FIELDING A. COMBS, M. D., of Visalia, has proved himself worthy of his heritage, and in fol- lowing his chosen profession has added luster to the name which had for several generations been prominent in the medical calendars of the south- ern and central states. During his many years of practice in Tulare county he has won the confidence and esteem of the people to a note- worthy extent, his skill and ability being widely known and highly appreciated. Although now practically retired, he does a little office work for some of his old friends. A son of Dr. Ennis Combs, he was born in Mount Sterling, Mont- gomery county, Ky., August 10, 1825, coming from substantial Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather, Cuthbert Combs, removed from his native state, Virginia, to Kentucky, locating there in pioneer days, and by industry and good management improving a large farm.

Born in Virginia. Ennis Combs received good educational advantages, and in 1815 was gradu- ated from the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of M. D. Going to Kentucky, he com- menced his medical career at Mount Sterling, where he was for many years the leading phy- sician. Settling in Independence, Mo., in 1842, he continued in practice there until his death, in 1849. He married Mary Hinde, who was born in Winchester, Clark county, Ky., a daugh- ter of Dr. John W. Hinde, a native of Virginia, who was graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania with the degree of M. D. in 1795, and

was afterward successfully engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in Virginia and Kentucky. His father, Dr. John W. Hinde, Sr., served as a surgeon in the English navy during the French and Indian war. During the Revolutionary war he was a surgeon in Washington's army, and after the close of the war, settled in Winchester, Ky., where he practiced medicine until his death, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Of the union of Dr. Ennis and Mary (Hinde) Combs, twelve children were born, of whom six sons and four daughters grew to years of ma- turity. Dr. F. A., of this review, being the oldest child now living. The mother died in 1836.

Having laid a substantial foundation for his future education in his youthful days, F. A. Combs completed the literary course at Transyl- vania University, in Lexington, Ky., when but eighteen years old. Entering then the medical department of the same institution, he was gradu- ated from there with the degree of M. D. in 1847. Thus prepared to follow in the footsteps of his father, his maternal grandfather and great-grandfather, Dr. Combs began the prac- tice of his profession in Missouri, being first lo- cated at Independence. He subsequently took a full course in the medical department of the University of Missouri, after which, in 1849, he located in Marshall, then a mere hamlet, con- taining but fifteen inhabitants. As the town grew his practice increased, becoming very large and remunerative, his professional knowledge and skill being recognized throughout that part of the state. During the Mexican war. Dr. Combs served under General Kearney, in Doni- phan's Regiment of Mounted Infantry. After the close of the war he returned to Marshall, where he remained as a physician and surgeon until 1877.

Coming from Missouri to the Pacific coast in 1877, Dr. Combs resided in Lake county two years. In 1879 he located in Visalia as a phy- sician and surgeon, and for a quarter of a cen- tury was the foremost practitioner in Tulare county. He won an extensive patronage among the best people of this vicinity, and is now prac- tically retired from active professional duties, a respected and honored citizen, held in high re- gard by old and young. He is still county and city, health officer, ably filing the position which he has held the past ten years. In Saline coun- ty. Mo., Dr. Combs married Elizabeth Cartbrae, who was born in Missouri, of Scotch parents. She died in Missouri in 1877. leaving six chil- dren, namely: Howard Matthew, a graduate of the St. Louis Dental College, now practicing his profession in Visalia ; Mary, of Los Angeles ; Sydnor, at home; Nannie Letcher, a resident of Visalia; Sarah, an educator in Visalia ; and James, who was graduated from the Nashville

Seminary with the degree of D. D. S., now prac- ticing dentistry in Visalia. The doctor is a valued member of the San Joaquin Valley Medi- cal Society. He takes great interest in the wel- fare of city and county, and in his political affili- ations is a strong Democrat, and an ex-member of the county central committee. He has the dis- tinction of being the oldest Mason in the valley, having united with the Masonic Order at Inde- pendence, Mo., in 1846. He is now a member of Visalia Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M., and Mar- shall Chapter, R. A. M., of Marshall, Mo. In 1849 tne doctor joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but is not now affiliated with the order.