Alameda County
Biographies
BURTON E. COMBS
One of the first established, most substantial as well as the most extensive meat markets in Alameda, is that of which Burton E. Combs is a partner, the firm name being Combs & Fisher, the partnership dating back twenty years. The business has grown under its able management into a very profitable concern and now caters to a widely scattered custom, which has come to know and appreciate the quality of meats handled by this firm and to have confidence in the integrity and uprightness of their dealers. A native son of the state, Burton E. Combs was born in Nevada county, July 19, 1863, a son of Milton Combs, now deceased. The latter was a native of Kentucky and crossed the plains to California in the early '50s, traveling with the usual ox teams and enduring all the hardships and dangers which were incident to pioneer life. He was a harness-maker by trade, and upon his arrival in California he settled in Nevada county, where he followed his trade and in time became prominent in the public affairs of his community, serving as justice of the peace. The grandfather, Burton Combs, was born on the bank of the Kentucky river, one mile northeast of Boonsboro, Clark county, Ky., March 3, 1803, and was a son of Samuel and Rosie Combs. His father, who was a captain in the War of 1812, marched in the brigade of Gen. Green Clay, May 5, 1813, to the relief of Fort Meigs, in Ohio, at that time besieged by the British under General Proctor, and the Indians under the celebrated Chieftain, Tecumseh. By a spirited attack, they succeeded in driving the besiegers from their works.
Burton Combs was a nephew of the late Leslie Combs, of Lexington, Ky., and a prominent Kentucky soldier and lawyer. General Combs served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican war. In the war of 1812 he was known as the boy captain and was sent by Gen. Green Clay to notify General Harrison at Fort Meigs of Clay's approach.
In 1870 Burton E. Combs came with his parents to Alameda, where he attended the public schools. After completing the course he spent six months as a rancher in the Santa Clara valley, after which he returned to Alameda and at once engaged in the butcher business, which has since occupied his attention. With B. L. Fisher, he established the meat market before mentioned, and they have endeavored to bring their business to a high standard of excellence. In Alameda Mr. Combs was united in marriage with Lizzie W. English, a native of Iowa, and of this union were born two children, Lloyd M. and Addie G. Politically Mr. Combs in an adherent of the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party, and has served for the past three years as trustee of Alameda. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Odd Fellows, Native Sons and the Elks.
Transcribed
3-12-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1095-1096. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R. Pankey.
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