Descendants of Thomas Coomes/Combs

Notes for Obadiah/Obediah Combs/Combes:

1. Obadiah (Obediah) Combes (Combs) m. Louisa (Loiza) Jane Hutchinson on November 26, 1846, in Vermillion Co, IN. Marriage listed in the Indiana State Library Genealogy Division's listing of "Indiana Marriages Through 1850."

   Note: The entry for Obadiah Combs on the Genealogy Division's Website contains an apparent data entry error. Obadiah's last name is shown as "Coms" and his first name as "Obediah." (Sept. 2002)

2. According to LDS Family Group Record files, all children from the marriage of Obadiah and Louisa Jane were born in Helt, Vermillion Co, IN. As shown, however, in the 1850 Census of Appanoose Co, IA, below, Obadiah's son, William M. Combs, was born in Iowa. From this information, it appears as that Obadiah, his wife and children and two brothers migrated to Iowa in the early Spring (April or before) of 1850.
3. 1830 US CENSUS (see Thomas note 3)
4. 1850 US CENSUS
   Center Twp. No. 3, Appanoose Co, IA
   29th Day of November, 1850, Samuel G. Caldwell, Ass't Marshal
   Film Series M432, Roll 182, Pg. 33B

   58/58 COMBS, Obediah, 23 M Farmer IN
   Louisa J., 24 F IN
   Francis E., 2, M IN
   William M., 7/12, M IA
   Levi, 24 M Farmer IN
   Francis, 20 M Farmer IN

5. 1860 US CENSUS
   Helt Township, County of Vermillion County, State of Indiana
   6th Day of July, 1860, James M. Hood, Ass't Marshal
   Film Series M653, Roll 303, Pg. 179

   573/557 COMBS, Obidiah (sic), 33 M Farmer, 600/312 IN, cannot read or write
   Louisa J., 34 F IN
   Emery, 12, M IN
   William M. 10, M IN
   Lucretia A., 7 F IN
   Delila J., 2 F IN
   Cassius H., 4/12, M IN

6. 1870 US CENSUS
   Subdivision No 222, Helt Township, Vermillion Co, IN
   28th Day of June, 1870, Thomas A. Edmundston, Ass't Marshal
   P.O. Clinton
   Film Series M593, Roll 365, Pg. 67A

   234/242 COMBS, Obediah, 41 M w Farmer, 2,000 IN, cannot read or write
   Rebecca, 28 F w Keeping House IN
   Emery, 22 M w Farm Hand IN
   Loucretia, 8 F w At Home IN, sch
   Delilah, 13 F w At Home IN, no mark for sch, cannot read or write
   Cashius, 10 M w At Home IN, sch
   Mack, 8 M w At Home IN, sch
   Burdett, 4 M w At Home IN
   Edwin, 3 M w At Home IN
   Cora, 1 F w At Home IN

   Note: This census report clearly shows that the long popular Reynolds' family tale that Obadiah Combs and his family migrated from Indiana with the Thomas B. Reynolds family is not correct. (By the time of the 1870 Census, Thomas B. Reynolds was already in Kansas.)

7. 1880 US CENSUS
   California Township, Coffey Co, KS
   7th & 8th Day of June, 1880, E. S. Osborn, Enumerator
   Film Series T9, Roll 377, Pg. 359A & B

   Line 46-49 & 1-6

   -/98 COMBS, Obadiah, W M 53 m: Farmer IN VA VA
   Rebecca, W, F, 38 m: Keeps House IN
   Delila, W, F, 23 s At Home IN IN IN
   Cassins, W M 20 s At Home IN IN IN
   Mack, W M 18 s At Home IN IN IN
   Birdet, W M 14 s At Home IN IN IN
   Edwin, W M 13 s At Home IN IN IN
   Cora, W, F, 11 s At Home IN IN IN
   Ida, W, F, 8 s At Home, KS IN IN
   Walter, W M 3 s At Home, KS IN IN

8. "On May 5, 1880, School District No. 68 purchased an acre of land on which to build a school. Charles Humphrey conducted a census of school-aged children living within the district and this census was recorded in August. Humphrey recorded only surnames on that census, which included the names: Humphrey, Tatro, Combs, Reid, Miller and Robinson." ("Simply Astounding," p. 23)
9. 1900 US CENSUS
   Lincoln Township, Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS
   11th Day of June, 1900, Samuel S. Smith, Enumerator
   Film Series T623, Roll 475, Pg. 111B, 112A

   Line 100 & 1-4

   179/187 COMBS, Obadia (sic), Head, W M Nov 1827, 70, married 35 yrs. IN VA CT Farmer, owns, free, farm #35
   Rebecca, Wife, W, F, Sept 1842, 57, married 35 yrs., 9ch/6living IN VA VA House Keeper
   Mary M., Dau, W, F, Aug 1880, 19 s KS IN IN

10. "The Lebo Star," Lebo, Coffey Co, KS, Friday Morning, March 12, 1909, page 1, Roll L2640:

    OBEDIAH COMBS PASSES AWAY

    "One of the oldest men in years and in years of residence in this community, passed away Wednesday, March 10th, 1909, when the breath of life left Mr. Obediah Combs. He was 81 years, 3 months, and 29 days old and has lived in Lincoln township for the past 30 years. About six years ago Mr. Combs was stricken with paralysis and has been an invalid since that time, having been confined to his bed since last August. During the past few years his eyesight failed until he was nearly blind. He was a patient sufferer and finally the long life was brought to a close by the workings thereof being worn out by the long years of continuous usage.

    Mr. Combs was a hardworking farmer and was the father of a large family a part of whom still live in this community, honored and respected citizens. He passed away at the home of his son, W. C. Combs in the Lebo Creek neighborhood. The funeral was held at the Lebo Creek M. E. Church, Thursday afternoon and was preached by the pastor, Rev. L. A. Rorick, with interment at the Lebo Creek cemetery. The deceased has been a member of the Methodist Church since his young manhood.

    Obediah Combs was born in Vermillion Co, IN Nov 11, 1827 and grew to manhood in that county, where he was married, at the age of 19 to Miss Jane Conley. To this union were born five boys and two girls of whom three boys and one girl are living. The wife and mother passed away about 1861. More than a year after Mr. Combs was married to Becca Ann Wise, to whom were born four boys and four girls, three boys and three girls of whom still survive him, as does also the wife.

    The deceased moved to Kansas with his family in 1870 and settled on a farm south of Lebo and his family has been reared in this community, two of whom, W. C. and C. H. still live here.

    The family have the sympathy of their many friends in their loss of husband and father."

    Note: Information relating to previous marriage to Jane Conley shown in this obituary has been found to be incorrect based upon pre-1850 Indiana marriage records. See Item 1. above.

More About Obadiah/Obediah Combs/Combes:
Burial: Hoover Cemetery, south of Lebo, Coffey Co, KS⁸⁶
Census 1: 1830, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father⁸⁷
Census 2: 1850, US Census, Center Twp. No. 3, Appanoose Co, IA⁸⁸
Census 3: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN⁸⁹
Census 4: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN⁹⁰
Census 5: 1875, Kansas census lists O. Combs as age 47, farmer, and born in Indiana⁹¹
Census 6: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS⁹²
Census 7: 1885, Kansas census lists O. Combes as age 57, a farmer, born in Indiana⁹³
Census 8: 1895, Kansas census lists O. Combes as age 67, a farmer, born in Indiana⁹⁴
Census 9: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS⁹⁵
Residence 1: Bet. 1870 - 1871, Settled in the area outside Lebo, Coffey Co, KS⁹⁶
Residence 2: 1878, Relocated to California Township 19 South Range 14 East, Section 32 (NE), 80 acres⁹⁷

Notes for Louisa Jane Hutchinson:

1. Louisa Jane (Hutchinson) Combs is named in the US Census reports 1850 and 1870 with the Notes for Obadiah Combes.

More About Louisa Jane Hutchinson:
Census 1: 1850, US Census, Center Twp. No. 3, Apponoose Co., IA, for Obadiah Combs, husband⁹⁸
Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, husband⁹⁹

Notes for Rebecca Annie Wise:

1. Rebecca A. (Wise) Combes is named in the US Census reports 1870, 1880 and 1900 with the Notes for Obadiah Combes.
2. Obituary from the "The Daily Republican," newspaper, Burlington, KS of May, 1934:

   MRS. R. A. COMBES DIES MONDAY AT HOME NEAR LEBO

   "Mrs. Rebecca A Combes, aged 91, and a resident of the District 18 neighborhood since the sixties, died at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, April 30, 1934. Mrs. Combes, wife of Obadiah Combes, who died many years ago, lived on the home place with her son, W.C. Combes and family. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon from the Lebo Creek church and were in charge of Rev. Mr. Hodson, Lebo Creek church pastor, assisted by Rev. M. A. Good of Lebo. A quartet composed of Mrs. Carl C. Cummins, Miss Louise Evans, D. M. Hughes and Rev. Good sang 'Beautiful Isle of Somewhere' and 'No Night There.' Mrs. Cummins and Mr. Hughes sang 'sometime We'll Understand.' John Hughes accompanied at the piano.

   The pall bearers were Harold Smith, Clinton Reynolds, Alvin Combes, Clarence Combes, James Combes and Harvey Combes. Interment was is Lebo Creek cemetery.

   Rebecca Ann Combes, daughter of William and Percilla Wise was born September 9, 1842 at Rockville, Indiana, and departed this life at the home of her son, W. C. Combes April 30, 1934 at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 21 days. While Mrs. Combes was a child she moved with her parents to a home near Clinton, Indiana,, where she grew to womanhood. At the age of 23 years she was united in marriage to Obediah Combes, who preceded her to the Great Beyond in 1909. To this union nine children were born; Birdett Combes of Great Falls, Mont.; J. E. Combes of Waldport, Ore.; Mrs. Cora Reynolds of Altoona; Mrs. Ida Smith of Columbus, Ohio; Walter Combes of Lebo; Mrs. Mamie Porter of Enid, Okla; and Lily, Baby and Felix Combes, deceased. She leaves to mourn her loss her six children, twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, one sister, Mrs. Maggie Robinson of Douglas, two step-children, C. H. Combes of Lebo and Mrs. Anna Garrett of Independence. She also leaves many other relatives and friends. At the age of 29 Mrs. Combes united with the Methodist church of Clinton, Indiana. When she moved with her husband and family to Kansas in 1870, she brought her letter here. The family located on a farm two miles south of what is now Lebo, where they lived for seven years; then they moved to the present location. During the year of 1871, a group of thirteen early settlers brought their letters together and organized a church in the little log schoolhouse on Lebo Creek. Later they built what is now the Lebo Creek church. She has lived a loyal, faithful and devoted Christian life."

More About Rebecca Annie Wise:
Burial: Hoover Cemetery, south of Lebo, Coffey Co, KS¹⁰⁰
Caste: 1870, US Census, Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, husband¹⁰¹
Census 1: 1880, US Census, Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, husband¹⁰¹
Census 2: 1900, US Census, Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, husband¹⁰¹

Children of Obadiah/Obediah Combs/Combes and Louisa Hutchinson are:

1. Francis Emery⁴ Combes^102,103,104, b. Abt. 1848, Prob. Vermillion Co, IN105.

   Notes for Francis Emery Combes:

   1. 1850 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #4)
   2. 1860 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #5)
   3. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6)

   More About Francis Emery Combes:
   Census 1: 1850, US Census, Center Twp. No. 3, Appanoose Co, IA, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁰⁶
   Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁰⁶
   Census 3: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁰⁶

2. William Monson Combes^107,108,109, b. April 09, 1850, Appanoose Co, IA¹¹⁰; m. (1) Sarah E. [--?--]¹¹¹; b. Abt. 1847, Indiana¹¹¹; d. Bef. 1876; m. (2) Nancy E. Morrow¹¹², July 23, 1876¹¹²; b. Unknown.

   Notes for William Monson Combes:

   1. 1850 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #4)
   2. 1860 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #5)
   3. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6)

   More About William Monson Combes:
   Census 1: 1850, US Census, Center Twp. No. 3, Apponoose Co., IA, for Obadiah Combs, father¹¹³
   Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹¹⁴
   Census 3: 1870, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN¹¹⁵

   More About Sarah E. [--?--]:
   Census: 1870, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for William Combs, husband¹¹⁶

3. Lucretia Ann Combes^117,118,119, b. October 22, 1852, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN¹²⁰; m. George Garrett¹²¹, July 06, 1873¹²¹; b. Unknown.

   Notes for Lucretia Ann Combes:

   1. 1860 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #5)
   2. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6)

   More About Lucretia Ann Combes:
   Census 1: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹²²
   Census 2: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹²³

4. Delila J. Combes^124,125,126, b. December 14, 1857, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN¹²⁷; m. D. C. James¹²⁸; b. Unknown.

   Notes for Delila J. Combes:

   1. 1860 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #5)
   2. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6)
   3. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7)

   More About Delila J. Combes:
   Census 1: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹²⁹
   Census 2: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father
   Census 3: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹³⁰

5. Cassius H. Combes^131,132,133, b. January 18, 1860, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN¹³⁴; m. Mary Catherine Middlebush¹³⁵, September 04, 1883, Burlington, Coffey Co, KS¹³⁵; b. August 1864, Kansas¹³⁶.

   Notes for Cassius H. Combes:

   1. 1860 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #5)
   2. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6)
   3. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7)
   4. 1900 US CENSUS
      Lincoln Township, Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS
      12th Day of June, 1900, Samuel S. Smith, Enumerator
      Film Series T623, Roll 475, Pg. 112

      Line 33-37

      186/196 COMBS, Cashis, Head, W M Jan 1860, 40 m 17 yrs IN IN IN, Farmer, owns farm, free of mortgage, farm schedule? 44
      Mary C., W F w Aug 1864, 35 m: 17 yrs, 3ch/3 living, KS Germany IN, Keeps house
      COMBS , Mertal S., Dau., W, F, July 1883, 16 s KS IN KS sch
      Grace E., Dau., W, F, Feb 1885, 14 s KS IN KS
      Elza H., son w M Jan 1888, 11 s KS IN, Mo: Kansas

   More About Cassius H. Combes:
   Census 1: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹³⁷
   Census 2: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹³⁷
   Census 3: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹³⁷
   Census 4: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS¹³⁷

   More About Mary Catherine Middlebush:
   Census: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS, for Cassius (Cashis) Combs, husband¹³⁸

6. Volney McClelland Combes^{139,140,141,142}, b. January 21, 1862, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN^143,144; d. 1928, Larkin, Kearny Co., KS^145,146; m. (1) Mary Annis Reynolds^147,148, January 24, 1887, Coffey Co, KS^149,150; b. September 14, 1868, Franklin Twp., Henry Co., IN¹⁵¹; d. February 02, 1893, Lebo, Coffey Co, KS₁₅₂; m. (2) Louvia/Lona E. Fleming¹⁵³, March 08, 1897, Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS¹⁵³; b. December 1876, Kansas¹⁵⁴.

   Notes for Volney McClelland Combes:

   1. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6 Mack age 8)
   2. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Mack age 18)
   3. From the Lebo Enterprise, February 16, 1893:

      "Mrs. Mary A. Combs, Feb. 2, 1893, aged 24 years, of effect of typhoid fever. She was the only and much loved daughter of T. B. and E. A. Reynolds, who moved from Henry county, Indiana, about 20 years ago and settled on a farm just east of Hartford, in Lyon county, this state, where she died. She leaves her mother, husband, 3 year old girl baby, and four brothers to mourn for her, all of whom feel her loss deeply and have the condolence of the entire community in their sad bereavement. Rev. Harkness preached the funeral." (Note: Volney Combes m. Mary Annis Reynolds on January 24, 1887.)

   4. 1900 US CENSUS
      Lincoln Township, Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS
      18th Day of June, 1900, Samuel S. Smith, Enumerator
      Film Series T623, Roll 475, Pg. 114

      Line 62-65

      234/246 COMBS, McClelland, Head, W M Jan 1862, 38, married 3 yrs. IN IN IN, Farmer, can read & write, speaks English, owns farm, free of mortgage, farm schedule 88
      Luovia E., Wife, W, F, Dec 1876, 25, married 3 yrs., 2ch/2living, KS MO IN, Keeps House, can read & write, speaks English
      Maud E., Dau, W, F, Oct 1888, 11 s KS IN, KS sch 7 months, can read & write, speaks English
      TURNER, Ruby B., Step Dau., W, F, May 1894, 6 s KS KS KS sch 7 months

   More About Volney McClelland Combes:
   Burial: 1928, Larkin, Kearny Co., KS¹⁵⁵
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father^156,157
   Census 2: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁵⁸
   Census 3: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS¹⁵⁸

   Notes for Mary Annis Reynolds:

   1. 1870 US CENSUS (see Lewis Calvin Reynolds Note #1 Annis age 1)
   2. 1880 US CENSUS (see Lewis Calvin Reynolds Note #2 Mary A. age 11)
   3. From the Lebo Enterprise, Feb 9, 1893:

      "Mack Combs has the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of the wife of his bosom and his youth, who last week was called to the great beyond. We have not learned particulars of her last illness. Trust her prospects for immortality were assured."

   4. See Volney McCleland Combs note #4

   More About Mary Annis Reynolds:
   Burial: Hoover Cemetery (grave #6), south of Lebo, Coffey Co, KS^159,160
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Thomas Reynolds, father¹⁶¹
   Census 2: 1875, Kansas census lists M. A. as age 6, farmer, and born in Indiana.¹⁶²
   Census 3: 1880, US Census, Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Thomas Reynolds, father¹⁶³
   Census 4: 1885, Kansas census lists M. A. Reynolds as age 16, born in (Illinois?).¹⁶⁴

   More About Louvia/Lona E. Fleming:
   Census: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS, for McClelland Combes, husband¹⁶⁵

   Children of Obadiah/Obediah Combs/Combes and Rebecca Wise are:

7. Burdette W.⁴ Combes^166,167,168, b. August 26, 1866, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN¹⁶⁹; m. (1) Cynthia A. Coble¹⁶⁹, April 01, 1888¹⁶⁹; b. Unknown; m. (2) Katie Smith¹⁶⁹, December 20, 1891¹⁶⁹; b. Unknown.

   Notes for Burdette W. Combes:

   1. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6 Burdett age 4)
   2. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Birdet age 14)
   3. 1900 US CENSUS
      Lincoln Township, Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS
      1st Day of June, 1900, Samuel S. Smith, Enumerator
      Film Series T623, Roll 475, Pg. 103B

      Line 70-72

      19/19 COMBS, Berdth W., Head, W M Aug. 1866, 33, married 8 yrs. IN IN IN, Farming, can read & write, speaks English, owns home, mortgaged
      Cory O., --, white, sex is marked with an M (sic), May 1868, age 32 m: 8 yrs., 1ch/1living
      FILMORE, John, son, white M Nov 1884, 16 s KS IN, KS sch 8 months

   More About Burdette W. Combes:
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁷⁰
   Census 2: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁷¹
   Census 3: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS¹⁷²

8. James Edwin Combes^173,174,175, b. August 21, 1867, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN¹⁷⁶.

   Notes for James Edwin Combes:

   1. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6 Edwin age 3)
   2. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Edwin age 13)

   More About James Edwin Combes:
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁷⁷
   Census 2: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁷⁸

9. Cora Alice Combes^{179,180,181,182}, b. February 20, 1869, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN^183,184; d. November 11, 1951, Altoona, Wilson Co., KS¹⁸⁵; m. Lewis Calvin Reynolds^186,187, April 01, 1888, near Lebo, Coffey Co, KS¹⁸⁸; b. June 08, 1860, Franklin Twp., Henry Co., IN¹⁸⁹; d. February 28, 1932, Altoona, Wilson Co., KS¹⁹⁰.

   Notes for Cora Alice Combes:

   1. 1870 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #6 Cora age 1)
   2. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Cora age 11)
   3. Cora Alice (Combes) Reynolds is named in the US Census reports for 1900 with the Notes for Lewis C. Reynolds.
   4. The following stories are based on living interviews by Floyd A. Reynolds with Cora Alice (Combes) Reynolds. (Floyd spent most of his first twelve (12) years in the company of Cora Alice (Combes) Reynolds, until her death in 1951.) They relate episodes in Cora's life. These notes are drawn from the Reynolds Family files of Ramona (Paget) Reynolds, Floyd Reynolds' wife.

      Combes Family History Interview: Compiled by Ramona Reynolds (2/8/85)
      Sources: Floyd Reynolds

      "Grandma Cora Reynolds from her father's second wife - he remarried and had her half brothers and sisters from first wife. There were a nomadic nearby tribe of Indians who would ride up to their homestead (near Lebo at that time) and want to trade things they had made (animal skins "furs", coats and woven blankets, etc.) and always walked in and took cured pork (which they loved) from the smoke house (without asking.) They would lay down what they had to trade and always presented a fair trade, however, her family didn't have any choice in the trade. They didn't like beef and rarely seemed to take it.

      One time Cora's dad and older brothers went to visit and eat with the Indians at their camp. They had a large kettle full of stew and while they were eating, Indians told them to "dig down deep, puppy in the bottom." (They had included a litter of puppies in the ingredients)

      One time, when they were moving on, they left a small sick Indian boy with Cora's parents to get well and he stayed over the winter.

      Cora had either brothers or uncles in the Civil War."

      ---

      Combes Family History Interview: Compiled by Ramona Reynolds (7/31/93)
      Sources: Floyd Reynolds

      "When 18 months old, Cora came with her parents (It seems like her father's first wife died and she had some half siblings, one full brothers named Walter) from Terra Haute and camped out by the Mississippi River (possibly couple of months) waiting for winter to freeze the river enough to cross over. Her father's (he believes) brothers and their families came with them. There was a group of several families in covered wagons.

      They knew the Whisler's in Terra Haute, Indiana before they too, came to Kansas.

      They first went to the Federal Land Office in Burlington, Kansas because of the Homestead Act and (it seems) they gave $1 and acre for 160 acres. Cora said that even though the Homestead Act, they still had to pay the $1 fee (possibly to cover government handling expenses.) Cora felt that fee was like graft and shouldn't have been paid on "free" land.

      Some, two or more of her uncles (and possibly her dad) were in the civil war (union side) and this entitled them to special preference in the Homestead Act.

      Cora's brothers had unusual names and/or bible names.

      The group camped out around Burlington until they acquired land near Lebo. (Bill Reynolds has been to their homestead.)

      Cora went to school, but how long was unknown. When she was about 37, she and husband Lewis Calvin came to Altoona to haul brick. First hauled brick for Altoona streets, then Neodesha, then Fredonia. He was a teamster with a big team of work horses and wagon. They remained in Altoona.

      When Cora told old stories and someone would ask her when they happened, she would say it wouldn't matter as it was a long time ago.

      Cora's brother, Walter owned a (grocery?) store many years. Joe took Cora to visit Walter.

      Before Joe Reynolds was married (perhaps in the early 30's), Joe had an old car (Model T) and was taking Cora to Lebo to either visit or to a funeral and his car broke down around Lebo. Ted Whisler or Clint Reynolds had to get them in their car.

      Floyd said he thinks that there wasn't any land to be homesteaded after Lewis Calvin Reynolds grew up and he found work: plowed gardens, hauling grain, coal, wheat, lumber, furniture, etc., which led to his job as a teamster."

      ---

      Combes Family History Interview: Compiled by Ramona Reynolds (1/29/1994)
      Sources: Floyd A. Reynolds

      "Cora Reynolds remembers when there were no English sparrows around her area. But there were so many insects that the government imported sparrows form England that arrived in railroad cars and turned loose. Cora said they were a bigger nuisance than the insects because they nested everywhere, spread mites to chickens, and were messy.

      Floyd, at Cora's and Vi's, used to clean the chicken manure out of the chicken houses and spread in the cornfield and garden spot (usually ½ to about 6 acres) and plow it into the soil. They used to fill 55 gallon barrels full of cabbage in vinegar to preserve it through the winter (sauer kraut). When wood gets wet it expands and tightens so it wouldn't leak."

   5. Obituary of Cora (Combes) Reynolds from the "Neodesha Daily Sun." of November 12, 1951:

      "Mrs. Cora Alice Reynolds, 82, of Altoona, passed away at 10:55 yesterday morning at her home, following a two-year period of poor health. She had been ill about four days. The body was taken to the Loran Fawcett funeral home and the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Altoona Holiness church, of which she was a member. Interment will be in the Altoona cemetery.

      Born February 20, 1869, at Terre Haute, Ind., Cora Alice Combes was the daughter of Obadiah and Rebecca Annie Combes. She came to Kansas as a small child and has lived at Altoona for the past 46 years. She was married April 1, 1888, to Lewis Calvin Reynolds at Lebo, Kan. Mr. Reynolds preceded her in death February 29, 1932.

      Surviving are a daughter, Viola Reynolds of Altoona; two sons, Clint Reynolds of Altoona and Vinton L. Reynolds of Neodesha; eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Ida Smith of Columbus, Ohio, and Mrs. Mamie Porter of Enid, Okla., and two brothers, Walter Combes of Lebo, and James E. Combes of Dilley, Ore. also survive."

   More About Cora Alice Combes:
   Burial: November 13, 1951, Altoona Cemetery (4-25-1), Altoona, Wilson Co., KS^191,192
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Subdivision No. 222, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁹³
   Census 2: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father¹⁹³
   Census 3: 1900, US Census, Burlington Twp., Burlington City, Coffey Co, KS, for Lewis C. Reynolds, husband¹⁹⁴
   Census 4: 1910, US Census, Altoona City, Cedar Twp., Wilson Co., KS for Viola Whisler, daughter¹⁹⁵
   Census 5: 1920, US Census, Altoona City, Wilson Co., KS for Louis (sic) C. Reynolds, husband¹⁹⁶
   Census 6: 1930, US Census, Altoona City, Cedar Twp., Wilson Co., KS for Louis (sic) C. Reynolds¹⁹⁷

   Notes for Lewis Calvin Reynolds:

   1. Lewis C. Reynolds and James Madison Reynolds were fraternal twins.
   2. 1870 US CENSUS
      Ottumwa Township, County of Coffey, State of Kansas
      1st Day of June, 1870, Harrison M. Kelley, Ass't Marshal
      Film Series M593, Roll 431, Pg. 306B

      Line 26-32

      12/14 REYNOLDS, Thomas, 36 M w Farmer, 3,500 IN
      Elizabeth, 31 F w Keeping House IN
      Silas, 11 M w sch IN
      James, 8 M w sch IN
      Lewis, 8 M w sch IN
      Oliver, 5 M w sch IN
      Annis, 1, F, W IN

   3. 1880 US CENSUS
      Ottumwa Twp., Coffey County, State of Kansas
      FHL Film 1254377 National Archives Film T9-0377
      Pg. 415C

      REYNOLDS, Thomas, Self, M m: W, Farmer, 47 IN
      Elizabeth A., Wife F m: W, 42 IN
      Silas H., Son, M s W, 21 IN
      James M., Son, M s W, 19 IN
      Lewis C., Son, M s W, 19 IN
      Oliver P., Son, M s W, 15 IN
      Mary A., Dau. F s W, 11 IN
      Thomas C., Son, M s W, 4 KS

   4. 1900 US CENSUS
      Burlington Township, Coffey Co, KS
      Burlington City, Des Moines St., no house #
      June 4 & 5, 1900
      

      Pg. 32, Sheet 3B
      Lines 54-58; ED 34

      58/57 RENOLDS (sic), Lewis C., head w M June 1859, 40 m: 12 years IN -- -- farmer
      Cora A., wife w F Feb. 1870, 30 m: 12 years, 3ch/3living IN OH IN
      Viola M., daughter w F July 1889, 10 s KS IN IN, sch 3 mo.
      James C., son w M Oct 1892, 07 s KS IN IN
      Lewis V., son w M Feb 1895, 05 s KS IN IN

   5. 1910 US CENSUS
      Altoona City, Cedar Twp., Wilson County, Kansas
      27th Day of April, 1910, Michael F. Thom (?), Enumerator
      Film Series T624, Roll 459, Pg. 13

      Adams Street
      Line 84-90

      293/293 WHISLER, Viola, Head F w 20, D, 2ch/2living KS US IN
      Earnest E., Son M w 4, S, KS KS KS
      Mamie P., Dau F w 3, S, KS KS KS
      REYNOLDS, Lewis, Father M w 49 M 22 yrs IN IN IN
      Cora, Mother F w 40 M 22 yrs IN IN IN
      Clinton, Brother M w 17, S, KS IN IN Laborer, Glass Plant
      Benton (sic), Brother M w 15, S, KS IN IN

   6. 1920 US CENSUS
      (No Twp. marked), Altoona City, Wilson County, Kansas
      2nd Day of January, 1920, Mrs. Anna Gradie DeBolt, Enumerator
      Film Series T625, Roll 554, Pg. 58

      Line 39-41

      12/12 REYNOLDS, Louis (sic) C., Head M w 61 m IN IN IN Laborer
      Cora, Wife F w 50 m N OH IN
      Joe, Grandson M w 3 11/12 s KS KS KS

   7. 1930 US CENSUS
      Altoona, Wilson County, Kansas
      21st Day of May, 1930, Frank P. Scott, Enumerator
      Film Series T626, Roll 726, Pg. 1A

      Line 3-4

      2/2 REYNOLDS, Louis (sic) C., Head, owns, $300 value M w 70 m 27 when first married IN IN IN
      Cora A., Wife F w 61 m 19 when first married IN, OH IN

      Line 5-7

      3/ 3 REYNOLDS, Clinton J., Head, owns, $1500 value M w 36 m 24 when first married KS IN IN Laborer, Elevator veteran (WW)
      Leva, Wife F w 32 m 20 when first married KS KS MO
      Bernice O., Dau. F w 10 s sch, KS KS KS

   8. Excerpt from the obituary of Lewis C. Reynolds from the "Neodesha Daily Sun,"
      Monday, February 29, 1932:

      "Lewis C. Reynolds was born near New Castle, Ind., August 20, 1860, and died February 28, 1932, at the family home in Altoona, at the age of 72 years, eight months, and 20 days, after a year or more of illness with kidney trouble."

      Lewis C. Reynolds' obituary also appeared in the "Neodesha Register" newspaper on March 03, 1932:

      "He came with his parents to Kansas when only a small boy and settled in Coffey county, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Cora Combs, April 1, 1888. To this union were born three children, one daughter, Mrs. Viola Reynolds, and two sons, Clint and Vint Reynolds, all of Altoona, who with the wife survive him. He also leaves eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

      Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds and children came to Altoona (KS) 26 years ago and have made their home here since that time.

      Lewis Calvin Reynolds worked as a teamster and farmer. He was a member of the Holiness Church of Altoona, Kansas."

      from the Reynolds Family Files of Ramona (Paget) Reynolds, quoted in Russ & Rhonda (Reynolds) Taylor's Reynolds Family Genealogy files

   9. Lewis Calvin Reynolds' grave marker is located in the Altoona Cemetery, Altoona, Wilson Co., KS.

   More About Lewis Calvin Reynolds:
   Burial: February 29, 1932, Altoona Cemetery (4-25-2), Altoona, Wilson Co., KS^198,199,200
   Census 1: 1870, US Census, Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Thomas Reynolds, father²⁰¹
   Census 2: 1875, Kansas Census lists L. C. as age 14, farmer, born in Indiana and living in Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS.²⁰²
   Census 3: 1880, US Census, Ottumwa Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Thomas Reynolds, father²⁰³
   Census 4: 1885, Kansas Census lists L. C. Reynolds as age 23, born in (Illinois?) and living in California Twp., Coffey Co, KS.²⁰⁴
   Census 5: 1895, Kansas Census lists Lewis C. Reynolds as age 34, born in Indiana and living in California Twp., Coffey Co, KS.²⁰⁵
   Census 6: 1900, US Census, Burlington Twp., Burlington City, Coffey Co, KS²⁰⁶
   Census 7: 1910, US Census, Altoona City, Cedar Twp., Wilson Co., KS for Viola Whisler, daughter²⁰⁷
   Census 8: 1920, US Census, Altoona City, Wilson Co., KS²⁰⁸
   Census 9: 1930, US Census, Altoona City, Cedar Twp., Wilson Co., KS²⁰⁹

   Marriage Notes for Cora Combes and Lewis Reynolds:
   Marriage ceremony, as shown on the Certificate of Marriage, was performed at the residence of Obadiah and Rebecca Annie Combes, Cora Alice Combes' parents, near Lebo, Coffey Co, KS.

10. Ida M. Combes^210,211, b. January 28, 1872, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS²¹²; m. Andrew R. Smith²¹², December 22, 1882²¹²; b. Unknown.

    Notes for Ida M. Combes:

    1. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Ida age 8)

    More About Ida M. Combes:
    Census: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father²¹³

11. Lilly G. Combes^214,215, b. March 10, 1874, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS^216,217,218; d. December 17, 1876, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS^219,220.

    More About Lilly G. Combes:
    Burial: Interred at Lebo Creek Cemetery, Coffey Co, KS²²¹
    Census: 1875, Kansas census lists L. Combs as age 1, at home, born in Kansas²²²

12. Walter Clark Combes^223,224, b. December 01, 1876, Coffey Co, KS²²⁵; m. Lillie Belle Garrett²²⁵, April 21, 1900, Burlington, Coffey Co, KS²²⁵; b. August 1880, Kansas²²⁶.

    Notes for Walter Clark Combes:

    1. 1880 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #7 Walter age 3)
    2. 1900 US CENSUS
       Lincoln Township, Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS
       11th Day of June, 1900, Samuel S. Smith, Enumerator
       Film Series T623, Roll 475, Pg.?

       Line 3-4

       180/188 COMBS, Walter, Head, W M Dec. 1876, 23, married KS Father b. IN, Mother b. IN, Farmer, can read & write, speaks English, rents farm
       Lillie B., Wife, W, F, Aug 1880, 19 m: 0ch KS IN IN, House Work, can read & write, speaks English

    More About Walter Clark Combes:
    Census 1: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father²²⁷
    Census 2: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS²²⁸

    More About Lillie Belle Garrett:
    Census: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS, for Walter Combs, husband

13. Mary M. Combes^229,230, b. August 31, 1880, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS²³¹; m. Arthur A. Porter²³¹, August 16, 1900²³²; b. Unknown.

    Notes for Mary M. Combes:

    1. 1900 US CENSUS (see Obadiah Combs note #9 Mary M. age 19)

    More About Mary M. Combes:
    Census: 1900, US Census, Lincoln Twp., Lebo City, Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father²³³

14. Baby Combes²³⁴, b. February 20, 1883, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS^234,235,236; d. March 07, 1883, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS^237,238,239.

    More About Baby Combes:
    Burial: Interred at Lebo Creek Cemetery, Coffey Co, KS²⁴⁰

15. Felix I. Combes²⁴¹, b. November 1884, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS^241,242,243; d. June 23, 1888, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS^244,245,246.

    More About Felix I. Combes:
    Burial: Interred at Lebo Creek Cemetery, Coffey Co, KS²⁴⁷