Hindman in Knott County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Dr. Josiah H. Combs, 1886-1960 / Folk Music Scholar
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2013
1. Dr. Josiah H. Combs, 1886-1960 Marker
(Obverse Side)
Dr. Josiah H. Combs, 1886-1960
Dr. Combs received Ph.D. degree from the Sorbonne in Paris, 1925. Married Charlotte Benard of France. He was a professor of foreign languages in many universities and a pioneer in research and the preservation of folklore, folk songs, and U.S. dialects. Combs had great affected for his fellow mountaineers. His father, John W. Combs, was state senator, 1904-06.
(Reverse Side)
Folk Music Scholar
Dr. Josiah H. Combs, born in Hazard, 1886, lived here from 1893-1920s. He distinguished himself as an educator and collector of American folk music. Began his study of folklore at Hindman Settlement School; one of two students in first graduating class, 1904. Combs collected mountain ballads and gave recitals from New York to Texas with his 3-string dulcimer.
Erected 1988 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1512.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music
this page online
Location. 37° 20.226′ N, 82° 58.875′ W. Marker is in Hindman, Kentucky, in Knott County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street East (Kentucky Route 160) and Fesser Clark Circle, on the right when traveling south on Main Street East. Located at the northern end of Fesser Clark Circle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hindman KY 41822, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pioneer Educator (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); County Named, 1884 (about 700 feet away); Carl Dewey Perkins (about 800 feet away); Hindman Settlement School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Morgan's Last Raid (approx. 0.9 miles away); Alice Lloyd College (approx. 3.2 miles away); The Caney Creek Community Center (approx. 5.8 miles away); Founder’s Shack (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hindman.
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2013
2. Folk Music Scholar Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 22, 2013
3. Dr. Josiah H. Combs, 1886-1960 / Folk Music Scholar Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
