Of this illustrious law-maker, who passed away on March 24, 1872, there has been so much said, so many conflicting assertions concerning his actions and the motives thereof, that we shall avoid further criticism of the dead by simply furnishing a rough outline of his life.

Born in 1829 of one of the most distinguished families amount the Chickasaws, Holmes had from his childhood every advantage that wealth and refinement could bestow. At the age of twenty-three he passed a brilliant examination at Union College, Schenectady, New York, in the graduating class of 1852, drafted the Chickasaw Constitution, adopted soon afterward by his people -- such an extraordinary feat that, if we consider the age of the young man and his lack of legislative experience, the work would reflect credit on the skill and wisdom of the most matured mind. This lasting service on the part of Mr. Colbert was the starting point in a life of energy and usefulness, his heart being centered in the welfare of his people till the hour of his death.

When the summons came he was at Washington, whither he had repaired to represent his people, for he was frequently chosen to act as Delegate when important issues were at stake. His remains were followed to Glenwood Cemetery by his old friends, Col. E.C. Boudinot, Judge Paschal, Hon. D. W. Voorhees, Governor Stone, of Iowa, and others, while Dr. Byron Sutherland delivered the funeral oration. The force and eloquence of the oration cannot easily be forgotten by those who gathered around the grave of the illustrious author of the Chickasaw Constitution, and who was snatched away in the forty-third year of his age.Holmes Colbert was a noble, generous, large-hearted man, beloved by all who knew him.

His widow, whose portrait is here produced, is now residing at Purcell, Indian Territory. She is a sister of Hon. Sobe Love, lately delegated to Washington by the National party to settle the question of disfranchised citizens. He is one of the two men who guide the helm of the Full Blood Party.

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Slave Narrative: Polly Colbert (slave of Holmes Colbert)