Thomas Combs (1794-1877)
(s/o Francis COOMES/Combs) of Hampshire Co, VA & Vermillion Co, IN
Prepared from a document submitted by Gary Reynolds
Descendants of Thomas Coomes/Combs
Generation No. 1
Thomas2 Coomes/Combs (Francis1 Coomes/Combs?)1,2,3 was born December 02, 1794 in Hampshire Co, VA4,5, and died May 25, 1877 in Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN6. He married (1) Prudence Blakesley6,7 May 25, 1820 in Adams Co, OH8, daughter of Obed Blakesley and Adah Hart. She was born Abt. 1801 in Connecticut9, and died 1841 in Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN9. He married (2) Sabra/Sarah Ann Lewis Ford10,11 October 06, 1847 in Vermillion Co, IN12,13. She was born Abt. 1806 in Ohio14, and died Abt. 1867 in Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN. He met (3) Julia A. Ford15,16 Unknown, daughter of Jeremiah Ford and Sabra/Sarah Ford. She was born Abt. 1840 in Ohio17, and died May 1861 in Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN18.
COMBS, Thomas
Free White Males, Of sixteen & under twenty-six, including heads of families: 1,
No. engaged in Agriculture?: 1
Excerpt from notes for Thomas Combes in Ancestry.com (File# F4326): Marriage Record for Thomas Combes and Prudence Blakesley is located in the Adams County, Ohio Marriage Book 3, p. 11.
1830 US CENSUS
County of Vermillion, State of Indiana
(no date listed)
Film Series M19, Roll 26, Pg. 474
Line 10
Thomas
Males:
2 (Under 5), 1 (5 & under 10), 1 (20 & under 30)
Females:
1 (5 & under 10), 1 (20 & under 30)
In 1831, Thomas Combs was awarded a Land Patent in Vermillion Co, IN, as follows:
Accession/Serial #: IN0060__.018 BLM Serial #: IN NO S/N
Names
Patentee: THOMAS COMBES
Survey
State: INDIANA
Acres: 80
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 12/31/1831
Land Office: Vincennes
Cancelled: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 2547
Accession/Serial Nr.: IN0060__.018
BLM Serial Nr.: IN NO S/N
Aliquot
Parts Sec./
Block Township Range Fract.
Section Meridian State Counties Survey
Nr.
In 1837, Thomas Combs received a second Land Gant in Vermillion Co, IN, as follows:
Accession/Serial #: IN2080__.480 BLM Serial #: IN NO S/N
Names
Patentee: THOMAS COMBES
Survey
State: INDIANA
Acres: 40
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 11/7/1837
Cancelled: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 13077
Accession/Serial Nr.: IN2080__.480
BLM Serial Nr.: IN NO S/N
Aliquot
Parts Sec./
Block Township Range Fract.
Section Meridian State Counties Survey
Nr.
1850 US CENSUS
Helt Township, Vermillion County, State of Indiana
November 9, 1850
Film Series M432, Roll 177, Pg. 44
Line 8-15
616/621 COMBS, Thomas, age 50 M white, farmer, Value of Real Estate owned? 450 OH
Sabra A., age 44 F OH
Ada, 14 F OH
Pary, 13 M IN
William, 12 M IN
Julia A., 10 F IN
Martha, 10 F IN
Mary, 4/12 F IN
1860 US CENSUS
Helt Twp., County of Vermillion, State of Indiana
6th Day of July, 1860, James M. Hood, Ass't Marshal
P.O. Clinton
Film Series M653, Roll 303, Pg. 177
Line 22-27
560/564 COMBS, Thomas, 65 M Farmer, 1,248/430 VA
Sarah (sic), 44 F OH
Mary, 10 F IN
Amilda, 7 F IN
FORD, Julia, 20 F OH
FORD, Martha, 20 F OH
Excerpt from notes for Thomas Combes in Ancestry.com (File# F4326): Obituary of Thomas Combes from the "Hoosier State", May 31, 1877, p.2, col. 2., reads as follows:
"Thomas Combs, of Helt Township died Friday last at the advanced age of 82 years. Mr. Combs has been a resident of the county for many years. He was not possessed of much of the worldly goods, but endeavored to deal honestly and squarely with his fellow man."
More About Thomas Coomes/Combs:
Census 1: 1820, US Census, Meigs Twp., Adams Co, OH19
Census 2: 1830, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN20
Census 3: 1840, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN21,22
Census 4: 1850, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN23
Census 5: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN24,25
Land Patent 1: December 31, 1831, BLM Accession/Serial Nr.: IN2080__.480, Doc. Nr.: 254726
Land Patent 2: November 07, 1837, BLM Accession/Serial Nr.: IN2080__.480, Doc. Nr.: 1307726
More About Prudence Blakesley:
Census 1: 1810, Federal census lists Obed Blakeslee as having a daughter of age "under 10" and living with her family in Hampden Twp., New Haven County, Connecticut27
Census 2: 1820, Federal census lists the wife of Thomas Combs as age "of 16 and under 26" and living in Meigs Twp., Adams County, Ohio.28
Census 3: 1830, Federal census lists the wife of Thomas Combes as age "of 20 and under 30"29
Census 4: 1840, Federal census lists the wife of Thomas Combs as age "of 30 and under 40"30
Notes for Sabra/Sarah Ann Lewis Ford:
Sabra A. Ford Combs is shown in 1850 Census data for Thomas Combs.
More About Sabra/Sarah Ann Lewis Ford:
Census 1: 1850, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, husband31
Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, husband32
More About Julia A. Ford:
Census 1: 1850, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, stepfather33
Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, stepfather34
Children of Thomas Coomes/Combs and Prudence Blakesley are:
Lucinda3 Combs35, b. Abt. 1822, Prob. Meigs Twp., Adams Co, OH36; d. Unknown; m. Amos Conley37, November 05, 1841, Prob. Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN37; b. Abt. 1813; d. Unknown.
Notes for Lucinda Combs:
More About Lucinda Combs:
Census: 1830, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father38
Levi Combs39, b. Abt. 1826, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN40; d. Unknown; m. Susan J. Cole41, June 02, 1859, Vermillion Co, IN41; b. 1837, Kentucky41; d. Unknown.
More About Levi Combs:
Census 1: 1830, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father42
Census 2: 1850, US Census, Center Twp. No. 3, Appanoose Co, IA, for Obadiah Combs, brother43
Francis C. Combs44, b. February 25, 1830, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN45; d. June 01, 1902, Vermillion Co, IN45; m. Mary Ann Steele45, December 23, 1852, Centerville, Appanoose Co, IA45; b. Abt. 1832, Indiana45; d. June 14, 1917, Seattle, King Co., WA45.
More About Francis C. Combs:
Burial: Aft. June 01, 1902, Interred at Heath Carrie Cemetery, Vermillion Co, IN45
Census 1: 1830, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father46
Census 2: 1850, US Census, Center Twp., Appanoose Co, IA, for Obadiah Combs, brother47
Military service: Bet. 1861 - 1865, Francis C. Combes served in Company C, 123 Regiment, of the Indiana Infantry.48
Ada Combs49, b. Abt. 1836, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN50; d. Unknown.
More About Ada Combs:
Census: 1850, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father51
William Combs52, b. Abt. 1838, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN53; d. Unknown.
More About William Combs:
Census: 1850, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father54
Children of Thomas Coomes/Combs and Sabra/Sarah Ford are:
Mary Syrilda3 Combs55, b. March 08, 1850, Dana, Vermillion Co, IN55,56; d. Unknown.
More About Mary Syrilda Combs:
Census 1: 1850, US Census, Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father57
Census 2: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father58
Minerva Amilda Combs58,59, b. Abt. 1852, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN60; d. Unknown.
More About Minerva Amilda Combs:
Census: 1860, US Census, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN, for Thomas Combs, father60
Child of Thomas Coomes/Combs and Julia Ford is:
Frederick Perry Ford3 COMBS61, b. May 24, 1861, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN61; d. June 193461.
Generation No. 2
Obadiah/Obediah3 Combs/Combes (Thomas2 Coomes/Combs, Francis1 Coomes/Combs?)62,63,64,65,66 was born November 10, 1827 in Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN67, and died March 10, 1909 in California Twp., Coffey Co, KS68. He married (1) Louisa Jane Hutchinson69,70,71,72 November 26, 1846 in Newport, Vermillion Co, IN73,74. She was born Abt. 1830 in Indiana75, and died Bet. 1862 - 1865 in Helt, Vermillion Co, IN76. He married (2) Rebecca Annie WISE77,78,79,80,81 November 01, 1865 in Vermillion Co, IN82, daughter of William WISE and Priscilla HINES. She was born September 09, 1842 in Rockville, Vermillion Co, IN83, and died April 30, 1934 in California Twp., Coffey Co, KS84,85.
Notes for Obadiah/Obediah Combs/Combes:
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)
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.
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
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
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.)
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
"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)
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
"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:
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:
Rebecca A. (Wise) Combes is named in the US Census reports 1870, 1880 and 1900 with the Notes for Obadiah Combes.
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:
Francis Emery4 Combes102,103,104, b. Abt. 1848, Prob. Vermillion Co, IN105.
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
William Monson Combes107,108,109, 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.
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
Lucretia Ann Combes117,118,119, b. October 22, 1852, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN120; m. George Garrett121, July 06, 1873121; b. Unknown.
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
Delila J. Combes124,125,126, b. December 14, 1857, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN127; m. D. C. James128; b. Unknown.
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
Cassius H. Combes131,132,133, b. January 18, 1860, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN134; m. Mary Catherine Middlebush135, September 04, 1883, Burlington, Coffey Co, KS135; b. August 1864, Kansas136.
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
Volney McClelland Combes139,140,141,142, b. January 21, 1862, Helt, Vermillion Co, IN143,144; d. 1928, Larkin, Kearny Co., KS145,146; m. (1) Mary Annis Reynolds147,148, January 24, 1887, Coffey Co, KS149,150; 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.
"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.)
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, father156,157
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
"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."
More About Mary Annis Reynolds:
Burial: Hoover Cemetery (grave #6), south of Lebo, Coffey Co, KS159,160
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:
Burdette W.4 Combes166,167,168, 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.
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
James Edwin Combes173,174,175, b. August 21, 1867, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN176.
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
Cora Alice Combes179,180,181,182, b. February 20, 1869, Helt Twp., Vermillion Co, IN183,184; d. November 11, 1951, Altoona, Wilson Co., KS185; m. Lewis Calvin Reynolds186,187, 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.
Cora Alice (Combes) Reynolds is named in the US Census reports for 1900 with the Notes for Lewis C. Reynolds.
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."
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., KS191,192
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:
Lewis C. Reynolds and James Madison Reynolds were fraternal twins.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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., KS198,199,200
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.
Ida M. Combes210,211, b. January 28, 1872, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS212; m. Andrew R. Smith212, December 22, 1882212; b. Unknown.
More About Ida M. Combes:
Census: 1880, US Census, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS, for Obadiah Combs, father213
Lilly G. Combes214,215, b. March 10, 1874, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS216,217,218; d. December 17, 1876, Lincoln Twp., Coffey Co, KS219,220.
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
Walter Clark Combes223,224, b. December 01, 1876, Coffey Co, KS225; m. Lillie Belle Garrett225, April 21, 1900, Burlington, Coffey Co, KS225; b. August 1880, Kansas226.
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
Mary M. Combes229,230, b. August 31, 1880, California Twp., Coffey Co, KS231; m. Arthur A. Porter231, August 16, 1900232; b. Unknown.
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