John Combes, great-grandfather of Charles Isaac Combes, married Hattie ———— and had seven children: John (2), William, Peter, James, Phoebe, Leah and Isaac. John (2) was a farmer and an early settler in the Mohawk Valley.
(II) Isaac, youngest child of John and Hattie Combes, was born December 3, 1807, died October 10, 1869. He was educated in the public schools, was reared on the farm, but preferring a mercantile life settled in Fultonville, New York, in 1837, where he was in the grocery business until 1852, locating in Gloversville in the same line of business, later adding dry goods to his line. He was also engaged in manufacturing. On February 13, 1855, he was appointed postmaster of Gloversville, holding that position until May 30, 1861, when he was succeeded by Elisha L. Burton. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Congregational church. He married Eliza Ann Burton, born July 10, 1811, died 1895, daughter of Nathan and Eleanor (Conover) Burton, of Charlestown, Montgomery county, New York. Nathan Burton was born May 1, 1764. Children of Isaac and Eliza A. Combes:
- Henry Belding, born and died 1833.
- Mary Eleanor, born March 20, 1835.
- Eustatia F., born January 13, 1837.
- Elisha Burton, of whom further.
- by William Henry, born November 30, 1841; married Merita Hedge and had a son
- George L., who married Madge Mason; children:
- John, born 1904, and
- Winfield H.
- George L., who married Madge Mason; children:
- Charles I., born 1843, died 1863.
- Eliza Ann, born 1845, died 1847.
(III) Elisha Burton, son of Isaac and Eliza Ann (Burton) Combes, was born October 23, 1839. He was educated in the public schools, and early engaged in the grocery business as a clerk for his father, being so engaged all his active years. He married Mary Elizabeth Kennedy, born June 18, 1839, daughter of Lysander, born 1807, died 1895, and Elizabeth (Allen) Kennedy, born 1801, died 1900, granddaughter of Daniel and Lucinda Kennedy, who had seven children: Lysander, Palmer L., Daniel Lorain, Susan, Harriet, Nancy and Esther.
Daniel Kennedy was a merchant of Johnstown until his place of business was destroyed by fire, when he engaged in teaming from Fonda, delivering goods from the railroad to interior towns. He was a deacon of the Baptist church and a Democrat. Lysander, eldest son of Daniel Kennedy, was a farmer of Fulton county, owning a farm of four hundred acres. He was a school trustee, a member of the Methodist church, and a Democrat. He married Elizabeth Allen and had ten children: Catherine, Daniel, Lucretia, Landon, Mary Elizabeth, who married Elisha Burton Combes, John Henry, Margaret, William Henry, Daniel and Sarah Jane. Children of Elisha Burton and Mary Elizabeth Combes:
- Anna E., born October 10, 1869; married, October 21, 1892, Eugene D. Smith.
- Charles Isaac, of whom further.
- Harry, born November 26, 1874; married Anna Baker.
(IV) Charles Isaac, eldest son of Elisha Burton and Mary Elizabeth (Kennedy) Combes, was born in Johnstown, New York, May 14, 1871. He was educated in the public schools, and at Gloversville Academy, where he was graduated. After completing his studies he entered the printing office of the Gloversville Leader in 1888 where he learned the trade of a printer and became familiar with every detail of a newspaper printing office. He later formed a partnership with William B. Collins, the owner and proprietor of the Leader, continuing until 1902 as Collins & Combes. In January, 1903, they formed a corporation and purchased the Johnstown Republican, publishing both the Leader and the Republican until 1908 when a transfer of stock was made, Mr. Combes becoming owner of the Republican and Mr. Collins continuing the Leader. The Republican was originally started in 1838 by Darius Wells and has passed through many changes; it is Republican in politics, publishes a daily and a weekly edition, and is an acknowledged influence in Fulton and adjoining counties. Mr. Combes is a charter member of the Johnstown Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His clubs are the Colonial of Johnstown and the Eccentric of Gloversville. He married, June 3, 1902, Katherine S., daughter of J. C. Allen.