STAR VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORICAL BOOKS INVENTORY DETAILS
1.
Overview
Title: Notes on the Life of A. C. McCombs
Author:
Subject: Personal History
Publisher: Star Valley Independent
Publishing Date: August 2,1945
Number of Pages: 3
ID#: 556
Location: Website
2.
Evaluation
Evaluator's Nanie(s): Kent and Polly Erickson
Date of Evaluation: December 2014
Keywords: Narrows
Included Names:
3. Synopsis
This obituary outlines the life Andrew C. McCombs. He was born in
Centerville, Utah, in 1857. Ellen became his wife in 1884. They moved to Star
Valley in 1886 where they experienced the hardships of pioneer life. He taught his
children the principles of the gospel. His wife and family supported him while he
served a mission. He passed away in 1945. The program for his funeral held July
27 is included.
4. Other
Notes on the Life of A. C. McCombs
Star Valley Independent
Thursday, August 2,1945
In the passing of Andrew C. McCombs, Star Valley has lost one of its early
pioneers, one who shared the hardships and privations of the early history of this
valley.
Brother McCombs was a man of sterling character. He was honest, thrifty,
and dependable. A good neighbor and friend and one who helped those in need. His
wise counsel and advice has influenced the lives of may people. He was a man of
great faith and possessed the gift of healing as many people of this ward will testify
and many have been healed through his faith and administration. He had a
remarkable sense of humor as this incident will show: A few weeks ago when it was
thought it impossible for him to live, he sang a song. As he finished he laughed and
said, "It is funny a man about to die can sing. It might be well to sing that song at my
funeral." And they did.
Andrew Carlos McCombs was born at Centerville, Utah, the 27^^ of March
1857. His parents lived there for five years then moved to Cache Valley. While
living at Clarkston, Indian trouble became dangerous and they were forced to ferry
Bear River and go to Smithfield.
At the age of 12 Carlos' mother died and his father's second wife took the
children and cared for them as her own.
His father was a rock mason and worked on the Salt Lake Temple. While still
a young boy he walked on the walls of the Temple when they were just a few feet
high.
Carlos was a good worker and helped in every way to assist in supporting his
father's family. When a young man, he fed and herded church cattle.
During the winter of 1882 while at Trenton, Utah, he met a young girl, Ellen
Gray, who came from Scotland and was visiting her cousin. They became interested
in each other and in June 1884 were married in the Logan Temple. They were
among the first to be married there as the Temple had been dedicated but one
month.
In the spring of 1886 Carlos decided to move to Star Valley, bringing his wife
and small daughter with him. By that time Afton had been laid off, so Carlos bought
a lot and built a two room log house. It was the first house in Afton to have a
wooden floor. He hewed the three sides of logs with a broad axe and then planed
them for flooring. One room of the original two room house is still standing on the
North west corner of the block on which the home of Bert Beutler stands. The other
room of the house was moved to Grover.
Bro. McCombs brought the first shade trees from Cache Valley to Star Valley
in the spring of 1887. He had taken up a ranch in the Narrows and that same spring
built a house there. For a few years they lived in Afton in the winter and on the
ranch in the summertime. Then they decided to stay on the ranch permanently.
Although it was quite a distance to go by team, Carlos always took his family to
Sunday School and Church and taught them the principles of the gospel.
In 1908 he was called on a mission to England. His good wife and family
milked cows and did what ever else they could to obtain money to keep him on his
mission. Later he was called as a member of the High Council and as a stake
missionary.
In 1918 Brother McCombs became very ill. The doctor told him he could not
live more than three months, but through his faith and the power of the Priesthood,
he has lived for 27 years. Although his health has not been too good at times, he still
did much about the place and in the garden. The end came in the afternoon of July
24^, a day honored and loved by all pioneers, and so ended the life of a good man on
the day he loved best.
He was the father of eleven children, seven of whom preceded him in death.
He is survived by his aged wife, Ellen Gray McCombs and four children, Ellen Van
Leuven of Baker City, Oregon and Elmer, Arvid and Mary McCombs of Grover, 28
grand children and 28 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in Grover under the direction of Bp. Delos
Gardner, Friday, July 27^*^ at 2:00 p.m.
The opening song, "Oh God the Spring of All My Joy," was sung by the choir.
Opening prayer was offered by 0. P. Peterson. The first speaker was George
W. Hepworth who spoke of the great faith and wonderful gift of healing that Bro.
McCombs possessed. A sketch of his life was given by Jay Hepworth, after which
Ivan Gardner sang "Face to Face."
Bro. Frank Pearce, a convert of Bro. McCombs, was the next speaker. He told
many incidents in his life of persecutions, hardships and temptations and how the
influence of Elder McCombs either in spirit or person had helped him in his hour of
need. He also spoke of his deep love, trust and respect he and the saints in England
had for Elder McCombs.
Orlan Van Leuven spoke of the love he had for his grandfather and the good
example he had given his family and grand children.
Bp. Gardner was the last speaker and told of the great faith and patience of
Br. McCombs during his illness.
The closing song, "Joy to the World the Lord Will Come" was sung by the
choir.
Benediction was given by Delos Anderson. The grave was dedicated by Ray
S. Thurman. Burial was in the Afton cemetery.
The pall bearers were six grandsons: Orlan and Verl Van Leuven, Stewart and
Ray M. Thurman, Rex McCombs and Ralph Dutson.