Manuscript (pre-1938)
|
| The Fanny Combs Gough Manuscript (pre-1938) |
|---|---|
| A Special Report Prepared by Combs Researcher Loran D. Archer | |
Updated May 1999
You Are Our Visitor since our move.
Please Email Additions and/or Corrections to The Combs Research List
A number of early published reports exist in regard to Enoch Combs I and his descendants; however, most do not include any sources, and the few records located thus far have been insufficient to document this line.
Among those published reports is the following, submitted by Fanny Combs (b bef 1899), widow of Ignatius Pike GOFF, and published in 1938 in the Register of Maryland’s Heraldic Families:
Enoch Combs-Immigrated to Maryland in 1664 with wife Barbara, son Enoch and servant Ann Hawtin. Sur. of 350 acres of Park Hall Manor. Patent Sept 1663
Son William, born in Md. 1672, d-1740 in St. Mary’s Co m-Mary (Tribelly Hatton), who m-Joseph Jenkins after death of Wm Combs.
Their son Enoch Combs 2nd b-__, d-1756, m-1740 Mary Manning, who d-1769
Their son Ignatius Combs, b-1740, d-1790, m-1660-1-Mary Fenwick, dau-of John Fenwick, b-1746,d-1813. Ignatius Combs, Member of Committee of Safety and Association of Freemen. Chairman of Committee to settle boundaries of confiscated lands. Ist Lieut. , Revo. War, Archives Vol. 16, page 346. Commission issued Aug 26, 1777.
Their son Lewis Combs, b-1781, d-1819, m-Margaret Ford, 1804, dau-of Capt. Phillip Ford and wife, Eleanor Thompson. Capt . P. Ford with Geo Washington’s Army in retreat across Deleware, said to have caused the retreat. Judge, Orphans´ Court, St. Mary’s Co., 1804-5.
Their son Lewis Cornelius Combs, b-1818, d-1899, m-1848-Mary Eliz. Coad, dau-of Col. Wm Coad of Cherry Fields, St. Mary’s Co., and his wife Eliz. Rodman Smith of Philadelphia, gr. dau-of Hon. Rich. Smith, Member from New Jersey of 1st Continental Congress.
Their daughter-Registrant-Fanny S. Combs, widow of Ignatius Pike Gough.
(Source-Series II of Register of Maryland’s Heraldic Families by Alice Norris Parran, copyright 1938, pages 124-125)
According to the Maryland Historical Society, a Family Bible of the Combs of St. Mary’s MD was supposed to be in Filing Case A at their library. Unfortunately, the bible is not in the file. Instead, four pages of hand-written notes by a transcriber were there. The notes were sketchy and nearly illegible. Most of the dates were missing or noted as “torn”. The bible was deposited Dec 15, 1932 by Mrs. I.P. (Ignatius Pike) GOUGH (Fanny Combs Gough).
In the next folder, however, was a 21-page typewritten paper by Fanny Combs Gough on “Glen Mary” (Originally “Park Hall” Freehold or Neck). In this paper, she extensively documents her sources including references from the Combs family bible. Unfortunately the document is not dated and the library did not have record of the date of receipt. The document is divided into the following sections
LDA Note: I have tried to faithfully transcribe her paper as she wrote it with the only modification being the capitalization of surnames. Where there are blanks or I have questions I have inserted [sic].
Source: #49839 Date unknown Maryland Historical Society Library.
Section 1. Glen Mary
Pages 1-6
The first record of Park Hall Freehold, now known as “Glen Mary”, is found at Maryland Historical Society, Maryland, Calvert Rent Rolls, page 1:
“Garrard’s [sic] Freehold”, alias Park Hall, was surveyed the 21st of April, 1640 for Thomas GERRARD, this land being escheated was granted to Jerome WHYTE., Esq., by the name of Park Hall, 1663. Possesor, Thomas TAYLOR.”
At the Hall of Records at Annapolis, in the Calvert Rent Rolls, Liber 4, folio 152, “Gerrard’s Freehold”. 350 acres, alias Park Hall, patented the 3rd of September, 1663, for 343 acres, at 6 s. 6 d. rent, also recorded in Liber 5, folio 432. Possessors, Robert CHESLEY, 50 acres, Enoch Combs, 300 acres.
Early Settlers´ List at Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md., Liber 4, folio 251. “Hunting Creek” or “Hatton’s Rest”, 250 acres, surveyed 15 March, 1654, for Thomas HATTON, on the east side of St. George’s River (now St. Mary’s River) respecting “Park Hall”. Possessor, James ATTOWAY.
“Hunting Creek”, 200 acres, resurveyed 1665 for Thomas HATTON, between two runs called Hatton’s Fresh and Blue Stone Fresh. Possessor, William AISQUITH. Liber 5, page 615. Laid out for Thomas HATTON, 500 acres, “West Hatton”, 5 July 1663. Attested by John LEWGER, Deputy Surveyor.
Liber 8, folio 505: “Thomas HATTON hath due unto him 200 acres for transporting Thomas PRICE, Thomas EDWARDS, John CHEVERIL and Thomas MILLER into the Province. We hereby grant unto him, the said Thomas HATTON a parcel of land called 'Hunting Neck' in St. Mary’s County lying between two runs called “Hatton’s Fresh”, and one “Blue Stone Fresh”. To have and to hold the said Thomas HATTON and his heirs to be holden of the Manor of St. Mary’s under our hand and seal this 13th day of July, 1663.
“Witness our dear son, Charles CALVERT, our Lieutenant General of the said Province of Maryland.”
Will of Thomas HATTON. Liber 11, folio 127 at Annapolis. 11th day of August 1701. “To daughter Elizabeth HATTON a tract of land called 'Hunting Creek' 250 acres in St. Mary’s County in the Province of Maryland. Whereas I have my Lord Baltimore’s grant of 500 acres which is not yet confirmed. I do order hereby that the Land Company confirm the said land unto a child my wife is now supposed to be with child of. My wife Susannah to have half part of said land during her natural life and after to the child mentioned but should the child not live then said and to go to my daughter Elizabeth HATTON and her heirs. If my child or children should all depart before they come of age then both said tracts of land to my wife Susannah. To brother-in-law John BLACKSTONE my black horse bridle and saddle and pistol and holster. My wife Susannah to be executrix. Signed, Thomas HATTON. Witnesses Clement HILL and William GIBSON.
Codicil declares that he came in possession of 1000 acres of land in Chaptico, St. Mary’s County, “the right of which devolves to me as Heirs of Thomas HATTON, Esq. formerly Secretary of Maryland by deed to 1000 acres and my Lord Baltimore by his agent Henry DARNELL and I have agreed to exchange the land lying in Chaptico Manor for a tract of land called 'Rich Neck' and this codicil to be adjuged part of my Will and that all things contained in it be carried out as I declare.” September 8, 1701. Signed, Thomas HATTON (Seal) and James Keech Dpty Commisr.
Certificate, Liber A.B.H. fol. 392. at Annapolis, 17th day of April 1654: “Lay out for Mr. Thomas HATTON 1000 acres of land at Chaptico according to his lordship’s instructions and for so doing this shall be your warrant. To Mr. Robert CLARKE, Surveyor General or his deputy. (Signed) William STONE.”
Will, St. Mary’s County, Liber P C No. 1, fol. 23, the will of Richard MOY 1st. Immigrant.
“First I will that my just debts be paid. In token that I die a true Roman Catholic I give 3000 pounds of Tobacco to the repairing and paleing of the Chappell at the City of St. Mary’s and 1000 pounds tobacco to my friend Michael FOSTER. All remainder and residue of whatever kind so ever I leave to my beloved wife Elizabeth MOY whom I constitute and appoint my executor not doubting that if she should marry agin that she will make some settlement on my son Daniel not doubting that she will deal tenderly with him.” Probated 19 February 1670. signed, Richard MOY. Witnesses Thomas NOTLEY Daniel JENIFER and Roger PAKE.
Will of Elizabeth MOY, Liber #2, folio 396, at Annapolis, Md., 18 January 1675. In this will she says she is the widow of Richard MOY of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. She mentions her sisters and brothers, Simon, William, Robert and Jane TURPINR of Brantford near London, England. She leaves personalty to various relatives, among them Mrs. Eliz HATTON, wife of Thomas HATTON, and to son Daniel, “now six years of age.” “Residue of estate at eighteen years.” Executors and guardian son Daniel, Henry CAREW, Robert CARVILLE and Clement HILL. Testators, Michael ROCKFORD, Thomas WYNN and Thomas GRIFFIN. (By this will it seems apparent that the Mrs. Elizabeth HATTON referred to above was the first wife of Thomas HATTON and mother of his daughter Elizabeth). In the settlement of the estats of Elizabeth and Richard MOY, deceased August 30, 1679, is the following bill found in Inventory and Accounts, Liber 12, page 125: “To Mr. ELLING (EDELEN) for resurvey of Park hall and the Vineyard and Kent Manor and for clothing for Daniel MOY from 1679 to 1689.” Dated 27 March 1694.
Calvert Rent Rolls, Liber 3, fol. [sic]“ 'Vineyard' surveyed 6 June 1681 for Daniel MOY, an orphan son of Richard MOY.”
William and Mary Parish, St. Mary’s co. Sept . 13, 1695.
“Richard of Daniel and Anne MOY was born September 13, 1695. A true copy from the Register of William and Mary Parish. Per William MORGAN, Register.” (Mrs. I.P. GOUGH is in possession of this record).
Indenture, Liber H No. 5, fol. 177, at Annapolis.
By this deed Richard MOY, Jr., son of Daniel and Anne MOY conveyed Park Hall Neck of Freehold to Cornelius MANNING as follows: “Indenture made March 14, 1720, between me and Cornelius MANNING. “For 80 [pounds sterling] currency I did sell that parcel of land called Park Neck or Freehold lying on the south side of the creek which divides the land of Thomas HATTON lately deceased, then in possession of said Cornelius MANNING. Cornelius MANNING died before the deed was acknowledged and to make the deed good as in his last will he gave to his son Cornelius MANNING part of said Park Hall Neck or Freehold, being the part wheron Henry NOWELL lately lived (and which was since possessed by Archibald JOHNSON, Surgeon.) and he left the remaining part to be equally divided between his daughters Mary MILLS and Ann MANNING the survivor to possess the whole. Whereas: In consideration of the above, I Richard MOY deed to Cornelius MANNING Junior and Mary MILLS and Ann MANNING severally and respectively the same land and premises as above.” Signed, “Richd MOY (Seal).”
Will of Cornelius MANNING, Liber P.C. No. 1, fol. 263, at Leonardtown 10 April 1720.
In this will Cornelius MANNING leaves to his son Cornelius MANNING, Jr., and heirs 50 acres, part of the plantation, Park Hall Freehold, whereon Henry NOWELLL lately lived, now in possession of Dr. JOHNSON, Surgeon. Should son Cornelius die without issue this land is left to his sister. To his two daughters, Mary MILLS and Ann MANNING and their heirs, he left the residue of Park Hall Neck and should either daughter die, survivor to inherit the whole. “To wife Eliza my dwelling plantation, 'Hatton', during her life provided she lives thereon, otherwise John MILLS to take charge of said plantation and son Cornelius until he arrives at the age of 21. Daughter Ann to the care of her grandmother, SHURLEY (SHERCLIFF), and should she refuse to the care of her sister MILLS until she is at the age of sixteen. Wife Eliza and John MILLS, executors. Testators, Mary JOHNSON and William JOHNSON. Probated 1721.” (The law of those days gave to the husband jurisdiction and possession of any land brought to him by his wife in marriage and he could and did dispose of it as he desired).
Cornelius MANNING married Mary WISEMAN, daughter of John WISEMAN, a descendant of Henry [sic] WISEMAN (one of the “Twenty Gentlemen Adventurers”), who came to St. Mary’s in the ARK and DOVE in 1634 with Leonard CALVERT, Governor. John WISEMAN’S Will was recorded in St. Mary’s Co., Md., in Liber P.C. No. 1, page 133. In this Will he mentions his daughter, Mary MANNING, and other children, and devises to his daughter Mary “100 acres of land near Accomac Valley on Patuxent main road.” He names his wife, Katharine [sic], executrix, and son-in-law, Cornelius MANNING, trustee, to see that his will is well managed. Probated July 13, 1704. Mary (WISEMAN) MANNING predeceased her husband and her estate was administered upon by him. Testamentary proceedings, Liber 23, fol. 67, at Annapolis, records the administration account of the Estate of Mary MANNING, late of St. Mary’s County, by Cornelius, bond recorded March 28, 1716. After her death he married Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas HATTON and his wife, Susannah), who survived him and became executrix of his will, with John MILLS, executor. There were no children by wife Elizabeth, and she married as her second husband, William Combs (of whom later).
Testamentary Proceedings, Liber 26, fol. 76. Oct. 9, 1722.
Cornelius MANNING, his account, by William Combs and Elizabeth, his wife, executrix, and John MILLS.
Testamentary Proceedings, Liber 27, fol. 18. 1723/4.
William Combs and John MILLS ask for administration bond of Cornelius MANNING of St. Mary’s County.
Mary, the daughter of Cornelius MANNING by his wife, Mary (WISEMAN) MANNING, married John MILLS before the Will of her father was made in 1720, for in that document he referred to her as Mary MILLS. She was born about 1704 and outlived her husband, who died in 1728. His will was recorded in St. Marys Co., Liber P.C. No. 1, fol. 328, 31 August 1728. In this will he mentions his daughter Mary, son John and wife Mary. To daughter, Mary MILLS, he leaves personalty at marriage. To son John personalty at marriage or age 21, and should either die before that time, survivor to enjoy portion of deceased. Wife Mary, executrix. Witnesses, John GREENWELLL, Henry WINSETT and Cornelius MANNING, Jr.
Inventory, Liber 13. fol. 427. Inventory of Estate of John MILLS of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Nearest of kin, Nicholas MILLS and Susannah MILLS. Creditors, John MILLMAN and Cornelius MANNING, “Then came Mary MILLS, executrix of John MILLS, and made oath that the inventory was correct to the best of her knowledge and belief.” John MILLS was the son of Nicholaus MILLS, who survived his son John only a few months. He left to Grandson John and heirs his dwelling plantation, to revert in case of their death without issue to sister Mary. To his daughter-in-law Mary (MANNING) MILLS, use of the dwelling plantation where she lived during widowhood. Her widowhood lasted only a short time as we find that in 1729 she was the wife of Enoch Combs, and as she was the possessor of 300 acres of Park Hall by will of her father, when she married John MILLS she evidently held possession of that property, for in Debt Books of St. Mary’s Co. 1766, Enoch Combs&scute; heirs are assessed for 300 acres of Park Hall.
Enoch Combs (heirs) 200 acres Grapenall surv. for James JOHNSON.
“ “ “ 300 “ Wilderpool “ “ “ “
“ “ “ 300 “ Park Hall “ “ “ “
Thomas Hatton Combs, Addition to Heart’s delight
“ “ “ Hatton’s Rest surveyed for Thomas HATTON
“ “ “ Friends Discovery
The “Calvert Rent Rolls” referred to lands on which there was a quit rent due to the Lord Proprietor of Maryland on land that had been granted by Lord Baltimore to Early Settlers who brought other colonists into the Province, or for some service rendered to the person transporting them, or for land which the settlers bought.
Section 2. COOMBS, COMBES, Combs
pp. 7-9
The first ancestor of this family of Combs to come to America was Enoch the first, born, according to a deposition, in 1638. (Provincial Court records, FF, page 231). He immigrated to America in 1664 with wife Barbara, son Enoch and Ann HAWTIN, a maid servant; (Early Settlers, Liber 9, page 551). The receipt for the transportation of his family to Maryland in 1664 was in the possession of my family until about 1878, when it was accidentally destroyed.
On the 20th of March, 1664, Enoch Combs demands land for transportation of his wife Barbara, his son Enoch, and Ann HAWTIN. These four rights were sworn to by Enoch Combs “this 20th day of March, 1664, before me.” Attested by Thomas TRUEMANB, Depty. Commr.
Upon the aforegoing assignment George LINGAN had warrant for 300 acres dated the 8th day of April, 1665, returned 19th day of October, 1665. It is quite possible that Enoch Combs had been in America previous to 1664. It was a common practice in those days for young men of good family to come to America and establish themselves, return to England and transport their families, receiving for each 50 acres of land.
Rent Rolls at Maryland Historical Society Library. We have seen by previous records that Gerrard’s Freehold, 343 acres, alias Park Hall, was surveyed the 21st of April 1640 for Thomas GERRARD. This land being escheated to his Lordship was granted to Jerome WHYTE, Esq., by name of “Park Hall”, Anno 1663, of or by a tract called “Vineyard”. Pat’s 10th June, 1665. Possr. Thos. TAYLOR.
In Goldsboro’s Civil List at Maryland Historical Society, page 180, 1665, it is narrated that Baker BROOKE was appointed Sureyor General March 31, 1665, in place of Jerome WHYTE, who left the Province. When Jerome WHYTE left the Province in 1665 he must have sold the property to Richard MOY. I have not found a deed recording this transaction, but Richard MOY, who died in 1670, and his wife in 1675, as we have seen in a settlement of their joint estate in 1679, a bill was sent for the resurvey of “Park Hall”, the “Vineyard”, and “Kent Manor”, and later, in 1720 a deed was given by Richard MOY, II, to Cornelius MANNING’s heirs, for Park Hall, in which he says, “I did sell to Cornelius MANNING”, who had previously been in possession of that property, and also of “Hatton’s Rest”, having married Eliz. HATTON, daughter of Thomas HATTON, after the death of his first wife, Mary WISEMAN, in 1716, the mother of his daughter Mary (MANNING) MILLS.
Rent Rolls, St. Mary’s Co.,[sic, no date] at Maryland Historical Library, show that 200 acres of “Poplar Hill” was surveyed 24 June, 1641, for Richard BANKS and William WRIGHT; 100 acres possessed by Enoch Combs; and 100 acres by George COX.
Rent Rolls St. Mary’s Co., 1707, show “BANKS, 100 acres, surveyed 1648 for Richard BANKS in Poplar Hill Creek, possessed by Enoch Combs.
Testamentary Proceedings, FF, fol. 231. On April 16, 1666, Enoch Combs deposed in court that he was 28 years old or thereabouts and gave evidence the Thomas MAKIN sold to T. GOODRIDGE one man servant, by name, Roger WILLIAMS, to serve five years.
On September 16, 1669, he signed the Will of Richard PRESTON of Patuxent (Testamentary Proc. No. 3, p. 297).
Maryland Archives, Vol. 8, p. 131, records that Enoch Combs signed an address to the King and Queen of England as one of the Protestant subjects of Calvert County, in 1689/90.
Enoch Combs I, died intestate, and there is no record of the date of his decease or that of his wife Barbara. He was living, as we have seen, in 1707. He left two children, of whom we have record: Enoch who was born before 1664, and William after his immigration to Maryland.
Enoch, junior, settled in Prince George’s County (and does not appear further with the St. Mary’s County branch of the family).
Test. Proc. No. 24, p. 310, Annapolis. On February 2, 1720, he was security with Thomas LUCAS in administration of estate of Philip GITTINGS of Prince George’s County, by Ann, his wife. He died before 1726, as we find in Test. Proc. No. 27, p. 371, that Sarah Combs, widow of Enoch Combs of Prince George’s Co., was appointed administratrix of his will and that she made over the administration to James MAGRUDER, 21 Nov. 1726, who had married her daughter Barbara. Sarah Combs died in Prince George’s Co., about 1736. The inventory of her estate was recorded in Prince George’s Co., Feb. 21, 1736.
Section 3. William Combs
pp.9-12
William Combs, second son of Enoch I, was born about 1672 after his parents, Enoch and Barbara, immigrated to Maryland; in a deposition in Chancery Liber P.L. No. 1, p. 750, it is stated: “William Combs, gent., of St. Mary’s county aetat 50 years in 1722.” He was married before 1704; the identity of his first wife is unknown, but by her we know that he had three children: Mary WAUGHOB, who married Thomas WAUGHOB; Eleanor MEDLEY, who married John MEDLEY; and Enoch, who married Mary (MANNING) MILLS, widow of John MILLS. By his second wife, Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas HATTON and Susannah, his wife, whom he married in 1722, he had at least two children: Thomas Hatton and Susannah; and probably William, junior, James and Philip.
Will of William Combs, Liber J.J. No. 1, fol. 116, at Leonardtown, written 3 Oct 1742, is as follows:
“I, William Combs, of St. Mary’s County, gent., *** do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following: First and principally I give my soul into the hands of God my body to be buried in Christian and decent manner by my executrix hereafter mentioned nothing doubting that the general election I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. As touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give, bequeath and dispose the same in manner and form following: Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary WAGHOB one shilling money to be paid in silver by my executrix hereafter mentioned in full for said Mary’s part of my estate together with sundry other valuable goods and chattels she had of me these twenty years last and upwards to the value of a good nigger. Item: I give and bequeth unto my daughter Eleanor MEDLEY one shilling Sterling money to be paid as to the former in full for her part of my estate together with a nigger wench she had of me about thirteen years age called 'Nell' Item I give and bequeath unto my son Enoch Combs one shilling Sterling to be paid as aforesaid in full for his part of my estate together with a nigger wench he had of me about the same time of thirteen years ago called 'Flora' Item I give, will, and bequeath all the rest of my estate the one third part unto my dearly beloved wife Mary Combs after my debts, legacies and funeral expenses are paid and discharged. Item: I give will and bequeath the remaining part of my estate to be equally divided aand distributed between my now five younger children,. viz: Thomas Hatton Combs, Susannah Combs, William Combs Jr., James Combs and Philip Combs, and also I will that if any or either of the said five children should die before he [sic] she or they come to age to enjoy or receive their several and respective portions that then ye child or children so deceased’s part or portion of my estate shall and may be equally divided and shared between the living of any or either of the said five younger children or the longer liver of them or any or either of them anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. And it is also my will and desire that my son Hatton Combs do remain and live with loving wife Mary Combs aforesaid until he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years with all his lands and other estate and portion to be in her possession and hands until that time and also I will and desire that my four younger children that is Susannah, William, James and Philip Combs may live with their mother the said Mary Combs and be instructed ruled and governed by her during their minority with their several respective fortunes and shares of my estate to remain and continue in her hands till they or any or either of them come and arrive to their lawful age as aforesaid ***I make and ordain constitute and appoint my dear and well beloved wife Mary Combs aforesaid my full and sole executrix and do hereby utterly disallow revoke and annul every other testaments, wills, legacys, bequests, and executors by me in ways before this time named, willed, and bequeathed; ratifying, and confirming, this and none other to be my last will and testament. s/ William (His X Mark) Combs (Seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said William Combs as his last will and testament in the presence of us Thomas BROADING, Charles DILLON and Luke CUSACKE the three subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God depose and say that they saw the testator William Combs sign the foregoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be is last will and testament that at the same time of his doing he was to the best of there apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory.
“Sworn to before me Thomas AISQUITH Depty. Commr St. Mary’s County December 20, 1742.”
“The day above the deceased’s widow made her election and accepts of this (the) devisee in the will.”
Inventory Liber 27, fol. 372, Jan. 5, 1742/3, Annapolis. The inventory of the estate of William Combs, late of St. Mary’s County L419. 16 s. and 1 d.
Kin: Enoch Combs. Creditors Thomas BREEDEN and Luke CUSACKS and William CARTWRIGHT.
“March 18, 1742/3 came Joseph JENKINS and Mary his wife and made oath that above was correct.” Before Thomas AISQUITH, Depty. Commr.
The widow, after his death married Joseph JENKINS and left a will as Mary JENKINS. Liber J.J. No. 1. fol. 453, Leonardtown. Sept. 30, 1788, the will of Mary JENKINS: Granddaughter, Susannah SPALDING, granddau. Susannah Combs, Dau. of Philip Combs, grandson Robert Combs, brother of Susannah, also two other brother of Susannah, grandau. Treasy Combs, sons John JENKINS, Joseph JENKINS, Augustus JENKINS and Edmund Courtney JENKINS, dau. Susannah COOPER, granddaus. Anne Combs and Elizabeth Combs. Legact to Rev. John BOARMAN. Executors; John JENKINS and Edmund C. JENKINS.
William Combs mentions no land in his will. It is possible that he married a daughter of James JOHNSON and in that way his son Enoch came in possession of the two tracts of land, which were surveyed by James JOHNSON in 1637 (who went to Virginia), 200 acres of “Grapenall” and 300 acres of “Wilderpool”. We find no conveyance of them, but as we have seen, the Debt Books show Enoch Combs´ heirs in possession of them in 1766. There is no record of the death of William’s first wife, the mother of his oldest children, but we know that he married Elizabeth (HATTON MANNING about 1722. the following references prove that: Test. Proc. Liber 26, fol. 67, Oct. 9, 1722, Cornelius MANNING “his account by William Combs and Elizabeth his wife executrix and Joh MILLS.” Accounts Liber 12, p. p. 40, Annapolis. “The account of William Combs and Elizabeth his wife and John MILLS executors of Cornelius MANNING of St. Mary’s County lately deceased. Balance L 482, 2 s. 2 d. August 13, 1722. Then came William Combs and Elizabeth his wife and John MILLS and made oath upon the Holy Evangel to the above account the day and year above written. John BAKER, Depty. Commr.”
William Combs’ second wife Elizabeth (HATTON) MANNING was the mother of his son Thomas Hatton Combs whom William in his will request that he live and remain with his wife Mary until he is twenty-one. It is also probable that Elizabeth was the mother of Susannah Combs.”
Section 4. ENOCH Combs, of “Glen Mary”
pp. 13-16
Enoch Combs, oldest son, of William Combs, was born about 1708. He married in 1729 Mary MANNING, daughter of Cornelius MANNING and widow of John MILLS. He thereby came into possession of 300 acres of “Park Hall”, which was left to his wife and her sister Anne by her father, Cornelius MANNING, the survivor to possess the whole. This estate was administered upon by his wife and Enoch Combs. Accounts, Liber 10, p. 180. “The account of Enoch Combs and Mary, his wife, executrix of the last will and testament of John MILLS of St. Mary’s Co., deceased. Paid to Elizabeth and Mary NEVITT, orphans, Feb 20, 1729, then came Enoch Combs and Mary his wife the foregoing accountants.”
From Family Bible (in possession of Mrs. I.P. Gough) “Enoch Combs died June 4, 1756.” Leaving wife Mary and children, Enoch, William, Ignatius and Bennett: Will of Enoch Combs, Liber J.J. No. 1, folio 334, at Leonardtown. “I, Enoch Combs of St. Mary’s County being sick in body but of sound mind and memory thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life do ordain, constitute and appoint this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all former other wills by me heretofore made, in manner and form following that is to say; Imprimis: “I give and bequeath to my two sons Enoch Combs and William Combs all the land I now live on as also that tract of land I bought of Basil BROOKE, to them and their heirs forever the said land to be divided by my son William by running a straight line from the land whereon James PIKE now lives to the land of Captain John Attoway CLARKE whereon Leonard GREENWELL now lives lying on Potamach river side and then I will that my son Enoch have his first choice of said land and its my will and devise that if either of my sons Enoch or William shall die without issue lawfully begotten then said land belonging to my son who shall so die shall become the right and property of my son Bennett and his heirs forever, my said son Bennett shall make over to my son Ignatius (if then living) and his heirs forever all his right which I by this will give him to my part of two lots lying in Leonardtown as also my right to ten acres of land thereto adjoining which I attached as effects of Thomas BLACKHURST and if it should happen that both my said sons Enoch and William should die without issue lawfully begotten then my will and desire is that the said land be equally divided between my surviving sons to them and their heirs forever I give and bequeath to my son Enoch the following negroes and their increase to wit: Rhode, Philip, Agnes, Teresa, Matthew and James. Item: I give and bequeath to my son Bennett Combs my part of two lots in Leonardtown and ten acres of land thereto adjoining which I attached as the effects of Thomas BLACKHURST on the terms as aforesaid to him and his heirs forever as also the following negroes and their increase to wit Matthias, Daniel, Henrietta, Rachel, Harry and George. Item: I give and bequeth to my dearly beloved wife Mary Combs the following negroes to wit: Old Tom, Betty, Old James, Pegg, Peter and Lucy them and their increase to her and her heirs forever. Lastly I do hereby appoint and nominate my dearly beloved wife Mary Combs and my son Enoch Combs to be my whole and sole executrix and executor of this my last will and testament. As witness my hand and seal this 18th day of April Anno domini 1756.
(Signed) Enoch Combs (SEAL)
Signed, sealed, published and declared in due form of law by the testator the day and year aforesaid in the presence of us the subscribers the William WILLIAMS, Nicholas MILLS, and James ROACH the subscribing witnesses to the aforesaid will being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangel of Almighty God depose and say that they saw the testator Enoch Combs sign the foregoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament and at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory and that they subscribe their respective names as witnesses to the said will in the presence of the testator and at his request. Sworn to before me Thomas AISQUITH Depty Commr, of St. Marys County, July 6, 1756. The day and year aforesaid the deceased’s widow made er election and stands to the will as to the personal estate and takes her thirds of the real estate. (Signed) Thomas AISQUITH, Depty, Commr.”
Inventory No. 62, page 127. The inventory of estate of Enoch Combs, late of St. Mary’s County, deceased. Appraisers, James ROACH and John COLE. Creditors, William WILLIAMS and Henry JERNEGAN. Kin, Mary WAUGHOP and Eleanor MEDLEY (his sisters). Representatives are the widow and Enoch of full age, born December 30, 1733/4, died 1761 (Family Bible). Ignatius about 18 (Family Bible born Nov. 24, 1740); Bennett about 10 (Family Bible June 10, 1745). Distribution of Estate of Enoch Combs late of St. Mary’s County, deceased by Mary, Executrix. Nov. 2, 1757.
Mary though owning 300 acres of Park Hall Freehold when she married Enoch Combs according to the custom of the day he devised the property in his will to his sons Enoch and William and to Bennett two lots in Leonardtown and ten acres adjoining, with reversion to Ignatius.
Mary, the wife of Enoch Combs, born about 1704, died March 21, 1769. She was the widow of John MILLS whom she married before April 21, 1721, when her father Cornelius MANNING’S will was probated. By this marriage she had two children, John and Mary MILLS. She was executrix with Enoch Combs of the estate of John MILLS in 1729. The will of Nicholas MILLS, her father-in-law, gives some idea of where she lived as widow of John MILLS: “To daughter-in-law Mary MILLS use of land where she lives during her widowhood to wife Elizabeth use of dwelling plantation from path leading from home of daughter-in-law, Mary MILLS, to the head of Floods Creek.” Mrs. GOUGH has in her possession the receipts given by Enoch and William Combs to their mother for their part of their father’s estate. These receipts are dated May 5 [sic], 1758, and May 15, 1759, respectively, and read: “May 15 1758 Then received of Mary Combs executrix of Enoch Combs, deceased all my demands against Enoch Combs estate beginning of the world to this day I say received per me.” (Signed) William Combs. “May 15, 1759, Then received of Mary Combs executrix of Enoch Combs, deceased all my demands against the said Enoch Combs estate. Witness my hand, Enoch Combs.”
Mary Combs died March 21, 1769. Her will was made Nov. 8, 1768. Before her death she deeded to her son Ignatius Combs, on June 10, 1776 [sic], “All her title claim and estate for 200 pounds sterling and in consideration of maternal love and affection which said Mary hath and doth bare unto her son hath granted all her interest to Ignatius Combs to that tract or parcel of land called Park Hall Neck or Freehold, Lord Proprietors right only excepted.” Alienation money received for his Lordship’s use by Benjamin YOUNG, Clerk.
Section 5. Ignatius Combs, of “Glen Mary”
pp. 16-18:
Ignatius, son of Enoch and Mary (MANNING) MILLS Combs, born at Park Hall Freehold November 24, 1740, married September 3, 1760, Mary FENWICK, born March 10, 1746 (Family Bible) the daughter of John FENWICK and Monica FORD of Robert FENWICK and Susannah FORD of Cuthbert FENWICK and Elizabeth BROOKE of Richard FENWICK and Dorothy PLOWDER; born about 1650, son of Cuthbert FENWICK I, born in Northumberland County, England, married Jane ELTONHEAD Morrison in 1649, who died in St. Mary’s County December 12, 1660. Cuthbert FENWICK came over in the ARK and DOVE in 1634 with Leonard CALVERT, Governor. Ignatius Combs, as above stated, came in possession of Park Hall Freehold by deed from his mother. He also by purchase and inheritance owned much other land and slaves. “Joseph WOOD and Ann his wife deed Cole Harbor to Ignatius Combs.” Alienation money 2 shillings received by D. WOLSTENHOLME. Deeds, Liber B.Y. No. 1, folio 364, November 20, 1761.
Ignatius Combs was a man of wealth and influence in the Province. He was appointed a member of the Commission of Safety and Correspondence June 5, 1776 (original commission in possession of the family) and also commissioned First Lieutenat in the Revolutionary War August 26, 1777 (Archives of Maryland, Vols. 16, p. 346). After the Revolution he was appointed Chairman of a Committee to settle boundaries of confiscated lands in St. Mary’s County. (Depositions in possession of Mrs. I.P. GOUGH). He died at Park Hall Freehold October 10, 1790, in his fiftieth year (Family Bible). His will was made Sept. 16, 1790, and probated Feb. 8, 1791; Liber J.J. No. 1, folio 520, Leonardtown. Abstract of will: he left to his oldest son, Enoch, the home land, Park Hall Freehold, and two negroes after death or marriage of his mother or any time when his mother may think proper in her wisdom to give him. To son Bennett “Cole Harbor”, “Jarboe’s Discovery”, “Stratford”, and “Addition to Stratford”. Should Bennett die without heirs this land to go to son Perry. He also leaves to Bennett two negroes, and to Samuel, two negroes and land where Enoch now lives at marriage or death of his mother, and if he dies without heirs, to son Cornelius. To his six children, Lewis, Cornelius, John Perry, Monica, Mildred and Eleanor, all remainder to be apportioned to them by their mother as she may think proper to give them. To wife Mary the whole estate, real and personal, during widowhood. “Should she marry she is to have no part of my estate for it shall be given to my children as before mentioned. I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Mary executrix in administration of my estate. In witness whereof I hereby set my hand and affix my seal this 16th day of September 1790. Witnesses: Pobert CHESLEY, William LILBURN and John ARMSTRONG. Signed, Ignatius Combs. Attested by Jeremiah JORDAN, Register of Wills, St. Mary’s County.”
Ignatius Combs and Mary (FENWICK) Combs had 13 children, of whom three died in infancy. They are:*
Enoch born Dec. 30, 1763; married Ann ROACH 22 Jan 1787; died Dec. 9, 1825.
John, b. Oct 26, 1765; died in infancy.
John, b. Jan. 26, 1767; he also died in infancy.
Monica, b. Nov. 2, 1768; died in infancy.
Monica, the second, b. Nov. 5, 1769; married Benjamin WILLIAMS July 30, 1815; d. Jan. 25, 1841, aged 72.
Chloe, b. Feb 3, 177_. [sic]
Mildred, b. Feb. 25, 1775; d. Jan . 21, 1842.
Bennett, b. May 20, 1776; died in the West Indies 1795.
Samuel, b. Aug 30, 1778; died at St. Francisville, La., Nov. 17, 1814; aged 36.
Lewis, b. Jan. 30, 1781; m. Margaret FORD Feb 6, 1805; d. July 21, 1819.
Cornelius, b. March 2, 1783; died in New Orleans Feb 9, 1815 from effects of wounds received in Battle of New Orleans. [sic]
Eleanor, b. Oct. 29, 1788; d. Dec. 1790.
Mary (FENWICK) Combs survived her husband and died Jan 5, 1813, in the 67th year of her age. Bible Records, seen and vouched for by Mr. Tilghman MORGAN, “Governor of the ARK and DOVE” and a photostat copy given him by Mrs. I.P. GOUGH on July, 1944.
Section 6. Cornelius Combs, of “Glen Mary”
pp. pages 18-20:
Cornelius Combs, known as “Colonel Cornelius Combs”, to whom, as we have seen, his father left the reversion of his home plantation in case of the death of his brother Enoch without issue. Enoch survived all his brothers except Cornelius, the youngest. Enoch had married Ann ROACH 22 Jan. 1787 and removed from his mother’s home leaving the management of his father’s plantation to his brother Cornelius: After his mother’s death he deeded the entire estate to Cornelius: “As witness 9th day of November in the year of our Lord 1825 by indenture between Enoch Combs of St. Mary’s County in Maryland of one part and Cornelius Combs of same county of the other part witnesseth that the said Enoch for four thousand five hundred dollars current money hath given granted etc, unto the said Cornelius all that piece or parcel of land being part of a larger tract called Park Hall and whereon the said Cornelius now dwells containing 320 acres more or less November 19, 1825.” “Then received to be recorded the same day in Liber J.H. No. 7, folio 327 and 328 one of the Land Records of St. Mary’s County and examined by me. Jos. Harris, Clerk.”
Col. Cornelius Combs, a bachelor, resided at the home plantation with his mother and unmarried sisters. His mother died in 1813; his sister, Monica, a widow, and his sister Mildred, managed the household and took charge of their two orphan nephews, Dr. Philip Ford Combs and Lewis Cornelius Combs, whose father Lewis, and mother Margaret (FORD) Combs, had died within a year of the latter’s birth, and Col. Cornelius Combs became the guardian and foster father of his namesake, Lewis Cornelius Combs, Col. Combs was one of the incorporators of the school known as St. Mary’s Seminary, the chairman of the Board, and the first treasurer. He was also colonel of a company of volunteers in Col. Ignatius FENWICK’s regiment during the Mexican War. The roster of his company is now in the possession of his great-great nephew, Cornelius Combs BOND. Col. Combs was a man of such high principles that he won the esteem and respect of all with whom he came in contact; he never refused a plea for help by those more unfortunate than himself, and possessing a competent fortune he spent with an open hand, lent money, went security and extended other forms of finacial assistance to many who solicited his help. In that period before the War between the States there were no casualty or trust companies to take care of borrowers, and Col. Cornelius Combs’ standard of honesty was so high that he could not realize the necessity of demanding collateral from those who applied to him for aid, and, consequently, when he died, though owing no legitimate personal debts, his estate was swamped and the home plantation, Park Hall Freehold, (then called “Glen Mary”), which he had devised to his nephew, Lewis Cornelius Combs, had to be sold, and the land which had been in possession of his family since about 1700 passed out of the hands of the family. Col. Combs died October 10, 1865, in the eighty-third year of his age, having outlived all of his large family of brother and sisters.
The change in the name from Park Hall Freehold to Glen Mary was made when my father, Lewis Cornelius Combs, married my mother, Mary Elizabeth COAD, daughter of William COAD of Cherryfields; she became such a favorite of Col. Combs that, as a compliment to her, the latter renamed the place “Glen Mary.”
Recently “Glen Mary” became the property of Mrs. Heath STEELE of New York, under whose skillful management the place oncre more became a spot of beauity and interest. Signed: Mrs. Fanny Combs GOUGH.
Section 7. LEWIS Combs of “Glen Mary”
Lewis Combs, son of Ignatius and Mary (FENWICK) Combs, was born at “Park Hall Freehold” January 20, 1781, and died July 21, 1819 (Family Bible). He married, Feb. 6, 1805, Mary Delia FORD, b. 1790 (Brumbaugh, p. 227), dau. of Capt. Philip FORD of Leonardtown, MD., who was the son of John FORD and Henrietta NEALE. He was captain of a company, according to family tradition, that assisted in covering Washington’s retreat across the Delaware. He was a member of the Maryland Militia, p. 17) [sic]. He signed the Patriots´ Code in 1778. Archives of Maryland, Vol. 16, p. 356. “March 14, 1778. Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland.
“Present as on yesterday.
“Philip FORD, Gerrard SISSELL and James THOMPSON of St. Mary’s County, took the oath of fidelity and support to the State according to the late Act and Certificate given.” he also served as Judge of the Orphan’s Court of St. Mary’s County, 1804 and 1805. Captain Philip FORD married Mary Eleanor THOMPSON, b. Oct. 16, 1748 (St. Andrew’s Church Records, St. Mary’s County. p. 26), the daughter of James THOMPSON and his wife, Eleanor NEALE.”
Lewis Combs and Margaret D. FORD had two sons: Dr. Philip Ford Combs, b. 1816, d. Oct. 29, 1878; Lewis Cornelius Combs, b. Aug. 25, 1818, d. June 19, 1899. it has been already seen that both parents died before the latter was a year old. The record of the death of their mother is recorded in the register of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Md., viz.: “Buried March 2, 1819, in Newton Graveyard Margaret Combs, wife of Lewis Combs, maden name, FORD, daughter of Captain Philip FORD.”
Section 8. LEWIS CORNELIUS Combs, of “Glen Mary”
Lewis Cornelius Combs, younger son of Lewis and Margaret (FORD) Combs, was left an orphan by the death of his parents when he was less than a year old and was adopted by his uncle, Col. Cornelius Combs, who raised him as his heir, and at his death on November [sic]10, 1865, devised him the home plantation, then called “Glen Mary.” He was educated at St. Mary’s College, Baltimore, where he pursued a classical course, graduating from that institution in 1836, a Latin scholar and historian of considerable note. He succeeded his uncle as one of the trustees of St. Mary’s Seminary, and remained in that capacity until his death in 1899, when his son Arthur C. Combs, followed him on the Board. He married at St. Inigoe’s Church, July 11, 1848 (Brumbaugh’s Maryland Records, p. 331), Mary Elizabeth COAD, dau. of Col. William COAD of Cherryfields, St. Mary’s County, and his wife Elizabeth Rodman SMITH, dau. of Hon. Richard SMITH, a deputy from Burlington, N. J., Sept. 3, 1774, to the First Continental Congress, and author of a diary of its proceedings, March 30, 1776; his signature appears on the first issue of the Continental Currency.
Lewis Cornelius Combs and his wife were the parents of eight children, four boys and four girls, all of whom were born at the ancestral home on the St. Mary’s River.
___
The “Calvert Rent Rolls´ referred to lands on which there was a quit rent due to the Lord Proprietor of Maryland, on land that had been granted by Lord Baltimore to Early Settlers, who brought other colonists into the Province, or for some service rendered to the person transporting them, or for land which the settlers bought.
Additional Comments by Combs Researcher & Transcriber Loran D. Archer:
(1) In re Section 1: In her discussion of Cornelius MANNING’S will dated 10 April 1720 she states:
“Cornelius MANNING married Mary WISEMAN, daughter of John WISEMAN, a descendant of Henry [sic] WISEMAN (one of the “Twenty Gentlemen Adventurers”), who came to St. Mary’s in the ARK and DOVE in 1634 with Leonard CALVERT, Governor.” 133.
I had placed a sic behind the name Henry. The name Henry is a common error that has come down through the years and is repeated in a number of “authoritative” books such as “History of Maryland” by J. Thomas Scharf, 1879. They usually state that Leonard and George CALVERT were accompanied on the vessels, the Ark and the Dove, by twenty gentlemen adventurers, including “ Henry WISEMAN, son of Sir Thomas WISEMAN, Knight” The first listing of the names, using this exact language was in the book “A Relation of Maryland” published in the late 1600’s describing the voyage of the Ark and the Dove.
Harry Wright Newman in a footnote on page 273 of “The Flowering of the Maryland Palatine”, published by author, 1961 states “Although the list published in “A Relation of Maryland” prints his name as 'Henry Wiseman, son of Sir Thomas Wiseman, Knt”, all evidence indicates that his name was inadvertently written Henry instead of Robert, similar to the printing of the Christian name of Thomas Greene, Esq, as Henry....It is also significant to note that no son by the name of Henry is listed for Sir Thomas Wiseman of Canfield, Essex, Knt. who died in 1624, but a son Robert appears as his son in the Visitation.”
I have a copy of “The Visitation of Essex, 1558.” pages 129-130 which shows John WISEMAN, son of Robert WISEMAN of Castle Canfield Hall in Essex, son of Thomas WISEMAN of Canfield and Alice da. and h. to Robert MYLLES of Sutton in Suffolk and verifies Harry Wright Newman’s statement.
The Maryland Calender of Wills abstract shows: WISEMAN, Robert, (nunc.) St. Mary’s Co. ___ ___ ___; 16th Apr. 1650. Son John WISEMAN, sole legatee. Ex. Jos. CELOURE, Celowe. Test: Jos. CELOURE. I believe that the documentation that I have cited supports the name of Robert WISEMAN, as son of Sir Thomas WISEMAN and father of John WISEMAN b. ? d. ca 1704 and grandfather of Mary WISEMAN, b. ? d. bef 17 Jun 1719, who married Cornelius MANNING, and great grandfather of Mary MANNING who married 1) John MILES and 2) Enoch Combs and great-great-grandfather of Enoch Combs, b. 30 Dec 1733/4 d. Jan 1761, William Combs b. ? d. bef 4 Apr 1774, Ignatius Combs b. 24 Nov 1740 d. 10 Oct 1790 and Bennett Combs b. 10 Jun 1745 d. ?
I have listed Bennett Combs death as ? since I do not have documentation which clarifies which Bennett Combs is the son of Enoch Combs and Mary MILES MANNING. Is it the Bennett Combs who died in 1802 in St. Mary’s Co. MD or is it the Bennett Combs, from St. Mary’s Co. Md, who died in 1801 in Pendleton SC?
(2) In re Section 3: Mrs. GOUGH’S statement “By his second wife, Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas HATTON and Susannah, his wife,” is in conflict with her later statement on pg. 5 in her discussion of Cornelius MANNING, “After her [Mary WISEMAN] death he married Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas HATTON and his wife, Susannah)”. Based on the names of William Combs and Elizabeth HATTON’S first two children, Thomas Hatton Combs and Susannah Combs I believe that Elizabeth HATTON was the daughter of Thomas HATTON and Susannah BLACKSTONE. I believe that the Elizabeth mentioned as Cornelius MANNING I’s wife in his will and described as married to William Combs in the estate inventory and the Mary mentioned in William Combs will are the same person, since in the will he states that his son Hatton and his four other younger children, Susannah, William, James and Philip, should live with their mother Mary Combs. She may have been Elizabeth Mary HATTON and used both names, Elizabeth and Mary.
(3) In re Section 4: The listing of children is erroneous, possibly typographical.* Fanny wrote that 13 children were born to Ignatius & Mary FENWICK Combs, but listed only 12. The entry for Cornelius states that: “Cornelius, b. March 2, 1783; died in New Orleans Feb 9, 1815 from effects of wounds received in Battle of New Orleans.” This conflicts with the next section which is on CORNELIUS Combs who died 10 Oct 1865. According to Combs Researcher Linda Bloomfield, who was able to examine the original Combs Bible at the Maryland Historical Society on April 14, 1995, D. Perry Combs, the missing 13th child omitted from the ms., is listed in the bible as born July 10, 1785, d 09 Feb 1815. The records of veterans of the War of 1812 should also be checked, particularly given his age, since he may have left heirs.
I am impressed with Fanny Combs GOUGH’S reliance on wills and other primary sources in her research. While I may disagree with some of her comments, based on other sources which where not available to her, her paper is a valuable and well documented source which provides leads for further research on the MD Combs.
Note: Although the descendants of William Combs I of St. Mary’s Co MD are well-documented, additional work still needs to be done in reference William Combs’ status as a son of Enoch Combs I of St. Mary’s County.
To Be Continued…
©1998, Loran Archer;