Comers
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
SAMUEL R. COMER. The industry
and assiduous labors manifested by the subject of this article during a
long and eventful career are worthy of especial mention in the volume that
has to do with the leading citizens of the Big Bend country. His
life has been one of activity, in which he has invariably been guided by
sound principles and unswerving integrity. Much of his time has been
spent on the frontier and Mr. Comer is possessed of those sterling qualities
which make the typical pioneer.
Samuel R. Comer was born in Monroe county,
Kentucky, on August 12, 1834, the son of Masten and Susan (Pinkley) Comer.
The father was a Kentuckian and labored as a farmer during his life.
For thirty years he was an honored elder of the Christian church in Monroe
county. The mother was born in North Carolina and was a devout and
faithful christian woman. When Samuel was still young, his father
died, and he was left with the extra burden of assisting his mother provide
for twelve fatherless children. He secured an education as best possible
under those trying circumstances and faithfully remained with his mother
until 1861, being then twenty-seven years of age. Then came the call
for men, good and true, who would carry the banner of freedom to victory
against the minions of treason. Young Comer was quick to respond
and enlisted in the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, where he served his country
for three years and seven months. During this time he participated
in the battles of Nashville, Chickamauga, and many others. He was
also with Sherman in the memorial march to the sea and ever displayed those
virtues and qualities which make the brave soldier. He was advanced
from private to corporal and later to the position of regimental quartermaster.
Following the war, Mr. Comer settled to industrial pursuits and in 1870
went to California. For ten years he wrought there as a farmer and
miner, then came to Lincoln county in 1880. He took a homestead and
timber culture claim six miles east from where Harrington now stands and
made that his home until 1895. Then he removed to Chelan and in 1900,
came thence to Creston, where he is making his home at this time.
In 1857, Mr. Comer married Miss Elizabeth
York, a native of Tennessee. Her parents were Andrew and Louisie
(McCormick) York, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively.
To this union three children were born, Clayton M., Arcenie B., and Samuel.
In 1867, Mr. Comer was called to mourn the death of his wife. In
1868, he married a second time, Miss Amanda A. York, a sister of his former
wife, becoming his bride. Their issue are, Joseph F., Bettie J.,
Mary E., Thomas P., Mattie S., Viola V., and Grover C.
Mr. Comer assisted to survey the land near
Harrington in 1881 and he has done many labors for upbuilding and substantial
improvement in this county, where he is now spending the golden years of
his life in the quiet enjoyment of the competence which his skill has provided.
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