Holcomb was born in Gibson County, Indiana, helped on the family farm and went to the local schools in winter.

He worked in Thummel & Platt law office in Grand Island and was admitted to the Nebraska bar in 1882.

He left the Court in 1906, but then he served on the Nebraska Board of Commissioners of State Institutions from 1913 until his failing health made it necessary for him to resign.

[4] In 1899, The Norfolk Weekly News accused Holcomb of ballot fraud in an attempt to "steal two seats on the supreme bench" in a party meeting.

During balloting, it was alleged that votes were changed, and that when a recount was asked for, "Holcomb paid no attention to their suggestions.