Seventh Generation

145. JAMES MONROE "MON" COMSTOCK^{108,114,144,145,146,147,148} was born on 23 February 1860 in McDonald County, Missouri.^77,79,100 He died on 29 November 1928 at the age of 68 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas.⁷⁷

Age given as 4/12 in the 1860 McDonald Co MO Census.

Obituaries, Death Notices & News Items Extracted from the Van Buren Press 1883
Fran Alberson Warren
Mar 17. p.13 on Petit Jury: Monroe Comstock

Marriage license was taken out on 22 Oct 1884. Mr. J. M. Comstock [indexed in FamilySearch Records as "Dell"] of Uniontown in Crawford Co AR, aged 24 years and Miss L. Ellen Wood of Uniontown, Crawford Co AR, aged 17 years. They were married on 26 Oct 1884 by A. E. Poague, JP Recorded on page 5 of Book C on 29 Oct 1884.

Mon and "Dolph" started Comstock Bros. - mercantile in Van Buren, AR. Mon's sons, Kenney, Ira, and Paul later ran the store and eventually only Ira was proprietor. Was sold in 1964. Mon died on Thanksgiving Day in 1928, probably stroke - he had gone down to the store to work on accounts and when he did not come home, the sons found him there.

OBITUARIES, DEATH NOTICES AND NEWS ITEMS EXTRACTED FROM THE VAN BUREN ARGUS, Vol. 2, Fran Alverson Warren, 2001; p.5
6 Feb 1889 UNIONTOWN
Our town is on a boom. Mr. J. C. Wood and L. L. Bragg have formed a copartnership in the mercantile business, and J. C. Wood has renovated his store-house and got it up in style, with an orin roof, and has a complete stock of goods....... Mr. Wheeler bought out Mr. Thomas Howell. Mr. J. M. Comstock, or Comstock Bros., have a good storehouse and a good stock of merchandise.

In 1890 Reconstructed Census is J. M. Comstock living in the Uniontown School District at Section 6, Township 10, Range 33. In 1892 he is on record as having paid his Poll Tax in Crawford County AR

OBITUARIES, DEATH NOTICES AND NEWS ITEMS EXTRACTED FROM THE VAN BUREN ARGUS, Vol. 3, Fran Alverson Warren, 2001;
p.21 18 May 1892 We had a pleasant call last Thursday from J. M. Comstock, of the popular firm of Comstock Brothers, Uniontown.
p.28 29 Jun 1892 Found - By J. M. Epperson on 1 Dec 1891, at Comstsock Brothers store in Uniontown, Ark., one-half of a $10 bill, No. 438469. Bank of issue is not known. For further information address B. Brewer, Post Master, Hanson, Indian Territory.

1900 Crawford Co Census. Children down through Edna listed including Lelia at age 9. Mon's brother Hardy is living with him.

1910 Crawford Co Census. Only Kenney and Nora married.

1920 Sebastian Co Census. Living at 901 N. 15th St in Ft. Smith. J. M. Comstock age 59 b MO, Merchant. Wife Ellen age 52, born Kansas. Daughter Edna age 20, Teacher in the public schools. Daughter Pauline age 14, student. Son Paul age 13, student.

5 May 1925 Notice in the bulletin of the Wood Memorial Church, twelve days before the dedication of the church to Miss Margaret & Norma Wood [no relation to my family]. A letter of appreciation for their family and signed by the Board of the Church, J. M. Comstock, Chairman, and my grandfather, D. M. Comstock, Secretary.

Obituary
Father Found Dead by Son in Van Buren.
Heart Disease Attributed as Cause of Death of Monroe Comstock in His Store On Main Street Thursday.
J. Monroe Comstock, 69 years old, proprietor of the Comstock Dry Goods company of Van Buren, was found dead at his store on Main Street Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, when his son, Ira M. Comstock went to the store in search of his father.
Mr. Comstock had not been in good health, but apparently was feeling well Thursday morning, though he had complained of a pain in the shoulder. Heart disease was attributed as the cause of his death.
The store was closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Mr. Comstock left home at 11 o'clock to go to town. When he did not return, his family became alarmed and his son went in search of him. The father's body was found lying on the floor in his office. He apparently had been dead for some time.
No funeral arrangements had been made Thursday night.
Mr. Comstock had been a resident of Crawford county for more than 60 years. He was born in McDonald county, Missouri. He came with his parents to Crawford county, when only a few years old. He was for 25 years a merchant at Uniontown before he came to Van Buren nince years ago, and established the Comstock Dry Goods company. He was a member of Wood Memorial Church and a Mason. The funeral will be in charge of Mrs. W. W. Ocker, funeral director.
Surviving relatives are the widow, Mrs. Ellen Comstock, three sons, Ira Comstock of Van Buren; K. M. Comstock, a traveling salesman for the Berry Dry Goods company of Fort Smith; Paul Comstock of Little Rock; five daughters, Mrs. A. C. Clark of Van Buren; Mrs. Cy Carney, Rudy, Ark.; Mrs. T. L. Delzell, Charleston, Ark.; Mrs. C. L. Redmond, Sallisawy, Okla.; and Mrs. J. L. Rainwater, Bristow, Okla; and a number of grandchildren. Mr. Comstock also leaves a brother and sister, H. Comstock of Uniontown and Mrs. Hugh Walker of Uniontown.
K. M. Comstock, who was covering his trade territory had not been located Thursday night.

Another obituary gives his home address as 520 North Thirteenth Street.

Still another lists the pallbearers:
Honorary: Oscar Norris, Ft. Smith; E. F. Mayfield, G. C. Yoes, Ed Deffenbaugh, C. I. Clark, John J. Hays, Edgar Covey, S. T. Matlock, M. V. Wallace, Clay Ward, Van Buren, and David Shapard, Fort Smith.
Active, Hugh Oliver, Dell Miller, O. D. Thompson, Charles E. Riddle, W. H. Wallace, Van Buren; Orien Horn, Fort Smith; Olin Pitts, Fort Smith; Othniel Miller, Van Buren.

COURT WILL ADJOURN AS COMSTOCK TRIBUTE. Tribunal Attaches to Attend Funeral of Widely Known Merchant Found Dead Thursday.
Judge J. O. Kincannon announced Friday afternoon that circuit court would be adjourned at noon Saturday out of respect to the memory of J. Monroe Comstock, widely known Van Buren merchant, who died suddenly Thursday. Court attaches will attend the funeral.
Funeral service will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Wood Memorial Christian Church. William A. Sessions, supply pastor of the church, and Harney McGehee will conduct the service a the church. The ritual of the Masonic order, of which Mr. Comstock was a member, will be used.
Surviving relatives are his wife, Mrs. Ellen Comstock, three sons, Ira Comstock of Van Buren; K. M. Comstock, a traveling salesman for the Berry Dry Goos company of Fort Smith; Paul Comstock of Little Rock; five daughters, Mrs. A. C. Clark of Van Buren; Mrs. Cy Carney, Rudy, Ark; Mrs. T. L. Delzell, Charleston, Ark.; Mrs. B. L. Redmond, Sallisaw, Okla.; and Mrs. J. S. Rainwater, Bristow, Okla; and a number of grandchildren. Mr. Comstock also leaves a brother and sister, H. Comstock of Huniontown and Mrs. Hugh Walker of Uniontown.
All the relatives are in Van Buren for the funeral.

Buried GraceLawn Cemetery, Van Buren, AR

I found the following note by his granddaughter, Josie Ellen Comstock, written probably soon after he died as the handwriting was that of a child:
"Grandpa Comstock died on Thanksgiving Day on November 29th, 1928. His funeral was held on the following Saturday. He had many, many friends. Nearly every seat in the church was full. He had many flowers. There were so many they had to be put way out at the side of the grave. Some Negroes who knew Grandpa sat outside of the church during the funeral. I was eleven years old when Grandpa died."

JAMES MONROE "MON" COMSTOCK and LUCRETIA ELLEN WOOD were married on 26 October 1884 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas.^148,149 LUCRETIA ELLEN WOOD¹², daughter of JOSEPH CHRISTOPHER WOOD and LETITIA ANN MAYBERRY, was born on 3 April 1867 in Kansas.^77,150,151 She died on 19 November 1963 at the age of 96 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas.⁷⁷

Born possibly Wichita, Sedgwick County, or Douglas County, Kansas. They lived in Kansas for 2 1/2 years.

Postcard. Mailed 29 Jun 1915 from Colorado Springs, Colo. to Mrs. L. E. Comstock, Uniontown, Ark.
"Colorado Spgs - Sunday Night.
Dear Mama, We could find nothing in Salt Lake so we are a great deal nearer home now. Go to Denver tomorrow Then on toward Arkansas. Love to all. Ira."
And on front: "Monday Eve. We Scaled Pikes Peak today and are now on top. 14,147 ft. above sea."
The picture on front is of Balanced Rock & Steamboat Rock with the note, "Hope to see things here tomorrow."

In 1930, Ellen L. Comstock was age 63, widowed. She gave her birthplace as Kansas, her father's as KY, her mother's as VA. Paul, age 23, was still living at home and working as a salesman in a Dry Goods Store - probably at his brother Ira's. The address was 524 N 24th Street.

Many clippings of Grandma's annual birthday parties were found in Lettie Comstock Carney's scrapbook, but the one from 3 Apr 1961 has more detail about Grandma:
On Sunday April 9 the family of Mrs. J. M. Comstock will gather at her home for the observance of her 94th birthday anniversary and a noon meal together.
Mrs. Comstock was born Miss Lucretia Ellen Wood on April 3, 1867 in Wichita, Kansas. Her father, J. C. Wood was a pioneer Crawford county citizen and a confederate veteran. He operated the first and only telephone exchange in Uniontown. The Wood family moved to the Philadelphia community when she was an infant. Since that time she has been a resident of Crawford county with residence in Uniontown and Van Buren. The present home is 524 North 13th Street, Van Buren where she has spent more than forty years.
She was married to J. M. Comstock at Uniontown about 1884. To this union was born ten children. In 1928 [1929] she lost her companion by death and through the years she lost four of the children.
The six living children of Mrs. Comstock are Mrs. Nora Rainwater, Ira V. Comstock, Mrs. Maud Redmon, and Paul Comstock all of Van Buren; Mrs. Cy Carney of Fayetteville and Mrs. A. C. Clark of North Little Rock. She is blessed with 12 living grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren [one of these being Steven Kenney Haden].
At the age of 19 years Mrs. Comstock was baptized into the Christian church at Uniontown. Her health at this time is declining and most of her hours are spent in bed. The photograph was made in 1960 when she was strong enough to be about the house.

Nov. 19 1963
Mrs Ellen Comstock
Mrs Ellen Comstock, 96, 524 N. 13th Street, Van Buren, died at her home early this morning after a long illness. She was the wife of the late J. M. Comstock.
Mrs. Comstock was a life long resident of Crawford County, coming to Arkansas from Iowa with her parents. She was the oldest member of the Wood Memorial Christian Church in Van Buren.
Survivors include two sons, Ira V. and Paul, both of Van Buren; four daughters, Mrs. John Rainwater and Mrs.. Maude Redmon of Van Buren, Mrs Cy Carney, Sr, of Fayetteville, Ark., and Mrs A. C. Clark of Little Rock; three sisters, Mrs. Ola Haggard of Van Buren, Mrs. Mina Matlock of Fort Smith, and Mrs Zella Comstock of Durant, Okla.; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ocker Funeral Home.

JAMES MONROE "MON" COMSTOCK and LUCRETIA ELLEN WOOD had the following children:

201	i.	Dora COMSTOCK was born on 26 May 1886.77 She died on 31 May 1886 at the age of 0.152
+202	ii.	KENNEY MARCUS COMSTOCK12,146,153,154,155 was born on 13 July 1887 in Uniontown, Crawford County, Arkansas.77 He died on 3 May 1958 at the age of 70 in Springdale, Washington County, Arkansas.77,86 I found an old newspaper clipping - probably from the Press Argus in Van Buren. It was in poor shape and torn but this is the best transcription I can come up with: FROM UNIONTOWN, Three cheers for Uniontown! Uniontown is on a boom. Our streets are in apple-pie order -- over $100 spent and not done yet. Prof. Hicks is teaching a fine school here. Over 100 pupils are in attendance. At the beginning of the holidays the school gave a fine exhibition. After divine services on Dec. 23rd. Prof. Hicks and Miss Mary Spier, one of Uniontown's most charming young ladies, were joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony. This notice helped me find their wedding date and dated this article - it was 23 Dec 1896 as found in Mary Jane Comstock's book COMSTOCK-HAGGARD AND ALLIED FAMILIES. We want to say something about our Christmas tree - the biggest thing out - and well loaded with presents. The exhibition was opened by singing by the little Sunday School children. The opening prayer was offered by Master Kenny Comstock - Hon. Mon. Comstock's little nine-year-old boy - which speaks well for Sunday School and home training. Bro. A. Comstock [I know of no A. Comstock - this initial wrong; it may have been R. for Randolph Comstock] is Superintendent of the Sunday School. Pupils enrolled, 82; average attendance, 60. This shows some one else is at work in the right direction. We can but say "amen" to such work. As to our business men they are too well known to need any commendations at our hands. Comstock Bros., headquarters for goods; Walter Henry a wide-awake, jolly good fellow on the corner, always ready to accommodate his customers; then J. C. Wood [Kenney's maternal grandfather] a jolly old fellow, with his stock of drugs, ever ready to supply his customers; and if you need anything in his line and step in and don't happen to see Joe, you'll see a large wooden pipe; just take a look down the stem and you'll find Uncle Joe sticking on the other end of the stem, puffing away for dear life. After all, Joe is all O.K. As to doctors, we have two - Blakemore and Wood [Dr. Tom Wood, son of J. C. Wood] - both enterprising sober, nice young men, and very attentive to their profession. In conclusion we will say to all Uniontown people: God bless you all in all honest and upbuilding enterprises. We wish the grand old ARGUS a Happy New Year. A COUNTRY BOY. Aug 17, 1907, VAN BUREN PRESS An outing party, consisting of 32 in number, went to Copper Springs in the Indian Territory. The party consisted of Mr. John J. Hays & family, Mr. F. L. Pease & family, Mr. J. C. Wood, wife and daughter, Mr. John S. Rainwater and wife [Nora Comstock, my grandpa's sister, was his wife], Messrs. Gratis M. Comstock & Guy Wood. The party reports a good time, but not very much game. Miss Lella M. Wood [I think this should have been Zella Wood], Nora & Minnie Hays and Virgie Bragg are given high credit for making good rifle shots, and the boys say the girls did not leave any white spots on the trees near the spring for any other parties to shoot at. Kennie Comstock was given credit for being the best huntsman, as he killed more game than any one else in the party. Minister, Samuel A. Cox, married Kenney and Nora. They were married at the Bride's Home in Cove in Uniontown. The license was issued 8 Jan 1908. They both said they were age 20. 1910 Census. Occupation: Farmer. Age 22; Nora L. age 23; Graydon age 1 4/12 Kenney registered for the World War I draft on 22 Jun 1917. He gave his present employement as Merchant and himself as the owner. He stated he had a wife and three children and claimed exemption because of support of family with children under twelve years. He stated he had been a Private in the Military at the University of Arkansas. His description was short, stout, dark blue eyes and dark brown hair. He signed his name as "Kinney Marcus Comstock". 1920 Census. Occupation: Merchant, Own Store. Lived with Nora's parents in Van Buren - no street given, but it was up on the hill above Fairview Cemetery. 1930 Census. The family had moved to Fayetteville in Washington Co. They were renting a house at 18 East Dickson. Kenney & Nora were both age 42, married since they were 20. Kenney was selling dry goods. Kenney M. was 15, JoEllen 13, John J 10, and Ira 5. Fayetteville City Directory, 1939 Comstock, Graydon E. (Mary C.) teller McIlroy Bank & Trust Co r 530 N. Washington Av Comstock, J. Ellen tchr r 504 N. Willow Av Comstock, Kenney M. (Nora) bkpr Vickers Lndry & Clnrs h 504 N Willow Av Comstock, Kenney M. jr student U of A r504 N Willow Av Comstock Mary C Mrs. tchr Wahington Sch r 530 N Washington Av Later edition of the directory, prob 1947: Kenny M Comstock (Nora) slsmn. h428 N. College Av prob 1951 Comstock, Kenneth M (Emma L) slsmn Berry Dry-Goods h 930 Rush Dr -- Kenney M (Nora H) slsmn Ft. Smith h 321 W. Holly The Fourth Registration of the Draft for World War II conducted 27 Apr 1942, was sometimes referred to as the "old men's registration" as it was for men born between 28 Apr 1877 and 16 Feb 1897, men between 45 and 64 years old. Kenney did register and at that time was living at 433 North Willow in Fayetteville, AR. His employer was Berry Dry Goods in Ft. Smith. He gave the expected date and place of birth. Nora Comstock was listed as the "Person Who Will Always Know Your Address". His description was: Height: 5'5", Weight 176 lbs., Blue eyes, Lt. Brown hair, Light complexion. His signature is on the card. Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR 24 Dec 1946, p.3 Comstock Family Re-United for Christmas For the first time in eight years, the K. M. Comstocks, prominent Fayetteville family, will be reunited on Christmas Day. Captain Kenney M. Comstock, back from four years with the Army in the European theatre, has arrived to spend 45 days leave with his parents, Mr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 428 N. College, and his wife's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Denney, 516 Highland. Another son, Jay Comstock, of New York, arrived today to spend the holiday with his parents. Others who will be present for the Christmas reunion include Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Comstock and son Donnie, and Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKim and daughter Karen Kay, and Ira A. Comstock, all of Fayetteville, and Mr. & Mrs. Ira Comstock and John J. Hays of Van Buren. Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteivlle, AR 29 Dec 1949 Comstocks Have Holiday Family Get-Together Mr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock had their children and other relatives as holiday guests. They were: Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Comstock and son, Donnie & Dave, of Harrison; Mr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock Jr. and son, Kenny, of Fayetteivlle; J. Comstock fo Fayetteville; Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKim and daughter, Kay, of Springdale; Mr. & Mrs. Ira A. Comstock of Norman, Okla. John Hays of Van Buren, father of Mrs. K. M. Comstock Sr; Mrs. J. M. Comstock of Van Buren, mother of Mr. Comstock; Ira B. [sic] Comstock of Van Buren, his brother and Mrs. Ira B. Comstock. The Ira A. Comstocks are spending a week here before returning to Norman. In 1951, Nora and Kenney were living in a farm home near Elkins, AR. He had a severe stroke. Nora had never driven a car but she learned driving up and down the driveway at the farm. They sold the farm and moved back to Van Buren two doors from Ira & Minnie Comstock. In 1958, Nora and Kenney decided to move to Springdale to live near JoEllen and son K. M. and their families. Probably from The Springdale News Parents of Local Residents Observe Golden Anniverserary Mr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 721 Drennen St, Van Buren, observed their golden wedding anniversary Sunday and were the honorees of an open house held from 2 until 5 p.m. at the home of Mr. Comstock's brother and sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Ira V. Comstock, 711 Drennen St. Assisting at the reception were members of the family including the sons and daughters of the couple and their families: Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Comstock of Tulsa, Okla., Mr. & Mrs. Kenney Comstock Jr, Springdale, Ark.; Mr. & Mrs. Ira Allen of Kansas City, Mo., and Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKim of Springdale. Mrs. McKim is the former Miss Jo Ellen Comstock. The couple also have a son, John J. Comstock in Los Angeles, Calif. Other relatives who assisted were a cousin, Mrs. C. A. Riddle of Longview, TX, and Mr. Comstock's brothers and sisters and their families, including Mrs. J. S. Rainwater, Mrs. Maude Redman, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Comstock of Van Buren; Dr. & Mrs. A. C. Clark, Little Rock, and Mr. & Mrs. Cy Carney of Fayetteville, AR. Mr. & Mrs. Comstock were married in Uniontown, AR on 12 Jan 1908. Mrs. Comstock is the former Miss Nora Hays, a poineer of Crawford County. KENNEY MARCUS COMSTOCK Springdale (Special) -- Kenney Marcus Comstock, 70, resident of 700 South Pleasant Street, died unexpectedly Saturday night [3 May 1958] at his home. Born July 13, 1887 at Uniontown, he was a member of the First Christian Church and a retired salesman for Berry Dry Goods Company of Fort Smith where he worked for 26 years. Mr. Comstock was a former resident of Van Buren and Fayetteville and moved to Springdale this year. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock observed their 50th wedding anniversary in January. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Nora Lee Hays Comstock, of the home; four sons, Graydon Comstock, Tulsa, Okla., Kenney M. Comstock, Springdale, Jay Comstock, San Francisco, Calif., and Ira A. Comstock, Merriam, Kan.; one daughter, Mrs. Joe McKim, Springdale; his mother, Mrs. Ellen Comstock, Van Buren; four sisters, Mrs. Nora Rainwater and Mrs. Maude Redman, Van Buren, Mrs. Lettie Carney, Fayetteville, and Mrs. Pauline Clark, Little Rock; and nine grandchildren. The body will be sent to Van Buren today by Callison-Cisco Funeral Home, and funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Wood Memorial Christian Church by the Rev. Robert E. Brown of Van Buren and the Rev. William Cloud of Springdale. Burial under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home, will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery. Another Obituary that appeared in the PRESS ARGUS of Van Buren, included additional information. His mother was at the time aged 91. The sanctuary of Wood Memorial Christian Church was filled with relatives and friends at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon when the funeral service took place. Active pallbearers were H. C. Farmer, George Crofton, Perry Newman, L. L. Rapier, Wilbur Watkins, and C. E. Riddle. Members of the Men's Bible Class of Wood Memorial Christian Church were honorary pallbearers.
+203	iii.	Nora Hessa COMSTOCK was born on 4 January 1889 in Crawford County, Arkansas.77,146 She died on 14 June 1973 at the age of 84 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas. Crawford Co Marriage record. John S. Rainwater, age 23, married Nora Comstock, age 18, 13 Jan 1907. S. A. Cox, MG
204	iv.	Lelia Ethel COMSTOCK was born on 18 November 1890 in Uniontown, Crawford County, Arkansas.77,146 She died on 12 February 1904 at the age of 13 in Crawford County, Arkansas.156,157 From VAN BUREN ARGUS, 9 Mar 1904: Lelia Comstock, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Comstock, died February 12, 1904. Aged 13 years. While we mourn the loss of her sweet face, we rejoice that she has joined the angelic choir, and has left her earthly tabernacle to dwell in the house not made by hands. Lelia confessed her faith in Christ September 3, 1902, and was baptized on September 7th. She was a faithful member until death, and now the tired little soul, which has been afflicted for several years, but clung tenaciously to the promis of God, is now safe in the realms of bliss, where earthly sufferings are forgotten in the everlasting joys of Heaven. J.J.H., Chairman Secretary, Uniontown, Ark. OBITUARIES, DEATH NOTICES AND NEWS ITEMS EXTRACTED FROM THE VAN BUREN ARGUS, Vol. 8, Fran Alverson Warren, 2001, p.18 Grave marker says "Her many deeds of kindness form the noblest monument to her memory"
+205	v.	Ira Vard COMSTOCK12,155,158 was born on 10 September 1892 in Arkansas.77,146 He died on 15 January 1968 at the age of 75 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas. Uncle Ira registered for the World War I draft at age 24. He listed his occupation as farmer and he was still single. He stated he had very defective hearing. His description was short, medium build, brown eyes, dark brown hair. His cousin G. M. Comstock was the registrar and signed the card - this was Gratis Comstock. Ira apparently lost most of his hearing when just a boy as the result of an illness or infection. Uncle Ira and Aunt Minnie were stopped on a date one night; because of his hearing loss and trouble understanding the officer, he was arrested as a drunk driver and taken to the jail. He sued for false arrest, but the arresting deputy appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Supreme Court of Arkansas. Reporter: 143 Ark. 394, 220 S.W.475 Bryan v. Comstock. 12 Apr 1920 Appeal from Circuit Court, Crawford County. Action by Ira Comstock against Addis Bryan. Judgment for plaintiff; defendant appeals. Bryan was a deputy constable of Van Burn township, Crawford Co. On the night of 21 Sep 1918 he arrested Comstock on the alleged false charge of being drunk and of running his automobile without headlights and this wuit was brought to recover damages on that account. There was a verdict and judgment for $500. When Comstock was arrested he was carried to jail and the charge preferred was that of being drunk, but it is not now claimed that he was drunk. It is insisted that only one of his front headlights was shining. Comstock had been tried upon this charge and acquitted. Comstock and his fiancee who became his before the trial, had gone to Ft. Smith to see a moving picture play. The first show was full so they waited for the second but had to leave early to get the young lady home. While driving back to Van Buren, he noticed a car behind him and several times moved over to the side of the road to permit the car to pass, but it did not do so. He stopped in front of the courthouse in Van Buren, whereby Bryan who was the driver behind him, came to his car and pulled him out of it, telling him he was under arrest. Comstock is hard of hearing and did not understand what was happening. He asked to be allowed to take the young lady to her home and asked the officer to accompany him, but Bryan refused to do so and took Comstock to jail leaving the young lady unattended in the car. Comstock asked to make, and also asked to call his father then living in Ft. Smith, but neither request was granted. When they reached the jail, Bryan told the jailer that he had a drunken man to be locked up for the night and formal charges would be preferred the next morning. Comstock was locked in jail and detained for 20 to 40 minutes. The jailer knew the prisoner's family name and reputation and having misgivings, he reported the occurrence to the sheriff. The sheriff went at once to the jail, released Comstock and took him to his home for the night, then gave him breakfast and they went to hunt the automobile which they found in a garage where Bryan had put it. Bryan tried to justify his conduct by saying he had been instructed by the justice of the peace to break up the many violations of traffic laws at night. He admitted Comstock had requested to make bail, but the hour was late and he didn't want to disturb the justic of the peace and had been instructed to jail violators until the next morning. Comstock said the arrest was about 11 PM, but Bryan claimed it was after midnight. The judge ruled that it was a peace officer's duty to carry the person arrested to the most convenient magistrate so that appropriate action may be had for granting bail. Bryan felt that he stood upon the letter of the law in making the arrest, but he also have given Comstock the right to be taken before a magistrate. Disturbing the justice of the peace was not a sufficient excuse for subjecting Comstock to the humiliation of being arrested and locked in jail. The judge quoted "...arrests at night and on Sunday, or the eve of Sunday, when it is hard to obtain bail, are deemed oppressive and unjustifiable, except in cases of pressing necessity" The judgment of the lower court was affirmed. Van Buren Press, 16 Apr 1920 "Supreme Court Aaffirms Comstock vs. Bryan Case" [poor copy, torn, smudged] Little Rock, April 12th. Addis Bryan vs. Ira Comstock, appealed from Crawford Co....allowing Ira Comstock judgement in the sum of $500 for fale imprisonment was affirmed. It will be remembered that on September 21, 1918, Mr. Comstock was accompanied by Miss Minnie Hays, were reuturning to Uniontown in Mr. Comstock's car from Fort Smith where they were attending a moving picture show. After they reached Main street, Mr. Comstock was arrested by Deputy Constable Addis Bryan who, according to the evidence offered at the trial, took Mr. Comstock to the county jail and locked him up, and according to the testimony of the jailer, Hiram Taylor, on a charge of being drunk. As soon as Sheriff Branson could communicate with, Mr. Comstock, who was kept in jail about 30 minutes, was release and went home with Sheriff Branson where in remained through the night. As Mr. Comstock was raised in Crawford county was never known to touch intoxicants in any form, his arrent and incarceration upon such a charge was a decided surprise. He was never tried on the charge, but the morning following his arrest Mr. Bryan had him arraigned in Judge McKinney's court charged with running his car without all lights burning. He was acquited of this charge. .....November term of the Crawford circuit court, Mr. Comstock had .... officer ...false improisonment. ....tried at the July term 1919 and verdict was rendered in favor of Comstock in the sum of $500. ....appealed to the Supreme court where the verdict in the trial was sustained. Found in the 1920 census at 1204 Cedar Street. District 16, Van Buren Township. Occupation is Merchant. Minnie is listed as Clerk, Dry Goods Store. In 1930, Ira & Minnie were living next door to John & Josie Hays on Smith Street in Van Buren. They were both working in the Dry Good Store. The Fourth Registration of the Draft for World War II conducted 27 Apr 1942, was sometimes referred to as the "old men's registration" as it was for men born between 28 Apr 1877 and 16 Feb 1897, men between 45 and 64 years old. Ira did register. He was living at 711 Drennen, Van Buren, AR. He gave the expected date and place of birth. Mrs. Ira Comstock was listed as the "Person Who Will Always Know Your Address". He was self employed and the address of his business was 620 Main St. in Van Buren. His description was: Height; 5'6", Weight; 140 lbs, Brown eyes, Black hair, Dark complexion. His signature is on the card. Obituary: Ira V. Comstock Ira V. Comstock, member of a widely known Crawford county family and a highly respected merchant for more than a half century, died Monday, Jan. 15, in a local hospital. He was 75 years old, and although his health had not been the best for some years, he death came unexpected from a heart seizure. He and Mrs. Comstock attended church Sunday morning to hear the farewell sermon of their pastor, T. M. Carroll. On Sunday evening they attended the coffee social at the church, given in honor of the Carrolls. They were in their usual friendly state of spirit and friends remarked how well they were and his jovial conversations. On Monday about 2:30 p.m. he became ill. He was taken to Memorial hospital where he lived until five o'clock. Their pastor who had already delayed his departure for the funeral of Laura Alexander again postponed their leaving until after the service for M. Comstock so he could preach the funeral sermon. Mr. Comstock was born on Sept 10, 1892, at Uniontown, the son of J.M. and Ellen Wood Comstock. His father was in the mercantile business in that busy little center, and Ira joined him in the enterprise. In the "twenties" they moved the dry goods store to Van Buren and located it at the corner of South 8th and Main street. When his father died, Mr. Comstock continued to operate the business, until the depression hit in the early thirties. Later he and his wife, Minnie Hays, reopened Comstock's and operated it until a few years ago, when his health forced him to retire. He was a member of the Wood Memorial Christian church, Van Buren Lodge No. 6, Masons, Western Arkansas Consistory, Royal Arch Masons, Amrita Grotto, the United Commercial Travelers, and Order of Eastern Star. He had been a member of the church choir for a number of years. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Minnie Comstock of the family home, 711 Drennen, Van Buren; a brother, Paul Comstock of Fort Smith; four sisters, Mrs. Cy Carney Sr. of Fayetteville, Mrs. Nora Rainwater of Van Buren, Mrs. Maude Redmon of Prague, Okla. and Mrs. Pauline Clark of Little Rock. The body was taken to Wood Memorial Christian church Wednesday morning to lie in state for one hour before the funeral hour at 10:30 o'clock. T. M. Carroll, former pastor of Wood Memorial, was the officiating minister. Burial, directed by Ocker Funeral Home, was in Gracelawn cemetery. Casket bearers were Wilbur Laws, Sr., George Crofton, Lloyd Hobbs, Earl Hays, George Hobbs, and Claude Wallace. Honorary pallbearers were elders and deacons of the church and J. J. Izard, Basil Moody, Frank D. Pape, Raymond Allen, Perry Newman, and H. E. Roberts. Comstock Rites Held Wednesday. Services for Ira V. Comstock, 75-y6ear-old retired Van Buren businessman, were conducted Wednesday morning at the Wood Memorial Christian Church with the Rev. T. M. Carroll officiating. Burial was in Gracelawn Cemetery with Ocker Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Comstock, a life-long resident of Crawford County and a retail dry goods and clothing man before he retired almost four years ago, died Monday ina local hospital. He and a brother, Paul, of Fort Smith, operated Comstock's, Inc. here for several years after it had been established here by their father. Circuit Judge Carl Creekmore bought the business from the Comstock's and it bcame known as "Creekmore's". Mr. Comstock was a member of the Wood Memorial Christian Church and very active in Masonic groups, having served as worthy patron of the eastern Star group four times......
+206	vi.	Frances/Fanny Maude COMSTOCK was born on 19 June 1894 in Arkansas.77,159 She died on 14 September 1988 at the age of 94 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas.160 The marriage record in Crawford Co: Bert L. Redmon, age 21 to Frances M. Comstock, age 19. 6 Dec 1913. C. M. Pitts, JP. Aunt Maude lived with Grandma (Ellen Comstock, her mother) and took care of her for many years. Although family records give her name as "Fanny" Maude, her marriage license to Bert L. Redmon reads Frances M. Comstock. When JoEllen and Joe McKim were married in 1946, Aunt Maude was listed in the newspaper as Mrs. Maude Hudnut of Van Buren. Perhaps she had another marriage after the death of Bert Redman - but I think it most likely a mistake. I found a letter Aunt Maude wrote to her nephew Jay Comstock, 2 Mar 1953. She said that she and Mom [Grandma Comstock] were doing all right. Lettie & Cy were on a trip. Nora & Kenney, Ira & Minnie had just returned from a trip [this might have been a trip they made to Florida]. Maude talks about nine months that she had with Mr. Crawley who had just passed away quite suddenly - they were engaged to be married. They had a house ready and extensive plans made for their lives together. She told Jay that Nora was just like her own sister. She expressed a wish to travel, but had no money to do so. She had recently seen Edna & Lester and Colleen and Buddy. She asked Jay to come to Grandma's birthday celebration and reunion to be held on March 29th. Signed: Auntie Maude. Aunt Maude is buried GraceLawn Cemetery in Van Buren along with many members of her Comstock family.
+207	vii.	Edna Eugenia COMSTOCK147 was born on 18 October 1899 in Crawford County, Arkansas.77 She died on 6 June 1956 at the age of 56. Listed as a school teacher in 1920 Census, living in Ft. Smith with her parents. She was married later that year. Marriage record in Crawford Co: T. L. Delzell, age 26, Edna Comstock, age 20, 12 Sep 1920, Paul G. Preston, MG My grandmother's diary noted that on June 4th Edna had a stroke and was critical and the entry for June 6, 1956 says, "After waiting and worrying all day the bad new came. Edna passed away at 6:15." Her entry for June 8: "Grace [Hays], Doc [probably Doc Farmer, a neighbor] and Bob Brown, our preacher, went with us to Miami to Edna's funeral - a long but beautiful drive; but what a sad day. My heart aches for Lester. All alone now. No doubt he will go right on with his business."
+208	viii.	Letisha Miranda COMSTOCK was born on 26 July 1901 in Uniontown, Crawford County, Arkansas.77 She died on 12 December 1980 at the age of 79 in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas.161 Aunt Let is buried Fairview Cemetery, Fayetteville, AR. She was named for her grandmothers. Her Obituary from the Northwest Arkansas Times, Saturday, 13 Dec 1980 Mrs. Lettie Carney Mrs. Lettie M. Carney, 79, of Fayetteville, died Friday at a local hospital after an extended illness. Born July 26, 1901 in Union Town, the daughter of J. M. and Ellen Wood Comstock, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fayetteville. Survivors are her husband, Cy Carney Sr of Fayetteville; one son, Cy Carney Jr. of Jacksonville; one daughter Mrs. Kathryn Coatney, of Fayetteville; one brother, Paul Comstock of Van Buren, Ark.; two sisters, Mrs. Maud Redman of Van Buren, and Mrs. Pauline Clark of North Little Rock; and eight grandchildren. Funeral service will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Nelson's Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.
+209	ix.	Rebecca Pauline COMSTOCK was born on 2 October 1905.77,147 She died on 26 July 1984 at the age of 78 in North Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.161,162 Crawford Co marriage record: Aura Clarence Clark, age 30, to Pauline Comstock, age 20, 19 Apr 1925. J. T. Purvis, VDM 1930 Census. Van Buren, Crawford Co, AR, Hh 289 Clarence I. Clark, age 63, married at age 25, b. IN, father b. NY, mother b. IN. Engineer for the railroad Olive May, wife, age 59, married at age 21, b. MO, parents b. MO Aura C., son, age 25, married at age 20, b. AR, Cotton buyer Pauline R., daughter-in-law, age 25, b. AR, father b. MO, mother b. AR First female to pass the bar in Arkansas. There is a story that she died after locking herself out of her house. Maybe had a heart attack on front porch trying to get back in? Have not been able to confirm, but she died in the hospital in North Little Rock according to her Obituary. Grave marker has Eastern Star emblem. The Springdale News 29 Jul 1984 PAULENE CLARK Paulene Comstock Clark, 78, of Little Rock died July 26 in a North Little Rock hospital. She was born in Uniontown Oct 2, 1905, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Comstock of Van Buren. She was secretary to the chaplain at the Veterans' Hospital in North Little Rock and the first woman to pass the Arkansas bar exam. She was the widow of the late Dr. A. C. Clark. Survivors include one brother, Paul Comstock of Van Buren; one sister Maude Redmon of Van Buren; one brother-in-law, Cy Carney of Fayetteville; nephew, Kenny Comstock of Springdale, niece, JoEllen McKim of springdale. Services were at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ocker Memorial Chapel, Van Buren. Burial was in Grace Lawn Cemetery. An obituary was also in the Northwest Arkansas Times on 28 Jul 1984. That obituary includes all the above as well as the fact that Pauline was a member of Wood memorial Christian Church of Van Buren - she had apparently never moved her membership.
+210	x.	Ruel Paul COMSTOCK was born on 4 November 1906.77,147 He died on 29 April 1991 at the age of 84 in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas.161 Ft. Smith City Directory, 1938 Paul Comstock (Mildred) order runner, Berry Dry Goods Co. h 910 So. 22d World War II Enlistment Records: Ruel P. Comstock, born 1906 in Arkansas, resided Crawford Co Arkansas. Enlisted 16 Oct 1942 at Little Rock as a Private in the Warrant Officers for the duration of the War plus six months. He had 4 years of high school and was an Oboe player in a band and a Parts Clerk in an automotive store. He was divorced with no dependents. He was 5' 10' tall and weighed 170 pounds. Birth: Nov. 4, 1906 Uniontown Crawford County Arkansas, USA Death: Apr. 29, 1991 Van Buren Crawford County Arkansas, USA Paul Comstock, 84, of Van Buren, Arkansas died Monday, April 29, 1991 at a Van Buren nursing home. He was a retired retail merchant, a member and elder of the Wood Memorial Christian Church, the co-owner of Comstock Dry Goods Store in Van Buren for many years, a former employee of the Boston Store, an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Phillipines and was awarded three bronze stars. He was a member of the Van Buren Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch. the Western Ark, Consistory, the Grotto, a former civic leader of Van Buren and was past president of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and the Van Buren Lions Club. He was a former member of the Crawford County Quorum Court and the Van Buren Water Commission. He was born at Uniontown and was a member of a pioneer Crawford County family. Survivors are his wife, Neva, several nieces and nephews including Eula Rainwater. and KM. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at Ocker Memorial Chapel, with burial at Gracelawn Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Hubbard officiated. Another obituary from the Northwest Arkansas Times, 30 Apr 1991 RUEL COMSTOCK Van Buren - Ruel Paul Comstock, 84, of Van Buren, died Sunday, April 28, 1991 at Van Buren. Born Nov 4, 1906, at Uniontown, the son of Monroe and Ellen Comstock, he was retired from the dry goods business at Van Buren. He was a World War II U. S. Army veteran serving in the south Pacific and a member of the Wood Memorial Christian Church. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenny Comstock and Ira Comstock, and four sisters, Nora Rainwater, Lettie Carney, Pauline Clark, and Maud Redmon. Survivors include his wife, Neva Comstock of Van Buren; a brother-in-law, Cy Carney of Fayetteville; four nieces, Jo Ellen McKim of Springdale, Kathryn Dickey of Fayetteville, Eula Rainwater of Van Buren, and Cleo Lovett of Muskogee, Okla.; four nephews, Cy Carney, Jr. of Jacksonville, K. M. Comstock of Springdale, Ira Allen Comstock of Virginia and Champ Rainwater of Texas. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Ocker Funeral Home. Burial will be in Gracelawn Cemetery.

More about the Comstock family can be found by returning to the "Leaves of the Tree" homepage and following the Comstock link.