Biography - Elzie Combs
ELZIE COMBS, the proprietor of the extensive livery and sale stable on Third
street in Tecumseh, and in that connection widely and favorably known, was born
in Knox County, Ill. on the 7th of November, 1862. When he was about seven years
of age his parents came to Nebraska. They made their home in this county for a
short time and then removed to Bennet, in Lancaster County. Before our subject
was ten years of age the home was bereaved of wife and mother, and our subject
has therefore from that time been without the affectionate care, guidance and
counsel of the nearest relation on earth.
Left to fight his own battles to a large extent, the subject of our sketch has
been more successful in every way than many who have had every advantage;
possibly because he came to realize the situation, and therefore bent his
energies with more determined effort to the task of making his own way. All the
education he has received has been obtained in the common school, which,
however, he attended but a short time. Early in life he engaged in farming, and
continued to follow the same. For one season he was engaged in herding,
attending the town herd at $1 a month a head. This gave him his start; after
that he set up as a barber in this city.
In 1882 Mr. Combs migrated to Wyoming Territory, and after remaining there about
two years returned to this place, and was variously engaged until the 25th of
July, 1888, when he secured the business in which he is now engaged. He has
constant work for eighteen horses, and usually keeps a larger number on hand. In
addition to his livery and sale stable, and the business connected therewith,
Mr. Combs is the owner of two farms in Kansas; one is situated about four miles
from Ft. Scott, in a northwesterly direction, is 160 acres in extent, well
improved and possessing very fine buildings; the other is in Greenwood County,
Kan., and comprises 160 acres.
The marriage of our subject was celebrated on the 15th of November, 1887, the
lady whom it is his happiness to have made the companion of his life being Miss
Nellie Barrow of this city. She is the daughter of the Rev. R. C. Barrow, the
well-known and efficient State Evangelist of the Christian Church, a popular,
eloquent and effective preacher. This gentleman is a native of Pennsylvania, and
was married to Miss Helen Harding. They are the parents of four children, who
are still living. His connection with the State of Nebraska extends over a long
period of years.
Nelson D. Combs, the father of our subject, was born in Highland County, Ohio,
Feb. 18, 1833. By trade he was a harness-maker and came to Nebraska when our
subject was but seven years of age, as above noted. Since coming to the State he
has been variously occupied, and since the death of his wife has been of
somewhat nomadic disposition, never settling in any place for a great length of
time.
Our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Sons of
Veterans, his father having served in the army, holding a commission as First
Lieutenant. Mr. Combs is a young man and has not yet lead much opportunity or
time to manifest his true value, power and ability, but should he be spared, as
judging from present appearances, he undoubtedly will, it is not too much to say
that the future will be bright for him, and that he will fill an honored place
in the community wherein he may reside.
Contributed by Todd Walter, extracted from the Biographical Album of Johnson and
Pawnee Counties, Nebraska.
