The author has attempted to locate some of the COMBS lands by using early land grants, Daniel Crumpton's books [1] and tax digests. While the picture is not complete, it does help to narrow down the various Philips, Johns and allied families.
LAND GRANTS & PLATS
Typically, but not always, land grants were awarded to soldiers for their service; This system was used in lieu of currency. In Georgia, the lands were made available to the state after treaties were created with the native American Indians (ceded lands).
What is shown below is not all of the lands owned by COMBS men - they are the only ones that the author was able to source through limited research. A full list can likely be compiled by visiting the Georgia Archives' microfilm collections and the Wilkes County courthouse.
Philip Combs, 300 acres on Fishing Creek & Upton's Creek, 1784
John Combs, 442 acres on a branch of Little River, 1819
Note: This appears to be the same land as below based on the adjoining landowners; However, one is for 442 acres and the other is for 450 acres. Mark Combs is noted as a witness on this plat.
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1821 John Combs 450 acres on Little River
This is likely John Combs, the RS and son of Philip, Sr., RS
John was also in the Wilkes County Militia in 1789
John Combs, 24 acres on Cedar Creek, 1829, adjoining landowners James Woodruff, Morris and Reeves. This may not be John Combs, RS.
Enoch Combs, 182?
Enoch Combs, 54-1/2 acres on Rocky Creek in 1830 adjoining his own existing land and also adjoined by Mathew Talbot, John Combs and Barnett
DANIEL CRUMPTON'S BOOKS
Daniel Crumpton's immense work shows landownership at a given time. We can use his books to help us place the land on a map.
He shows the following lands:
- A Philip Combs, 1784, over 450 acres just east of the town of Washington, above Rocky Creek and Highway 378. Names of persons living close by that are pertinent to the author's research are John Pinkston, Mathew Talbot, John Wingfield, and Samuel Barnett.
- A Philip Combs owning 400+ acres on both sides of Rocky Creek north of Highway 80 and near Cedar Creek, just south of Highway 78. This land is near John Russell, Benedict Hammock and John Combs.
- A 1785 grant to a Philip Combs adjacent to William Davenport on Little River near a John Hammock.
- A John Combs with 442 acres near Lick Creek, Zion Road Highway #36, Reedy Fork of Rocky Creek. This appears to be south of Little River, NE of Crawfordville.
- A John Combs with 366+ acres on Thornton Creek near Union Point.
- Enoch Combs on Rocky Creek with Mathew Talbot as an adjoining landowner to the east. This appears to be on the south side of Rocky Creek.
WILKES COUNTY DEED BOOKS [2]
Records noting Philip and John Combs
- 1785 - Philip & John Combs are indicated to live on Rocky Creek near Robert Hammock and J. Wingfield. p.33
- 1788 - a 200 acre tract of land on Fishing Creek was sold by Moses Harris to Thomas Eidson. This tract is noted to be the remainder of the original grant made to Philip Combs: Combs sold to Harris. Other names noted on this record are Thomas Talbot, John and Shelton Eidson. p.107
- 1788 - Jeremiah Kendall sold land on Fishing Creek to J. Wingfield, land adjacent to P.Combs. p. 126
- 1791 - a transaction between Arch. Yarbrough and John Owens on Fishing Creek adjacent to Moses Harris, Philip Combs and Jere. Kendall. p. 291
- 1796 - 100 acres on Rocky Creek owned by Manson in arrears sold by the tax collector to Wm. Terrell. Land is noted to be adjacent to Philip Combs and Robert Hammock.
- 1796 - a transaction between Wm. Terrell and John Talbot on Rocky Creek adjacent to Philip & John Combs and Benedict Hammock. p. 481
- 1798 - Philip Combs to Thomas Eidson, 63-1/2 acres on Fishing Creek. p.583
- 1798 - Philip Combs sold 61 acres of land on Fishing Creek to John Bolton. p.597
Records noting John Combs & Enoch Combs
- 1785 - John Combs signed over 6000 pounds of tobacco @ Augusta to John Cooper. 218 acres of land on Rocky Creek is noted. p. 165
- 1789 - John Combs is noted on Rocky Creek of Little River adjacent to Richard Reviere. p.40
- 1792 - John Russell sold 100 acres on Rocky Creek to John Combs. Land adjacent to David Creswell and John Hammock. Robert Creswell was witness. p.528
- 1792 - John Combs sold 150 acres on Rocky Creek to John Talbot. Land granted to John Combs on Dec. 31, 1787. p.462
- 1794 - 200 acres of land on the south branch of Rocky Creek that was part of the original grant to John Combs in December of 1787. Hendricks' line is mentioned and John Talbot. Land sold to John Talbot. Mathew Talbot, Jr. and Williston Talbot are noted. p. 459
- 1795 - John Combs to William Barron, 125 acres on Dry Fork of Rocky Creek on road from Washington to Scotts Ferry. p. 571
- 1795 - a land transaction for Judith Hendricks on Rocky Creek adjacent to John Combs, Talbot, Richardson, Benedict Hammock. William Smallwood is mentioned. p.431
- 1796 - Philip and John Combs are noted in land transactions on Rocky Creek. p. 467 & 481
- 1797 - John and Milly Combs to John Bailey, 125 acres on Dry Fork of Rocky Creek adjacent to Pinkston. p 565
- 1800 - John Combs to Robert Jackson, 50 acres on Rocky Creek adjacent to Robert Harris, Talbot, Gresham. Enoch Combs witness. p.639
- 1800 - a 185 acre land transaction for John Russell and wife Betty on Upton Creek where Russell lives, adjacent to John Combs, Brewer, Walker, Parks and Triplett. P. 637
- 1800 - John Bailey had a land transaction on Upton's Creek adjacent to Wm. Triplett, John Talbot. John Combs, testator and proved by J. Combs. p. 662
Unspecified COMBS
- 1790 - South Fork of Little River. p.321
- 1790 - Robert Hammock, Benedict Hammock adjacent to a Combs on Rocky Creek. Manson is also noted. p.430
- 1792 - Little River. p.286
- 1800 - a land transaction on Rocky Creek notes David Creswell, Eidson, Barnett, Talbot, Combs, Woodruff and Bailey. p. 633
- 1801-1803 - a transaction between Benjamin Sims and Alex. McClure notes land on Rocky Creek adjacent to Combs, Talbot, Eidson, Barnett, Woodruff and Bailey. Appears to be the same land noted above. p. 670, 671, 675 & 769
Sterling Combs
- 1798 - David Creswell to Sterling Combs 122-1/2 acres adjacent to Silvey with John Combs as witness. Land location not mentioned. p. 642
- 1799 - Land above was sold to John Parker. p. 666 & 701
LAND LOTTERIES
The following records are from the book "Early Records of Georgia, Vol's I & II, Wilkes County".
(Yellow highlights are Combs family - green dots are other relevant names.)
1803
James, John, Enoch, Philip Sr and Jr all living near Reveire's, Rev. Jesse Mercer, Callaways, Philip Stark, Henry Starr, Stephen Staples, Smallwoods, Eidsons and Stroziers.
1819
Philip, Philip (RS), Philip (son of John), Zachariah, John (RS), and William (minor). Thomas E. Combs, John Combs (minor of James), Mildred Combs (widow of James) and orphans of James Combs. Living near Eidsons, Jacksons, Reveires, Talbots, Anderson Bates, Barnetts and Creswell. Some are living in Anderson Bates' District and others are living in Captain Kilgore's District.
1821
Thomas E. Combs and Capt. Philip Combs, Jr. Living near Callaways, Fannings, Mathew Favor, Francis Colley and Samuel Davis. This Samuel Davis might be the father of Civil War Confederate leader Jefferson Davis. Samuel Davis has been noted in some historical accounts to have been born in Wilkes County and his father is said to be buried near the town of Washington.
Capt. Philip Combs Jr. living near Enoch Callaway, Bryan Fanning, Mathew Favor and Francis Colley. Most likely this Philip is Philip Jr, son of Philip Sr. (RS). Possibly the last record before his death. Other publications show listings for Elizabeth, James, orphans of James, John, orphans of John, Sterling T. and Susan.
John Wise and James Colley are relevant names in the author's family line. John is likely the brother of Jane who married Anselm Jackson. Anselm married Daisy/Dovie/Dory Combs. James Colley is probably related to John Colley (RS), another of the author's paternal ancestors.
1832 Gold Lottery
Numerous Combs names all living in Lunceford's District: Margaret (likely the widow of Thomas R.), orphans of Thomas R., Patsy (widow of John), orphans of John, Enoch, Mary (widow of Thomas) and the orphans of Thomas. Living near them are Stroziers, Acton Nash, Jacksons, Lunceford, Hammock and Dearing. Note that the author's great-great-grandfather, Anselm Jackson, is shown on this record. He married Daisy/Dovie/Dory Combs.
WILKES COUNTY TAX DIGESTS
The following information has been culled from the Wilkes County Tax Digests which are available online from the FamilySearch.org website. It is important to note that only land or property owners would be listed on these tax records. One needs to refer to the census records to form a complete picture.
It is suggested that the researcher ignore the notations on the tax digests (and the censuses) regarding the use of SR, JR, 1st, 2nd, etc.. It is clear that the use of those terms during this time period were different than how they are used today.
The men that can be identified with some confidence from the records below marked using the highlights below. Those that cannot be easily identified remain unmarked.
Philip, Sr., RS (born about 1745)
Philip, Jr., son of Philip, Sr. (born about 1788)
Philip F. Combs, son of Philip, Jr. (born about 1810)
John Combs, RS, son of Philip, Sr. (born about 1764)
Philip Combs, son of John Combs, RS (born about 1789)
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1812 - Capt. Kilgore's District
A John Combs appears to own land on Fishing Creek. James Combs is also listed with land adjoining T. Eidson and P. Combs. Thomas Eidson is listed as well. Greenberry Pinkston is shown with a poll on Rocky Creek.
1814 - Capt. Walker's District
John Combs appears to own land on Fishing Creek along with James Combs. James has adjacent neighbors T. Eidson and P. Combs. Thomas Eidson is listed on the same page. Then he is shown with another poll in Leverett's District, again land on Fishing Creek. Greenberry Pinkston is shown also in Leverett's District on Kettle Creek.
1816 - Capt. Wallace's District
John Combs is shown with a poll for land on Rocky Creek adjoining T. Talbot and S. Leggin (sp?). Robert Hammock is shown on the next page but his poll is Kettle Creek and Greenberry Pinkston is also shown on Kettle Creek (These names will become important later).
1818 - Captain Prather's District
Milly Combs, administrator of J.C. (James Combs), 125 acres on Fishing Creek, adjoining a J. Combs (See 1814 above - this is probably her brother-in-law John Combs).
1821 - Capt. Archibald Harris' District (page 237 of 444 on FamilySearch.org)
- An entry for Philip Combs, Jr. for 128 acres in Wilkes County on Rocky Creek adjoining P. Combs 1st, Sr. and another poll for 490 acres in Wayne County.
- John Combs, Sr. has a poll for 450 acres on Little River. He is also acting as agent for Silas Hopkins (a non-resident).
- There is an Enoch Combs with a poll for 168 acres on Rocky Creek and another poll for 202-1/2 acres in Wilkinson County. Enoch is also acting as agent for Philip Combs Sr for 250 acres in Early County.
- There is an entry for a Philip Combs for 250 acres in Early County.
- There is an entry for a John Combs for 106 acres on Rocky Creek.
- There is an entry for a Mark Combs (minor) for 250 acres in Early County.
There are several Eidson men listed: John, James, William and Thomas. Also Thomas and Mathew Talbot. Also note the name Herbert Reviere - his name will be listed again.
Also listed in Capt. Archibald Harris' District (pages 171-172 of 444 on FamilySearch.org)
- Philip Combs Sr., 128 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek and 490 acres in Wayne County.
- Phillip Combs Jr., 58 acres in Wilkes on Little River (unknown which Philip)
- John Combs Jr., 106 acres on Rocky Creek
- Enoch Combs, 103 & 202 1/2 acres on Rocky Creek
- Enoch Combs, for Philip Combs Sr., 72 acres on Rocky Creek
- John Combs, 450 acres on Little River.
Mathew and John Talbot in same district.
1822 - Capt. Harris' District
- Enoch is shown with over 600 acres on Rocky Creek. It appears that this land adjoins P. Combs and P. Combs Sr.
- Enoch is agent for Philip Combs for 250 acres in Early County and 202-1/2 acres in Wilkinson County.
- John Combs Jr. is shown with 250 acres in Early County and 106 acres in Wilkes County on Rocky Creek.
- Philip Combs 2nd Jr. is shown with 202-1/2 acres in Houston County.
- Mark Combs (Minor) is shown with 250 acres in Early County (This Mark may be the grandson of John Combs (RS) by his son Philip.
- John Combs is shown with 250 acres in Early County.
- Philip Combs 2nd Jr. is shown with 490 acres in Wayne County and 128 acres in Wilkes County on Rocky Creek.
The name Herbert Reviere is still shown. Also note the name Eliza Staples for the orphan of Staples. Mathew and Thomas Talbot are also listed.
1825 - Capt. William Gresham's District
- Philip Combs, Jr., 202 1/2 acres in Houston County.
- Phillip Combs, 1st, Sr., 250 acres in Early County and 202 1/2 acres in Wilkinson County.
- Enoch Combs, 54 1/2 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek.
- John Combs, 250 acres in Early County and 26 acres in Wilkes on Cedar Creek.
- Philip Combs 2nd, Jr. 128 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek and 490 acres in Wayne County.
Also listed in this district: Thomas, John and James Eidson; Thomas and Mathew Talbot; Herbert Reviere.
1826 - Capt. Rice's District
- We have a poll for John Combs for 250 acres in Early County. John Eidson is on the same page as well as Robert and William Hammock, Shadrach Pinkston, Greenberry Pinkston, Atha Jarrett, and Benjamin Starr.
1829 - Capt. West's District
- Philip Combs 128 acres in Wilkes and 490 acres in Wayne County.
- Philip Combs agent for the orphans of Philip Combs, 250 acres in Early County and 202 1/2 acres in Wilkinson County.
- Enoch Combs, (appears to be the same land as the orphans of Philip above)
- Jeremiah B. Combs, (appears to be the same land as the orphans of Philip above)
1829 - Capt. Lunceford's District
- Thomas R. Combs, 200 acres, Kettle Creek and 202-1/2 acres in Monroe County.
- Orphans of John Combs, 202 1/2 acres in Lee County and 250 acres in Early County.
Ephraim Jackson is listed in the same district.
1830 - Capt. West's District
- Enoch Combs
- Philip Combs, Senior, 128 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek and 490 acres in Wayne County.
- Philip Combs, Agent for the orphans of Philip Combs, 202-1/2 acres in Wilkinson County and 250 acres in Early County.
- Thomas Eidson for Jeremiah R. Combs (appears to be land in Lee County)
William Eidson is on the same page. Edward Waller for Elizabeth Staples is next page.
1832 - Capt. Kilgore's District
- Phillip Combs - 1 poll
- Thomas R. Eidson, 1 poll; Wyche Jackson, 1 poll.
1832 - Capt. Watt's District
- Philip Combs, 128 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek and 490 acres in Wayne County.
- Agent for P. Combs, Orphans, 202 1/2 acres in Wilkinson County and 250 acres in Early County.
Also listed in this district are: Administrator of Thos. Eidson for Jeremiah R. Combs, land in Lee County; Herbert Reviere; Thomas Talbot; Edward Waller for Elizabeth Staples, orphans of Thomas Staples.
Based on the 1830 Census, this first entry for Philip is the son of Philip (RS) and he is handling the estate of his deceased father for the second entry. So, we can identify Philip, Jr. by his ownership of 128 and 490 acres of land, respectively.
1837 - Capt. West's District
- Jeremiah B. Combs, 1 poll (unclear what acreage and where)
- John Combs Combs (old), 300 acres in Wilkes on Little River
- Enoch Combs, 40 acres in Cherokee County, GA
- Philip Combs (old), 128 acres in Wilkes on Rocky Creek, 490 acres in Wayne County and 40 acres in Paulding County.
- Philip Combs, for the orphans of Philip Combs, 250 acres in Baker County and 202 1/2 acres in Wilkinson County
Also listed in this district are Edward Waller for Elizabeth Staples, Mathew, James and Thomas Talbot and Herbert Reviere.
Paulding & Cobb Counties
- For Philip Combs, we have a Cobb County Tax Digest for District 846, Powder Springs in 1849, showing 40 acres
- Also for Philip, we have a Cobb County Tax Digest for District 846 (Spring - sic, Powder Springs) in 1851 showing 40 acres
- Again for Philip, we have a Paulding Tax Digest for District 1218 (Weddington) in 1870 showing 50 acres.
Note that the Paulding County/Cobb County border was shifted east in 1851 so it was likely that Philip was in Cobb in 1850 and then in Paulding in 1851. The border in 1850 was a vertical line running almost directly through the town of Dallas. In 1851, the border was still a vertical line; however, it now was located about 1/2 between Hiram and Powder Springs. This likely makes the land that Philip owned somewhere near Hiram and Powder Springs.
Based on the newspaper obituary posted for John Combs in Powder Springs, we can identify John as the Revolutionary War soldier and he almost certainly is the father of Philip who was also living in Powder Springs at the time of John's death. On the 1837 Tax Digest, John is shown to be (OLD) with 300 acres on Little River - he likely sold 150 acres of the 450 acres that was awarded to him in 1821 (See HERE).
CONCLUSIONS
- The 300 acre grant in 1784 to Philip Combs (RS) on Fishing Creek appears to be near present day Smyrna Church because of the Upton Creek reference. A lot of the land in this area was originally owned by John Williston Talbot (sons Thomas & Gov. Mathew). Was this a part of the 450 acre tract that Daniel Crumpton noted (see above) or was it in addition to that tract?
- Philip Combs (RS) also appears to have owned land on Rocky Creek (over 400 acres).
- About 1819, a John Combs was awarded land on Rocky Creek which is located south and west of Smyrna Church. This was likely John Combs (RS), son of Philip (RS). The land was likely awarded for his Revolutionary War service, County Militia Service or War of 1812 service. There is a possibility that this land was a different John since we know that there was a John Combs that served in the War of 1812 but we cannot prove which of the Johns this was.
- We know that John Combs (RS) married a daughter of John & Milly Russell. John Combs likely lived on the tract of land adjoining the Russells on Rocky Creek.
- It is clear that the land owned by our Combs ancestors on Rocky Creek was located near lands owned by Robert, John and Benedict Hammock, John Wingfield, John & Mathew Talbot, John Russell, David & Robert Creswell, Barnett, Woodruff, Bailey, Hendricks and Pinkston. The author's proven ancestors include the Talbots and Pinkstons.
- The Combs land located on Fishing Creek had adjoining landowners that included John, Thomas and Shelton Eidson, Thomas Talbot, John Wingfield and Moses Harris.
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General Notes:
1. Hammock, Eidson, Talbot, Russell, Wingfield, Pinkston, Staples, Waller Reviere are all either allied families of the Combs family and/or a part of the author's Wilkes County ancestry. See HERE.
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Footnotes:
[1] Wilkes County, Georgia Land Records, Volume One, Daniel Nathan Crumpton
[2] Wilkes County, Georgia Deed Books A-VV, Michal Martin Farmer
This page was created on 2/24/2025