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 of Letcher Co., KY

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Letcher Co., KY was established in 1842 from Harlan & Perry Counties. Letcher County is on the Virginia State Line. Adjacent KY counties are Floyd, Harlan, Perry, and Pike. In 1884, Knott was est. from Breathitt, Floyd, Letcher and Perry in 1884.

The Combs &c. Research Group Proudly Presents the First Electronic Edition of the book, "Combs, a Study in Comparative Philology and Genealogy" by Josiah H. Combs, Ph.D., University of Paris, Copyright 1976 by Norris K. Combs, Published by Norris K. Combs, Pensacola, Florida, 1976, reprinted 1979, and Electronically reprinted by the Combs &c. Research Group in 1999, including an Introduction, Full Index, Footnotes and (ultimately) Gedcoms.

See Also Early Combs of East Kentucky (new Apr 1999), the Bible Record of Descendants of Mason & Matilda WATTS Combs, Dickey Diary references to Letcher Co., KY; and the Letcher Co, KY GenWeb, Index to KY Death Certificates and the Combs &c. Research List Archives.

Notes about source for Letcher Co., Ky. Births, Deaths, and Marriages: All Letcher Co, Ky. births, deaths, and marriages with the source ref. code LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc have been transcribed by Sue Elfving from the original images of records microfilmed by the Ky. State Dept. of Libraries and Archives (KDSLA) and made available by Ancestry.com through public library membership. The sources are: (1) orig. - Ky Birth, Marriage and Death Records – (1852-1910), Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Ky Dept for Libraries & Archives, Frankfort, Ky., Ancestry. com Ky Birth Records, 1852-1910; (2) orig - Ky Birth, Marriage and Death Records – (1852-1910), Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Ky Dept for Libraries & Archives, Frankfort, Ky., Ancestry.com. Ky Death Records, 1852-1953; and (3) orig - Ky Birth, Marriage and Death Records – Microfilm (1852-1910). Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Ky Dept for Libraries & Archives, Frankfort, Ky., Ancestry.com Ky Marriage Records, 1852-1914. All information has been transcribed from the original record image. The Combs &c collection of Letcher Co., Ky. Vital Statistics records consist of multiple sources. Vital statistics records were inconsistently kept by Ky. counties beginning in 1852 for several years, again in 1874 for several years, and intermittently until 1911 when the state mandated official recording of births and deaths. Slowly we are compiling all available Vital Statistics records for Letcher Co..

Index to Letcher Co., KY Combs Records
1842-1859
1860-1869
1870-1879
1880-1889
1900-1909
1910-1919
1920-
Cemeteries


21 Jan 1835 (LC-DBA:10) Indenture by and between Hiram WRIGHT to Wesley Combs, both of Letcher County and State of Ky....in consideration of $250 in hand paid...sold parcel of land in Letcher on Smoot Creek...beginning on the north side of smoot on a black oak and three beech...signed Hiram Wright (Seal). Acknowledged by grantor and recorded 21 Jan. 1845. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

NOTES: Although the indenture was dated 1835, the recorder may have made a mistake since the recording date was 10 years later on the same day and month. Also see 30 Sept 1858 deed below.
1843 (Extracted from the 1843 Letcher Co., KY Tax List, Edition published by Letcher Co., KY USGenWeb)

Smoot Creek
Combs, Shadrick
FRAZIER, Solomon
GARNER, William
POLLY, Edward, Jr.
ROARK, Carter
WRIGHT, Hiram

Kentucky River
ADAMS, Absalom, Benjamin, George, Isaac, Jesse (2), Jesse B., John, John B., Lettie, Moses (2), Moses, Sr., Randolph, Solomon, Spencer, Stephen, William (2), William Sr.,
BAILY, James
BATES, John W., John W., Jr.
BENTLEY, Joseph, Lewis, Thomas
BLANKENSHIP, Barnett
BROOKS, Meredith
Combs, Wesley
DAY, David
DEMASTER, John
DIXON, John, Thomas
ESTEP, Cristly
FIELDS, Davis
FRAZIER, Squire
HAMPTON, Jeremiah
HARRIS, Jacob
HOGG, Hiram, James, Kelly
HOLBROOK, William H.
HOLBROOKS, Benjamin, Randolph, William B.
HOLLINSWORTH, Beasley, Squire
HUGHS, John
JENKINS, John W.
LEWIS, Jonathan
POLLY, David, Edward Sr., Henry
ROBERTS, Sampson
SPINCER, Elijah
STAMPER, William B.
SUMNER, James
WEBB, Benjamin, Enoch A., Jason L., Miles M.
WILLIAMS, John
WRIGHT, Joel

Notes: It is not know if the Shadrach Combs above was "Old Shade" (b ca 1784) or his son, Shadrach (b ca 1812). According to The Combes Genealogy, Wesley Combs was John Wesley Combs, son of Shadrach "Old Shade" Combs of Letcher.
1842-1851 (Letcher County, Kentucky Marriages (1842-1851) extracted from Letcher Co., KY, US GenWeb, provided by Researcher Louise N Gaskill) Combs, Willy and SMITH, John, 18??

Notes: John SMITH, son of William SMITH and Millie Combs, m Willie Combs, daughter of Jeremiah "Long Jerry" Combs of Perry Co., KY (d 1843). See also 1850 Perry Co., KY Census
04 Sep 1843 Grantee: Combs, Shadrack; Acres: 50; Book: 11, Page: 493; Date Survey: 9- 4-1843; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Smoot Cr (The Kentucky Land Grants, A Systematic Index to All of the Land Grants Recorded in the State Land Office at Frankfort, Kentucky 1782 -- 1924, Volume 1, Part 1, Willard Rouse Jillson, Sc.D. (Originally published as Filson Club Publications, Number 33, KY, (hereinafter, KLG), p. 1117)
1844 (Letcher County, Kentucky Marriages (1842-1851) extracted from Letcher Co., KY, US GenWeb, provided by Researcher Louise N Gaskill) Combs, Edward and ADAMS, Lydia, 1844 by Rev. John CAUDILL

Notes: Is this an earlier marriage for Edwin [sic] Combs who m 1849, Martha POLLY?
25 Jan 1844 (Letcher County, Kentucky Marriages (1842-1851) extracted from Letcher Co., KY, US GenWeb, provided by Researcher Louise N Gaskill) Combs, Margaret and POLLEY, James
20 June 1844 (LC-DBA:13-14). Indenture between George and Isac ADAMS of the one part and Shadrick Combs of the other part, both of Letcher County...in consideration of the sum of $200 to him the said George Adams paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged...sells and grants land containing 50 acres more or less in Letcher on the waters of Smoot Creek the waters of the North Fork of the Ky. River; also a 2nd track containing 10 acres being part of a 50 acre survey patented in the name of Livingston HAMPTON beginning on a conditional line marked and known and made by George Adams and William Adams on a beech and Buckeye trees on s___side of Smoot Creek...George Adams (Seal), Isaac Adams (Seal). Acknowledged and recorded 21 June 1844. (Source: abs by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

NOTES: Shadrach Combs [Jr] (b 1812), married (1?) Sarah ADAMS, mother of the above George W. (George A. per his 1926 Letcher Co., KY Death Certificate).
31 Dec 1844 (KLG, p.1117): Grantee: Combs, Shadrack; Acres: 50; Book: 15, Page: 232; Date Survey: 12-31-1844; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Smoot Cr
10 Jan 1846 (LC-DBA:50-51) Indenture between John L Combs of Letcher Co of one part of and William JOHNSON, and Simeon JUSTICE and Delpha JUSTICE of the same county and state...for $200 sell and convey to Combs all of real and personal estate of Thomas JOHNSON which belonged to us heirs of said Thomas JOHNSON deceased...and also do "sell and convey to Washington JOHNSON obligation we hold against him for our maintenance to wit - each of us one child's part which part by division is 1/3 of a tract of land containing one hundred and forty-five acres and its appurtenances and 1/3 part - of a Negro woman and child which part fell to us by division and these appurtenances to the said John L Combs his executors heirs and administrators forever to hold..." Signed William Johnson (Seal), Delpha Justice (Seal), Simeon Justice (Seal). Attest: Jahiel Foster, William Smith. Deed produced by John L Combs, proven by William SMITH and recorded 12 Jan 1846. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

NOTES: The John L Combs of this instrument was the s/o of Jeremiah L "Long Jerry" Combs. Delpha Justice was the widow of Thomas Johnson, deceased and Simeon Justice [RW Soldier] was her second husband. William and [George] Washington Johnson were sons of Thomas and Delphia.
19 Jul 1847 (KLG, p.1118) Grantee: Combs, Sharrack [Shadrach?]; Acres: 100; Book: 23, Page: 234; Date Survey: 7-19-1847; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Bee Tree Fk
1848 (Extracted from 1848 Letcher Co., KY Tax List, Letcher Co., KY US GenWeb)

Smoot Creek
Combs, Shadrick
Combs, Shadrick
Combs, Wesley

TroublesomeCreek
Combs, Byram
Combs, Cany?

Cumberland River
Combs, Codern?

Notes: The Smoot Creek Combs were apparently Shadrach Combs I and his two sons, Shadrach II and John Wesley; whereas Biram Combs of Troublesome Creek appears to have been same who m Hannah OWENS. Who were "Cany" and "Codern?"
3 March 1848 (LC-DBA:171). Indenture Hiram WRITE [WRIGHT] to Wesley Combs, both of Letcher..for $200 paid...150 acres in Letcher on Smoot's branch, North fork of the Ky. River. Hiram WRIGHT (Seal), Susanah WRIGHT (Seal). Attest: J E CORNETT, Shadrac Combs. Rec. 2 April 1849. A second deed (p. 172), same parties, for 50 acres on Smoot. Attest: Edward POLLEY, Shadrac Combs. Rec. 3 April 1849. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
28 Sept 1848 (LC-DBA:137). Indenture between Joshua HOOPER of Letcher County to Wesley Combs of same...land in Letcher on the waters of Smoot Creek - branch of Ky. River for (1) $50 in hand paid...50 acre survey at a beech and sugar tree near head of Joseph CORNETTS branch...(2) tract contains 15 acres more or less in Letcher on Smoot...n of a brach of Smoot being part of a 100 acre survey made in the name of Hiram WRIGHT and to have all of that part of said 100 acre survey lying above mouth of said branch...Joshua HOOPER (Seal). Recorded 28 July 1848. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
01 Mar 1849 (Letcher County, Kentucky Marriages (1842-1851) extracted from Letcher Co., KY, US GenWeb, provided by Researcher Louise N Gaskill) Combs, Edwin and POLLY, Patsy, by Rev. John CAUDILL
30 Dec 1849 (KLG, p.1118): Grantee: Combs, Wesley; Acres: 50; Book: 29, Page: 388; Date Survey: 11-30-1849; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Smoot Cr
1850 Letcher Co., KY Census (Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Houser from microfilm)

Schedule page 129

HH 74/74
Stephen POLLY 24 M farmer $150 KY cannot read or write
Nancy 20 F KY cannot read or write
Elizabeth 1 F KY
John Combs 5 M KY

Notes: Who was John Combs? According to Letcher Marriages, 1842-1851, Stephen POLLY was m 2 Oct 1847 to Nancy ADAMS by James BOWLING. Not identified. Was Nancy a widow Combs? Who was John?

Schedule page 130A

HH 81-81 Aug. 30, 1850
ISOM George 40, M, Farmer, 3,000, b. Virginia
Isom Lucinda 38, F,b. Kentucky
Isom Gideon 20, M, Farmer, b. Kentucky
Isom George 16, M, Farmer, b. Kentucky
Isom Elijah C. 12, M, b. Kentucky
Isom Elisha 9, M, b. Kentucky
Isom Anna 14, F, b. Kentucky
Isom Sarah 6, F, b. Kentucky
Isom Lucinda 3, F, b. Kentucky
Isom Jesse 4/12, M, b. Kentucky
(Source:USGenweb Letcher Co. transcription submitted by Sue Elfving)

Note: Lucinda Combs ISOM, possible daughter of Elijah Combs Sr., married first Shadrach DUFF, and secondly George ISOM. See Elijah "8" Combs Family Report.

Schedule page 131

HH 102/102
Hacker Combs 22 M farmer KY cannot read or write

Notes: According to Josiah H. Combs' Combes Genealogy, Hacker Combs was George Hacker Combs, and the son of Shadrach "Old Shade" Combs; however, source not known and no documentation located as yet.

Schedule page 137

HH 177/177
Edward Combs 24 M farmer $100 KY cannot read or write
Martha 20 F KY cannot read or write
William 5/12 M KY

Notes: Edwin/Edward Combs married Martha "Patsy" POLLY 1 Mar 1849, Letcher Co., KY. Is this Edward the same who was born ca 1823, died 1911, Letcher (See DC w/no parents listed)? Who were his parents?

HH 185/185
James POLLY 26 M farmer KY cannot read or write
Margaret 27 F KY cannot read or write
Dicy M. 5 F KY attended school
Shaderick 3 M KY
Jane 5/12 F KY

Note: Margaret COMBS married James POLLY in 1844 (see above). Who were Margaret's parents?

Schedule page 138

HH 188/188
Wesley Combs 35 M farmer KY cannot read or write
Mary 27 F KY cannot read or write
John 9 M KY attended school
Elizabeth 8 F KY attended school
Shaderick 6 M KY attended school
James 4 M KY
Lucinda 3 F KY
Wesley 7/12 M KY
Shaderick Sr. 66 M KY
Shaderick Jr. 16 M KY

Notes: According to Combs Researcher Sue Elfving, the above census record listed Shadrach, age 66, as born in the State of Carolina [sic] and Shadrach, Jr., age 16, b in KY. According to The Combes Genealogy, Shadrach "Old Shade" Combs (born ca 1784), was the son of John Combs [III], and the father of the above (1) [John] Wesley Combs (born ca 1815), who married Mary HOGG (1922 Knott Co., KY DC of Son, Silas); and (2) the Shadrach Combs (born ca 1812) who follows (and others). The author does not identify(?) Shadrach, Jr., age 16.

HH 190/190
Shaderick Combs 38 M farmer $250 KY
Sarah 28 F KY
George W. 8 M KY
William R. 6 M KY
Mary 4 F KY idiot
Lydia 1 F KY

Notes: Shadrach Combs (b 1812) married (1?) Sarah ADAMS, mother of the above George W. (George A. per his 1926 Letcher Co., KY Death Certificate). Not known: Source for ancestry of either Shadrach Combs (1784 or 1812)? Descendants? Marriages? Normally, Census Enumerators listed members of a household in order by "family" (beginning with the head of household and his family), in which case, Shadrach, Jr., age 16, would seem more likely to have been the son of Shadrach, Sr., age 66, than would Shadrach, age 38. The Combes Genealogy also assigns a number of other children to Shadrach (born 1812), whose ages seem to have been taken from another 1850 census????

Schedule page 141

HH 239/239
Ezekiel BRASHEARS 44 M Ciurcuit [sic] & county C. Clerk $1000 Tenn
Manerva 29 F KY
Susanah DAVIDSON 6 F KY
Elihu Combs 19 M labouror KY

Notes: According to The Combes Genealogy Ezekiel m as his second wife, Minerva Combs, daughter of Jesse & Polly BOLLING Combs of Perry Co KY (no source given). Who was Elihu? This couple is often confused with Ezekiel & Mary Ann COMBS Brashears of Perry County Kentucky. (See also 1880 Perry Co., KY Census re widow of Ezekiel, Mary Ann Combs Brashear.)

District 2

Schedule page 150

HH 99/99
Wm SMITH 50 M farmer $1500 VA cannot read or write
Milly 48 F KY cannot read or write
Jerry 18 M farmer KY
Thos. 14 M KY
Nancy 13 F KY
(Combs Researcher Sue Elfving & Debi Houser)

Notes: Millie Combs, daughter of (John and?) Sarah Combs, married 20 Apr 1816, Floyd Co., KY, William SMITH, son of Richard & Elitia Combs Smith. Nancy SMITH is believed to be the same as the granddaughter to whom William SMITH gifted land in 1852 and the same who later married William JENT. See 1870 census record for more information about this Nancy SMITH, who, according to John D Smith in his family history, was the daughter of Melvina SMITH and Thomas WATTS.

Schedule page 153

HH 161/161
Biram Combs 35 M farmer $200 KY cannot read or write
Hanah 26 F KY cannot read or write
Minda 10 F KY
Fielden 6 M KY
Eliza 2 F KY

Notes: The ancestry of Biram Combs remains unknown thus far; however, according to Oral Family History related to her daughter, mother of Combs Researcher Debbi Hanks, by Clara Combs, wife of Adam HICKS: Clara was the daughter of George Barlow Combs, b 1860, died 1936 (See his 16 Dec 1935 Knott Co., KY death certificate) and Nancy SPARKMAN. George Barlow's parents were Biram and Hannah Combs who had the following children: Mindy, Christy, Paup, Tinus, Lodge, Phildon and Boone. Mindy appears to be the above Minda Combs, and Phildon the above Fielden (Fielding?) Combs. Tinus may have been Kenus, and the 1919 and 1936 Knott Co., KY Death Certificates of their sons, Boon and Kenus (respectively) document that Biram Combs married Hannah OWENS (Later records still needed). See also A Chronology of Early Biram Combs Kentucky Records.

Schedule page 154

HH 139/139
Wm. CAUDILL 33 M farmer $250 KY cannot read or write
Ticy 30 F KY cannot read or write
Peggy 14 F KY
James 7 M KY
Shadrach 5 M KY
Kinick Combs 26 M farmer KY
Kinick CAUDILL 2 M KY

Notes: According to the 1935 Perry Co., KY DC of Biram Combs, b 1859, Perry Co., KY, son of Kendrick and Elizabeth "Betty" JONES Combs of Perry, his father, Kendrick, was b in Letcher Co. Could this be him? (See 1860-1880 Perry Co KY Census). Was Kinick/Kendrick kin to the above Biram and Hannah OWENS Combs? Also note that William CAUDILL'S children include both a Shadrach and a Kinick. Who was William's wife, Ticy?
20 Nov 1850 Grantee: Combs, Edward; Acres: 100; Book: 34, Page: 25; Date Survey: 11-20-1850; County: Letcher; Watercourse: left hand Fork David Rolling Br (KLG, p.1118)
3 Sept 1851 (LC-DBB:142). Indenture between Wm SMITH Sr. of Letcher Co. to William SMITH Jr. of the same...for $225 receipt in hand...(1) land in Letcher County on the waters of Carr Fork the Big branch tract that runs in by the said Wm Smith's house...beginning at the south side of branch...being 50 acres...(2) also 200 acres lying joining running up said creek including all the land surveyed on both sides of the said branch to a conditional line made between the said Wm Smith and Nancy Smith together will all appurtenances...Wm SMITH (Seal). Acknowledged by grantor and recorded 13 March 1853. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
18 Oct 1851 (LC-DBB:51). Indenture between John ADAMS and his wife Anny ADAMS and Shadric Combs of one part to Stephen ADAMS of the other, all of Letcher Co...in consideration of $23 in hand paid to them (John and Shadric) do bargain and sell unto said Stephen ADAMS a certain tract containing 50 acres by survey more or less in Letcher on the head of Bentree fork of Smoot a branch of the north fork of the Ky. River...beg...at a conditional line made by Stephen POLLY and John ADAMS being a part of a 100 acre survey made by John ADAMS and Shadric Combs. Shadrick Combs (Seal), John G ADAMS (Seal). Acknowledged by grantors. Recorded 21 Oct. 1851. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
27 Oct 1851 (KLG, p.1119): Grantee: Combs, Edward; Acres: 50; Book: 38, Page: 371; Date Survey: 10-27-1851; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Low Gap Branch
9 April 1852 Birth: Manerva Combs, female, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father: Edward Combs, Mother: Martha POLLY, res: Letcher Co. (Source LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc)
9 April 1852 Birth: John Combs, male, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father: [blank], Mother: Martha Combs, res: Letcher Co. (Source LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).

SE Note: The remark "bastard" was given for the next entry; therefore, it is possible the remark was incorrectly aligned and was meant for the John Combs entry. It is also peculiar that 2 John Combs were born within the same week, both without a named father, and with one mother named Martha and one named Patsy, the latter sometimes being the nickname for Martha.
15 April 1852 Birth: John Combs, male, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father [blank], Mother: Patsy Combs, res: Letcher Co., Remarks: bastard (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).

Note: See notation above for record of John Combs b. 9 Apr 1852.
4 May 1852 (LC-DBC-D:100-1). Commisioner's Deed. John M BURUS to Jeremiah Combs per Letcher County Circuit Court Decree - lands in the patent for 50 acres...situatedon the Puncheon Camp fork of Troublesome...begining on the south bank of said fork...upon the corner to a 100 acre survey made in the name of Jesse HALL...John M BURRUS Commr. Recorded 5 May 1852. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
5 May 1852 (LC-DBB:94). Deed of Mortgage. Randolph POLLY to John M BURUS &c. POLLY of Letcher sells all his land in Letcher County to John M & William H BURUS for $35,00 secured by 2 several notes. Randolph x Polly (Seal). Attest: James W HOGG, Shad. Combs Sr. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
02 Jun 1852 (KLG, p.1119): Grantee: Combs, Wesley; Acres: 100; Book: 38, Page: 366; Date Survey: 6- 2-1852; County: Letcher; Watercourse: Smoot Fork of North Fork of Ky River
30 Oct 1852 (LC-DBB:101-2). Indenture from David POLLY of Letcher County to Russel Combs of the same...$86 paid in hand...have granted, bargained, and sold...land in Letcher..50 acres more or less by survey...viz Beginning on the Mill Branch a branch of the North Fork of the Ky. River...David POLLY (Seal). Rec. 30 Oct 1852. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

SE NOTES: Russell Combs married Dicy POLLY per the 25 March 1853 Letcher Co birth record of their son Henry Russell Combs, the 8 Aug. 1874 Letcher Co. birth of their son Joseph Combs, and the 11 May 1876 Letcher Co. death of their son Henry W Combs. A 14 Dec 1870 deed styles Russell as Russell H Combs and the father of Henry Combs. It is possible that Russell H Combs was the same as Hacker Combs, age 22, of the 1850 census.
2 Dec 1852 Marriage: Elihu E Combs, res: Letcher Co, Ky., 22, single, b. Perry Co, Ky., Sarah WILLIAMS, res: Letcher Co, Ky., 21, maden, b. Russel Co, Va. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
5 Dec 1852 Birth: Elizabeth Combs, female, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father: Shadrack Combs, Mother: Sarah ADAMS, res: Letcher Co. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
4 Feb 1853 (LC-DBB:126-7). Indenture between James I POLLY and Edward Combs, both of Letcher Co,,,for $100 paid in hand...James POLLY sold to Ed Combs...(1) 100 acres by survey in Letcher County on Friday branch, a branch of the North fork of the Ky. River...(2) 50 acres beginning on Friday branch. James I POLLY (Seal), Margaret POLLY (Seal). Recorded 4 Feb. 1852. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

SE NOTES: Margaret Combs married James POLLY 25 Jan 1844, Letcher County, Kentucky. It is possible that this Margaret could be a d/o of Shadrach Combs Sr. Edward Comb, probable son of Shadrach Sr., married Martha aka Patsy POLLY, and Russell H Combs, another probably son, married Dicy POLLY. The two families were closely associated.
14 March 1852 (LC-DBB:144). Wm SMITH to Nancy SMITH for love and affection I have for my Grand Daughter Nancy SMITH I make fee simple of 100 acres of land in Letcher Co on the head of the Big Branch of Carrs Fork to wit: Beginning three beech trees on the near lick fork of smoot branch...William SMITH (Seal). Acknowledged by grantor and recorded ___ March 1853. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

SE NOTES: This conveyance provides important clues about the identity of the mystery Nancy SMITH. Her grandfather William SMITH (s/o of Elder Richard Smith) has singled her out amongst all his many grandchildren to receive some of his land. Perhaps he believed she needed a means of support and they felt very kindly towards her. She is believed to have been the young Nancy, age 13, in William and Millie's 1850 household as this Nancy is the only known possible candidate to be the granddaughter. She is also possibly the same Nancy SMITH who had two children out of wedlock by Enoch Combs: (1) Lavina [aka Melvina] Smith/Combs, born 24 Dec. 1856 per Letcher Co. KVS birth record, "bastard" daughter of Nancy Smith according to this record; and (2) Richard “Dick” Combs, b. 22 March 1860, died 29 March 1927 per his DC that names his parents. Per Smith researcher JB Francis, Nancy, by Smith tradition, is the same who later married William JENT. They can be found in the 1870 Letcher Co with a Richard and Viney Jent of the right ages in their home and living next door to William [JR]. Richard essentially went by the name Combs. The identity of Nancy's mother is not yet known but research in progress. Both of Nancy's children by Enoch Combs named a son Enoch. On 9 March 1861, Nancy sells this land back to her probably uncle, William SMITH Jr.
14 March 1853 (LC-DBB:145). Indenture between William SMITH & Jeremiah SMITH, both of Letcher Co...for $500...all of my home tract and its appurtenances. William SMITH (Seal). (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).

NOTES: Jeremiah SMITH, s/o of William SMITH and Millie Combs. This deed shows that Jeremiah purchased the old home place of William and Millie
25 Mar 1853 (Letcher Co., KY Vital Statistics) Born: Henry Russell Combs son of Russell Combs & Dicy POLLY (Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Houser from Harlan Footprints, Vol II, issue 1, a transcription from microfilm, titled "1853 Vital Stats for Letcher Co., KY.")
03 Oct 1853 (Letcher Co., KY Vital Statistics) Born: unnamed Combs, son of Elihu M Combs & Sarah WILLIAMS (Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Houser from Harlan Footprints, Vol II, issue 1, a transcription from microfilm, titled "1853 Vital Stats for Letcher Co., KY.")
23 March 1854 Birth: Danna Combs, female, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father: Shadrack Combs, Mother: Sarah ADAMS, res: Letcher Co. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
30 May 1854 Birth: Nealson Combs, male, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Father: Ley Combs, Mother: Mary HOGG, res: Letcher Co. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).

SE NOTE: Ancestry.com shows the name as Nealsen Combs, the father as Ley Combs, and the mother as Mary Hogg. Due to smudges, I could not read the name of the child, the given name of the father, nor the maiden name of Mary; however, one Wesley Combs married a Mary HOGG. This child may have died by 1860 since their children show a 4 year gap in ages where this child would have appeared.
25 March 1855 Birth: Edward Combs, male, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Ky., Father: Russell Combs, Mother: Arta HALL, res: Letcher Co. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
23 May 1855 Birth: Marion Combs b. Letcher Co; son of Margaritt Combs (Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Houser from Perry County, Kentucky Records 1850 Census, Vital Statistics, 1852-1859, published by the Perry County Genealogical and Historical Society)

Notes: The above is a corrected transcription. Earlier transcription listed "Margaret?" rather than Margaritt, and did not include Letcher Co., KY birth location.
2 Aug 1855 Death: Martha Ann Combs, age 1 y, female, single, res: Letcher Co., b. Letcher Co., Parents: Edward & Martha Combs, d. Letcher Co, Cause: Bowel Disease (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
26 Aug 1856 Grantee: Combs, Russell H; Acres: 50; Book: 48, Page: 207; Date Survey: 8-26-1856; County: Letcher; Watercourse: None (KLG, p.1119)
8 Sept 1856 (LC-DBB:401-2). Indenture between John WILLIAMS and E. E. Combs, both of Letcher Co...25 acres more or less in Letcher Co...for the sum of $25 lying on Colly Creek, a branch of the North fork of the Ky. River...it being the same land Williams recovered in a suit in Letcher Circuit Court against Jacob Harris. John William. Proved 8 Sept. 1856. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
1856 [unknown] Death: H R Combs, 2 mos, female, single, Farmer's child, res: Letcher Co, Ky., b. Letcher Co, Ky., Parents: Edward & Martha Combs, d. Letcher Co., Cause: unknown (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).

SE NOTE: Likely the same child who was born 28 July 1856. The combined entries support the child was female.
30 Sept 1858 (LC-DBC-D:145). Indenture made and entered into by and Between Shadrick Combs of Letcher County of the first part and Wesley Combs of the other part....Shadrach Combs Sr for $250 paid to him by the said Wesley Combs - land containing ___ acres more or less in Letcher Co on the waters of Smoot Creek being the same conveyed by Hiram WRIGHT to Wesley Combs the deed on file in Letcher Co Deed Book A, p. 10. Signed Shaderach x Combs (Seal). Attest: John M Burrus. Recorded 30 Sept 1858. (Source: abs. by SE from original image on FHC microfilm).
15 March 1857 Death: Andrew Combs, 2, male, single, Farmer's child, res: Letcher Co, Ky., b. Letcher Co, Ky., Parents: Wesley & Mary Combs, d. Letcher Co, Cause: Croup (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc).
24 Sept 1857 Birth: Hency F Combs, male, born alive, white, Letcher Co., Ky., Father: Shadrick Combs, Mother: Sarah ADAMS, res: Letcher Co. (Source: LC-KVS/KDSLA-Anc). SE NOTE: Could not read the name of the child but transcribed by Ancestry as Hency F Combs.
Continue on to Combs &c. Letcher Co., KY 1860-