Educated in an American school, he knew of both European-American and Chickasaw cultures and contributed to his clan as a mediator between both worlds.

Regarding the Colberts, the status of the men's mothers, combined with their fathers' access to trade goods, led the male members of the family to become prominent landowners and leaders within the Chickasaw Nation.

Historical records indicate that Holmes had six sons going by the names of William, George, Levi, Samuel, Joseph, and Pittman (or James).

For nearly a century, the Colberts and their male descendants provided critical leadership as the Chickasaw faced their greatest challenges.

He and his cousin Winchester created the governmental foundation of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).

[3] Their mothers' clans were influential families in the Chickasaw Nation who were grooming their children for the future and believed they needed education to deal with European-Americans.

Master Holmes [Colbert] told us children not to cry, that he and Miss Betsy would take good care of us.