California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


WILLIAM BOYD COOMBS.� The proud claim of being a Native Son 
of the Golden State belongs to William Boyd Coombs, for he was born in 
Little River, Mendocino county, November 21, 1874, the son of a pioneer 
settler well and favorably known in this section of country, Silas Coombs, of 
whom a separate sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. The young- 
est of the four children comprising the family of Silas and Margaret J. 
(Boyd) Coombs was William Boyd, who was given the best school advantages 
possible, following his public school training by a course in Heald's Business 
College in San Francisco, from which he graduated in 1891. An opportunity 
to make practical application of the theoretical knowledge which he had 
recently acquired came to him shortly after his graduation, when he was 
given charge of his father's sawmill and lumber business at Little River. In 
every sense of the word he filled the position worthily, and after the death 
of his father even more and greater responsibilities fell to his capable man- 
agement, for besides running the mill as formerly he also had charge of the 
store and wharves. About five years later, in 1899. all of the available timber 
having been cut, he dismantled the mill and has since then used the remaining 
smaller timber for ties and shingle bolts, a business which he still finds 
profitable. 

With a clear foresight Silas Coombs anticipated the need of a substantial 
wharf at Little River and as soon as he had completed it he saw that his 
prophecy had not been a vain one, for shipping that came to the port continued 
to grow from the first, until it is now conceded to be one of the best harbors 
between San Francisco and Eureka. It extends one thousand feet into the 
ocean, and although originally built many years ago, is in perfect condition 
today, due to the vigilance of the owner in keeping up the repairs. The 
responsibilities which fall to Mr. Coombs as proprietor of the wharf alone 
would be sufficient to occupy the time and attention of an average man, but in 
addition to this he continues the merchandise business established by his 
father about 1863 and is also postmaster at Little River, besides superintend- 
ing his ranch at Little River. 

In Little River, in 1900, Mr. Coombs was united in marriage with Miss 
Emma Barton, who was born at Navarro, Mendocino county, the daughter 
of Homer Percival and Flora Estelle (Winslow) Barton, both natives of 
Maine. Mr. Barton rendered valiant service in the Civil war as a member 
of a Maine regiment and after the conflict was over he did not settle down 
in the east again, but instead came to California and for many years was 
connected with the lumber interests of Mendocino county. He now makes 
his home on a ranch near Mendocino, living alone, for he was bereaved in 
the death of his wife December 17, 1910. Of the two children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Barton Mrs. Coombs is the youngest. By her marriage she has become 
the mother of two children. Willard Barton and Malcolm Goddard. 

Varied as are Mr. Coombs interests mentioned above, all has not been 
said until his interest in banking matters has been hinted at at least. He was 
one of the organizers of the Mendocino Bank of Commerce and is a director 
of the institution. Fraternally he was made a Mason in Mendocino Lodge No. 
179, F. & A. M.. and is also identified with Mendocino Chapter No. 88, R. A. M., 
Ukiah Commandery No. 33, K. T., Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San 
Francisco, is a member of Stella Lodge No. 213. I. O. O. F., and with his wife 
is a member of Ocean View Chapter No. 111, O. E. S., at Mendocino. His 
political views accord with the principles laid down by the Republican party. 
Personally Mr. Coombs is regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of 
Little River and Mendocino county, is liberal and kind hearted, and in a word, 
is the worthy son of a worthy farmer.