The biographical sketch that follows is taken from History of Kentucky, Judge Charles Kerr, Editor, Volume IV, 1922, page 554.
James Fletcher Combs is a lawyer of pronounced character, whether considered from the standpoint of professional attainments or from the viewpoint of progressive citizenship. He has held several political offices, and has been connected with one or more of the financial institutions of Shepherdsville, where he is engaged in practice, all of these honors being a substantial tribute to his standing as a man and a stirring citizen. A lawyer of broad and practical ability, he is determined, thorough, alert, versatile and resourceful.
Born on a farm in Bullitt County, Kentucky, March 16, 1852, he was reared amid healthful rural surroundings. His father, James Combs, was a farmer by occupation and a native of New York. After locating in Bullitt County he became a very prominent man and served in the State Assembly and as sheriff of the county. His death occurred when he was about seventy years of age. After coming to Bullitt County he married Susan Ann Welch, who was born in LaRue County, Kentucky. She survived her husband many years and passed away in her ninety-second year. Both of the parents of James F. Combs had been previously married and had children, and their union resulted in the birth of two children.
Losing his father by death in 1868, James F. Combs soon thereafter went to live at Elizabethtown, where he attended the local schools and also Center College at Danville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated in 1874. For several years thereafter he attended school, and began the study of law. In 1884 he was admitted to the bar, this occurring while he was holding the office of circuit clerk of Bullitt County, having been elected to it in 1880. Following his admission to the bar Mr. Combs entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. He also served as county attorney for eleven years, being elected to that office on the democratic ticket, and has always continued a firm adherent of that party. Recognizing the need for the organization of a sound banking house Mr. Combs with others, all of whom are now deceased, founded the banking firm of E. W. Hall & Company, now the Bullitt County Bank, and has continued a director of the concern through the several changes. For ten years he served it as president and is now its vice president. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership, he is loyal in his support of it, and equally zealous as a Master Mason.
In 1884 Mr. Combs was united in marriage with Miss Emma Troutman, and they have two children, Mary P. and Myron L.
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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 12 Sep 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/jfcombs.html
