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Below is a family biography included in The History of Perry County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JAMES M. COMBS, treasurer of Perry County, was born October 22, 1835. John and Susan (Kleghorn) Combs, his parents, raised a family of nine children. His grandfather, Jonathan Kleghorn, was the original settler at the town of Clarksville. Mr. Combs’ parents were among the early settlers of his native county, coming from Pennsylvania. In early life he received a good common school education, and was raised on the form. At the age of eighteen years he began clerking in a store at Corydon and remained about six months. From there he went to Jeffersonville, and continued clerking until twenty-one years old. He then leased fifty State convicts and began the manufacture of chairs. At the outbreak of the war chairs were given place to camp equipage until 1863. At that time he moved to Louisville and engaged in the retail furniture business. In May, 1864, he moved to Tell City, and in company with P. Ludwig began making chairs. In December, 1869, the firm became Combs & Hartman, and has remained such ever since. On October 29, 1860, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Briner, who has borne him ten children, these seven now living: Florence, Blanche, Ada, John B., Clarence, Stanley and Walter. Mr. Combs belongs to the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and has always been a Democrat. In 1870 he was elected county commissioner, and in 1880 and 1882 elected treasurer. He has for several years been president of the Perry County Fair Association.

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This family biography is one of 257 biographies included in The History of Perry County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Perry County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Perry County, Indiana family biographies here: Perry County, Indiana Biographies

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