Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 29, 2006 11:46:04 GMT -5
Combs &c. Families
of Monmouth Co, NJ
1683-1799
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Last updated 26 September 2006
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Monmouth Co, NJ was established in 1683 from the Province of East Jersey. Numerous changes in county boundaries have occurred up to and including as recently as 1928. In 1850, Ocean Co was est. from Monmouth.
Freehold vs. Upper Freehold: Early Combs Families are found in both Freehold and Upper Freehold Townships. Most of the Combs of Freehold Twp. were associated with the Old Tennet (Scots-Presbyterian) Church whereas the Combs of Upper Freehold were Quakers who attended meeting at Chesterfield Monthly Meeting in Burlington Co. Freehold and Upper Freehold are at least a half-hours (present-day) drive apart. Upper Freehold Township is actually a large area encompassing several towns, including both Cream Ridge and Allentown.
(Combs Researcher Kathy Karn)
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The earliest known Combs in the records of New Jersey was in 1707 for Richard COMBS, a property owner in Freehold, Monmouth by 1700, but probably earlier from Hempstead, Queens Co, NY, and Richard II, s/o Richard COMBS I of Hempstead. Richard II was probable brother to Thomas COMBS I who d 1724, Freehold Twp, naming wife, Elizabeth, sons Robert, Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan and John, and daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth. A second Thomas COMBS d testate (will dated 1757), but was of Upper Freehold Twp. This 2nd Thomas COMBS is thought to have been the Quaker earlier in the Hopewell (then Middlesex Co) area, and believed to have m (1) 1723 Mary SHIPPEY by whom he had sons John, b 26 Nov 1732, d. about June 1803, m. Rebecca FITZRANDOLPH; and James, b about 1734, d 1813.; and (2) Keziah LEMMING (aka LIMING) by whom he had two daughters, Lydia, b unk, d. aft Sep 1819, m. Joshua NORTON; and Dinah, b unk, m 1771, Monmouth, Benjamin HUTCHISON.
N. B. Sources still needed for birth and marriage of John (1732) and marriage of Lydia to Joshua NORTON.
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Index to Combs of Monmouth Co, NJ
Early Monmouth Records (1683-
?) - See Below
Later Monmouth Records (1800-?), including Deed Index
Births, Baptisms, Burials and Family Records
See also Combs Researcher Jack Mount's Combs of Upper Freehold
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Chronology of Monmouth Records (1683-?)
22 Sep 1700 - 1711 Deed. Richard COMES of the township of Hempstead in Queens County Island of Nassau and Province of New Yorke, dated 1711, to Thomas COMBS of the township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth and Province of New Jersey, lands and meadows which were granted to Richard by Captain Samuell LEONARD by a deed dated Sept 22, 1700 and land deeded to Richard by Captaine John BROWN [BOWNE?] dated 1704.
(Abstracted from Library of Deeds, folio 454, at the Trenton, NJ Archives by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
22 Sep 1700-14 May 1711. Trenton, NJ, Deeds, 1:454. Richard COMBES of Hempstead [Queens Co, NY], conveyed to Thomas COMBES of Freehold [Monmouth Co, NJ], three parcels of land there, the first being of 75 acres which was purchased of Capt. Samuel LEONARD on 22 Sept. 1700; the second, a like amount, bought of Capt. John BOWNE [sic] on 10 Sept. 1704 and the third, in two pieces, acquired of Hugh TANCRELT [TANCRED?] on 12 Mar. 1701, all this for £250, in NY money.
(George D.A. Combes' 1925 Manuscript, hereinafter GDAC, 1925)
Notes: GDAC "tended" to change surname spelling to COMBES even when the record listed different spelling. Thomas COMBS, d 1724 in Freehold, was the s/o Richard & Elizabeth COMBS I of Hempstead, Queens Co, NY (See 11 Mar 1706 below), and the above Richard is believed to have been his brother, Richard II.
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11 Mar 1706 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY Records 2:300. "…. I Thomas COMES of freehold in ye County of monmath and provinc of new Jerrsey for …. fifty pounds in mony and land … paid by John COMES of Madnans Neck one long island of nassaw [Hempstead, Queens Co, NY] …. do … aquit and discharg the sd John COMES his hairs and assigns all that … land …. being one madnans neck one nasaw in ye bounds of hemsted in queens County lying one hundred and eighty rod in length by estemation and nintene rod in bredth bounded southward by Richard THORN and norward by John HUBS containing one and twenty acors and a half more or les together with all …. privilidgs bee longing to ye same John COOMES his hairs or assigns and i the said Thomas COAMS…. do …. agree to and with the sd John COMES his hairs and assigns for ye aforesd bargained premises excepting the thirds of ye farm for the which is my mothers Elizabeth COMESES har lif time…" s/Thomas COMES. Wit: Job THROCKMORTON and the mark of Richard CHEASMAN; no dates of ack. or recd.
(GDAC, 1925)
SW: CHEESMAN
Notes: It is not known which calendar was used in the above record; i.e., whether this was 1705/1706 or 1706/1707. In the 1698 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY Census, Elizabeth COMES was head of household, others of whose members were John, Robert and Mercy COMES. Thomas COMBS and his putative brother, Richard II, were both missing from the 1698 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY census, and likely already in Freehold, Monmouth Co, NJ by that time. It has been presumed by some researchers that Richard was deceased by 1698 (rather than out of the county); even if not, the above record fully documents that he had died by the date of this record.
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1707 (Monmouth NJ Liber 12 Folio 213) OLD TIMES IN OLD MONMOUTH. Superscription: "For Her Majesties Service,"
"To Capt. John BOWNE,
Capt. Richard SALTER,
Obadiah BROWN,
Anthony WOODWARD,
Jeremiah STILLWELL,
Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Monmouth.
"Record of God's judgement on Richard COMBS, at Shrewsbury, in a Court of Sessions, Anno Dom. 1707.
"Richard COMBES, being on his examination before the Court, on charge of stealing Edward TAYLOR'S hogs; he was bold in declaring his innocency, and was told by the Justices to take care, how he did persist to deny, that which all men did believe him guilty of. He then again called upon God, and said that God knew his innocency," and that he was clear of the charge of stealing hogs. One or two of the Justices looking full in his face, prayed him to forbear appealing to the Great Being, who would one day meet with him for it, if he was guilty of the crime charged. He again began to call on God, saying that God knew he was clear, and suddenly fell down, like one struck dead. He was helped up, just opened his eyes, and fell down again, recover in a considerable time to be sensible. His tongue hung out of his mouth, and he did not wholly come to himself in some weeks.
By order of the Court,
James BOLLEN, Clerk.
(Extracted from "Old Times in Old Monmouth", Historical Reminiscences, Old Monmouth County, New Jersey, Being a Series of Historical Sketches relating to Old Monmouth County, (now Monmouth and Ocean). By Edwin Salter and George C. Beekman. The Battle of Monmouth, Originally published in Monmouth Democrate, Freehold, N.J.1887, Published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1980, library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 80-67938, International Standard Book Number 0-8063-0901-6, Made in the United States of America and Reprinted from a volume in the Library of the Monmouth County Historical Association, Page 268)
Author's Footnote:
"There seems to have been no proof of his guilt before the Court, as they were then examining the case, yet the Court assumes his guilt. Accordingly this accusation was enough to excite a person conscious of his innocence.
"A charge of this kind, perhaps, maliciously preferred by some sly and crafty person, was sufficient to set him in a fever of excitement, and when in spite of his solemn protestations of his innocency, the very tribunal of men, which should have waited until all the facts were before it, persisted in the assumption of his guilt. and that under such excitment, there should have been a rush of blood to the brain, and a fit, is not very surprising. This record is proof that the Dogberries of the bench were unfit for their positions, but no proof of the defendant's guilt."
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29 Nov 1708 Hempstead Town Records 2:345, Queens Co, NY. Affidavit of Mary BRIANT Wood. ffreehold [Freehold] November the 29 day 1708. Then appeared before me Georg ALLIN one of har majesties Justises of ye peace for ye County of Monmouth (NJ) Mary WOOD Aged 41 years whose maiden nam was mary BRIANT sworen on ye holy avangles and did declare upon oath that shee never did sign as avdence to any ded or righting from Thomas COAMS to Richard COAMS or saw any righting pas from one to another whatsoever from ye begening of the world unto ye dat here of Tacken and acknowledged before me the date above righten George ALLIN Justis of qurom
These are to sartifie all parsons to whome these may Com or Consarn yt I have lived in ye County of mounmounth 19 yearer & som months & I never saw or heard of any parson yt was Caold by ye name of Mary BRYANT but this one parson whose nam is now Mary WOOD as witness my hand in shrowsbury (Shrewsbury) this 30 day of November anno 1708 George ALLIN.
This aboves evedenc is a true Copy of ye original entered by mee Tho GILDERSLEEVE Clarck (clerk)."
(GDAC, 1925)
Notes: The above-referenced deed from Thomas to Richard may be the reason for the 1711 deed that references 1700 property holdings. See also 20 Dec 1732 Will of William BRYANT of Hopewell [Middlesex Co, NJ]. Witnesses included Robert COMBS [sp.?], who with others made the inventory, 2 Feb 1732-33. (GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills: 2:454, 456)
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22 of April, 1714 - 13 May 1720 (Freehold, Monmouth Co NJ Deeds, Book E., page 361) Deed between Thomas COMBES of Freehold Township in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey and John REID, land granted to Thomas by John HAMPTON and his wife Christian in a deed dated August 17, 1711. At the end it states "and Elizabeth the wife of the said Thomas doth fully and freely give and yield up unto the said John REID all her right and title of Dower and Intrest".
A memorandum to this deed dated the 13th of May 1720 states that "Thomas COMBS above named--- Acknowledged this instrument to be his act & deed before me, John REID." (Abstracted by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
Notes: See also the later John REED Sr. of Freehold, father of Elizabeth who m Jonathan COMBS of Perth Amboy (license 3 Jun 1741).
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2 Mar 1714 John COMBS (& wife Elizabeth) [of Freehold?] to Samuel LAYTON, a small piece of meadow, borders Samuel LAYTON'S meadow [which is also noted in the landmarks used to mark the boundaries of the land John COMBS later sold to John EMANS (EMMONS)]. Witnesses? 2 Mar 1714 Memorandum proving deed by Thos. WILLIAMS' testimony.
(Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
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1715 (Freehold, Monmouth Co NJ Deeds E:1753 [175]) Deed. Thomas COMBS of the Township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth in the Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey "by and with the consent Approbation & good liking of Elizabeth his wife" to Ambrose STEELE dated 1715.
(ibid.)
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14 Oct 1715. Estate of Peter WILSON Jr., of Middleton [Monmouth Co, NJ]. Debtors included a Thomas COMBS
(GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1)
Notes: See also 10 Aug 1736 Hunterdon Co, NJ record which states that one Samuel HOOFMIER of Middletown [Monmouth Co] had on 29 Jan 1707/8, conveyed conveyed to Peter WILLSON of freehold Deceased land in Amwell, Hunterdon Co, NJ, which was adjacent to that of Robert COOMBS.
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4 May 1716 Monmouth Co, NJ Deeds. John EMMONS to John COMBS, both of Freehold Twp, NJ, 96 acres of land, formerly patented to Geo. HULIT of Freehold Twp. Borders: N & S by William WOOD'S land, West by Bartlet's Brook and SE by Long Brook.
10 May 1716 John COMBS (and wife Elizabeth) to John EMMONS, for L80, 96 acres purchased from Abel PRESTON of Philadelphia prior to 2 Mar 1714. Border: 1/2 East by Bartlet's Brook, West by Thomas COPPER'S land, South by Samuel DENNIS and North by Wm. SCOT's land... mentions quit rents. Witnesses: John CAMPBELL, Jonathan FORMAN, Aub STELLE.*
*Could this be Ambrose STEELE? (See 1715 deed of Thomas COMBS)
31 Jul 1716 John COMBS (and wife Elizabeth) of Freehold to Richard SLLIFON (SLLISON, ELLISON) of Hempstead Twp, [then Queens, now-] Nassau County, Long Island for L50, 96 acres land purchased from John EMMONS on 4 May 1716, originally owned by Nathaniel SLOCUM. Witnesses: John REID & Wm. MADOCK. Memorandum attached verifies (proves) the deed dated Jan 23, 1732, Wm. MADOCK's testimony.
Notes: The above are partial abstractions by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio who will be completing in the future. See also 1740 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY record for John COMBS, wit. deed for Richard ELLISON, Sr. and 1769 Hempstead record of Richard ELLISON with possible d/o John COMBS, in which Richard ELLISON is identified as a Quaker.
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9 Apr 1716. Estate of John BOUNE of Mattawan, Middleton, Middlesex [Monmouth Co], NJ. Debtors included Thomas and John COMBES (GDAC, 1925. Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1) Combs &c.
Note: *Matawan, Middleton Twp. is in Monmouth Co, NJ, not Middlesex.
[SW: BOWNE]
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27 May 1719. Inventory of estate of Robert RHE (or RAY) of Freehold [Monmouth Co, NJ], was apprized [appraised?] by Thomas COMBS et als.
(GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1)
Notes: See also Thomas COMBES who made inventory on 8 Oct 1777 of the estate of Robert RHEA [sic], d intestate, of Allentown, Monmouth Co, NJ.
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Feb.27, 1722 Monmouth Co, NJ Civil & Criminal Court Records "The Grand Jury came into court and brought in an indictment against Robert COMBS for Fornication."
(Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
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Jan. 26, 1723 Monmouth Co, NJ Civil & Criminal Court Records "Robert COMBS gave Bond to Secure the Town of Freehold harmless from a Bastard Child Born of the Body of Anne COOK." "Ordered that the Said Robert COMBS Do Pay to the Said Anne COOK One Shilling and Six pence a Week for Six Months from this Time towards the Maintenance of the sd Child and that she Gives Security to Maintain the Child on Payment of that Money."
(ibid.)
Notes: According to the 12 Oct 1723 will of Robert's father, Thomas, Robert's shop was adjacent to land formerly adjoining a Benjamin COOK whose relationship to Anne, if any, is not yet known. Nor has the child been identified as yet.
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Three Transcriptions - see below re conflicts:
Transcription 1:
12 Oct 1723 (Monmouth Co NJ, Recorded Copy: Vol A, p.298) Will of Thomas COMBS of Freehold.
In the name of God, Amen, the twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred twenty and three, I Thomas COMBS of Freehold carpenter being now sick in body, but of perfect mind and menory, thanks be unto God. Therefore, calling into mind the mortality of my body and know that it is appointed for all men once to dye--do make and ordain this, my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and full of faith, I give unto God my soul who gave it and for my body I recommend itto the earth to be buried in Christian and devout manner at the discretion of my Executor and Executrix--nithing doubted but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and at touching such worldly estates as it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Imprimis--I will and ordain that alll my just debts be paid by my executor and executrix.
Item--I give and bequeath unto my son, Robert COMBS, twelve acres of land joining to land formerly Benjamin COOK'S land where the aforesaid Robert's shop stands also to him, the said Robert COMBS, his heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I will and bequeath unto Rachel COMBS, my daughter, twenty-five acres of land to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Thomas COMBS, my son, twenty-five acres of land to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Jonathan COMBS, my son, twenty-five acres of land to him, his heirs and assigns forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to John COMBS, my son, the remaining part of the said land all which I now possess and enjoy and that the land the said John COMBS his share of portion (thatbe) and take in the house and orchard that I now live in, possess and enjoy.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth COMBS, my daughter, thirty pounds, money at eight shillings per ounce, which is to be paid the said Elizabeth, her heirs or assigns by my aforesaid sons (viz) Thomas COMBS, Robert COMBS, Jonathan COMBS and John COMBS. Each of them share equal proportion of said thirty pounds when any and every of them shall arrive and be at the age of twenty two years, that is, first Thomas COMBS and soon successively. If any should be at that age aforesaid and upon denial or neglect of any of the aforesaid legacy, that then his or some part ofaforesaid land may be sold to pay the same by my now wife, Elizabeth COMBS, and that her deed shall be as good and authoritative as if I myself were alive and could assign it to any person whatsoever.
Item-I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth COMBS, my beloved wife, all and singular my movable estate to be by her and her assigns peaceably enjoyed with my farm during her life time or to be divided at her discretion for the paying of my debts as aforesaid.
Item-I constitute together with Jonathan HAMPTON of Freehold Cordwainer executrix and executor and I do hereby lastly disalow, revoke and disannul all and every other prior testaments, wills, legacies,bequests and executes by me in any while before this time willed and bequested, redifining and confirming this and no other, to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and sealthis day and year above written.
Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared to be Thomas S. COMBS the last will and testament, in the presence of: George WALKER, John TRENTON, John CAMPBELL
(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Jeannette Combs Lehman)
Transcription 2:
12 Oct 1723 Will of Thomas COMBS, of ffreehold [Freehold], Carpenter, "being now Sick in body." Dated Oct. 12, 1723. Bequeaths:
"unto Robert COMBS my Son twelve aceres of Land Joyning to Land formerly Benjamine COOKS Land where "the aforsd Roberts shop standeth to him . . . . his heirs . . . .";
"unto Rachel COMBS my Daughter, twenty "five aceres of Land to her her heirs . . . .";
"unto Thomas COMBS my son twenty five aceres of Land to him his "heirs . . . .";
"unto Joseph COMBS my son twenty-five aceres of Land to him his heirs . . . .";
"unto Jonathan COMBS my son twenty-five aceres of Land to him his heirs . . . .";
"unto John COMBS my son the "Remaining part of the sd Land all which I now possess.. . . and that the sd John COMBES his share . . . . "shall be and take in ye house and oarchard that I now live in . . ..";
"unto Elizabeth COMBS my Daughter therty "pounds moneys at eight shill pr ounce which is to [be] paid to ye sd Elizabeth her heirs . . by my aforefd Sons "viz, Thomas COMBS, Joseph COMBS Jonathan COMBS and John COMBS, each of them their equal proportion of sd therty "pounds when any and evry of them shall arive . . . . at the age of twenty two years that is first Thomas COMBS, "and so on successifly as they shall be at that age . . . . And upon . . . . neglect by any of . . . . "Legatees that then his or their part . . . . shall . . . . be sold to pay the same by my now wife Elizabeth " COMBS and that her Deed shall be as good . . . . as if I . . . . were alike [alive?] . . . .";
"unto Elizabeth " COMBS my beloved wife all . . . . my movable Estat to be by her . . . . Enjoyed with my ffarm During "her lifetime or to be Devided at her Discration she paying all my Debts . . . . whom I Constitute together with "Jonathan HAMPTON of ffreehold Cordweinr [Cordwainer] my Executrix and Excr . . . ." Thomas COMBS. Wits.: George WALKER, John FENTON, John CAMPBELL. Oath of Executors, Elizabeth COMBS and Jonathan HAMPTON; before Mich1 KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, May 27, 1724.
Proved by dep. of John CAMBELL and John FENTON, two of ye evidences, who were present when the other evidence signed; before Michael KEARNEY, Surrogate, ffreehold, Mon. Co., May 27, 1724. "recorded Liber A., [p.] 298."
(Extracted by COMBS Resarcher Debi Houser from the book "Unrecorded Wills and Inventories Monmouth County New Jersey," Page 117)
27 May 1724 Monmouth Co, NJ. Liber A., [p.] 298. Will of Thomas COMBS, of ffreehold, Carpenter, dated Oct. 12, 1723. Proved by dep. of John CAMBELL and John FENTON, two of ye evidences, who were present when the other evidence signed; before Michael KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, Mon. Co., May 27, 1724. Oath of Executors, Elizabeth COMBS and Jonathan HAMPTON; before Michl KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, May 27, 1724.
(Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Kendrick from "Unrecorded Wills and Inventories Monmouth County New Jersey," Family Treemaker re-print, p. 117)
Transcription 3:
12 Oct 1723 - 27 May 1725. Will of Thomas COMBS, carpenter, of Freehold, NJ; named his wife Elizabeth; children: Robert, Rachel, Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan, John and Elizabeth, all minors [sic]; disposed of real and personal property; executors: said wife and Jonathan HAMPTON, of Freehold, cordwainer; witnessed by George WALKER, John FENTON and John CAMPBELL.
(GDAC, 1925. Ref: NJ Wills, 1:103)
Conflicts:
Son, Joseph is omitted from first transcription; and
son, Robert is not included as one of the sons who is required to pay Elizabeth in the second transcription.
The third transcription states that all children were minors, which is not borne out by the first two records. It appears that son Robert, and probably Rachel, were apparently of age. Moreover, it appears likely that both were born to Thomas by an earlier wife (or wives) given his use of the term, "my now wife" in re Elizabeth (thought by some to have been a SEAMAN (SEAMON), by others to have possibly been a HAMPTON. The second transcription appears to be more accurate as it implies that Robert was of age (born pre-1703) or close to, whereas Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan and John clearly were not, and moreover, are apparently listed in age order.
Question: Does the "S" indicate Thomas' middle initial or that he signed (or affixed his seal)?
Notes: Although Thomas was married to an Elizabeth by 1714 (Monmouth Records), it is not known if she was the same Elizabeth as at the time of his death. One undocumented source lists her as nee SEAMON, but Thomas appears to have been married more than once given his use of the phrase "my now wife" in his will. Two Elizabeths? Or a first wife who d pre-1714? Were eldest son, Robert, and daughter, Rachel, by an earlier wife? Was Rachel single or married to a Combs? (If the latter, which?)
of Monmouth Co, NJ
1683-1799
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Last updated 26 September 2006
You are Our 3096th Visitor Since 13 Jun 2005 (new counter)
Please Email Additions/Corrections to The Combs Research Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monmouth Co, NJ was established in 1683 from the Province of East Jersey. Numerous changes in county boundaries have occurred up to and including as recently as 1928. In 1850, Ocean Co was est. from Monmouth.
Freehold vs. Upper Freehold: Early Combs Families are found in both Freehold and Upper Freehold Townships. Most of the Combs of Freehold Twp. were associated with the Old Tennet (Scots-Presbyterian) Church whereas the Combs of Upper Freehold were Quakers who attended meeting at Chesterfield Monthly Meeting in Burlington Co. Freehold and Upper Freehold are at least a half-hours (present-day) drive apart. Upper Freehold Township is actually a large area encompassing several towns, including both Cream Ridge and Allentown.
(Combs Researcher Kathy Karn)
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The earliest known Combs in the records of New Jersey was in 1707 for Richard COMBS, a property owner in Freehold, Monmouth by 1700, but probably earlier from Hempstead, Queens Co, NY, and Richard II, s/o Richard COMBS I of Hempstead. Richard II was probable brother to Thomas COMBS I who d 1724, Freehold Twp, naming wife, Elizabeth, sons Robert, Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan and John, and daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth. A second Thomas COMBS d testate (will dated 1757), but was of Upper Freehold Twp. This 2nd Thomas COMBS is thought to have been the Quaker earlier in the Hopewell (then Middlesex Co) area, and believed to have m (1) 1723 Mary SHIPPEY by whom he had sons John, b 26 Nov 1732, d. about June 1803, m. Rebecca FITZRANDOLPH; and James, b about 1734, d 1813.; and (2) Keziah LEMMING (aka LIMING) by whom he had two daughters, Lydia, b unk, d. aft Sep 1819, m. Joshua NORTON; and Dinah, b unk, m 1771, Monmouth, Benjamin HUTCHISON.
N. B. Sources still needed for birth and marriage of John (1732) and marriage of Lydia to Joshua NORTON.
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Index to Combs of Monmouth Co, NJ
Early Monmouth Records (1683-
?) - See BelowLater Monmouth Records (1800-
?), including Deed IndexBirths, Baptisms, Burials and Family Records
See also Combs Researcher Jack Mount's Combs of Upper Freehold
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Chronology of Monmouth Records (1683-
?)22 Sep 1700 - 1711 Deed. Richard COMES of the township of Hempstead in Queens County Island of Nassau and Province of New Yorke, dated 1711, to Thomas COMBS of the township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth and Province of New Jersey, lands and meadows which were granted to Richard by Captain Samuell LEONARD by a deed dated Sept 22, 1700 and land deeded to Richard by Captaine John BROWN [BOWNE?] dated 1704.
(Abstracted from Library of Deeds, folio 454, at the Trenton, NJ Archives by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
22 Sep 1700-14 May 1711. Trenton, NJ, Deeds, 1:454. Richard COMBES of Hempstead [Queens Co, NY], conveyed to Thomas COMBES of Freehold [Monmouth Co, NJ], three parcels of land there, the first being of 75 acres which was purchased of Capt. Samuel LEONARD on 22 Sept. 1700; the second, a like amount, bought of Capt. John BOWNE [sic] on 10 Sept. 1704 and the third, in two pieces, acquired of Hugh TANCRELT [TANCRED?] on 12 Mar. 1701, all this for £250, in NY money.
(George D.A. Combes' 1925 Manuscript, hereinafter GDAC, 1925)
Notes: GDAC "tended" to change surname spelling to COMBES even when the record listed different spelling. Thomas COMBS, d 1724 in Freehold, was the s/o Richard & Elizabeth COMBS I of Hempstead, Queens Co, NY (See 11 Mar 1706 below), and the above Richard is believed to have been his brother, Richard II.
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11 Mar 1706 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY Records 2:300. "…. I Thomas COMES of freehold in ye County of monmath and provinc of new Jerrsey for …. fifty pounds in mony and land … paid by John COMES of Madnans Neck one long island of nassaw [Hempstead, Queens Co, NY] …. do … aquit and discharg the sd John COMES his hairs and assigns all that … land …. being one madnans neck one nasaw in ye bounds of hemsted in queens County lying one hundred and eighty rod in length by estemation and nintene rod in bredth bounded southward by Richard THORN and norward by John HUBS containing one and twenty acors and a half more or les together with all …. privilidgs bee longing to ye same John COOMES his hairs or assigns and i the said Thomas COAMS…. do …. agree to and with the sd John COMES his hairs and assigns for ye aforesd bargained premises excepting the thirds of ye farm for the which is my mothers Elizabeth COMESES har lif time…" s/Thomas COMES. Wit: Job THROCKMORTON and the mark of Richard CHEASMAN; no dates of ack. or recd.
(GDAC, 1925)
SW: CHEESMAN
Notes: It is not known which calendar was used in the above record; i.e., whether this was 1705/1706 or 1706/1707. In the 1698 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY Census, Elizabeth COMES was head of household, others of whose members were John, Robert and Mercy COMES. Thomas COMBS and his putative brother, Richard II, were both missing from the 1698 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY census, and likely already in Freehold, Monmouth Co, NJ by that time. It has been presumed by some researchers that Richard was deceased by 1698 (rather than out of the county); even if not, the above record fully documents that he had died by the date of this record.
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1707 (Monmouth NJ Liber 12 Folio 213) OLD TIMES IN OLD MONMOUTH. Superscription: "For Her Majesties Service,"
"To Capt. John BOWNE,
Capt. Richard SALTER,
Obadiah BROWN,
Anthony WOODWARD,
Jeremiah STILLWELL,
Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Monmouth.
"Record of God's judgement on Richard COMBS, at Shrewsbury, in a Court of Sessions, Anno Dom. 1707.
"Richard COMBES, being on his examination before the Court, on charge of stealing Edward TAYLOR'S hogs; he was bold in declaring his innocency, and was told by the Justices to take care, how he did persist to deny, that which all men did believe him guilty of. He then again called upon God, and said that God knew his innocency," and that he was clear of the charge of stealing hogs. One or two of the Justices looking full in his face, prayed him to forbear appealing to the Great Being, who would one day meet with him for it, if he was guilty of the crime charged. He again began to call on God, saying that God knew he was clear, and suddenly fell down, like one struck dead. He was helped up, just opened his eyes, and fell down again, recover in a considerable time to be sensible. His tongue hung out of his mouth, and he did not wholly come to himself in some weeks.
By order of the Court,
James BOLLEN, Clerk.
(Extracted from "Old Times in Old Monmouth", Historical Reminiscences, Old Monmouth County, New Jersey, Being a Series of Historical Sketches relating to Old Monmouth County, (now Monmouth and Ocean). By Edwin Salter and George C. Beekman. The Battle of Monmouth, Originally published in Monmouth Democrate, Freehold, N.J.1887, Published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1980, library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 80-67938, International Standard Book Number 0-8063-0901-6, Made in the United States of America and Reprinted from a volume in the Library of the Monmouth County Historical Association, Page 268)
Author's Footnote:
"There seems to have been no proof of his guilt before the Court, as they were then examining the case, yet the Court assumes his guilt. Accordingly this accusation was enough to excite a person conscious of his innocence.
"A charge of this kind, perhaps, maliciously preferred by some sly and crafty person, was sufficient to set him in a fever of excitement, and when in spite of his solemn protestations of his innocency, the very tribunal of men, which should have waited until all the facts were before it, persisted in the assumption of his guilt. and that under such excitment, there should have been a rush of blood to the brain, and a fit, is not very surprising. This record is proof that the Dogberries of the bench were unfit for their positions, but no proof of the defendant's guilt."
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29 Nov 1708 Hempstead Town Records 2:345, Queens Co, NY. Affidavit of Mary BRIANT Wood. ffreehold [Freehold] November the 29 day 1708. Then appeared before me Georg ALLIN one of har majesties Justises of ye peace for ye County of Monmouth (NJ) Mary WOOD Aged 41 years whose maiden nam was mary BRIANT sworen on ye holy avangles and did declare upon oath that shee never did sign as avdence to any ded or righting from Thomas COAMS to Richard COAMS or saw any righting pas from one to another whatsoever from ye begening of the world unto ye dat here of Tacken and acknowledged before me the date above righten George ALLIN Justis of qurom
These are to sartifie all parsons to whome these may Com or Consarn yt I have lived in ye County of mounmounth 19 yearer & som months & I never saw or heard of any parson yt was Caold by ye name of Mary BRYANT but this one parson whose nam is now Mary WOOD as witness my hand in shrowsbury (Shrewsbury) this 30 day of November anno 1708 George ALLIN.
This aboves evedenc is a true Copy of ye original entered by mee Tho GILDERSLEEVE Clarck (clerk)."
(GDAC, 1925)
Notes: The above-referenced deed from Thomas to Richard may be the reason for the 1711 deed that references 1700 property holdings. See also 20 Dec 1732 Will of William BRYANT of Hopewell [Middlesex Co, NJ]. Witnesses included Robert COMBS [sp.?], who with others made the inventory, 2 Feb 1732-33. (GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills: 2:454, 456)
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22 of April, 1714 - 13 May 1720 (Freehold, Monmouth Co NJ Deeds, Book E., page 361) Deed between Thomas COMBES of Freehold Township in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey and John REID, land granted to Thomas by John HAMPTON and his wife Christian in a deed dated August 17, 1711. At the end it states "and Elizabeth the wife of the said Thomas doth fully and freely give and yield up unto the said John REID all her right and title of Dower and Intrest".
A memorandum to this deed dated the 13th of May 1720 states that "Thomas COMBS above named--- Acknowledged this instrument to be his act & deed before me, John REID." (Abstracted by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
Notes: See also the later John REED Sr. of Freehold, father of Elizabeth who m Jonathan COMBS of Perth Amboy (license 3 Jun 1741).
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2 Mar 1714 John COMBS (& wife Elizabeth) [of Freehold?] to Samuel LAYTON, a small piece of meadow, borders Samuel LAYTON'S meadow [which is also noted in the landmarks used to mark the boundaries of the land John COMBS later sold to John EMANS (EMMONS)]. Witnesses? 2 Mar 1714 Memorandum proving deed by Thos. WILLIAMS' testimony.
(Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
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1715 (Freehold, Monmouth Co NJ Deeds E:1753 [175]) Deed. Thomas COMBS of the Township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth in the Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey "by and with the consent Approbation & good liking of Elizabeth his wife" to Ambrose STEELE dated 1715.
(ibid.)
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14 Oct 1715. Estate of Peter WILSON Jr., of Middleton [Monmouth Co, NJ]. Debtors included a Thomas COMBS
(GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1)
Notes: See also 10 Aug 1736 Hunterdon Co, NJ record which states that one Samuel HOOFMIER of Middletown [Monmouth Co] had on 29 Jan 1707/8, conveyed conveyed to Peter WILLSON of freehold Deceased land in Amwell, Hunterdon Co, NJ, which was adjacent to that of Robert COOMBS.
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4 May 1716 Monmouth Co, NJ Deeds. John EMMONS to John COMBS, both of Freehold Twp, NJ, 96 acres of land, formerly patented to Geo. HULIT of Freehold Twp. Borders: N & S by William WOOD'S land, West by Bartlet's Brook and SE by Long Brook.
10 May 1716 John COMBS (and wife Elizabeth) to John EMMONS, for L80, 96 acres purchased from Abel PRESTON of Philadelphia prior to 2 Mar 1714. Border: 1/2 East by Bartlet's Brook, West by Thomas COPPER'S land, South by Samuel DENNIS and North by Wm. SCOT's land... mentions quit rents. Witnesses: John CAMPBELL, Jonathan FORMAN, Aub STELLE.*
*Could this be Ambrose STEELE? (See 1715 deed of Thomas COMBS)
31 Jul 1716 John COMBS (and wife Elizabeth) of Freehold to Richard SLLIFON (SLLISON, ELLISON) of Hempstead Twp, [then Queens, now-] Nassau County, Long Island for L50, 96 acres land purchased from John EMMONS on 4 May 1716, originally owned by Nathaniel SLOCUM. Witnesses: John REID & Wm. MADOCK. Memorandum attached verifies (proves) the deed dated Jan 23, 1732, Wm. MADOCK's testimony.
Notes: The above are partial abstractions by Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio who will be completing in the future. See also 1740 Hempstead, Queens Co, NY record for John COMBS, wit. deed for Richard ELLISON, Sr. and 1769 Hempstead record of Richard ELLISON with possible d/o John COMBS, in which Richard ELLISON is identified as a Quaker.
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9 Apr 1716. Estate of John BOUNE of Mattawan, Middleton, Middlesex [Monmouth Co], NJ. Debtors included Thomas and John COMBES (GDAC, 1925. Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1) Combs &c.
Note: *Matawan, Middleton Twp. is in Monmouth Co, NJ, not Middlesex.
[SW: BOWNE]
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27 May 1719. Inventory of estate of Robert RHE (or RAY) of Freehold [Monmouth Co, NJ], was apprized [appraised?] by Thomas COMBS et als.
(GDAC, 1925, Ref: NJ Wills, Vol. 1)
Notes: See also Thomas COMBES who made inventory on 8 Oct 1777 of the estate of Robert RHEA [sic], d intestate, of Allentown, Monmouth Co, NJ.
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Feb.27, 1722 Monmouth Co, NJ Civil & Criminal Court Records "The Grand Jury came into court and brought in an indictment against Robert COMBS for Fornication."
(Combs Researcher Kate C. DiBlassio)
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Jan. 26, 1723 Monmouth Co, NJ Civil & Criminal Court Records "Robert COMBS gave Bond to Secure the Town of Freehold harmless from a Bastard Child Born of the Body of Anne COOK." "Ordered that the Said Robert COMBS Do Pay to the Said Anne COOK One Shilling and Six pence a Week for Six Months from this Time towards the Maintenance of the sd Child and that she Gives Security to Maintain the Child on Payment of that Money."
(ibid.)
Notes: According to the 12 Oct 1723 will of Robert's father, Thomas, Robert's shop was adjacent to land formerly adjoining a Benjamin COOK whose relationship to Anne, if any, is not yet known. Nor has the child been identified as yet.
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Three Transcriptions - see below re conflicts:
Transcription 1:
12 Oct 1723 (Monmouth Co NJ, Recorded Copy: Vol A, p.298) Will of Thomas COMBS of Freehold.
In the name of God, Amen, the twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred twenty and three, I Thomas COMBS of Freehold carpenter being now sick in body, but of perfect mind and menory, thanks be unto God. Therefore, calling into mind the mortality of my body and know that it is appointed for all men once to dye--do make and ordain this, my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and full of faith, I give unto God my soul who gave it and for my body I recommend itto the earth to be buried in Christian and devout manner at the discretion of my Executor and Executrix--nithing doubted but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and at touching such worldly estates as it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Imprimis--I will and ordain that alll my just debts be paid by my executor and executrix.
Item--I give and bequeath unto my son, Robert COMBS, twelve acres of land joining to land formerly Benjamin COOK'S land where the aforesaid Robert's shop stands also to him, the said Robert COMBS, his heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I will and bequeath unto Rachel COMBS, my daughter, twenty-five acres of land to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Thomas COMBS, my son, twenty-five acres of land to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Jonathan COMBS, my son, twenty-five acres of land to him, his heirs and assigns forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to John COMBS, my son, the remaining part of the said land all which I now possess and enjoy and that the land the said John COMBS his share of portion (thatbe) and take in the house and orchard that I now live in, possess and enjoy.
Item--I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth COMBS, my daughter, thirty pounds, money at eight shillings per ounce, which is to be paid the said Elizabeth, her heirs or assigns by my aforesaid sons (viz) Thomas COMBS, Robert COMBS, Jonathan COMBS and John COMBS. Each of them share equal proportion of said thirty pounds when any and every of them shall arrive and be at the age of twenty two years, that is, first Thomas COMBS and soon successively. If any should be at that age aforesaid and upon denial or neglect of any of the aforesaid legacy, that then his or some part ofaforesaid land may be sold to pay the same by my now wife, Elizabeth COMBS, and that her deed shall be as good and authoritative as if I myself were alive and could assign it to any person whatsoever.
Item-I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth COMBS, my beloved wife, all and singular my movable estate to be by her and her assigns peaceably enjoyed with my farm during her life time or to be divided at her discretion for the paying of my debts as aforesaid.
Item-I constitute together with Jonathan HAMPTON of Freehold Cordwainer executrix and executor and I do hereby lastly disalow, revoke and disannul all and every other prior testaments, wills, legacies,bequests and executes by me in any while before this time willed and bequested, redifining and confirming this and no other, to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and sealthis day and year above written.
Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared to be Thomas S. COMBS the last will and testament, in the presence of: George WALKER, John TRENTON, John CAMPBELL
(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Jeannette Combs Lehman)
Transcription 2:
12 Oct 1723 Will of Thomas COMBS, of ffreehold [Freehold], Carpenter, "being now Sick in body." Dated Oct. 12, 1723. Bequeaths:
"unto Robert COMBS my Son twelve aceres of Land Joyning to Land formerly Benjamine COOKS Land where "the aforsd Roberts shop standeth to him . . . . his heirs . . . .";
"unto Rachel COMBS my Daughter, twenty "five aceres of Land to her her heirs . . . .";
"unto Thomas COMBS my son twenty five aceres of Land to him his "heirs . . . .";
"unto Joseph COMBS my son twenty-five aceres of Land to him his heirs . . . .";
"unto Jonathan COMBS my son twenty-five aceres of Land to him his heirs . . . .";
"unto John COMBS my son the "Remaining part of the sd Land all which I now possess.. . . and that the sd John COMBES his share . . . . "shall be and take in ye house and oarchard that I now live in . . ..";
"unto Elizabeth COMBS my Daughter therty "pounds moneys at eight shill pr ounce which is to [be] paid to ye sd Elizabeth her heirs . . by my aforefd Sons "viz, Thomas COMBS, Joseph COMBS Jonathan COMBS and John COMBS, each of them their equal proportion of sd therty "pounds when any and evry of them shall arive . . . . at the age of twenty two years that is first Thomas COMBS, "and so on successifly as they shall be at that age . . . . And upon . . . . neglect by any of . . . . "Legatees that then his or their part . . . . shall . . . . be sold to pay the same by my now wife Elizabeth " COMBS and that her Deed shall be as good . . . . as if I . . . . were alike [alive?] . . . .";
"unto Elizabeth " COMBS my beloved wife all . . . . my movable Estat to be by her . . . . Enjoyed with my ffarm During "her lifetime or to be Devided at her Discration she paying all my Debts . . . . whom I Constitute together with "Jonathan HAMPTON of ffreehold Cordweinr [Cordwainer] my Executrix and Excr . . . ." Thomas COMBS. Wits.: George WALKER, John FENTON, John CAMPBELL. Oath of Executors, Elizabeth COMBS and Jonathan HAMPTON; before Mich1 KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, May 27, 1724.
Proved by dep. of John CAMBELL and John FENTON, two of ye evidences, who were present when the other evidence signed; before Michael KEARNEY, Surrogate, ffreehold, Mon. Co., May 27, 1724. "recorded Liber A., [p.] 298."
(Extracted by COMBS Resarcher Debi Houser from the book "Unrecorded Wills and Inventories Monmouth County New Jersey," Page 117)
27 May 1724 Monmouth Co, NJ. Liber A., [p.] 298. Will of Thomas COMBS, of ffreehold, Carpenter, dated Oct. 12, 1723. Proved by dep. of John CAMBELL and John FENTON, two of ye evidences, who were present when the other evidence signed; before Michael KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, Mon. Co., May 27, 1724. Oath of Executors, Elizabeth COMBS and Jonathan HAMPTON; before Michl KEARNY, Surrogate, ffreehold, May 27, 1724.
(Extracted by Combs Researcher Debi Kendrick from "Unrecorded Wills and Inventories Monmouth County New Jersey," Family Treemaker re-print, p. 117)
Transcription 3:
12 Oct 1723 - 27 May 1725. Will of Thomas COMBS, carpenter, of Freehold, NJ; named his wife Elizabeth; children: Robert, Rachel, Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan, John and Elizabeth, all minors [sic]; disposed of real and personal property; executors: said wife and Jonathan HAMPTON, of Freehold, cordwainer; witnessed by George WALKER, John FENTON and John CAMPBELL.
(GDAC, 1925. Ref: NJ Wills, 1:103)
Conflicts:
Son, Joseph is omitted from first transcription; and
son, Robert is not included as one of the sons who is required to pay Elizabeth in the second transcription.
The third transcription states that all children were minors, which is not borne out by the first two records. It appears that son Robert, and probably Rachel, were apparently of age. Moreover, it appears likely that both were born to Thomas by an earlier wife (or wives) given his use of the term, "my now wife" in re Elizabeth (thought by some to have been a SEAMAN (SEAMON), by others to have possibly been a HAMPTON. The second transcription appears to be more accurate as it implies that Robert was of age (born pre-1703) or close to, whereas Thomas, Joseph, Jonathan and John clearly were not, and moreover, are apparently listed in age order.
Question: Does the "S" indicate Thomas' middle initial or that he signed (or affixed his seal)?
Notes: Although Thomas was married to an Elizabeth by 1714 (Monmouth Records), it is not known if she was the same Elizabeth as at the time of his death. One undocumented source lists her as nee SEAMON, but Thomas appears to have been married more than once given his use of the phrase "my now wife" in his will. Two Elizabeths? Or a first wife who d pre-1714? Were eldest son, Robert, and daughter, Rachel, by an earlier wife? Was Rachel single or married to a Combs? (If the latter, which?)