Biography, John D Combs, Madison County, AR

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Submitted by: Carole Hammett & Rhonda Jameson
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John D. COMBS, one of the oldest setters of King River Township was born in
Warren County, Tenn., November 17, 1815, being the son of Jeremiah and Charity
(RHODES) Combs. 

The father was born in East Tennessee in 1790, and died in Madison County,
Ark., in 1866. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life. At the age of
twenty he married Miss RHODES, a native of North Carolina, who moved with her
parents to Warren County, Tenn., when a young girl. She died in Madison
County, Ark., in 1860, at the age of sixty-one or sixty-two. They were members
of the Baptist Church for many years, and he was deacon of the same. He was a
Democrat in his political views. 

To their marriage were born twelve children, eight now living: Nancy, widow of
Thomas CLARK; John D.; Emeline, widow of James McELHANEY; Tennessee, widow of
George W. KING; Mason C.; Sarah, widow of Caroll LANE; Wheeling and Jesse R.
John D. COMBS left the paternal roof at the age of twenty-one, and January 25,
1837, he married Miss Phoebe GAGE, who was born in Overton County, Tenn., July
4, 1821, and is the daughter of William GAGE. 

This union has been blessed by twelve children, seven now living: Amelia, wife
of James T. HOLT; Surilda, wife of John ARMSTRONG; George W., Amos Levi,
Andrew J., Jonathan E., and Susan, wife of James SANDERS. Those deceased were
named America, Alfred, Calvin, Julia and Eldora Bell. 

Mr. COMBS began improving his present farm when seventeen years of age, and
has been a farmer and stock raiser all his life. He is the owner of 192 acres
of valley land, and although starting with little means he has, with the help
of his sensible and practical wife, succeeded so well that they can pass their
declining years in comparative comfort. 

He is a Democrat in his political views, and an enterprising member of
society. He built the first frame house on King River, and made the first
plank floor, which he sawed by hand. Mrs. COMBS has been a member of the
Baptist Church since a young woman. Both Mr. and Mrs. COMBS have the respect
and esteem of all who know them." (Goodspeeds' History of Northwest,
Arkansas...)