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	Combs &c. Families of Fayette Co, PA	Southwest Pennsylvania, 1796

Last updated 12 April 2008
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Fayette County was organized from Westmoreland County in 1783; Westmoreland from Bedford in 1773; and Bedford from Cumberland in 1771. In 1784, Fayette gained additional land from Westmoreland. Land in Southwest Pennsylvania had long been disputed by both Maryland and Virginia (possibly including what would become Fayette?), but in 1786, Virginia formally terminated her claims to jurisdiction. Combs are known to have been in present-day Fayette Co PA as early as 1769, thus records must be traced back through these parent counties.

Of the Combs Families in Fayette County, all appear to have had ties to Loudoun County, Virginia; and some to Coombs Fort of the Tonoloways Settlement in present-day Fulton County, PA (then Cumberland & Bedford Cos, PA and disputed by Frederick Co, MD).

Note: Some of the Combs later moved on to Clark County, Indiana directly, whereas others removed first to Nelson County, Kentucky (with some of these also moving on to Clark County later); others moved on to Randolph County, Indiana via Holmes and Montgomery Counties, Ohio. There are also connections between the Fayette and Bedford County, Pennsylvania Combs, including in regard to the Combs of Combs Fort (on the Bedford PA -Frederick County, Maryland state line. See Combs &c. Families of the Tolonoways' Settlement) as well as to some later Westmoreland Combs.

Researcher Bob Combs notes that several Joseph COMBS resided in Fayette Co PA in the late 1700s and early 1800s, although all were not in the same townships. In addition to the Joseph COMBS who lived and died in Georges Twp (d 1803), were also one or more Joseph COMBS in Franklin/ Washington, and Springhill Townships. Unfortunately, earlier tax records for Springhill Twp. are not extant (unavailable?) according to courthouse staff. (See also Below)

Also Note: Unless otherwise noted, the following entries per Combs Researcher Bob Combs. Some entries below are "temporary place-holders" while ongoing research takes place both on and off the Combs Research List. We have included the additional data so as to alert others that research of the Combs & Combs-Associated Families of Fayette Co, PA remains Very Much Under Construction.

17 Apr 1769 - 18 Apr 1770 (Abstracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, Jan 1982, pg 5, Fayette County Warrent Bk 1) Mark HARDIN, 303 ½ acres located on the waters of Georges Cred in Springfield [sic?] Twp, Fayette County, adjoining lands of Joseph COMBS, and others. Surveyed 18 Apr 1770 on order #3084 17 Apr 1769

17 Apr 1769 Fayette Co, PA Survey Book A, p. 47. Joseph COMBS, "Indian Fort" 284 1/2 Ac.

(Abstracted by Combs Researcher Thom Mont)

Joseph COMBS' land is further identified by the following:

May 1770 - 1825(Fayette Co PA Survey Map, Springhill Twp) Joseph COMBS, Springhill Twp. survey, 282 acres surveyed in May 1770 and is listed as the "Indian Fort". It is patented in three parcels, first in 1790 to Joseph SUTTON, then in 1817 to Sarah MASTERSON, and last in 1825 to Phillip & Samuel DAVIS …

(See deed below for sale of part).

Note: Neighboring land owners are: John HARDIN Sr., Benjamin HARDIN, Mark HARDIN, John HARDIN, Martin HARDIN, William HARVEY, James NEAL, David MORGAN, William WATKINS, & Thomas BATTIN. (all these tracts surveyed btwn. Nov. 1769 and May 1770).

1 Dec 1773 Fayette Co, PA Deed Book A. Deed. Joseph COMBS of Loudon County VA to John MASTERSON of Westmoreland County PA. Half of a tract of land surveyed by Alexander McCLANES 23 May 1770 … dated 17 Apr 1769.

(Combs Researcher Thom Mont)

05 Dec 1773 - 27 Nov 1790 (Fayette Co., PA Book A, page 354, item 434)

Know all men by these presents that I Joseph COMBS of Loudan County in the colony of Virginia have bargin'd sold and by these presence do deliver to John MASTERSON of Westmoreland County in Pennsylvania, a part or half of a tract of land surveyed by ( SHORT & McLANE?) the 23rd day of May 1770 by order of survey (…torn out…) 3087 dated the 17th day of April 1769. For and in consideration of forty five pounds to me in hand paid, and with the receipt hereof I acknowledge myself fully satisfied and do warnt and defend the same from me, my heirs, executors, administrators, and from all persons that shall or may lay right claim or challenge thereson, the lord of the soul excepted, and to John MASTERSONS, his heirs and assigns the above land containing one hundred and fo (…torn…) nine acres and a half (……torn out………) according to the laws of the province as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of December 1773.
s/Joseph COMBS (S.S.).
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Jack NEALL , Abel? McPHERSON.

Fayette County: Personally appeared this day, Alexander McPHERSON before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of Common Pleas in aforesaid county and being duly qualified according to law, on his solemn affirmation declareth that he did see the within named Joseph COMBS sign, seal and deliver the within Bill of Sale or instrument of writing as his act and (declared) he the said McPHERSON being one of the subscribing witnesses, witness my my hand & seal this 27th day of November 1790. Robert RICHEY (S.S.)

(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Bob Combs)

Notes: (1) When first surveyed, the above tract was in Cumberland Co, PA. It became a part of Bedford Co in 1771, Westmoreland in 1773, and Fayette in 1783. (2) Only Capt. Joseph COMBS II was on the tax lists of Loudoun Co VA in 1769-1773 (he was of Loudoun Co, VA by 1764, and appears to have been in that county most years until at least 1790 (based on deeds and tax lists)); however, note that the above Joseph COMBS is shown as having signed his name whereas the Joseph COMES who follows is listed as having made a mark (X). Capt. Joseph COMBS was literate. Were any of the other Joseph COMBS literate?

14 Feb 1778 Westmoreland County Book A-1 Deed. Joseph (X) COMES of Loudon County Virginia to James SUTTON of Springhill Twp, Westmoreland County, PA for L250 PA currency. COMES sells his right to an application received in the land office in April of 1769 for taking up 300 acres on Georges Creek adjoining Captain John HARDIN… and others… one half of said land already having been sold to John MASTERSON; the remainder being 144 1/2 acres… Wit (included): Robert RITCHIE

(Combs Researcher Thom Mont)

Notes: In 1778, Robert RICHIE witnessed the sale of land by Joseph COMES of Loudon County VA to James DUTTON [SUTTON?] (Wills and Administrations of Fayette County) - land which had been patented to Joseph in 1769 as Indian Fort and surveyed by Alexander McLEAN: half sold to John MASTERSON in 1773, the other half sold to DUTTON 1778 (Fayette County deed Book A). This makes the picture look suspiciously like the Coombs' of Fort Coombs Bedford Co Ayr Township (which site is located and landmarked near Warfordsburg PA) in the 1750s were drifting into Loudon County (Andrew and Samuel) in the 1760s, with Joseph and his kids moving into Fayette County by the 1770s (mt. Moriah records), with Joseph Jr having stayed in Loudon for a time with his cousins and/or uncles (1778).

25 Jun 1782. Married: "John COOMBS- First son of Joseph and Ann COOMBS, - Born Nov. 5, 1754." and "Rachel PINDELL - Only daughter of Phillip and Rachel PINDELL (his wife). Born Feb. 28, 1762 Married June 25, 1782."

(Family Bible of John and Rachel PINDELL Combs)

Notes: John COMBS "appears to have been" the s/o Joseph COMBS of Georges Twp. who d in 1803 with a wife, Ann, and son, John (who lived next door)

25 March 1784 (Abstracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, Oct 81, pg 1, Fayette County Deeds) Deed to Philip ROGER Sr, Georges Twp to land bordering that of Joseph COMBS and others.

Notes: Was the land also in Georges Twp. or only Philip ROGERS, Sr.?

23 Apr 1784 (Fayette Co PA Records) Joseph COMBS Jr. Letters [of administration] granted 23 Apr 1784 to Rachel COMBS and Jesse COMBS of Georges Twp, Fayette Co. Penn. Suretys Joseph COMBS Sr. and Robert RICHEY Esq. of Georges Twp. Yeoman. Witnesses Richard BROWN Jr. and Moses SUTTON.

(Combs Researcher Ray Montgomery)

23 Apr 1784 (Fayette Co, PA Wills and Bonds) Joseph COMBS Jr. Letters [of administration] granted 23 Apr 1784 to Rachel COMBS and Jesse COMBS of Georges Twp. Bond 250 pounds. Sureties Joseph COMBS Sr and Robert RITCHIE Esq of Georges Twp, yomen. Witnesses: Richard BROWN Jr, Moses SUTTON

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, Apr 1981, pg 7, Administrative Abstracts, Fayette County Wills & Bonds)

Notes: Both sources included due to slight variations in spelling. Rachel WARFORD was the widow of Joseph COMBS, Jr., s/o Joseph COMBS, Sr. d 1803; and Jesse, her brother-in-law. Jesse is next found on the 1785 Nelson Co, KY Tax Lists.

11 Jun 1784 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp., Fayette Co, PA. Ann COOMBS is received into the Mt. Moriah Church from Connoway (Tonoloway) Baptist Church of Tonoloways, Bedford Co, PA

(Membership records, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6 #1)

Notes: This is thought to have been Ann, w/o Joseph COOMBS II (d 1803, Georges Twp.)

12 Sep 1784 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp. Rachel COOMBS, Jeremiah SUTTON and Margaret SUTTON received "by letter."

(Membership records, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6, # 2 Nov. 1979).

TM Notes: The SUTTONS were from the original Monangahelia County of VA (not far from Loudon, now area of W. VA. plus parts of VA and PA and Ohio). Rachel is probably Rachel WARFORD, widow of Joseph COOMBS III…

30 Oct 1784. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp. officially constituted. Original membership list included Joseph COOMBES, deceased, Ann COOMBES, discharged, and Rachel COOMBES.v(Membership list, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6 #1.)

Notes: Probably Joseph COOMBS III, his mother and his wife?

8-29 Mar 1786 Fayette Co, PA Land Surveys and Warrants. COMBS, Joseph. Date of warrant — 8 Mch 1786. 350 acres. Location — George Twp. Date of Original Survey — 29 Mch 1786. Record of Original Survey V.3 p.20. Additional Notes — Lewis Survey V. 2 p.117. Gilmore Survey V.7 p.45

(Abstracted by Combs Researcher Denise Mortorff from LDS Film 0861081, Fayette County, PA Surveys & Warrants for Land, 1769-)

See Horn Book vol. III, map of Thomas REED's plantation in Georges Township, Fayette County, PA. William REED s/o Thomas married Sarah Combs d/o Joseph Combs. Submitted by Neil Reed.

23 Aug 1786 - 5 Mar 1787 Fayette Co, PA Land Surveys and Warrants. Joseph COMBS Date of Warrant— 23 Aug 1786 (2 entries 300 acres under same name) Location: Franklin & Washington. Original Warrants File C 34-176. Date of Original Survey 5 Mch 1787. Record of Original Survey Vol. 4 p.64. Date of Warrant — not given. Location — On Grassy Run. Original Warrants File C Item 19. Date of Original Survey 23 Mch 1770. Name of Survey — “Indian Fort”. Record of Original Survey — Vol. 1 p.47. Comments — "Surveyed on Order Survey 3087 dated April 17, 1769

(Abstracted by Combs Researcher Denise Mortorff from LDS Film 0861081, Fayette County, PA Surveys & Warrants for Land, 1769-)

23 Aug 1786 - 04 Jun 1806 (Fayette Co, PA Records, Franklin & Washington Twps)

Joseph COMBS of Fayette Co. PA obtained a survey of 300 acres of land Aug. 23, 1786 which had been already surveyed for George BROWN on a survey order #1716 dtd. Apr. 3, 1769 and was noted as being disputed by John PIERSAL The warrant is noted that Interest on payment of purchase to commence from the "First day of August 1768" [BC: was this the date of Joseph COMBS ownership claim?]. The surveyors field notes situate this land on Washingtons Mill Run; Adjacent land owners per survey are: Genl. George WASHINGTON, Zachariah DAVIS, William WILSON, Eleazer BROWN, and John PIERSALL or John Augustus WASHINGTON. Nearby owners are: James PURVIANCE, Nathan BROWN, Edward CHAMBERS, John BISHOP, Elizabeth RANKIN, Joseph ESSINGTON, Joseph WETZEL, Archibald GAYLEY, John REED, Robert LYNCH, Thomas BROWN, James HOLMES, John HOLMES, & Margaret BROWN. Joseph COMBS signed and sealed a testament June 4, 1806 certifying he had obtained a PA land warrant Aug. 23, 1786 leading to a patent for 300 acres in Franklin & Washington Twps. on behalf of the heirs of Michael MARTIN (dec'd.).

(Combs Researcher Bob Combs who adds: This land later became part of Perry Twp., Fayette Co., PA (See also below))

Note: As is indicated in later records (below), Washington's Mill Run was the land of General (later President) George WASHINGTON who had a documented, long-standing relationship with the Combs and Ashby Families of Stafford and Frederick Cos VA. See also Nathan BROWN of Loudoun Co VA in 1823 Loudoun Co, VA record with Joseph COMBS of Franklin Twp., Fayette Co PA; and Wayne (Holmes) OH, as well as to Montgomery Co, Ohio.

11 May 1787 - 2 Sep 1787 Edward COMBS witnessed the will of Obadiah TRUAX dated 11 May 1787.

(Abstracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, Oct 1981, pg 5, Fayette Co Will Abstracts)

11 Jun 1787 Deed Abstracts of Fayette Co. Bk A… James COBUN (also COBURN) of Monogalia [Monongalia] County, Virginia, to John PEARSALL. Price: 30 pounds Virginia currency. Land: A tract in Fayette Co. in the forks of a run which General WASHINGTON'S mill stands, being a branch of the Yogohania River, adjoining and above the lands of a certain (COMES?) (Who?) Married the Widow MARTIN now lives on, which COBURN held by virtue of his improvement made thereon in 1767. Witness: Sameul HANWAY and Thomas (LAIDLEY?).

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Bob George from LaFayette, Oct 1984 pg 2, Deed Abstracts Fayette Co Deed Bk A)

BC Note: The original deed needs to be checked for spellings, acreage, etc.)

Note: Given the proximity of George WASHINGTON'S mill, presumably this is Joseph of Franklin Twp. Also presumably, the “widow MARTIN” whom Joseph COMBS had married was the widow of Michael MARTIN, deceased, of the above record? Do we know more about her? What was her given name (for starters)?

March Term 1789 Civil Docket, Fayette County Court. … -20 Elijah KERR vs Edward COOMBS Foreign Attachment Debt.

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, Oct 1986 pg 7)

SW: CARR

1 May 1791 Big Redstone Church, Franklin Twp., Fayette Co, PA (Excerpted by Combs Researcher Thom Montgomery from HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA Ed. by Franklin Ellis; L H Everts Co.; Philadelphia, 1882, Vol. 1) Re the membership of Big Redstone Church in Franklin Township, Fayette County: "…The church at Big Redstone, called Philadelphia, was constituted May 1, 1791, by Rev. David LOOFBORROW… "The following are the names of the members regularly baptized and joined in fellowship and communion: Henry FRAZER, minister and pastor of the Philadelphia Church; William RITTENSHOUSE, deacon and recorder; Thomas WELLS, Deacon; William CALVIN, singing clerk. Joseph DOUGINS, Thomas WHEATLEY, Samuel CRALLE, John STIVERS, David BRENER, Henry FRITZ, James WINDERS, Abraham LAVERD, Benjamin PHILLIPS, Job ROSSEL, Joseph JORDAN, Richard ARNOLD, Andrew YEAGLEY, Joseph COMBS, Mathias MERRIL, Job LECRAW, Joel ROGERS, John OLTON, Abraham ROGERS, John GIBSON, Christopher WARMAN, Robert ROGERS, Brazilla ROSSEL, Jonathon ADIDIS, Isaac WHEATLEY, Hugh SHOTWELL, Isaac UPDEGRAF, Joseph WHEATLEY, Rachel MOONEY, Rebecca RITTENHOUSE, Abigail LEVERD, Susannah WELLS, Margaret GRABLE, Alice BROWN, Martha HAMSTIDE, Martha STIVERS, Euphemia BREWER, Sarah PHILLIPS, Patience WILDERMAN, Jane FITZ, Francis BOUGHMAN, Ann DANIELSON, Mary ROSSEL, Phoebe FRASER, Ann MERRIL, Ann ARNOLD, Mary CALVIN, Margaret FITZ, Priscilla ARNOLD, Nelly ARNOLD, Elizabeth WHITSEL, Sarah YEAGLEY, Elizabeth BELL, Mary FITZ, Sarah WHITSELL, Prudence LECRAU, Sarah EMMONS, Lydia SHARP, Elizabeth COMBS, Elizabeth HILANDS, Mary ROSSEL, Millie ROGERS, Chloe LOGEAR, Lavina ROGERS, Delilah THOMPSON, Elizabeth ROSSEL, Tamsel SPENCER, Polly ROGERS, Hopey ROGERS, Rebecca ABRAHAMS, Sarah WOOLEY, Sarah DALAUF, Nelly OLIPHANT, Mary UPDEGRAF, Hannah WHEATLEY…."

1 May 1791 thru 1803 Franklin Twp., Fayette Co., PA "following are the names of the members regularly baptized and joined in fellowship and communion" of the Big Redstone Baptist Church located at Big Redstone (called Philadelphia) constituted May 1, 1791 by Rev. David LOOFBORROW… Joseph COMBS…….Elizabeth COMBS

(from Ellis' Fayette Co. History)

Notes: Who was Elizabeth? Has she been located in other records of Fayette Co, PA? Is there a possible connection to Robert & Margaret LOOFBORROW Combs who m 15 Dec 1753, Woodbridge, New Jersey? Or is this Joseph & Elizabeth HARRISON Combs (who in 1790 were of Loudoun Co, VA when they sold land in Fauquier Co, VA)? Are there extant records to determine 1st year that Joseph & Elizabeth appeared in records of the Big Redstone Baptist Church?

22 Mar 1794 (Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from "Will Abstracts Fayette County Will Bk 1-1, LaFayette, Apr 1982, pg 5) Williams COMBS and Joseph (x) COMBS witnessed the will of Johathan REES of Georges Twp .

[SW: Jonathan REESE]

9 Sep 1797 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp. William COOMBES joined

(Membership records, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6 #1)

11-11-1797 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp. "heard the experiences of Sarah TAYLOR, Elizabeth HALL, William CASTO and Joseph COOMBES. Baptized Wednesday following."

(Membership records, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6 #1)

4-7-1798 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Twp. Wm. COOMBES, Susannah ANDOVER, and Bro. HUCHINS "request their dismissal."

(Membership records, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Georges Township, Fayette Co. 1784-1811, as printed in the WESTERN PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY, Vol. 6 #1)

1800 Redstone Church, Franklin Twp., Fayette Co, PA. Memorandum of finances. "May 19, 1800, settled with Joseph [COMBS]: we owed him…1.4.4."

(Excerpted by Combs Researcher Thom Montgomery from HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA Ed. by Franklin Ellis; L H Everts Co.; Philadelphia, 1882, Vol. 1)

1784-1811 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Smithfield, Georges Twp., Fayette Co, PA. Members included: Joseph, Ann, and William COMBES, and Jeremiah and Rhoda KENDALL, and also noted under the year 1799 are: "Ann COOMBES from Connoway Church. Jesse COOMBES and Rachel COOMBES."

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Joe Kendall from "Western PA Gen. Soc. Qtly v.6, p.25 "Members of Mt Moriah Baptist Church. Fayette Co. 1784-1811," p. 73).

12 May 1800 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery. Fayette Co, PA. Joseph COOMBS d: 12 May 1800. aged 75 years.

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Bob Combs from "Cemeteries of Fayette Co., PA" by Fisher)

Notes: Connoway a.k.a. Tonoloway was in Bedford Co, PA, and the Combs of that county are known to have had Loudoun Co, VA roots (See 1779 marriage of Thomas FOUCH to Sarah COMBS, recorded in both Loudoun Co, VA, and in their bible record as in Bedford Co, PA). Jeremiah KENDALL was the s/o William and Jemima KIRK Kendall, gs/o William and Elizabeth COMBS Kendall of Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co, VA. A possibly conflicting record indicates that a Joseph COMBS, ca age 75, was buried at Mt. Moriah, Smithfield, Fayette Co, PA on 16 Jun 1803, so…

20 Jan 1802 - 09 Mar 1807. (Fayette Co PA Deeds) Indenture. Georges Twp. dated Mar. 9, 1807¼ Christian GETZSONDIVER sells to Jacob GETZENDANNER, Jr. (from MD.), land identified as having been obtained from Joseph COMBS who obtained it from a PA land patent Jan. 20, 1802.

26 Feb 1803 - 16 Jun 1803 (Fayette Co PA Will Book ??) Will of Joseph COOMBS.

(Combs Researcher James VanDerMark, family_man@classic.msn.com)

Notes:(1) Christian GETZ—— apparently the above GETZONDIVER? (2) Joseph's son, Jesse, by oral family tradition, died in Kentucky. He appears on a 1785 Nelson Co KY tax list (one year after co-administering the estate of his brother, Joseph. In 1786, he patented 510 acres of land on Green River, Severn Valley, in then Jefferson County, Kentucky, but in Hardin County following its creation in 1792. Jesse appears on extant Hardin Tax Lists from 1792-1797, but in 1799 (1798 not extant), the 510 acres is tithed by his widow, Sarah, who later removed to Clark Co IN, joining his brothers and their families. She d testate in that county in 1831, naming her "six sons." (See also Below). (3) Joseph's granddaughter, Ann COMBS, was the d/o of his son, Joseph, d 1784 by his wife, Rachel. According to J.E. Stillwell's "Line of Capt. Nicholas Stillwell," p. 55 (Extracted by Combs Researcher Dale Larson): "Joseph GRAVES, son of Samuel GRAVES, married, first, in 1786, Rachel WARFORD, the widow COOMES, a sister to Sarah WARFORD, the wife of Lieut. John STILLWELL. By her first husband Mrs. COOMBES had a daughter, Ann COOMBES." Partially documenting the marriage (her ancestry not yet documented) is the following record:

1789 Nelson Co, KY. Rachel GRAVES, executrix of the estate of Joseph COOMBES, purchased 423 acres of land in Nelson Co. Virginia [now-KY] for Ann COOMBES, heir of Joseph COOMBES. Wits: Joseph GRAVES, SAMUEL GRAVES.

(Combs Researcher Dale Larson)

1805 Minutes of the Redstone Baptist Association held at Turkey Foot Sept. 27,28,29, 1805 read letters from 21 churches who "were represented in Association as stated below: … Big Redstone - Benjamin JONES, Thos. WHEATLY, Robert JACKAWAY, Joseph COMBS."

(Combs Researcher Thom Mont)

2nd Monday in March 1806. Orphan Court. Petition of Henry BOWELL, one of the sons and heirs at law of Bazel BOWEL (late of Georges Twp dec'd), stating that his father lately died intestate leaving a widow, Margaret BOWELL and 11 children: Nancy w/o William COMBS, Jesse, Henry (the petitioner), Thomas, Rachel w/o William COMBS (sic), Zadock, Polly w/o William GADDIS, John, Hannah, Anna, and Bazel (the last two of which are still in their minority), a well as two grandchildren Anna and William (both of whom are still in their minority), who are the children of David BOWEL dec'd (who was a son of intestate). That his father died seized of the following tracts of land, to wit: 1) 102 3/3 acres in Georges Twp, adoining the lands of Enoch ABRAHAMS, Zadok SPRINGER Esq, Peter SMITH, John ROBINSON, and John CROSIER; 2) 125 ½ acres in Georges Twp, adjoining the lands of James ROBINSON, Melcher BAKER, John ROBINSON, Benjamin PHILIPS and Andrew (STERLING?); and 3) 90 acres in Georges Twp, adjoining lands of Benjamin PHILIPS, Andrew STERLING, and John ROBINSON.
And requesting the Court to award an Inquest to make partition ect according to law. Wherupon an inquest was awarded.

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, July 1984 pg 16)

November 1807 Henry BOWELL, Jeremiah KENDALL, Esq, John COMBS, and Aaron JONES are bound severally and in the sum of $4336 to Margaret BOWELL (the widow) and the following children and heirs of Bazil BOWELL: Nancy wife of William COMBS, Jesse BOWELL, Thomas BOWELL, Rachel wife of William COMBS Jr. , Zadock BOWELL, Polly wife of William GADDIS, John BOWELL, Hannah BOWELL, Anna BOWELL, Bazil BOWELL, and the representatives of David BOWELL dec'd. Conditioned that the said Henry BOWELL pay unto the widow at the expiration of one year and yearly thereafter the sum of $43.36; that he pay to each of the other heirs at the expiration of one year the sum of $120.44; and that at the death of the widow he pay unto each of the other heirs the sum of $60.22

(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Robert George from Fayette Co Orphans Court Abstracts)

Note: The above William COMBS (h/o Nancy BOWELL), was the s/o Joseph COMBS d 1803, Fayette Co PA. William COMBS, Jr. (h/o Rachel BOWELL) was his nephew, son of his brother, Jesse. The above Jeremiah KENDALL, born 6 Feb 1758, Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co VA; s/o William & Jemima KIRK Kendall, Jr., gs/o William and Elizabeth COMBS Kendall, and ggs/o John COMBS of Richmond Co, VA, declared in his Revolutionary War pension application, dated 8 Mar 1833, Fayette Co, PA, that he lived in the upper end of Stafford Co, VA with his father when he enlisted.

(Overwharton Parish Register, Stafford Co, VA, and Revolutionary War Pension File S23743). See Also below.

April Term 1808. Fayette Co, PA Orphans court. Docket 1. Thomas BOWELL, Jr bound for $3,259 to Margaret BOWEL (widow) and the heirs herinafter named of Bazel BOWEL late of Georges Twp; conditioned that the said Thomas Jr shall within 12 months form this date, and yearly thereafter, during her natural life, pat to the said Margaret $32.59. That in 12 months from this date he shall pay to William COMBS and Nancy his wife (in right of said Nancy), to Jesse BOWELL, to Henry BOWELL, to William COMBS and Rachel his wife (in right of said Rachel), to Zadok BOWELL, to William GADDIS and Polly his wife (in right of said Polly), to John BOWELL, to Hannah BOWELL, to Anna BOWELL, to Bazil BOWELL, and to Anna and William (children of David BOWELL dec's) the sum of $90.52 respectively. That at the death of said widow, he syall pay to each of the aformentioned heirs the further sum of $45.26. Acknowledged in open Court 12 Apr 1808. Sureties: Thomas BOWELL or Georges Tsp and James ROBINSON of Springhill Twp.

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from LaFayette, October 1985, pg 6)

22 Apr 1809 (Fayette Co PA Book H, page 176, item 944)

To all to whom the presence shall come, Greetings, know ye that I William COOMBS of Clark County, Indiana Territory for divers good basis and considerations (…………….) have nominated, constituted and appointed and by these presence do nominate, constitute and appoint my brother John COOMBS of Fayette County Pennsylvania my true and lawfull attorney for me and in my name to do and perform the things after mentioned, to wit: whereas I have heretofore bargained and sold to Thomas CARR of Clark County Indiana Territory, one certain tract or parcel of land in the said county of Fayette, containing one hundred acres, being the same tract on which I formerly resided and which was devised to me by my father Joseph COMBS dec'd. (of Georges Twp.) Now know all men by these presence that I do authorize my said brother John to convey to the said Thomas CARR by good and affirmed deed in fee simple with a general warranty, the said one hundred acres of land, and I do hereby declare that the said conveyance true made by my said attorney shall be binding and obligatory on me and my heirs as if done by me in person. In witness I have hereto set my hand this 22nd day of April 1809. s/William COOMBS (S.S.)

(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Bob Combs from microfilm copies from the Fayette Co, PA courthouse)

23 Oct 1809 ( Fayette County, PA Book F, page 298, item 821)

Where the undersigned William COOMBS of Clark County Indiana Territory, by his certain power of attorney, having date in the spring of present year, did authorize a certain John COOMBS of Fayette County Pennsylvania to convey to Joseph SHOWALTER of said county one hundred acres of land lying in Fayette County state of Pennsylvania, to which power of attorney the signature of Nancy COOMBS, wife of said William COOMBS was not affixed, nor was she a party in said power of attorney, and it being in Joseph's wish and intention that the said Nancy should become a party in the said deed of conveyance authorized is be made as aforesaid, and that all rights which she may have in said land as dower or otherwise should be relinquished. Now know all men by these presents that we the undersigned William COOMBS and Nancy COOMBS, his wife, hereby authorize the said John COMBS to inscribe in our hand a deed of conveyance to said Joseph SHOWALTER, in our name, by the power of attornet and/or to sign the said Nancy COMBS name to any deed of conveyance he may have heretofore made in (………….) and do hereby relinquish & authorize said John COMBS to relinquish all the rights and title of dower which I have in and to the said tract of land. In witness whereof we have hereto set our hands & seals this 23rd day of October 1809~~Indiana Territory Clark County. s/William COOMBS (S.S.), Nancy COOMBS (S.S.)

(Transcribed from microfilm copies from the Fayette Co., PA courthouse)

13 Jan 1810 (Fayette County, PA Book H, page 210, item 944-8)

In pursuence of a power of attorney duly authorizing me to make (………) unto Joseph SHOWALTER a claim of the right of dower of Nancy COMBS (… ) to the within described tract of land (…….) I do hereby in her name, act, hereby signing to the same, on the thirteenth day of January in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and ten. s/Nancy Coombs (S.S.) by John COMBS

(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Bob Combs from microfilm copies from the Fayette Co., PA courthouse)

1812-1814 War of 1812. "Capt Peter HERZOG of Springhill township commanded a company recruited by him in Fayette County. It was mustered into service October 2, 1812, and was assigned to duty with the forces of Gen Richard CROOKS."

(Extracted from War of 1812, Fayette Co, from Ellis' History of Fayette County, p180.)

Edward COOMBS, Sergeant in Capt Peter HERTZOG'S Co

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Robert George from History of Fayette County, Pa with Biographical Sketches Edited by Franklin Ellis 1982 L.H. Everts & Co.)

Notes: According to the War of 1812 Pension file of Edward COOMBS (a.k.a. COMBS) he m 29 Mar 1820, Fayette, Nancy HICKMAN, later removed to Grant Co, WI, thence to Lancaster Co, WI where he d 21 Mar 1849.

John COOMBS, private in Capt. Peter HERTZOG'S Co. of 2nd PA Militia from 10/2/1812 to 4/2/1813 (assigned to duties with the forces of Gen. Richard CROOKS)

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Bob Combs from Nelson's Biographical Dictionary of Fayette Co., PA edited by J. Meyers; page 168.)

Notes: According to the War of 1812 Pension file of John COOMBS, he m 13 Jul 1823, Holmes Co, OH, Susannah RAMAGE; d 17 Aug 1876 Clay Co, IN. His widow died 4 Feb 1884, Brazil, Clay Co, IN. The file notes that John also resided in Marion Co, IN. The marriage of John and Susannah RAMMAGE Combs [sic] was, however, of record in Tuscarawas Co, OH, not Holmes (Holmes was est. from part of Tuscarawas in 1824-5, thus quite probable that they lived in that part of Tuscarawas which became Holmes?). John has not been found in the 1820 census in Tuscarawas, nor in 1830 in that county, or Holmes or Wayne Cos, OH; or in Marion Co, IN. There is a John COMBS in Marion in 1840 and later, but not yet researched. No pre-1850 John COMBS has been located in Clay as yet.

1818 August term Prothonotary item # 38 April Term
John COMBS next friend of Sarah COMBS vs. James WHI______ execution in favor of (Jns?) COMBS______ Jos. HUSTON. (page 74).

(Combs Researcher Bob Combs)

08 May 1819 (Holmes Co OH) "Joseph COMBS from Fayette Co, PA" bought land in Wayne Co, OH, that part which later became Holmes Co OH, on May 8, 1819. (Combs Researcher Bob Combs who adds that Joseph lived there with his (4th?) wife Elinor (Eleanor, Elliner, etc.) and family, and died there in 1827. Joseph COMBS' son, Joseph COMBS, Jr., was born in New Jersey ca 1794 according to his 1850 Auglaize Co, OH census record. Also note that Holmes and Auglaize Co, OH records link Joseph COMBS, Sr. to both Loudoun Co, VA and to Micajah COMBS, b PA ca 1787, who was of Montgomery Co OH, 1828 thru 1835, and then moved with his wife Nancy and their son Joseph, born ca 1812, PA, to Randolph Co IN. Micajah of Montgomery Co, OH, and Micajah of Franklin Twp., Fayette Co, PA, are believed to have been the same. Was Micajah a son of Joseph COMBS, Sr. of Franklin Twp., Fayette?

29 Mar 1820 Fayette Co, PA. Married: Edward COOMBS (COMBS) & Nancy HICKMAN (Combs &c. Families of the War of 1812)

Notes: War of 1812 Veteran Edward COMBS later removed to Grant Co, WI, thence to Lancaster Co, WI where he died 21 Mar 1849. His widow died 26 Mar 1884.

1830 Georges Twp. "…Edward COOMBS erected a wagon making shop on the Morgantown (WV) [Monongalia Co VA] road about 1830 and operated it many years before selling it to James MARTIN who then operated it for 10 - 15 years…" (Extracted from Ellis' History of Fayette County Pennsylvania… (pub.1882), page 580.)

Note: Were Edward the blacksmith of 1820 and Edward the wagonmaker of 1830 one and the same? Was James MARTIN somehow kin to the Widow MARTIN who m Joseph COMBS?

23 Jun 1841 Fayette Co, PA Vital Stats. Martha COMBS born 23 June 1841 to Joseph COMBS & Rebecca JOHNSON in Menallen Twp., Fayette Co., PA

28 Feb 1861 Married. JEFFRIES, Hiram and Marth COMBS, both of Fayette County, [PA] I 11 inst at the parsonage in Uniontown by Rev E. B. GRIFFIN

(Extracted by Combs Researcher Bob George from LaFayette, April 186, Pg 22, Marriage and Death Notices, Genius of Liberty 1861-1865)

SW: Martha

Fayette Co, PA Cemetery Records (Incomplete?)

Oak Grove Cemetery, Uniontown

Henry S. COMBS. July 02, 1818 - April 30, 1877
Abigail S. COMBS. July 21, 1819 - October 15, 1906
Esmerella COMBS. November 07, 1847 - June 15, 1927

(Combs Researcher Jane McCann Walsh)

JMW Notes: Henry S. COMBS m Abigail STILLWELL. Esmerella [Esmeralda?] is thought to have been a daughter.

(Ed. Note: Marriage Source?)

Important: All Records collected for this county may not have been added here as yet. See also the Combs Research List Archives