COMSTOCK, J. M.

COMSTOCK, PAINE, ANNIS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/31/2005 at 15:01:30

Biography reproduced from page 386 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

J. M. Comstock, who embarked in the dry goods business in 1872, is to be ranked among the most solid men in the mercantile circles. His store room, 21x60 feet, is too circumscribed for his well assorted stock, which foots up to about $10,000. J. M. Comstock was born Sept. 6, 1838, in Oneida Co., N. Y. His parents, George and Eliza (Paine) Comstock, were natives of Connecticut. They were married in Connecticut, and immediately went to Oneida Co., N. Y. In 1846 they moved to Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since lived on a farm. J. M. Comstock was raised on a farm, receiving a liberal education. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. Dec. 1, 1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, and in the fall and winter participated in the guerrilla warfare in Missouri. In July, 1863, he was made captain of company F, same regiment. His command took part in the battle at Cape Girardeau, at the time of Marmaduke’s attack. In the summer of the same year he was appointed provost marshall on Gen. McCook’s staff, was in the battles of Shelbyville, Chickamauga and many others, among them the engagements in east Tennessee from the siege of Knoxville as well as the engagements in Sherman’s march to Atlanta. He was mustered out in December, 1864, at Louisville, Ky. In 1866 he was married at Oconomowoc, Wis., to Elizabeth Annis. They have two children—Mary and Jessie. In 1866 he went into mercantile business at Monterey, Wis. In 1872 he came to Algona, where he has since been engaged in mercantile trade. In politics he is a republican, has been councilman for six years, and in 1882 was elected mayor of the city. He is an ardent supporter of the temperance cause.