Robert Humphrey  (Bob) Amburgey, one of the most prominent  businessmen and community leaders in early Knott County, was born June 15, 1866 to Wiley J. and Diannah Adams Amburgey, in the old log cabin homestead on Burgey's Creek which later became a writer's retreat for author James Still.

R. H. came to Hindman permanently in 1890, where he worked as an attorney and was deputy county court clerk.  He became county court clerk in 1895.  R. H. held public office for 32 years, also serving as circuit court clerk and judge.  He was one of four men who started the Bank of Hindman, also serving as its president. He was a local merchant and owned a freight business for many years.

Bob married Lucinda Adams in 1891, and the couple raised eight children. He was interested and involved in community concerns and was a devoted leader in the Masonic Lodge (rising to the rank of 33rd degree Mason).  He was an active member of the Hindman Baptist Church.

R. H. Amburgy's grandchildren remember him as an easy-going, gentle person.  He was very well known and many sought his advice. He believed in the importance of learning, and in several instances even helped young people finance their education. R. H. Amburgey died in 1941 and was buried in the Amburgey Cemetery in Hindman.

 Corbett Mullins
May 4, 2003