The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-25
GREAT AND NEAR-GREAT
 PUBLIC MEN IN ALABAMA
By WALTER HARPER.

It was during this service that he learned to read write and figure. He dug 1t up at night with the assistance of young member of the firm, who took a great personal interest in the boy.
 Young Holcombe opened a general store but later devoted the business to fancy groceries, catering to the best trade of the town. He was fairly successful until. the panic of the 90s got him. He went down with many others who were not greatly fortified against the storm He then returned to his old firm for shorf time, after which he came to the Bir mingham district and worked for the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad com pany under the late Henry F. DeBarde- leben. This was in 1894
 In 1896 he was put in charge of E. E. Forbes Piano and Organ company's branch, that had just been established at Birmingham. During his early connection with this concern he worked the Bir- mingham district. including Jefferson and several adjoining counties, on a bicycle He was later made a director and vice president of the firm.
 In 1903 he went with the Jesse French Piano and Organ company as general manager for Louisiana, Mississippi and North Alabama. He has held this posi- tion since. At the reorganization of the | affairs of the interests controlling the Jesse French company he was retained at the head of the Star Piano wing, and hi pointed to wind up the affairs of the Jesse French interests In Birmingham Cecil is r years of age and shows great promise of duplicating his father, not only in the piano business, but as a help full public citizen.
 AS president of the Business Mems league of Birmingham MT. Holcombe has put new life into the organization and much material good has been accom- plished for the business interests of Bir- mingham. Under his management the last Alabama State Fair was the most successful In the history of the organ izaton. This story is well known to the people of this city and community.
 MT. Holcombe has just been reelected to the presidency of the Business Mems league. and by virtue of that election will again be in charge of the state fair This indorsement of his unsefish labors in these directions is proof of the confi- dence the people of Birmingham have in his ability.
 l MT Holcombe married Miss Ida Under wood at woodlawn in October, 1892. Mrs. l Hp1c0D1ha wq a af | They have five children four bows and one girl. MT. Holcombe insist on giving his wife credit for whatever success he has attained in life. She patched his education and urged him on to do great things.
 MT. Holcombe is a member of the Southside Baptist church. While he is a | member of the order of Elks, he devotes but little time to lodge matters. He is devoted to his home and family finding | in them his principal recreation
 He is fond of baseball and automobiing and seeks every opportunity for outdoor recreation with his family He has a
 summer home at Ingram Wells and
 spends considerable time there when busi- | ness will permit.
 When I found him yesterday morning he was busy making room on the second 1 floor of his store to accommodate a l neighboring business concern that had just been burned out. An incident that characterizes the man. Liberal and un- selfish, ready to help one less fortunate | He is sincerely devoted to the general | welfare of his town and community, and | taxes himself with much time and money for the public good.