Coombs - J.V.
J(ames) V. COOMBS
Source: H. W. Beckwith Montgomery Co Indiana History (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881)
COOMBS, J.V., principal of the Central Indiana Normal College, was b. in Boone Co, Feb 22, 1848. His parents were of English and German descent and came to Indiana from NC. in 1865, Mr. Coombs lost his left hand by the explosion of a gun. This accident caused him to turn his attention toward securing an education. At this time he could scarcely read or write. In 1868 he entered the Academy of Ladoga and in his 20th year he began teaching in the country and continued for 3 years. In 1871 he entered Butler Univ, remaining two years. In 1873 he entered Eureka College, but on account of the lack of means he left at the close of the year, and began teaching at Blue Mound, Ill. 1875 again found him at Butler Univ. in 1876 he was elected principal of Alamo graded school. In 1872 he grad. in the institution of which he is now principal. In the fall of 1877 he was elected principal of the Waveland schools, which position he held until he was unanimously elected to the position which he now occupies. - typed by kbz
Note: He did not remain a teacher, but instead became a minister, first a travelling evangelist, then for the last 25 years or so he lived in Danville, Hendricks County and had his own church. He married Allie Marlatt, daughter of Thomas J. Marlatt and Mary Dale. Mary lived with them and their one child, Veda (who never married but taught school for many years) in Danville, Indiana.