WILLIAM McCOMBS , 80, father of Mrs. H. R. Carpenter of this city and formerly a well known resident in and around Coleta, passed away at 6:30 Saturday [07/25/1936] night from the infirmities of old age. Death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Grant Byers in Vayland, South Dakota, where he had resided for the past ten years. The body was shipped to Lanark and from there was taken to Milledgeville. Funeral rites were held at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon in the Brethren church in Milledgeville, conducted by the Rev. C. W. Marlow of the Coleta Christian church and with Dr. W. S. Bell of the Brethren church assisting. Interment was made in the Hazel Green cemetery south of Milledgeville. During the service Noel Hawkins of Milledgeville sang two hymns, “Out of the Ivory Palaces” and “Nearer My God to Thee.” The pall bearers were George Fleming, W. L. Miller, Sam Livengood, W. W. Fike, E. V. McGrath and H. H. Nicholas. Mr. McCombs was well known in both Whiteside and Carroll counties. He was born March 11, 1856 in Genesee Grove, the son of David and Rebecca McCombs. He received his early education in the Hazel Green school north of Coleta. At the age of 16 years he went to the home of his uncle, Alec McCombs in Toledo, Ohio, where he was an apprentice in the painting trade. After following his vocation for three years he returned to Illinois. The deceased was united in marriage August 12, 1880 with Emma D. Hawkins and to this union five children were born. She preceded him in death about 30 years ago. Three children are living: Mrs. Estella Carpenter, wife of H. R. Carpenter of Sterling; Mrs. Alice Byers, wife of Grant Byers of Vayland, South Dakota, and Virgil McCombs of Roubaix, South Dakota. Two children, Bertie and Olive, died in infancy. Mr. McCombs leaves ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. McCombs spent the greater part of his life in or near Coleta where he was a member of the United Brethren church. He had many friends in the community.

Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 27, 1936, page 3, column 5 PUT ON WHITESIDE BURIAL IN HAZEL GREEN