Revolutionary War Pension Records applicable to "Danger" Nicholas COMBS, Sr., "one of the eight"

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I. Rev. War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (Provided by Combs Researcher Jim Jackson)

Record #1 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 14 Nov 1845:

Nicholas COMBS - R2186 - N.C.
State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
Be it remembered that on the 14th day of November, 1845, before the undersigned, David K. BUTLER, a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, came Nicholas COMBS, a resident citizen of the County aforesaid, aged eighty-five or six years of age [b1759-1760], who, being first duly sworn, as required by law, upon his oath, made and subscribed to the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress approved the 15th of May, 1828, entitled "An Act for the Relief of Certain Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" and the several acts of Congress passed granting pensions to persons who served in the land and naval service of the United States for and during the Revolutionary War.

That he enlisted in the County of Surry, North Carolina, in the Company commanded by Capt. Wm. T. LEWIS in the Line of the State of North Carolina or on Continental Establishment in the Regiment commanded by Col. Martin ARMSTRONG.

He does not recollect the date of his enlistment, but it was a little upwards of ten months or near eleven months before the close of the war.

Before he was discharged, while in service under his enlistment, he heard of the surrender of Lord CORNWALLIS at York, in Va., and shortly after, he was discharged in North Carolina (the County he has forgotten) for and during the War by his Capt. Wm. Terrill LEWIS, aforesaid, and Col. ARMSTRONG, aforesaid.

This discharge he had until about 11 or 12 years past and is now lost or mislaid so that he cannot get it.

He states that the reason why he has not applied sooner is that he had, from the first pension act in 1818 or 19 until lately, determined not to ask the bounty of the government; but, he is now growing old and helpless, unable to attend to his business.

That he feels it a duty he owes to himself and aged wife to avail himself of the bounty of the Government.

He states that he has not received any pension or annuity for his services as a Revolutionary Soldier from any state or the United States.

His memory has greatly failed him and he cannot name the various officers whom he saw in camp; but, he recollects part of the time he was in service he was marched in different parts of North Carolina and in South Carolina when Genl. GREENE commanded in the South.

He knows of no person in this state by whom he can prove his service in camp, but refers to the affidavits hereto annexed to prove his service.

He refers to his neighbors as to his character (civil), Genl. Elijah COMBS, Genl. Austin GODSEY, Jessee COMBS, Clerk of the Perry Circuit Court, and to the Honl. John P. MARTIN, member of Congress from this District.

He is so old and infirm that he is unable to attend court without great pain.

Nicholas COMBS ("X", His Mark)
Sworn and subscribed to before me this day and year before written.
D. K. BUTLER, J.P.

I, David K. BUTLER, a Justice of the Peace of and for the County of Perry, State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the aforesaid Nicholas COMBS this day made and subscribed to the foregoing declaration.

I also further certify that I have known him for several years and, to appearance, he is of the age he states; and, from his general good character, he is credible.

I also certify that he is so infirm that he could illy attend court to make his declaration.
Given under my hand this 14th day of November, 1845.
D.K. BUTLER, J.P. (Combs Researchers Jim Jackson and

Combs Notes:

(1) Lord Cornwallis surrendered 19 Oct 1781 (Encyclopedia Britannica) , although it is not known how long it took word to reach North Carolina. The Revolutionary War did not "officially" end until 1783, but unofficially it was considered over when Cornwallis surrendered; thus Nicholas' service would have been, for the most part, in the year 1781.

(2) Capt. William Terrell LEWIS commanded troops from (primarily) Surry and Wilkes Cos NC, and was also closely associated with the COMBS-RIDGE Families of those counties. It was his brother, Capt. Micajah LEWIS who "let off" the "half-hung" Tory William COMBS. (See George Baumbach's Estate File of William RIDGE, h/o Winnifred COMBS (d/o Mason & Sarah COMBS, Sr.) and applicable Combs County Reports), as well as a number of associated families, including ALLEN, BENGE, CODY, COOK, FIELDER, HAYNES, MARTIN and STACY.

(3) Austin C. GODSEY m Mary Ann COMBS according to Perry Co, KY Vital Statistics (See 1850 Perry Co, KY census which lists Mary Ann immediately above Alcey COMBS Davidson, d/o Jesse and Polly BOLLING Combs and gd/o Elijah and Sarah ROARK Combs, Sr. of interest since The Combes Genealogy… includes the marriage of an A. C. GODSEY to a Dianna COMBS whom, it is stated was the d/o Jesse and Polly BOLLING Combs (no source and not found).

Record #2 From the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 14 Nov 1845:

Be it known on the 14 of Nov., 1845, before the undersigned David K. BUTLER, a Justice of the Peace for Perry County, Ky., Jeremiah COMBS, a resident citizen of said county, who, being duly sworn, as required by law, on his oath, made the following declaration:

That from his earliest recollection he often heard his father, Nicholas COMBS, talk of his enlistment in the State of N. Carolina for and during the Revolutionary War.

He, upwards of 30 or forty years past, often saw the discharge of his father when he showed it to old soldiers or old men.

It was signed by Wm. T. LEWIS, Capt., and Martin ARMSTRONG (as he now believes), Colo.

About 8 or 10 years past he examined it. It was a very old document in appearance and, no doubt, was genuine. It was somewhat torn from long use.
Jer. C. COMBS

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year above.
D.K. BUTLER, J.P.

I, David K. BUTLER, Justice of the Peace for the County of Perry, State of Ky., do certify that the foregoing Jeremiah COMBS has been well known to me for several years, having resided near him, and I know, from general good moral character, he is reputable and to be believed.
Given under my hand this day and year above written.
D.K. BUTLER, J.P.

(A) And the undersigned, whose names are herewith annexed, after first being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that we are well acquainted with applicant Nicholas COMBS and has known him for many years past and believes that he is as old as he represents himself to be and is entitled to due credit upon his oath and that his is illy able to attend court.

Given under our hands this 14th day of Nov., 1845.
Elijah COMBS, Jr.
Elijah COMBS, Sen.
A.C. GODSEY

State of Kentucky, Perry County, Sct:
This day personally appeared before me the above named Elijah COMBS, JR., Elijah COMBS, SR., and A.C. GODSEY, who, after first being duly sworn, deposeth and sayeth as in the above marked (A).
Given under my hand this 14th day of Nov., 1845.
D.K. BUTLER, J.P.

Combs Notes: In the 1850 Perry Co, KY Census, District 2, A. C. GODSEY, h/o Marian COMBS, was in HH#001-001, Elijah COMBS, Sr. was in HH#004-004; near neighbor, David K. BUTLER, was in HH#016-017; Jeremiah C. COMBS was in HH#019-020; his brother, Nicholas COMBS, was in HH#020-021; and their father, Nicholas COMBS, age 86, b VA, was in HH#021-022. This Jeremiah was the only Jeremiah COMBS listed as Jeremiah C. COMBS.

Record #3 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 16 Nov 1845:

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:

This the 16th day of November, 1845, before the undersigned, David K. BUTLER, a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, Jesse COMBS, who, being duly sworn according to law, made and subscribed to the following declaration, viz.:

That he is the nephew of Nicholas COMBS, of Perry County, Ky.

That he is now in his 47th year.

That, thirty years past, he saw the discharge of the said Nicholas COMBS as a Revolutionary soldier upon continental establishment for and during the war in the line of the State of North Carolina on continental establishment.

The discharge was old and much devoured by time.

He saw it about 12 years since and it was always reported in the neighborhood that said Nicholas COMBS was enlisted as a revolutionary soldier for and during the war. This report he heard when a boy.
Jesse COMBS

Sworn and subscribed to this day and year above written.
D.K. Butler, J.P.
Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
I, D.K. BUTLER, a Justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid, do certify that Jesse COMBS, above named, is Clerk of the Perry and Circuit Courts and is reputable and made oath before me to the facts in the foregoing and subscribed to the same. Given under my hand this 16th Nov., 1845.
D.K. Butler, J.P.

The following unsigned section of this record, dated 16 Nov 1845, was entirely crossed out (for reasons unknown, probably only because of neglect to affix a signature):

Also, the deposition of Elijah COMBS, resident of said county, being first sworn by the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for Perry County (to wit, D. K. Butler), upon his oath as required by law, upon his oath made and subscribed to the following declaration:

That he is a resident citizen of the County of Perry, aged 74 or 74.

That he is the brother of Nicholas COMBS

That is has, from his earliest recollection, been said that he enlisted in the Revolutionary War for and during the war.

Signed and sealed and sworn to before me this 16th of Nov. 1845.
_______________, J.P.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the County Court of Perry County, do certify that David K. BUTLER, whose name is annexed to the foregoing certificates and declarations of Nicholas COMBS for a pension and the depositions and testimony of Jesse COMBS, Jeremiah C. COMBS, Elijah COMBS, Jr., Elijah COMBS, Sr., and Austin C. GODSEY, is and was at the times the said declaration and certificates was signed by Nicholas COMBS and the deponents to the depositions and certified, was an acting Justice of the Peace for said county and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his official acts as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office in Hazard this 18th day of November, 1845.
Jesse COMBS, Clerk, P.C.

Combs Notes: Jesse COMBS, b 1798, was the s/o Elijah and Sarah ROARK Combs, Sr. as is documented by the 1855 Perry Co, KY death records of both his parents, and his father's will, in which he is referred to as "my son Jesse." Elijah COMBS, Sr.'s death record also documents that he was the s/o a John & Nancy COMBS.

Record #4 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 12 Dec 1845:

Washington - 12 Dec., 1845
J. LEONARD, Esqr.

Sir:
Enclosed you will receive the papers of Nicholas COMBS, asking for a pension. The character of Mr. COMBS is that of an honest and truthful man.

Also, the witnesses are men of fair reputation and I make no doubts but the case as represented by Mr. COMBS is true.

Please inform me of the results after you investigate the case and oblige.
Yours Respectfully
Jno. P. MARTIN
2162
Nicholas COMBS
Ken.
Act 15 May '28

Record #5 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 26 Oct 1853:

This Power of Attorney made this the 26th day of October, 1853, witnesseth that J. ["I,"?] Nicholas COMBS, Sen., have made and constituted Wm. M. FULKERSON, of the town of Proctor in the county of Owsley, Kentucky, my true and lawful attorney in fact:

To attend to any business that I may have at Washington City, D.C.

To withdraw my pension papers.

To amend, control or to do anything that he may think best in the recovering of said claims.

And all acts done by my said attorney within the provisions of this power are hereby ratified and assented to in as ample and complete a manner as could be were I present personally and assenting to them.

Signed with my hand and sealed with my seal the day and year first written above.
Nicholas COMBS, Sen. ("X" His Mark)

State of Kentucky, Perry Co., SCT:
Personally came Nicholas COMBS, Sen., a resident of said county, before the undersigned, a Justice of Perry Co., and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed and for the purposes therein mentioned, which is hereby certified.
Zachariah MORGAN, J.P.C.C., Ky.

State of Kentucky, Perry Co. SCT:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts of Perry County, Ky., certify that Zachariah MORGAN is a justice of Perry County, duly commissioned by law and that his signature hereunto affixed is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of office to be affixed this 26th day of October, 1853, and subscribed my name to the same.
Jesse COMBS, Clerk of Perry
Circuit and County Courts

Nov. 7, 1853
Power of Atty. in case of Nicholas COMBS
W.M. FULKERSON
Proctor, Owsley Co., Ky.
Power of Attorney of
Nicholas COMBS of Perry Co., Ky.

Combs Note: The above record, and the one which follows, further document that Nicholas COMBS, Sr., s/o John COMBS, brother of Elijah COMBS, Sr., and father of Jeremiah C. COMBS, was the same who was on the 1850 Perry Co, KY census.

Record #6 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 24-26 Oct 1854:

Revolutionary Pension Claim
Act of 15th May, 1828
Power of Attorney
To examine, withdraw or transfer it to the
Act 7th June, 1832
W.M. FULKERSON, Attorney
Proctor, Owsley County, Kentucky
Revolutionary Pension Claim
Act of 15 may, 1828
DISALLOWED
now to claim under Act of 7 June 1832
Nicholas COMBS
Kentucky
Power of Attorney
To examine claims
Charles Co. TUCKER
Attorney
Present

Power Of Attorney
Know all men by these presents: That I, Nicholas COMBS, my claim having been disallowed under Act of 15 May, 1828, do hereby constitute and appoint Chas. C. TUCKER, of Washington City, D.C. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of myself for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of June 7, 1832, or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguements, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premesis.

Witness my hand and seal this 24th day of October, 1854.
Nicholas COMBS ("X", His Mark)

In presence of 2 witnesses:
Nicholas COMBS, Jr.
Lourinsey COMBS

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SS:
On this 24th day of October, 1854, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Nicholas COMBS, a resident of said County, and made oath according to the law that he is the identical Nicholas COMBS who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney, and that he is directly interested in said claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguements as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Zachariah MORGAN, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, County of Perry, SS:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Zachariah MORGAN, Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was, at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 26th day of October, 1854.
No public seal but affixed private seal (SEAL)
Jesse COMBS, C. P.C.C.

Combs Note: The above "Lourinsey COMBS" may have been Nicholas, Sr.'s grandson, Lorenzo Dow COMBS, s/o Nicholas COMBS, Jr..

Record #7 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 13 Apr 1855:

Comptroller's Office
Raleigh, N.C.
April 13, 1855
Mr. Wm. FULKERSON,

Dear Sir:
A search has been made in this office for the service of John AMBURGEY or BURGEY and Nicholas COMBS in the war of the Revolution and I have not been able to find any evidence relative to these individuals.

If, however, in making searches for other applicants, I may find evidence of services rendered by them, I will transmit it to you without delay.

You will remit the $5 fee in each case, that being the rule of this office, in all cases of search.

Very respectfully
William F. BAIN
for Geo. W. BROOKS, Comptr.

Nicholas COMBS, pri. N.C. Bounty Land? GWB
The name of NICHOLAS COMBS is not returned on the records of the N. Carolina line among those entitled to, or who have received, bounty land from the U.S. GWB

Record #8 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 17 Dec 1855:

Power of Attorney
Know all men by these presents that I, Nicholas COMBS, Senior, of Perry County, Ky., do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint William M. FULKERSON of Proctor, Owsley Co., Ky. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of myself, under the Act of the 15th May, 1828, for any amount of Revolutionary Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act the 7th June, 1832, and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, or to withdraw said claim and place it before Congress, or to transfer the papers in this case from the Act of 7th June 1832, and to receive the certificate which may be issued for the said claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present.

That all Powers of Attorney heretofore given, and especially the one executed to Charles C. TUCKER, Esqr., of Washington City, is hereby revoked and set aside.

Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.

Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of December, 1855
Nicholas COMBS, SR. ("X" His mark)

In the presence of
A. C. GODSEY &
Nicholas COMBS, Jr., Esqr.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
On this 17th day of December, 1855, before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and Sate above named, personally appeared Nicholas COMBS Sr., and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
Hezekiah COMBS, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:

On this 17th day of December, 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Nicholas COMBS, Sr., and made oath according to law, that he is the identical Nicholas COMBS, Sr., who has already on file an application for a pension under the Act of the 15th May, 1828, and he makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguements as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said claim.
Nicholas COMBS, Sr. ("X". His Mark)

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Hezekiah COMBS, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that Hesekiah COMBS, Esqr., before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment were made and who has hereunto signed his name, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 17th of December, 1855.
Jesse COMBS
Clerk of Perry County Court

2162
Nicholas COMBS
Ken
Let. to Hon. J.P. MARTIN
Jany. 2 '46
W.M. FULKERSON
Mch. 30, '54
Enter under
Act June 7, 1832
NOT
Act 15 May, '28

Additional Declaration of Nicholas COMBS, Sen., of Perry Co., Ky. under Act of May 15, 1828.

Petition to be transfered to the Act 7th June, 1832.

Combs Note: Nicholas COMBS, Jr.'s signature above includes the word, "Esqr." (Esquire), documenting that he was a.k.a. "Squire Nicholas" COMBS, referred to in the Dickey Diary Interview of Andrew COMBS (s/o Jeremiah C. COMBS and son-in-law of John FELTNER) who stated: "My father in law died and is burried at the Squire Nick COMBS, place near L.D. COMBS..." [Lorenzo Dow COMBS] Andrew also refers to this location later in the interview as "Squire Nick's burying ground." Likewise, the Dickey Diary interview of Elijah Combs CORNETT (s/o Robert B. and Louisa COMBS Cornett, and gs/o Elijah and Sarah ROARK Combs) refers to "Alex COMBS, son of Squire Nick COMBS, brother of L. D. COMBS..." Alexander was the s/o Nicholas "Bird-eye" and Elizabeth COMBS Combs, Jr.

Record #9 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 17 Dec 1855:

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
On this 17th day of December, 1855. personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, Nicholas COMBS, Senior, who, being first sworn according to law, states upon his oath:

That he is now a resident of said County and has been ever since the County was formed, and, that several years ago, he made application for the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 15th May, 1828, for his services rendered in the Revolutionary War.

That his claim was rejected, as he understood, from the fact that there was a statement of inconsistency embraced in his first declaration.

He states he now desires to correct that error, whether his claim is allowed or not.

He is informed that his first declaration states: That he enlisted in the N.C. Line for the war and was discharged at the end of the war, having served 10 or 11 months, during which he heard of the capture of CORNWALLIS.

He states that he enlisted for and during the war and served 10 or 11 months, and, during that time, he heard of the capture of CORNWALLIS, and, at the end of this time, he was discharged.

That when CORNWALLIS was captured at Yorktown, there was no press for men. and he, being in very bad health and entirely unfit for service, he was discharged, as it was likely that the war would not assume so dreadful an aspect, and the most probable conclusion was that it was over, and that he received a written discharge in the following words to wit:

Discharged for and during the war.

He states that there was warsmen discharged before June, 1783, for reasons already assigned, long service, ill health, etc.

That the warsmen, in general, was not discharged until sometime in 1783, but there was exceptions. As before stated, some made heavy complaint and so much so that it almost amounted to a mutiny.

That his brother, John COMBS, was a pensioner under the Act 18th March, 1818, from this County, and so was Charles ELLIS, Anthony HALL and John KELLY, and that his brother, William COMBS, was also a pensioner from Kentucky.

The reason he did not take proof while there was persons living who would prove his service was simply that the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions, when his case was first presented (and afterwards, too) was so cutting that he felt deeply mortified and agrieved. He thought it was entirely gratuitous and uncalled for, while, at the same time, he was not informed what course to pursue. If so, he never received the instructions. And, that he thought by having his original discharge no further proof would be required than the production of it.

He asserts that all the men that ever had anything to do with his claim always instructed him that possession of his discharge, and the production of it, accompanied with a declaration, was all that was required and all that the law required.

That no resident lawyer has not lived in this county, or Pension Agent, until within the last 2 or 3 years, and that J.P. MARTIN, in the year of 1846, Congressman from Floyd Co., Ky., undertook to ascertain something about his case; but, he never found out correctly what was done by him in the case.

He asserts positively, and on his best moments, that such an inconsistency occurs in his first statement, he declares it was the fault of the Agent who prepared the papers that made the mistake and not him; and, that if his discharge can be found, or is on file, it will show what he asserts.

He further asks that his case under the provisions of the Act of 15th May, 1828, be transfered to the list of cases under the provisions of the Act of 7th June, 1832, if thought advisable; and, if so transferred, he hereby releases all interest under the provision of the Act of the 15th May, 1828, but relies entirely upon the Act of the 7th June, 1832.

That he could, while his brothers John and William were living, have proved his service, and also by others, but he thinks they are all dead, especially his acquaintances, and associate soldiers.

He relies upon the proof already on file and especially his discharge, which was filed by James LOVE, then Congressman.

He further states that, if his discharge is not on file, he can prove its contents and the existence of it at one time, and that he is wholly unable to attend in open court as he is to infirm, being smartly over 90 years of age.
Nicholas COMBS, Sen. ("X" His Mark)

In the presence of:
Nicholas COMBS, Jr.
A. C. GODSEY

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17th day of December, 1855, and I further certify that said COMBS is the same man who applied several years ago for a pension, and that he is of good standing and reliable when on oath, or otherwise, and that he is too infirm to attend court.
Hezekiah COMBS, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, Perry County:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the County Court of the said County, do hereby certify that Hezekiah COMBS, Esqr., before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and, I further certify that the above Nicholas COMBS, Sr., is the same person who applied for a pension from this County under the provisions of the Act of the 15th May, 1828, and that I often saw his original discharge and, if called upon, could near about state its contents.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 17th day of December, 1855.
Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the
Perry County Court

Combs Note: The above confirms, which the Revolutionary War Pension file of Nicholas' brother, John COMBS of Perry, did not, that their brother, William COMBS, not only served in the Revolution, but was a Kentucky Pensioner. Only one William COMBS in the state of Kentucky received a Revolutionary War Pension, and that was RW William COMBS of Bath Co, KY. It also confirms that (a) both brothers are deceased; and (b) Nicholas' enlistment was "continental," rather than militia (since he enlisted for the duration of the war).

Record #10 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 30 Dec 1855:

Proctor, Owsley County, Kentucky
December 30th, 1855

J. MINOT, Esqr.
Commissioner Pensions
Washington City, D.C.

Sir:
I herewith enclose to you the additional affidavit or declaration of Nicholas COMBS, of Perry County, Ky., and also a Power of Attorney.

I learn from the Hon. J.P. MARTIN that there was a suggestion made by Mr. J. L. LEONARDS that the case had better be transferred to the list of cases under the Act of the 7th June, 1832, and, that the Muster Rolls of the Revolution, at the Pay Roster, at Raleigh, N.C. would show his service. In order to get at the fact, I have had the records examined and his name, as yet, cannot be found. I herewith enclose the letter of the Comptroller.

If his statement should be reconciled by this, his 2nd declaration, in matter of course, according to the pension laws, the production of his original discharge is all that has been heretofore (or by the present Commissioner) required.

Indeed, Sir, Perry County, although named after the distinguished Perry on the Lake, is behind the times in every sense that could be mentioned - without schools, without knowledge, without roads, almost without mail, an obscure, distant, broken and unsightly county. Not even a County Court lawyer ever lived, as a resident, in the County, and how could you expect cases of this kind to be attended to promptly by mere passers-by.

I desire you to transfer the case to the list of cases under the provisions of the Act of the 7th June, 1832, as he has released his Claim under the Act 15th May, 1828, and I am satisfied, if his claim is allowed at all, it will be under the Act of June, 1832.

One word as to the mistake, he says it has been committed by the Agent who prepared the case. How easy a mistake of this kind could have been committed; and, in fact, one who was not very familiar with the provisions of the law of 1828 and the history of those times, and especially not familiar with the history of the applicant; and, not designating between his time, 10 or 11 months by saying, at the end of his time, "meaning at the end of" the 10 or 11 months, instead of saying at the end of this time, or his time, he was discharged, and not stating the difference, which shows to a judge or commissioner a palpable inconsistency!

For the warsmen was to serve during the war and none was entitled to the benefit of the Act of the 15th May, 1828, only those who had served out the war, and the warsmen was not discharged until June, 1783.

From what I learn from the wording of his discharge, it shows that he was at the time of his discharge - he must of been a warsmen, for the discharge reads, "Discharged for and during the war". This implies to my mind that he had enlisted for and during the war.

I therefore call your attention to the case and that the case will be transferred as before desired and a report made to me under the latter Act.

If his discharge has been lost or misplaced, will you receive proof of its contents?

James LOVE, Congressman, received it to take to Washington.

I have the honor to be your very obedient servant.
W.K. FULKERSON
P. S. - Perry County is a part of the Hon. J.M. ELLIOTT'S constituency and, for any outside particulars, I refer you to him. However, I know that it is not your duty to hunt up matters of this kind. Still, one likes to be convinced upon all questions of doubt and where legal decisions are to be rendered and where the rights of parties are in issue.

Record #11 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 10 Apr 1856:

Affidavit of John HACKER in the case of Nicholas COMBS, Perry Co., Ky., Act 7th June, 1832, Revolutionary Claim.

Perry County, State of Ky., SCT:

On the 10th day of April, 1856, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace of Perry County and State above, John HACKER, aged 87 years, and made oath in due form of law.

That he is now eighty-seven years of age and a resident in this County and State of Kentucky for the space of 40 years and states I have known Nicholas COMBS, of this County, ever since I was boy.

That said COMBS, several years ago, applied for a pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War from the State of North Carolina from this County.

When I was a well grown boy, I was taken and placed in the old block house (afterwards called Shelby's Fort) between where Jonesborough [Washington Co, TN] now stands and Saulsbury [Salisbury, Rowan Co, NC]. It was sometimes called Squabble State. That fort, or place of defense, was the only place where all the soldiers of the western part of the State were mustered into service and from it they made their departure.

I recollect perfectly well that the said Nicholas COMBS (who is now a resident of this county), either before the Battle of King's Mountain [Oct 1780] or a short time afterwards, was mustered into service at this fort, under the command of Col. ARMSTRONG, and that he belonged to the Company of Capt. John [sic] LEWIS.

I recollected when he returned back to the neighborhood, as his family was then in part in the fort and part was not.

I think it was understood he was discharged for disability, as he said, although he joined the company for and during the war and that capture of Yorktown had brought peace to the country then and John COMBS was pensioner of the Revolutionary War and I know them all well.

I cannot state how long he was away from the neighborhood to which he belonged or how long he was in the service. He left in Capt. LEWIS' Company, no mistake.

I was, at that time, big enough to wield a gun. I think 11 or 12 years of age. I have also saw COMBS discharge and many years ago it was in his possession.

I have no interest in the claim declaration nor am I akind [akin] to him.
John HACKER ("X". His Mark)

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this date above written, and I further certify that the said John HACKER is a man of veracity and is of the age, in my opinion, that he represents himself to be.
Hezekiah COMBS, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the County Court of Perry County, do hereby certify that Hesekiah COMBS, Esqr., before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, is an acting Justice of the Peace of Perry County, State of Kentucky, duly commissioned and sworn and was so at the date hereof, and that his signature hereunto affixed is genuine and that all his official acts, as such, is entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof, I have affixed the seal of this County and subscribed my name on this day, the 10th of April, 1856.
Jesse COMBS, County Clerk of
Perry County Court

Record #12 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 18 Jul 1856:

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
On this 18th day of July, 1856, personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, John HACKER, and made oath according to law and after being duly qualified.

I have already given an affidavit in behalf of Nicholas COMBS of this County, who was an applicant for a pension under the Act of 1828 and was made the Act 7th June, 1832.

I state that I was a large boy during the year 1780 and was large enough to wield a gun and did so in defense of the old block house on the extreme head of the Holston River, not far from where Jonesborough [Washington TN] now stands

About this time, the whole, or many, fled from the Carolinas on the Pacolet River [Spartanburg SC?] to Jonesborough, a fort and place of defense.

I was, during my time and before we entered the fort, acquainted with the COMBS family and was well acquainted with the applicant.

The Battle of King's Mountain was fought in Oct. 1780. Before this battle, things looked gloomy and, indeed, they were so, for many had joined FERGUSON. Others were lying out and a great many scattered. And, after the battle, it was not so much trouble to induce men as before. FERGUSON was called a tyrant of blood and carnage and some of the best citizens was slaughtered and butchered by him. The joy on the news of victory over him at King's Mountain I could not then express my joy. Recruiting officers were in every direction.

COMBS entered as a recruit, to serve during the war, in the company of Capt. LEWIS and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Martin ARMSTRONG.

He was a private soldier.

This company was made ready at our fort. It was afterwards called Selby or Shelby.

COMBS left this fort, I think, for the service for Genl. GREEN and left in said company, to my own knowledge.

He left the place in November, after the Battle of King's Mountain, and I saw him no more until we heard of the capture of Yorktown. I know the fact that he returned a short time after this battle from the circumstances of this battle.

I then saw his discharge, signed, as well as I now recollect, By LEWIS and ARMSTRONG when he first came home or to the fort.

The old Block house, or Selby, was, according to my best opinion, in the county of Wilkes or Surry.

He was enlisted, as well as I now recollect, for the disguised service under Green. He stated he had been discharged for disability and his discharge stated, "Honorably discharged for and during the war." The capture of Yorktown was, if I have kept the date correct, in the month of September, 1781.

We heard at the fort a short time after the battle of King's Mountain that a man by the name of ANDRE had been taken as a spy at a place called longtown. It was told us by the returning soldiers. This post, or block house, was in Squabble State. It was called Squabble State because there was a difficulty between Virginia and North Carolina about the division line or boundary. DIXSON was for N. C. and HENDERSON for Virginia. This territory laid towards Salisbury [Rowan Co NC]from Jonesborough.

There is a thousand other circumstances that I could mention not connected with COMBS' service.

Genl. SEVIER and Col. or Genl. SELBY promised us boys, in the absence of the soldiers, that, if we would be brave, we should have pay; and, for events, I received some pay and presents; but, if my name was enrolled, I don't know it.

There is no inducement on earth for me to state an untruth. I have no interest in this claim whatever, nor I am not akin to the COMBS family or the applicant in no way whatever.

I recollect these events, or those that happened during the period I have mentioned, distinctly; and, as to COMBS, I have known him all my life. I don't pretend to say that I knew he served as he stated in his declaration, but I give the circumstances of his entering the service correctly and his return as certain as time exists.
John HACKER

Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written. I further certify the affiant is a man of truth and credible.
Hezekiah COMBS, J.P.P.C.

State of Kentucky, Perry County, SCT:
I, Jesse COMBS, Clerk of the County Court of Perry County, do hereby certify that Hezekiah COMBS, Esqr., before the foregoing affidavit was made, is an acting Justice of the Peace of Perry County, in the State of Kentucky, duly commissioned and sworn and was so at the date hereof, and that his signature hereto affixed is genuine and that all his official acts, as such, is entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof, I have affixed the seal of this County and subscribed my name on this 24th day of July, 1856.
Jesse COMBS, County Clerk
of Perry County Court

Combs Notes: In 1850, John HACKER, age 82, b VA, with wife, Lidia (Lydia), age 75, are listed in Perry Co, KY Census District 2, HH#9-9, immediately following #007-007, Biram COMBS, and #008-008, Matilda COMBS, both children of George & Lydia HARRELL Combs according to The Combes Genealogy… (Is it possible that HACKER'S wife was widow, Lydia HARRELL Combs?). HACKER'S description of the location of Fort Shelby would seem to place it in present-day Virginia, but then probably North Carolina (his sense of geography doesn't seem to be the best, but the confusion that resulted from the constant switching of counties and states in this particular area is documented by thousands of "oddball" 1850-1880 census records). HACKER'S deposition is not clear as to whether the COMBS might have been among those on the Pacolet River, but Nicholas COMBS' declaration is clear that he was in South Carolina with General Thomas GREEN. Whether they lived in South Carolina or not is of particular interest due to the early John COMBS of Washington Co, TN and Greenville SC, clearly one of the Tory COMBS due to his presence with John GOINS, possibly the same who is found on the 1790 Spartanburg, SC census, and possibly the same who was "brother-in-law" (somehow) to William RIDGE, Tory husband of Winnifred COMBS. Not certain what is meant by the "head of the Holston River" since the fork is not specified.

Record #13 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 14 Aug 1856:

Proctor, Owsley County, Ky.
14th August, '56

J. MINOT, Esqr., C.P.
Washington City, D.C.

Sir:
In the case of N. COMBS of Perry County, Act 7th June, 1832, or Act 1828, I enclose to you the affidavit of Jno. HACKER, which clearly comes up to your letter of May 14th., 1856.

You say, "He must show where and when, how long and in what grade he served, and he must show such a knowledge of the service as will bear a comparison with the history of that time."

Then, HACKER shows that COMBS entered the service in the com. of Capt. LEWIS and Regiment commanded by ARMSTRONG.

That he entered a short time after the battle of King's Mountain - the battle was fought in Oct. 1780, and that COMBS left in said comp. and did not return until after the news had reached of the capture of Yorktown.

That COMBS, on his return, had hid discharge, and even states its contents.

He states also it was in Wilkes or Surry County and other circumstances, corroboration of what he states.

He states that COMBS entered in Nov. 1780, and returned a short time after the Battle of York, Oct. 1781.

Then, according to this proof, the case of COMBS is established, both as to time and the grade in which he served.

Taking your letter of the 14th May, 1856, as a test and a matter of course, it will be allowed. At least, what you required in that letter is fully and more than complied with. I hope you will allow it without further delay.

I have the honor to be your very obedient servant.
W.K. FULKERSON
P.S. - I enclosed the declaration of the administrator of Philip HAMMON to you some considerable time ago. Please attend to it if it has not already been done.

39034
Nicholas COMBS
Kentucky
Hon. J.P. MARTIN, Jany 2, 1846
W.M. FULKERSON, March 3, 1854
Same Jany 17, 1856
Same May 14, 1856
Same Aug 25, 1856
2186
June 7, 1832

Record #14 from the Revolutionary War Pension File of Nicholas COMBS (R2186, NC Line) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 10 Sep 1856:

Proctor, Owsley Co. Ky.
10th Sept. 1856

J. MINOT, Esqr., C.P.
Washington City, D.C.

Sir:
In the case of Nicholas COMBS, I have your letter before me, August 25th, 1856, and also May 14th, 1856.

In regard to the same, I am somewhat astonished at the various instructions given to me in my cases in reference to their details, and I am sure you cannot help seeing trouble that such a course might produce.

I copy your letter of the 14th May: "It is not sufficient that HACKER knows COMBS served in the War of the Revolution. He must show where and when, how long and in what grade he served, and he must show such a knowledge of the service as will bear a comparison with the history of the times." What did this say of HACKER'S next affidavit? Any man of sound mind would of acted as I did; that is, would of went to the trouble and expense of going 100 miles; or, in other words, sending to an agent there to take such proof, with the instructions that HACKER'S testimony was to be believed unless he should show statements in his affidavit that, would of itself, condemn it; but, you, to my astonishment, take the reverse of that, and say, because he has stated the history of those times so correct, therefore he is not to be believed. Don't you know, and every reason not to know it that the mind impressions made upon the mind when young, that such is retained so long as the mind remains sound, and things to come off to persons in their old age is worse than dreams while they are always talking with the past, correctly, too? Such is human nature! Go back, yourself, when you was a boy, and how correctly you can tell all of your juvenile amusements, etc.; but, don't you suppose, if you had of been a boy, 12 or 13 years of age, and forted in times of war - a dreadful war - would of now recollect all about your comrades - the great shocks, what boy left for the service, who he left with and all the circumstances that came under his notice!

But you say that COMBS said in his papers that he knew no person in Kentucky by whom he could prove his services. I tell you, he says so yet, and I tell you so myself, that is, as to HACKER.

The law requires the applicant to give us the names of some of his associate soldiers - this you will not deny. Does HACKER attempt to show that he was an associate? No, very far from it. I have inquired of Mr. COMBS myself whether there was an associate in Kentucky (yet living) who would prove his service. He has always told me, no; but, always told me about HACKER.

I tell you another thing, that HACKER and the COMBSES was never friends; but, when called on to swear about it, he said he was not willing to withhold his testimony on account of a difference.

I therefore ask you if this conclusion is not reasonable, and what inducement under his end could HACKER been placed under that induced him to swear that which was untrue! Enemies, no interest in the claim and, in no wise, akin! If HACKER'S testimony could be believed, would you then allow the claim?

Look into the papers and you will find a letter from Comptroller, N.C., showing that COMBS' name is not on the books in Pay Register at Raleigh.

I have the honor to be your very obedient servant.
W. M. FULKERSON
P.S. - I did not take the proof, nor had nothing to do with it, nor was I in the County when it was taken. I only enclosed your letter, that's all!

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II. Revolutionary War Pension File of John FIELDS (Extracted from transcription of Combs Researcher Tim Spence)

The 17 Aug 1853 Declaration of Nicholas COMBS (b 1759-1760) of Surry/Wilkes Cos NC and Perry Co KY, dated 17 Aug 1853, on behalf of Revolutionary War Pension Applicant John FIELDS (Transcribed by Combs Researcher Tim Spence):

Statement of Nicholas COMBS
State of Kentucky
Perry County
Nicholas COMBS Senior states upon his oath that he is a resident of said county and that he is upwards of ninety years of age [b ca 1763]. He states that several years ago he had papers filed under the act of Congress [in margin: Act 1828] passed June 7th 1832. That his papers were prepared by Elisha SMITH and the he had his discharge and gave his discharge to James LOVE (?) to take to Washington City as he was then Congressman. He states that he always had his discharge up until he gave it to LOVE and that the discharge read that he was discharged during the war and signed by capt William LEWIS and Col. Matin [Martin] ARMSTRONG.

He states that he has known John FIELDS (who was a resident of this county) for many years and states the he has known him since they were young men when the Revolution was in progress he states that they were residents of North Carolina and he was in Dunsmoore County Virginia when Cornwallace was taken at Little York. That John FIELDS of this county has a short time ago applied for a pension and that he died, perhaps July 1852. That the same John FIELDS was to his own knowledge a soldier in the Revolutionary War and so was Stephen FIELDS his brother. That John had gained a considerable reputation in the war before the capture of FERGUSON at King's Mountain. That said FIELDS was at the hanging of the Tories on the Yadkin river when WELLS, Thomas ROBERTS and ST____INE were hung. And this was before the Battle of King's Mountain were fought. FIELDS was a man who had a character for being an Indian fighter and tory. I understood from my associate soldiers that Col LEWIS or Capt LEWIS selected 5 or 6 of his best riflemen and pointed to FERGUSON and told them he had to fall. They all shot and several balls hit him. FERGUSON at that time used his sword in his left hand as he had been wounded previously in his right arm. He was close to the neighborhood when the battle took place. FIELDS claimed to have been in that battle and was wounded in the hip on that day. He was a cripple for several years of his life and originated in the hip. He was also badly palsied and remained so for a long time. That his wife left him perhaps fifteen years ago owing to his condition. That he has heard FIELDS very often give a history of his service in the old war and many long descriptions of his hardships, battles, officers, starvations, Indians, tories, etc. but I have forgotten a great deal of my past history and past events. That he would get drunk, cry and talk. He stated he did not belong to the same company with FIELDS but at different times saw FIELDS in the service as they were defending the frontier from the Indians and Tories. That he has known FIELDS from that time until he died. That FIELDS some years ago as he learned applied for a pension and about that same time that defement(?) died. That FIELDS often spoke of Col. CLEVELAND as Cleveland had the tories hung on the Yadkin river. Spoke of General CAMPBELL having the tories hung at King's Mountain after the battle was over. Spoke of Col. SEVIER. Claimed Capt. SAWYER at one time being his captain and capt Thos VENCENS [VINCENT] at another * That FIELDS at his death was about the age of the despondent but had little mind of his later years and had entirely lost the use of himself. Don't know how long he was in the service nor don't know when he was discharged nor when he entered the service. He states he saw him in the service before the Battle of King's Mountain on several occasions. That he had gained considerable character about the time he saw him. He thinks the battle of King's mountain was fought in the year 1780. He states he is no relation to FIELDS nor has he any interest in the claim of FIELDS directly or indirectly. This 17th August 1853. Nicholas [His X Mark] COMBS

* [written in margin along the right side and top of page, presumably to be inserted at the *] and Captain SHANE(?) and Capt. STARK at another. He thinks that Capt SHANE was from Surry Co. The old Block house known as Selby's fort was in Wilkes County Squabble State embraces Wilkes and Surry and laid towards Salisbury(?) when at Jonesbourgh.
(Transcribed by Combs Researcher Tim Spence)

Notes:

(1) John SEVIER was in early east Tennessee. A 1788 Sullivan Co TN Militia Roll of Capt. Thomas VINCENT (under whom John FIELDS had also served) included one John COMBS (not yet identified)

(2) It is not known why Nicholas COMBS would have been in Shenandoah Co (renamed from Dunmore in 1777), VA when he heard of Cornwallis' 1781 fall, but note that Dunmore was created from Frederick Co VA (from whence Mason COMBS, Sr. had come by 1768 to that part of Rowan Co NC which became Surry in 1772), and re-named Shenandoah Co VA during the Revolution.

(3) In 1778, during the Revolutionary War, it was from Shenandoah Co, VA that both John COMBS (1761) of Perry Co KY and William COMBS of Bath Co KY, enlisted in the Revolution according to their pension files.

(4) The RW Soldier on whose behalf Nicholas COMBS testified was the following:

"RW John FIELDS applied 8 Feb 1852, Perry Co, KY, aged 87, stating that he lived in what was called "Squable State" in NC due to a dispute between WALKER * HENDERSON ?. He stated he was born in 1765. His wife Polly made aff'dt 18 Aug 1853 that she married John FIELDS before 1800, but had not lived with him in 15 to 20 years but instead "lived about with her children." She stated that a son Stephen FIELDS was the oldest and that she had 2 children that were dead. On 26 Oct 1853 a William H. FULKERSON of Proctor in Perry Co, KY was administrator of John FIELD'S estate. John FIELDS and Polly _____ were divorced 20 Jul 1836. He died leaving children: Stephen, William, Lucy, Esau, Jacob, Rachael, Sally & James & no widow. On 10 Oct 1854, his son Stephen stated that his father was born 28 Dec 1763, and that he (Stephen) was born 20 Oct 1797. (RW Pension File R3529) Abstracts of Rev. War Pension Files, White)

Note: John FIELDS was f/o Lucy FIELDS who had Chaney and "Big Henry" by Nicholas' brother, Henry COMBS, Sr.

Note: The above John FIELDS is not to be confused with either (a) another John FIELDS (RWS8471), born 1 Oct 1761 in Bedford, now Campbell, Co VA, moved to Rowan with father abt age 4, living in the part that became Surry Co & later Stokes Co, NC & abt 1835 moved to Patrick Co VA (adj. to Stokes NC); applied for pension 25 Mar 1850 in Patrick VA, aged 89; died Apr1850, est. admin. by Greensville ELLIS. (ibid.); or (b) yet another John FIELDS (RWW3971), born 23 Apr 1752 in Hanover, VA; who in 1765 moved to Rowan Co, NC, the part that later became Rockingham Co, NC and lived there at enlistment, thence to Spring Garden, Rockingham Co, NC where he applied 15 Jan 1833, and where he died 1 Sep 1835, had married 4 Dec 1776 to Mary GIBSON in Guilford NC; she was born 24 Dec 1754, died 24 Oct 1844, Rockingham Co, NC. (ibid.)

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