Robert Combs was a religious and political leader in Knott County.  He served as county judge during the depression, 1937-1941. Called by many "Preacher Robert Combs, " he was a moral leader  in the early 1900's, serving Knott County and the surrounding  counties.  He was a moderator of the Indian Bottom Association  of he Old Regular Baptists.  He was called by one nominator a         
"Quiet, unassuming man who affected the lives of many Knott  Countians, in a positive, loving way."                                           

He was the pastor of the Clear Creek Old Regular Baptist church for several yeas. He was an eloquent speaker who preached with everyone in various churches.

Robert combs' political influence included Perry County, where he  was elected Perry Jailer.  He was also a mail carrier, carrying the mail by wagon from Hazard to Hindman for several yeas.  He served as the postmaster at Carrie for over 20 yeas.                                   

Robert combs was born in Hazard and married a woman from Perry County to which six children were born.  Those children are deceased. He married Mary Cornett of Big Branch and moved to Knott County.  They had six children.  Two of their children are alive--Clara Combs of Emmalena and Robert "Tobe" Combs of Carrie.  Robert Combs lived near the Hindman Settlement School and later donated the land to the school when he moved to Carrie.

 Note:  Robert Combs was born 08 September 1869 in Perry Co to Nicholas Combs, Jr. and his wife, Sally Cornett.  He died at Carrie, Knott County on 14 Apr 1942. He was 72 years old.Robert was also married Laura Fletcher on 17
May 1889 Perry Co. and had a family with her also.
Source: Lynda Combs Gipson
Additional information

Corbett Mullins
May 9, 2003