Descendants
Four generations will mourn today at the grave of Joseph Hancock, Sr., San Bernardino centenarian and pioneer, who passed away peacefully into eternity early yesterday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucina Lord, 1073 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Funeral services will begin at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the parlors of J. W. Woodhouse & Company, and interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Scores of relatives and friends will attend.
Passed Away While Asleep
Falling into a deep sleep Thursday afternoon from which he never awakened, Mr. Hancock, better known as "Uncle Joe", died painlessly, with a smile on his lips, at 2:10 a.m. Four children were at his bedside at the time.
Born near Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 1822, Mr. Hancock lived to see his one hundred and second birthday. He has 69 living descendants - four children, 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Three other children, all sons, are dead.
Lived in This City 70 Years
Seventy years of Mr. Hancock's life were spent in San Bernardino. He was one of the original American settlers of the state, coming here from Utah in 1854. During his progress westward from his native state, he lived successively in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Utah. From that state, hearing of the wonders of California, he and his second wife, formerly Nancy Bemis, joined a caravan for the long journey across the Rockies.
The hardships encountered by Mr. Hancock on that journey are too well known in San Bernardino to need repetition. Battles with Indians, suffering from lack of water, and exposure to the elements were all endured.
Early Hardships Are Recalled
It took the caravan, composed as it was of the slow, oxen-driven "schooners" of the time 11 months to travel from Salt Lake City to California. A few days ago an airplane flew the entire width of the continent in 21 hours!
When Mr. Hancock was born there were but 27 states in the Union, with a total population less than the present population of the State of New York. He lived to see the inventions of railroads, telephones, automobiles, radio, moving pictures, electric lights, submarines, skyscrapers, paved roads - hundreds of conveniences which now seem indispensable.
Was in Good Health to Last
Until almost the very day of his death, Mr. Hancock remained in good health and in possession of his faculties. He was wont to attribute the fact to his abstinence from tobacco and alcohol and to the rigorous life he led. There were few days of his last years that he was not able to indulge in his favorite hobby - chopping wood.
His memory, Mrs. Lord stated yesterday, had never failed him. About two weeks before his death he received word that Mrs. Altie Davis, a sister, was ill in Utah and would like to hear from him.
Wrote Verse Two Weeks Ago
In reply, Mr. Hancock sent the following verse, which he had memorized in his youth:
"We will rely on the arm of Jehovah;
"No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
"Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
"And shortly the hour of redemption will come."
Though affiliated with no church, Mr. Hancock was intensely religious. He was baptized a Mormon, but never considered himself a member of that sect, according to Mrs. Lord.
Mr. Hancock settled in San Bernardino immediately on coming to California. The city had been bought as a rancho from the Lugo family by the Mormons three years prior to his arrival. He occupied a tract of land on what is now West Fifth Street, across the Lyle Creek wash.
Was of Early Colonial Stock
From there, however, he moved with his family to a 28-acre tract on the present West Ninth Street, a tract that he owned until his death and on which he lived until 1908. Mr. Hancock's last years were spent at the home of his daughter.
Coming off a long line of forbearers, Mr. Hancock belonged to the original American stock and was of English descent. His great-great grandfather's brother, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of Solomon and Alta Hancock.
Four children Are Living
Mr. Hancock's first marriage was to Harriet Brook, of Pennsylvania. She bore him no children, however, and died at Council Bluffs in 1847.
Seven children were born of the second wife. Three of them, Alvin R. Hancock, Solomon Hancock and Joseph N. Hancock are dead. The other four children are Eleanorah H. Miller, of Highland; Jerusha H. Tyler, of San Bernardino; Lucina H. Lord, of San Bernardino; and Foster Hancock, of San Bernardino.
The grandchildren are: Robert Hancock, William Hancock, Leslie Hancock, James Hancock, Buford Hancock, Earl Hancock, Clyde Hancock, Agusta Miller Crandall, Ida Miller Lamb, Mary Miller Rogers, William F. Miller, Charles B. Miller, Philip Hancock, Solomon Hancock Jr., Mollie Tyler Bright, Don Charles Tyler, Joseph H. Lord, Lena Lord Older, Harry G. Lord, Ernest C. Lord, Fred W. Lord, Charles Hancock, Agusta Hancock Garner, Belle Hancock Johnson, Esther Hancock Littlefield, Ruby Hancock Dedovich, Irene Hancock McCabe.
Had Been Weak For Several Days
The four living children were at Mr. Hancock's bedside when he died. They stated that he passed away without a tremor, seeming to be in a deep sleep.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Lord said, it was obvious that the end was near. Though Mr. Hancock's will remained as firm as ever, his body had become weaker and weaker. He was forced to live on a milk diet and fretted because he was no longer able to chop wood.
Appeared at Park June 5
Though Mr. Hancock is survived by four generations of his own kin, he lived through seven generations and was one of the few centenarians in the county. On his last birthday he expressed the hope of living another five years, but the grim reaper had been cheated too long.
A member of the Pioneer Society, Mr. Hancock's last public appearance was at a gathering on June 5 of that organization at Pioneer Park. He was strong enough at the time to make a lengthy speech, describing various buffalo hunts in which he was engaged.
Members of the Pioneer Society will be present at the funeral today, as will representatives from a number of social and patriotic organizations. The Rev. A. G. Fessenden will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be six grandchildren: Billy Miller, Charles Hancock, Dan Tyler, Harry Lord, Solomon Hancock and James Hancock.
Cause of death at age 102: Inanition (the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water).
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