Franklin

COMBS, Byron H.

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 153

Byron H. COMBS, East Berkshire [Franklin County, Vermont], livestock dealer, 
was born 17 June 1853 in Richford [Franklin County, Vermont], son of Reuben 
and Harriet (FARRAR) COMBS. [The 1902 Vermont Legislative Directory gives 
the same date and place of birth.] Educated in the public schools of 
Richford. Followed farming previous to the age of twenty-eight, when he 
began buying livestock in a small way which he has enlarged and continued to 
the present time; removed to East Berkshire and purchased several farms 
devoted to dairying and maple sugar making. In 1905 built a small creamery, 
and in 1910 a larger one, conducting both to date, making about 25,000 pounds 
of butter weekly, besides cream, etc; is an extensive dealer in Western 
horses; is one of the largest dairymen in the state; owns nine large farms, 
keeping 400 cows besides other stock, and taps 150,000 maple trees; a firm 
believer in the value of Vermont farms, with nearby markets for produce, and 
the advantages offered to the farmer as compared to those in the Western 
states.

In 1878 he [Byron H. COMBS] married [Miss?] Addie CHAMBERLAIN, of Stowe 
[Lamoille County, Vermont]; she died in 1887; they had two children: Bernie 
F. and Addie R. In 1896 he [Byron H. COMBS] married [Miss?] Mary Chamberlain 
FARRAR of Stowe, who died in 1912. [Unknown to submitter if his second 
wife's given name was "Mary Chamberlain" or if "CHAMBERLAIN" was her previous 
married surname.] Mr. COMBS is a Republican; represented East Berkshire in 
the Legislature 1898; senator from Franklin County 1902, and held various 
other town offices [selectman, justice of the peace]. An attendant of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and member of the Grange.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly