Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 641 - 642 

JAMES C. McCOMB, a member of the firm of McComb Bros., manufacturers and dealers in saddles, saddlery and hardware, in Wichita, is one of the pioneers of that city, as he is also of Sedgwick County. Mr. McComb first came to this city July 5, 1870, but did not then locate. At that time Wichita had but 500 inhabitants, and one can realize how wonderful and rapid has been the growth of the city since then, when it is stated that it now contains a population of over 35,000 inhabitants. He came here to make his permanent residence in 1871, and having met with great success in business, has with public spirit and generosity contributed largely to the support of the various enterprises for the development of the city.

            After coming here in 1870 Mr. McComb went out onto Cowskin Creek, and took up a claim of 160 acres of rich prairie land, and built a log cabin, 14x14, in which he lived until the next spring. In the meantime he commenced the improvement of his land; he broke twenty acres of it, and set out forest trees. There were but few settlers near him at that time; J. O. Smith, who had a claim near his, shared with him his cabin while he remained on his ranch. A part of the winter he devoted to hunting wolves and buffaloes in company with Frank Dunkin and John Hobler. In 1871 he returned to the city, and commenced to work in the harness business for C. M. Garrison, in whose employ he remained for about four years. Then he, his brother John and Mr. T. F. Smith formed a partnership in the saddlery and harness business, under the firm name of Smith & McComb Bros. They continued thus for three years, and were very successful in that enterprise. Then the McComb Bros. bought Mr. Smith's share in the business, and have since continued it under the present style. They are enterprising and energetic, and have established a flourishing trade, keeping one man on the road all the time, and employing as many as twenty-four men in their manufactory the most of the time.

            Mr. McComb is a native of Allegheny City, Pa., and the date of his birth was Oct. 21, 1847. He is the son of Thomas and Martha J. (DeArman) McComb, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The former was a contractor and builder in his younger days, and afterward engaged in the milling business in Jefferson County, Ohio. He finally sold out there and removed to Rockport, Spencer Co., Ind., and was there engaged in the grocery business for some time, and then turned his attention to farming. He afterward engaged in a mercantile business in Midway, the same county. In 1876 he disposed of his various interests in Indiana, and came to Sedgwick County, Kan., where he lived in retirement from the active duties of life, and died in August, 1886. His wife died in February, 1861. They were worthy people of high standing, and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are living, namely: Nannie, Sarah, James C., Margaret, Rebecca and John. Nannie is Mrs. Parr, of Spencer County, Ind.; Sarah is Mrs. Ebright, of Sedgwick County, Kan; Margaret is Mrs. Giles, and Rebecca is Mrs. Dunham, both of Sedgwick County.

            James C., of this biography, spent the days of his boyhood in school and in his father's store, and was thus engaged when the war broke out, and, though he was but a boy of fourteen years, he patriotically determined to take a part in the war and do what he could for his country. Accordingly, he enlisted in the 53d Indiana Regiment as a company musician, and for three years and eight months served faithfully in that capacity. Afterward he returned to Indiana and went to Spencer County, the town of Rockport, where he purchased two teams and engaged in hauling coal for the following year. He then resolved to try his fortunes in the West. He spent that winter in Nebraska City, Neb., and going thence to Kansas City, shortly after went to Twin Springs, in Miami County, where he mastered the details of his present business. He afterward went to Westralia, in Montgomery County, and later to Parker, in the same county. It was from the latter point that he came to Wichita, as above mentioned.

            Mr. McComb was married to Miss Ida Neaves, daughter of Thomas Neaves, of Midway, Ind., in 1875. Four children have been born of this union, namely: Harry, Ray, Florence and Ernest. They have a pleasant and cozy home at No. 225 North Waco street, where they dispense its hospitalities to numerous friends, among whom they are held in high esteem.

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