My Genealogy Hound

Capt. Hiram Combs was born in Perry County, Ky., in 1832, and is a son of Elijah and Polly (Combs) Combs. His grandfather, Elijah Combs, was a native of Tennessee; served in the War of 1812, was a farmer by occupation, and died at about eight years of age. The father was born in 1806, passed his life in Perry County, Ky., and died in 1846. He had a family of eight children, six now living: Louisa, Sarah, Hiram, Nancy, Cornett, Polly Minerva, Elijah and Virgil. Hiram remained upon the home place during his youth, receiving but a limited education. When nineteen he began life for himself; soon married and settled on a farm, where he lived until the spring of 1854. He then went to Kansas, first stopping at St. Joseph, and then settling twenty-five miles distant. The following fall he came to Madison County, Ark., and bought some party improved land, which he now owns, and upon which he is engaged in farming and stock raising. At the commencement of the Civil War he served in the Confederate army, under Brig. Gen. Cabell, as lieutenant. Later he organized a company, of which he was made captain until its consolidation, when he became lieutenant. He afterward became the captain of another company. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Mark’s Mill, Possom Springs, and a number of skirmishes. After peace was declared he resumed farm life, and has been a firm Democrat, taking an active interest in politics. After the war he was elected coroner; in 1880 was made sheriff, still holding that office, and in 1888 was appointed postmaster. He is a popular man and a good citizen, and is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Knights of the Horse. December 19, 1850, he married Miss Mary Walker, who was born in Kentucky in 1834, and has borne our subject eight children: Of these Elijah, John S. and Virgil are living, married and residents of this county; Lee, Louisa, James, Ella J. and infant are deceased. Ella J. left a husband and child two months old, and Lee arrived at maturity. Mrs. Combs is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church.