Massie, M. D. Past and present of Pike County, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,
1906, p 551. Dr. George U. McCOMAS engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in New
Canton, was born in Hartford Co MD May 2, 1858, his parents being Joshua and Rebecca J.
Maul McComas. The parents birth also occurred in Hartford Co MD and they were married
there in 1856. The father was a wheelright by trade and in connection with other pursuits
he carried on farming to some extent. His religious faith was that of the Methodist
Episcopal Church while in political views he was a stalwart republican. He died Nov 28,
1896 age 65 and is still survived by his widow who is now living in Adams County in her
70th year. They were the parents of 5 sons and a daughter: George U, of this review;
William M, a contractor and builder residing in Adams Co; Charles H who is a train
dispatcher on the Northern Central RR in Baltimore; Marion, a blacksmith at Plainville,
Adams Co; James B. who is in the postoffice at Baltimore, Maryland and Mary Edith who is
living with her mother and brother in Adams Co., Illinois. Dr. McComas pursued his early
education in the public school of his native county and in 1876 came to Illinois, being at
that time about 17 years of age. He worked at farming about 3 summers and then returned
to Maryland where he read dentistry under the direction of JW Barton at Blackhorse,
Maryland with whom he remained two years. In 1880 he returned to Ill and registered as a
dentist at Mendon, Adams Co where he spent a year and half after which he came to Barry in
1882. There he engaged in dental practice six years, but in the meantime, believing that
he would find the practice of medicine more congenial, he devoted his leisure hours from
1884 until 1888, inclusive, to reading medicine under the direction of Dr. JG McKinney,
passing the state board exam on 13 Aug 1888. On the 7th of November of that year he
located for practice in New Canton, where he has remained continuously since. He has been
an earnest student of his profession and in the winter of 1892-3 he attended the College
of Physicians & Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. Reading research and experiment have also
broadened his knowledge and promoted his efficient and he now has a good business and is
well thought of throughout the county. He belongs to the Pike Co Medicinal Society,
Illinois State Medical Association and American Medical Association. On 25 June 1884, Dr.
McComas was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. DAVIS, who was born April 8, 1859 and is a
daughter of Perry H. and Eliza Johnson Davis. Her father was born in Fountain County,
Indiana Feb 10, 1826 son of Robert and Amanda Blair Davis, former a native of Ky and
latter of Indiana. The family comes of Scotch ancestry and in 1829 the grandparents of
Mrs. McComas came to Pike Co, settling in Kinderhook, where her father acquired his
education. In 1851 he married Mrs. Eliza SHIPMAN who was born in Columbus, Ohio March 6,
1828. They became parents of 5 children. In the year of their marriage they moved to New
Canton, where Mr. Davis engaged in merchandising until 1862, when he was elected county
sheriff, serving two years in that office. He then resumed business as a merchant,
continuing in that line until 1878 when he sold out. He also practice law to some extent
and was successful as a representative of the profession. His political allegiance was
given to the democracy. As a pioneer settler he saw the country in its primitive
condition, when wolves and other wild animals were numerous and when deer and lesser kinds
of of game had been abundant. He died Jan 27, 1887 and is still survived by his widow who
now resides in New Canton where she has lived continuously since 1845. She was twice
married, her first husband being James Shipman who died in 1849 after which, in 1851 she
gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Davis. By her first union 3 sons: Philander born Oct 23,
1845 and died after attaining manhood; Pulaski who was born Aug 3, 1847 and is living in
New Canton and James born Aug 13,1849 and resides in the state of Washington. By the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Davis there were five children, two living: Mrs. McComas and
Charles J. who was born May 16, 1861 and now resides in Portland, Oregon. Dr. McComas is
a member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with New Canton Lodge, No. 821 AF
& AM. He also belongs to Pleasant Value Lodge No 381 Knights of Pythias and both he
and wife are member of Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a republican but is
without aspiration for office, as his time and attention are fully occupied by his
professional duties. His native intellectual strength, his unfaltering determination and
laudable ambition have been the salient features in a successful professional career, and
constantly growing business is indicative of the trust reposed in him by his fellow
townsmen who find in his capable work the best justification of their trust and
confidence.