Person Page - 291

     Malissa Evelyn Thompson was born in 1846. She married Henry Henderson Counts, son of George Washington Counts and Matilda "Tilda" Johnson, in 1870 at Richland, Madison Co, Arkansas. Malissa Evelyn Thompson died in 1936.

     William Nathaniel King was born in 1847. He married Elizabeth Pairilee Counts, daughter of George Washington Counts and Matilda "Tilda" Johnson, in 1869 at Madison Co, Arkansas. William Nathaniel King died in 1934.

     SGT Martin Johnson I was born on 8 Aug 1777 at Virginia. He was the son of MAJ James Johnson and Rebekah Martin. SGT Martin Johnson I married Sarah "Sally" Combs, daughter of Mason Combs II and Dorothy Mason ?, on 14 Jun 1799 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. SGT Martin Johnson I married Mary Ann "Polly" Warren on 14 Jun 1829 at Warren Co, Tennessee. SGT Martin Johnson I died on 19 Jan 1851 at Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 73. He was buried at Martin - Johnson Cemetery, Madison Co, Arkansas.

      Sgt Martin Johnson's birth place has not been found in Virginia; he is not mentioned in the Goochland Co register of births or in the Douglas Register and County Court records. Some researchers believe Martin was born in Lunenberg Co, VA. Martin married Sarah Combs (Coombs) in 1799 and their first four children were born in Hawkins Co, TN.

"Indenture... 18 Feb 1801 between Martin Johnson of Hawkins County and [his brother] William Johnson of the other part ... in consideration of the love and affection that the said Martin Johnson bears unto the said William Johnson and for divers other considerations as well as in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings... give to William... land on Dodson's Creek... 150 acres... also all the horses, cattle, household funiture, and farming utensils that I am now possessed of... unto the said William Johnson... Witnesses: Thomas Jackson and David Hyler." (Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book 1, 1788-1800, p. 337) This indenture may have been made right before Martin and Sarah moved to Warren Co, TN.

Early settlers of various parts of Warren Co, TN came between 1800 and 1815, including Jeremiah Combs, Elijah Drake, Martin Johnson and John Lucas; Martin settled in the 15th district. (Walter Womack, McMinnville at a Milestone.) These people must have been among the first to settle in Warren Co. The Johnson family lived at Rocky River in Tennessee.

Martin served briefly in the Tennessee Militia during the War of 1812. "On 28 Jan 1814 Martin Johnson was mustered in as a Sergeant in Capt James Tate's infantry Company of Col Stephen Copeland's 3rd West Tennessee Regiment of the Gen Thomas Johnson Brigade. Martin was discharged in May 1814 " (combs-families.org). The company payroll states Martin was paid $41.33 for the term he served which was from 28 Jan 1814 to 19 May 1814. He was allotted $1.17 for traveling allowance before muster and after discharge. The going rate was $.13 per day in Tennessee. When the War of 1812 started both Martin and his brother William volunteered in McMinnville, TN. The brothers saw active service in the Great Lakes area as well as other places. William served under General Jackson, with one particular battle being the Battle of New Orleans. This service made him eligible for bounty land granted in an 1850 act by Congress.

The 1812 Warren Co, TN Tax List includes: Martin Johnson [wife Sarah Combs], Simon Combs, Jeremiah Combs, Daniel Paine [wife Sylvy Combs], Simon Combs [wife Martha Murrell], Jeremiah Combs [wife Charity Rhodes], Daniel Paine [wife Sylvy Combs], Martin Johnson [wife Sarah Combs], and John Fleming [Nancy Combs].

Not long after Martin and Sarah settled in Warren Co, TN they had a number of land transactions. In 1816 Martin Johnson was a witness to a land deal between Simon Combs and Jeremiah Combs. Jeremiah was Martin's brother-in-law. The next year Martin was a witness for his brother William Johnson as well as for Daniel Paine who had married Sylvia Combs; Sylvia and Martin's wife Sarah may have been sisters. In 1818 Martin reportedly bought land from Moses Rae and resold it to Elijah Drake. On 1 Oct 1818 Martin bought 50 acres from Benjamin Fotton in Warren Co; the land was surveyed 1 Apr 1815 and was adjacent to the land of Richard McGee. On 14 Aug 1824 Martin paid 12.5 cents per acre for 50 acres in Warren Co; the land was surveyed 17 Feb 1825 as being in the hickory cove on the Rocky River adjacent to John McMurry and James Cole, and the deed was finalized 24 Nov 1825.

Where Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson attended religious services during their early years in Warren Co, TN is not known, but in 1828 the Rocky River Baptist Church was organized and Martin and Sarah appear to have been charter members, their names appearing very high on a list of members which reads like a "Who's Who" of their friends, neighbors and family, including: Simon Combs and his wife Martha Murrill, Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes, John Fleming and his wife Nancy Combs, and Mark Mitchell and his wife Anna Hawk.

Martin's first marriage was blessed with thirteen children. After the death of his wife Sarah in 1829 Martin remarried Mary that same year. With the combining of the two households with multiple children the same ages, it is impossible to figure out who remained in the Johnson household. Martin, age 50 - 59, was enumerated in 1830 in Warren Co with a male age 15 - 19, and one female each age age 70 - 79, 5 - 9, 10 - 14, 15 - 19 and 50 - 59 [his new wife Mary.] Living nearby Martin in Warren Co were Williams Johnston [sic] age 50 - 59 with a family totaling 6; and a younger Williams Johnston [sic] age 30 - 39 with a family totaling 7. Combs families living tin WArren Co are detailed on the Mason Combs junior biography.

In 1832 Martin, Mary and their remaining children left Tennessee moving to Richland Creek, AR, then in Washington Co and now in present-day Madison Co, AR to join their older children who settled there three years previously. Some children were left behind in Tennessee but also moved to Arkansas later. The Tennessee plantation was left in the hands of Martin junior.

Martin was a successful farmer all of his life. In 1837 he owned 70 acres of good land and livestock valued at $425.00. In 1840 Martin, age 60 - 69, was living in Richland, Madison Co, AR with one female each age 50 to 59 and 80 to 89. His wife Mary was about age 63 at that time. Two people in the household could not read and write. The 1840 census also lists two female slaves living in Martin's house. Martin was living five doors from his daughter Mathilda and her husband George Counts. Also on the 1840 Madison Co census were all of Martin's sons, with the exception of William who had not yet moved to Madison Co:
--Pleasant Johnson,age 30 -39 with a young family
--James Johnson, age 30 - 39 with a young family totaling nine;
--John Johnson age 20 - 29 with a young family of 7;
--Thomas Johnson age 20 - 29;
--Martin Johnson [junior] age 20 - 29 with a young family totaling seven;
--Richard Johnson age 15 - 19; Martin's son Richard was about age 23 in 1840, so it is curious this age is listed incorrectly unless it was on purpose to avoid poll taxes.
Also living nearby were the families of Elisha Counts and Nicholas Counts and the families of Jessee Hawke and George Hawk; Martin's second wife Mary had married a Jacob Hawk.

Martin and his wife Mary were living next door to his son-in-law George Counts and his wife Mathilda Johnson in 1850 in Richland, Madison Co, AR. In Praire Township, Madison Co Martin's brother William Johnson age 72 was living with his wife Lishley [Tisha Combs] age 70, born in South Carolina.

In 1850 as a result of his military service against the Creek Indians, Martin became eligible for government bounty land, filing the following affidavit on 16 Nov 1850: State of Arkansas, County of Madison: On this 16th day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for the county and State aforesaid, Martin Johnson aged Seventy-Two years, a resident Of Madison county in the State of Arkansas, who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Martin Johnson who was a 1st Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain James Tate in the 3d Regiment commanded by Colonel Copeland of Tennessee Militia, in the war with Great Britian [sic] declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, that he was drafted at Fayetteville Tennessee on or about the 25th day of January A. D 1814, for the term of Three months, and continued in actual service in said war for the term of four months, and was honorably discharged at Fayetteville, Tennessee on or about the 9th day of May 1814, as will appear by the muster rolls of said company, he having lost or mislaid his discharge. He makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the Act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States passed September 28th, 1850. Martin Johnson [his signature]. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify, that I believe the said Martin Johnson to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated. Ralph Lucas, Justice of the Peace. Martin received forty acres near New London, Ohio, but he did not dispose of it [or take possession of the land?] and the land was therefore returned.

Martin probably died on 19 Jan 1851, but most certainly between 16 Nov 1850 and Sep 1851. His grave is unmarked; Martin and his second wife Mary are both believed to be buried in the remote, overgrown Martin Johnson junior Cemetery in Madison Co, AR in unmarked graves. Martin's descendants placed a memorial marker for him in the more accessible Wesley Cemetery in Madison Co in 1972; the marker shows Martin died in 1852 instead of 1851, but this appears to have been from a transcription error based on an 1857 affidavit. No record of his estate has yet been located, but he apparently did have one, and deeds are probably of record based on the following document.

Know all men by these presents that we William Johnson and Dorothy Griffey [Martin's son and daughter] formely Dorothy Johnson both of the County of Vanburen and State of Tennessee having full faith and confidence in our worthy friend Richard M. Johnson [their brother] of the County of Madison and State of Arkansas do make Constitute and appoint him our lawful agent or attorney for us and in our name and Stead to apply for the whole of our Distributive Sheres or portion or heirship of the Estate of Martin Johnson Deceast wheather the same be in Land or money or other Effects and in our name and Stead to receipt for or otherwise to adjest as may become necessary and to suer [sue?] for and by corse of Law obtain or otherwise to adjest and dispose of our Said disterbutive shars portion or heirship in our name and Steads and we do now Record our assent and consent to all Sutch acts and deeds whitch may by Said attorney be done in and about the Settlement and adjestment collection and disposition of Said distributive Sheers or portion or heirship in all respects as tho we ourselves had done the Same in person we do further empower our Said attorney to Sue for and Recover the Same or any part Thereof wheather the same be real or personal Estate and we do further authorise our attorney to make Sale of our undivided sheers of all the Lands that our father Martin Johnson died Seazed of in the County of Madison and State of Arkansas and to make title to the Same we do Authorize our Said Attorney in the presences (?) as fully as if we ware present and doing the same ourselves the heirs of Said Estate ar as follows Elisabeth William James Dorothy Pleasant Metildy John Thomas Martin Sarah Richard and Nancy in testimony whereof we hereunto Set our hands and Seals on this the 3rd day of September 1851. Signed Sealed William Johnson (Seal) Delivered in the presents of Dorethy X Greffey (Seal)
State of Tennessee I Uriah York J.P. an acting Justice of the peace of Van Buren county duly commishioned in and for the County of Vanburen and State aforesaid do certify that William Johnson and Dorthey Griffy on the third day of September 1851 came before me and acknowledged this to be their act and deed this Third day of September 1851. Uriah York, Justice of the peace.

In Mar 1855 a Congressional Act was approved whereby Mary was entitled to and did receive 160 acres of land because she was Martin's widow. Martin's sons Richard and Thomas decided they could make better use of this 160 acres than Mary, so they proceded in various ways to try to obtain the land; their efforts were in vain because, due to the trouble they caused, Mary requested the State of Arkansas cancel the land warrant awarded her and apparently in 1858 it was cancelled.


Detailed sources:
--Ruby Johnson Weideman, compiler, Johnson Family Book, 1972, p. 34-36.
--12 January 1828 Record Book of Rocky River Church, Membership List, http://www.combs-families.org/combs/records/tn/warren/church.htm.
--National Archives, Bounty Land Files, 1812, Act of 55-160-77615, Veteran: Martin Johnson, Grade: Serg; Service Col Copeland, Tenn Mil; Can No 1316; 15.
--Madison Co, AR DBC:545-546, LDS Roll #1035196, Provided by W. Waits, Muskogee, OK; Transcribed by C. Hammett, Boulder, CO, 1997 (death of Martin Johnson).
--Goodspeeds' History of NW AR, p. 1097 (death of Sarah Combs).

     Sarah "Sally" Combs was born in 1779 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Mason Combs II and Dorothy Mason ? Sarah "Sally" Combs married SGT Martin Johnson I, son of MAJ James Johnson and Rebekah Martin, on 14 Jun 1799 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. Sarah "Sally" Combs died in 1829 at Warren Co, Tennessee.

      Sarah Combs was born in North Carolina, possibly that part which later became East Tennessee and maybe present-day Hawkins Co, TN.

Sarah is thought to have had a second daughter named Dolly in 1819 when her first daughter named Dolly was age 16; to name two living children the same name was highly unusual thus the second Dolly may have been Sarah's granddaughter.

     Mary Ann "Polly" Warren was born in 1777 at North Carolina. She married Jacob Hawk c 1797. Mary Ann "Polly" Warren married SGT Martin Johnson I, son of MAJ James Johnson and Rebekah Martin, on 14 Jun 1829 at Warren Co, Tennessee. Mary Ann "Polly" Warren died on 6 Mar 1862 at Drake's Creek, Madison Co, Arkansas.

      Mary Ann "Polly" Warren was possible born in Virginia or in North Carolina (in Surry Co), per her census responses. She had sons George and Jesse Hawk with her first husband; George and Jesse were living near Mary and her second husband Martin Johnson in 1840 in Madison Co, AR. Other children born to Jacob Hawk and Mary were Nancy-1804; John-1805; Mary Polly-1806; Matilda-1807, Rhoda-1810; and Lucinda-1815. In 1860 Mary was living in her son John Hawk's household in Flat Creek, Barry Co, MO.

     William"Billy" M. Johnson was born in 1800 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I. William"Billy" M. Johnson married Mary "Polly" Logue in 1818 at Warren Co, Tennessee. William"Billy" M. Johnson married Rose Anna Drake in 1869. William"Billy" M. Johnson died on 28 Sep 1885 at Drake's Creek, Madison Co, Arkansas.

     Dorothy "Dolly" Johnson was born in 1803 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. She was the daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Dorothy "Dolly" Johnson married Hugh Griffey a 1823. Dorothy "Dolly" Johnson married Unknown Shipley a 1827. Dorothy "Dolly" Johnson died in 1860 at Madison Co, Arkansas.

     Hugh Griffey was born a 1778. He married Dorothy "Dolly" Johnson, daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs, a 1823.

     Jacob Hawk was born a 1772. He married Mary Ann "Polly" Warren c 1797. Jacob Hawk died in 1829 at Warren Co, Tennessee.

     Thomas Murrell Johnson was born on 9 Sep 1811 at Warren Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Thomas Murrell Johnson married Sarah McMurray in 1831. Thomas Murrell Johnson died in 1892 at Madison Co, Arkansas.

      Thomas Murrell Johnson brought his family to Madison Co, AR in 1830, and he became one of the successful farmers of the county, owning an excellent farm in Richland Valley. He was not an office seeker, but at the termination of the war he was chosen county judge.

During the war Thomas was a Union man, and on that account suffered many cruelties and indignities at the hands of the Confederate soldiers and Southern sympathizers. He was taken prisoner and in one month and four days was compelled to travel on foot 1,200 miles; for three days and nights went without water and for seven days he went without bread. He subsisted on a small piece of raw beef during that time. Suffering from a severe spell of sickness when taken prisoner, he weighed 176 pounds, and when he succeeded in making his escape he weighed far less.

Thomas' son Lt John Johnson was also an influential citizen of the county, and made his home with his parents until 1874, when he moved to his present place of abode, and engaged in farming and stock raising. He enlisted in the Federal service in Mar 1863 and served until 10 Aug 1865. He was first lieutenant of Company G, First Arkansas Infantry and was in a number of severe engagements.

     Sarah McMurray was born on 12 Jan 1809 at Warren Co, Tennessee. She married Thomas Murrell Johnson, son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs, in 1831. Sarah McMurray died in 1880.

     MAJ James Johnson was born in 1748 at Virginia ? He married Rebekah Martin on 27 Feb 1774.

      Some angst exists in regard to whether James Johnson and Rebekah Martin are the parents of Martin and William Johnson and concerning how James Johnson died (http://www.combs-families.org/combs/geds/combjohn/famtrads.htm#Query). Multiple-source, long-standing Johnson family traditions uniformly agree James Johnson, father of William and Martin, died when his sons were young. (Goodspeeds' History of NW Arkansas.) Disagreement among the descendants remains as to whether James' premature death was at the hand of the Tories or the Indians.

This researcher supports the conclusion James and Rebekah are the correct parents because the manuscript entitled The Johnson Family 1748-1962, written from memory in 1962 by Oscar S. Johnson, their great grandson and family genealogist, states they were. In lieu of primary records being available, at this point family tradition compiled by Oscar is a secondary source. Oscar, born 26 Jun 1874, Drake's Creek, Madison Co, AR and died 2 Apr 1969 in the same county, was the son of Noah Johnson and his wife Charity Drake. Oscar's grandfather Martin Johnson junior lived on a nearby farm in Richland, Madison Co, AR from the time of Oscar's birth until the death of Martin junior in 1797 when Oscar was almost 24 years old. Similarly, a number of Oscar's great-aunts and great-uncles lived nearby. Oscar dictated both Johnson and Drake family histories, and his niece Virginia Johnson Berry of Huntsville, AR stated in Dec 1995 Osar was widely known for having a remarkable memory and his mind was clear right up until his death. Newspaper reporter Bob Edmiston of Springdale, AR stated in Aug 1995 that when he interviewed Oscar for a feature article for the Madison Record newspaper, Oscar appeared both physically and mentally alert, and the only difficulty during the interview was Oscar's deafness. The reporter stated that during the interview, Oscar held a about 30-page typewritten manuscript, but never referred to it, instead depending entirely on his memory. In Oct 1996 Wilma Jean Hayes Lawrence obtained a copy of the original 34-page typewritten manuscript from a family member. The following is an exact transcription of relevant excerpts from the manuscript. Note errors reportedly exist in the manuscript; however the manuscript is invaluable becauses it provided new and/or clarifying information. The manuscript has been typed exactly, including spelling errors, etc; however, minimal data was added in brackets for purposes of clarification and/or to indicate where additional material has not yet been transcribed. Despite the family history noting James and Rebekah were Martin's parents, the analyst of the manuscript made the assumption "Oscar S. Johnson was told of the finding of the [James Johnson-Rebekah Martin] marriage record in Goochland Co, VA and of the Capt James Johnson of Lunenburg Co by earlier researchers rather than from family stories passed down through the generations."

According to Oscar's manuscript: "James Johnson, A Native of Virginia, Born 1748, Married Rebecca Martin February 27, 1774. He was A soldier in the Revolutionary War and was appointed Major in 1776. He was killed by a Band of English Tories, while on a furlough visiting his Family. Two Sons were born to this union, William in 1775 and Martin in 1776. Soon after the death of her Husband, James Johnson, Rebecca met and Married The Reverend Thomas Murrel, A Baptist Minister. Following their Marriage, The Family moved from Virginia to Tennessee (Middle Tennessee) near McMinnville in Warren County. Reverend Murrel reared William and Martin almost from infancy, providing for their every need. Their training, Education etc. as if they were his own children. In after years, they spoke of him in the very highest terms as being a fine Christian Gentleman. William and Martin grew to man's Estate, married and each had Families, Which will be given in the Family Tree later on. During the war of 1812, They volunteered their Services in the Great Lake Campaign. They were honorably Discharged, Returned Home And Resumed Their normal lives until the Great Exodus to Arkansas of the Johnson, Drake, Counts and Families in 1832. Martin and William were given land Grants in Lieu of cash payments. Martin laid his land Grant of 640 acres near New London, Ohio. If he ever attempted to improve or dispose of it, none of my older folks knew. Presumably it was sold for taxes. In the meantime, Reverend Murrel's labor in the Ministry called him from place to place. Finally, He and his Wife [Rebekah Martin] located in the North Carolina. Communication by mail compared to today was out of the question, so was travelling by train. It is my understanding that the Johnson Family in Tennessee lost contact entirely. The Murrel's were childless." The name Murrell was carried on with at least two of Martin's sons, so they must have been close to their step-father.

According to a different apparent Johnson descendant, "During the Revolutionary War, about 1777, Major James Johnson was killed by Tories while bathing in the Clinch River in Hawkins Co, TN. His wife was ill in bed with a young baby and saw through the window the killing of her husband. Later, after her husband's death, she married Thomas Murrill [sic] of Hawkins Co.... Two [sons] of the Johnson family, Martin and William, married Sallie and Tisha Combs.... Tradition says that Major Johnson had gone home on a furlough and had resigned or was about to resign his commission at the time of his death. (James T. CLARK was probably the author, "Tennessee Historical Magazine", Vol. 4, No. 3, Sept. 1918, Tennessee Historical Society)

James was reportedly killed by Indians in North Carolina according to James' grandson Thomas Murrell Johnson.

Furthermore another researcher provided sources to support the concept there were another two James Johnsons in the military at the same time, one who died during military service and was the husband of Susannah, and the other the husband of Elizabeth who survived the war period and had a family -- without sons named Martin or William. This second James Johnson was in the 6th Regimental Continental Virginia Line, Captain James Johnson Company; commissioned captain 16 Feb, 1777; promoted to major 1 Apr 1777; resigned 15 Aug 1777. Muster rolls showed the James Johnson Company of the 6th VA Line did not serve on the Frontier, but in the north, including a winter at Valley Forge. (Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolutionary War, G. Wathmey) and (Lunenburg Co, VA Court records 1787-1789.) The other James Johnson prepared his will on 11 Oct 1787 and named wife Susannah Johnson; sons Jesse, James and Edmond; daughters Judith Degarnette and Lucy Johnson; and Nancy Longmore (relationship not stated.) Executors: Jesse Johnson, Bartley Smithson, Charles Smithson, Richard Jones. Witnesses: John Foster, Thomas Shelburne, John Shelburne. (Lunenburg Co, VA Will Abstracts, 1746-1825, Bell) and (Lunenburg Co Will Book 3, p. 295) Proved: [date not given] Lunenburg Co, VA.

     Rebekah Martin was born a 1754. She married MAJ James Johnson on 27 Feb 1774. Rebekah Martin married Rev Thomas Murrell a 1780.

     Rev Thomas Murrell was born a 1745. He married Rebekah Martin a 1780.

      Rev. Thomas Murrell Sr. was born between 1740 and 1750, probably in Virginia. He was probably one of the two Thomas Murrells who resided in Henry Co, VA ca 1778-1780. He resided between 1785 and 1806 on Big Creek, Holston River, Hawkins Co, TN. He resided between 1806 and 1826 in Dickson Co, TN where he died about 1826. Elizabeth and the Rev. Thomas Murrell Sr. had the following children:
--Thomas Murrell Jr. was born in 1785, probably on Big Creek in present-day Hawkins Co, TN. He married Ella Coen. He died in Feb 1866 in Dickson Co, TN.
--Richard Murrell was born in 1786, probably on Big Creek in present-day Hawkins Co, TN. He married (spouse's name unknown ). He died Dec 1840 in Dickson Co, TN.

     John Clark Johnson was born on 21 Aug 1810 at Warren Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. John Clark Johnson married Mary "Polly" Jane Drake in 1828 at Warren Co, Tennessee. John Clark Johnson died on 17 Jan 1885 at Wesley, Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 74.

      John Clark Johnson was also reportedly born in Sequatchie Valley, Bledsoe Co, TN.

     William Johnson I was born in 1775. He was the son of MAJ James Johnson and Rebekah Martin. William Johnson I married Tisha Combs, daughter of Mason Combs II and Dorothy Mason ?, a 1800. William Johnson I died a 1850 at Madison Co, Arkansas.

     Richard "Dick" Murrell Johnson was born on 14 Aug 1817 at Warren Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Richard "Dick" Murrell Johnson married Nancy McMurray in 1838. Richard "Dick" Murrell Johnson died in Dec 1859 at Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 42.

     Martin Johnson II was born on 5 Jun 1813 at Warren Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Martin Johnson II married Lydia "Liddie" Hawk, daughter of Jacob Hawk and Mary Ann "Polly" Warren, in Oct 1831 at Madison, Tennessee. Martin Johnson II died on 29 Apr 1897 at Whitman or Wesley, Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 83.

      Martin Johnson junior's wife Lydia Hawk was his step-sister.

     James B. Johnson was born on 1 May 1801 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. He was the son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. James B. Johnson married Lydia Russell in 1821 at Warren Co, Tennessee. James B. Johnson married Rachel M. Boyd in 1837 at Tennessee. James B. Johnson died on 16 Nov 1856 at Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 55.

     Elizabeth "Betsy" "Bessie" Johnson was born in Feb 1797 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. She was the daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Elizabeth "Betsy" "Bessie" Johnson married John Mitchell a 1817. Elizabeth "Betsy" "Bessie" Johnson died in 1884 at Van Buren Co, Tennessee.

      Elizabeth Johnson may have been the youngest child of Martin Johnson rather than the oldest and was therefore born in Warren Co, TN as were his later children. She may have also lived until 23 Dec 1913 in Tennessee, but this woul only be possible if she were born much later.

     Nancy Johnson was born in Apr 1820 at Warren Co, Tennessee. She was the daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs. Nancy Johnson married Isaac Drake in 1837 at Madison Co, Arkansas. Nancy Johnson died in Jun 1900 at Drake's Creek, Madison Co, Arkansas, at age 80.

     Peggy Johnson was born a 1809. She was the daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs.

     Mason Combs II was born on 21 Feb 1747 at Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co, Virginia. He was the son of Mason Combs I and Sarah (Unknown). Mason Combs II married Dorothy Mason ? in 1779 at Surry Co, North Carolina. Mason Combs II died b May 1808 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee.

      Considerable research was carefully documented by the Combs-Coombs Research Group regarding Mason Combs junior. Mason Combs junior likely resided with his parents in Frederick Co, VA from 1751-1762.
--1767 Pittsylvania Co, VA. A Mason Combs was tithed by Henry Stone. Not known if this is Mason or his father by the same name (or a third Mason Combs).
--1768 Rowan Co, NC. Mason Combs, Sr. tithed 2, the second man probably Mason Combs, junior just turning 21 years of age.
--1771 Surry Co, NC (established from Rowan Co this year). Mason Combs, Sr. tithes 3, one presumably Mason Combs, Jr., the identity of the other not known. A third son of Mason Combs, Sr. could have been born no earlier than 1752 (based on Overwharton Parish records), thus would still be under 20 years of age this year.
--1772 Surry Co, NC. Mason Combs, Sr. tithed only two this year and Mason Combs, Jr. appeared on tax lists by name for the first time, tithing one. His name was listed immediately between those of his father and his brother William.
--1774 Surry Co, NC. Only William Combs was listed this year, but all tax lists may not be extant. No further extant tax lists include the name of any Mason Combs other than Sr. (until his death in 1784/5).
--1777-1780 Surry Co, NC. The children of Mason and Sarah Combs senior and long-time associates, Simon Stacy senior and his wife Judith Tolson (also formerly of Stafford and Frederick Cos, VA), along with the Cody and Ridge families, and others, align themselves with the Tory Cause. They include: Mason Combs, Jr; William Combs (m Seth Stacy) and his son, John; Biram Combs and Nicholas Combs, Sr. (both sons of John Combs, Sr.); Benjamin Stacy, Sr. (m Ann Combs); William Ridge (m Winnifred Combs); William Cody (m Sinai Stacy); John Stacy; and an unidentified Jeremiah Combs.
--A Mason Combs served in the North Carolina militia in war (Joseph Winston Wells, His Entry Book, p. 28) and signed the Oath Of Allegiance to make Land Entry on 23 Jul 1778.
--Aug 1780 Battle of Hanging Rock, Lancaster, SC. The Tories were defeated and William Ridge (h/o Winnifred Combs) was killed, setting off a years-long legal battle having to do with slaves, minor children, confiscated estates and tangled relationships - with much of it recorded in the William Ridge Estate File.
--14 Oct 1780 Battle of Shallowford, Old Surry (now Yadkin) Co, NC. The Tories were defeated again, this time in the Combs' back yard, possibly resulting in the death of at least one Combs (unidentified).
--17 Oct 1780 Surry Co, NC Three days later Mason Combs, probably junior, sold "for 100 pounds gold & silver to John Pipes my lands, livestock, personalty." Witnesses: John English, Betse Mosbe [Moseby, Mosby, Moseley]. John Pipes signed the bill of sale to William F. [sic] Lewis on 21 Jan 1783 and it was recorded in the August Court in (Surry Co, NC Will Book B 2, p. 34a.) This was probably Mason junior selling his property in an effort to avoid confiscation because of his support for the Tories. Presumably, because Mason senior was by this time almost 70 years of age, he was immune to legal action. Moreover, the sale probably also presaged the departure of, not only Mason Combs, junior but most of his siblings and in-laws as well, including the families of William Combs senior and his wife Seth Stacy; Benjamin Stacy and his wife Ann Combs; and their in-laws William Cody and his wife and Sinai Stacy; and others, all having apparently left Surry Co together within the year.
--Mar 1781 Capt. Daniel Trigg's Montgomery Co, VA Militia listed Mason Combs junior and most of the above males appeared on this list - more likely fighting Indians than Tories.
--1782 Montgomery Co, VA. Mason Combs junior and all of the above, except inexplicably William Cody, appeared on this county's tax lists.
--before 1785 (possibly in North Carolina) Mason Combs, Jr. marries Dorothy (Mason's son, Simon was born ca 1785, North Carolina, according to descendant researchers, but source unknown, and 1880 census records are still needed to confirm where Simon's still-living children stated their parents were born).
--10 Oct 1786 Salisbury District, NC. Mason Combs was allowed a claim for 239 pounds (Rev. Accts. of NC Vil II. (Combs &c. Revolutionary War Pay Vouchers). Where in North Carolina this payment was issued, for what (other than retroactively), or where Mason was residing at this time, although the Surry-Wilkes NC area is likely and/or that part of North Carolina which became Tennessee, is not known.
--1788 Jeremiah Combs, s/o Mason and Dorothy (1850-1860 Madison Co, AR Census) was born. Mason was in Virginia, probably Russell County, when his youngest known son, Jeremiah Combs, was born.
--11 Nov 1788 [probably Surry Co, NC] Received from the Senate the Memorial of William T. Lewis and others praying an allowance for taking up deserters, and the Petition of Thomas Donoho & William Sanders and the Memorial of William T. Lewis and others praying an allowance for attending as Witnesses against John and Mason Combs. Endorsed, read and referred as by the House of Commons (State Records of NC, Vo.. XXI., 1788-1890, Nash, Goldsboro, NC, 1903, p. 30). Although this could be another Mason who was the son of John and Nancy Combs, Sr, it would appear more likely to have been Mason Combs, Jr. since Mason son of John Combs was recorded in Montgomery Co, VA around this same time period.
--1789 Russell Co, VA. Mason Combs junior; William Combs senior and his wife Seth Stacy; a second William Combs who was probably their son William junior; William Cody and his wife Sinai Stacy; Benjamin Cody and his wife Ann Stacy; half a dozen more Stacys; and Henry Skaggs (from early Montgomery Co, VA, with a Combs son-in-law) are all listed on the Upper District Personal Property Tax List.
--1790 Russell Co, VA, Mason Combs (listed as Meshack) was again listed on the Upper District Personal Property tax lists, along with all of the above.
--1791 Upper District Personal Property tax lists included no Combs, Codys, Stacys or Skaggs. To date, Mason Combs was not found in records of Russell County again after 1790.
--by 1795 at the latest Mason was a resident of Hawkins Co, TN. Mason was probably in Hawkins Co earlier than 1795, possibly shortly after disappearing from Russell Co, VA tax lists. William Combs (Mason's brother? Nephew? Son?) had already been in Hawkins Co as early as 1792.
--1795 Robert King sold to Mason Combs land on Beach Creek (Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book 2:213) and (Hawkins Deed Book 972798).
--1795 Peter Stacy of Hawkins Co, TN sold to Mason Combs of same county for £12 fifty acres in Hawkins County "on Fowless (?) Creek; on Bays Mountain; to a markt line; along said line." Signed Peter Stacy. Witnesses: Thos Jackson; Poydextor [sic] Payne. Signed 14 Mar 1795. Recorded 17 Aug 1795. (Hawkins Co Deed Book 2:243). Peter Stacy was s/o John Stacy, Sr. (the Tory of Surry NC?). Poyndextor Payne was the brother of Daniel Paine who married Sylvy Combs (ca 1780-1857), who may have been an elder grown daughter of Mason Combs of Hawkins County. (Ann Paine Sanford Journal)
Several other deeds have been found that include the Combs and/or Stacys presented here in brief:
--25 Feb 1796 Mason Combs sold to Daniel Jones conditional upon Jones building a mill on Beach Creek. (Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book?) and (Hawkins Deeds 972799)

Additional deeds are extant in regards to Mason Combs of Hawkins Co, TN, but the following is the most informative:
Trust: Mason Combs to his Wife & Children: Know all men by these presents that I Mason Combs of the county of Hawkins and State of Tennessee for devers Good Causes & reasons well known, I do give & bequeath unto my wife Dorothy Combs Two Choice Cows all the Hogs & Sheep, two Sorrel mares all the beds & Furniture that now belongs to me to dispose of at her will after my decease the Tract of Land that I now live on I give and bequeath to my two Sons Simeon & Jeremiah to be Equally Divided between them Simeon to have the Lower end and Jeremiah Combs to have the upper End only Reserving to the use of their mother Dorothy Combs Ten acres out of each half when divided as She thinks proper to choose also the use of what Timber She may want for her use during her the two boys to have all the profits arising from Said Lands and their Mother to have the privilege of Renting and Seeing to the Said Land untill the boys comes of age [---] for all my Goods & chattles of every kinds whatsoever that now belongs to me I leive to my wife Dorothy Combs during her life or widowhood for the use and benefit of my children in Trust at the end of which it is to be Equally Divided among my surviving children only Simeon is to have the first Colt that the Big Sorrel mare brings and Jerry is to have as his own the yearlin colt now belonging to the Roan Mare Ther mother to have the charge & care of them untill the boys become of age and the Increase of sd colts young to Dispose of as She thinks fit. All these things I do Give and Grant as before mentioned and do hereby confirm.
In Witness of which I here unto set my hand & seal this 22nd day of February in the year of our Lord 1802. Mason Considerable research was carefully documented by the Combs-Coombs Research Group regarding Mason Combs junior. Mason Combs junior likely resided with his parents in Frederick Co, VA from 1751-1762. --1767 Pittsylvania Co, VA. A Mason Combs was tithed by Henry Stone. Not known if this is Mason or his father by the same name (or a third Mason Combs). --1768 Rowan Co, NC. Mason Combs, Sr. tithed 2, the second man probably Mason Combs, junior just turning 21 years of age. --1771 Surry Co, NC (established from Rowan Co this year). Mason Combs, Sr. tithes 3, one presumably Mason Combs, Jr., the identity of the other not known. A third son of Mason Combs, Sr. could have been born no earlier than 1752 (based on Overwharton Parish records), thus would still be under 20 years of age this year. --1772 Surry Co, NC. Mason Combs, Sr. tithed only two this year and Mason Combs, Jr. appeared on tax lists by name for the first time, tithing one. His name was listed immediately between those of his father and his brother William. --1774 Surry Co, NC. Only William Combs was listed this year, but all tax lists may not be extant. No further extant tax lists include the name of any Mason Combs other than Sr. (until his death in 1784/5). --1777-1780 Surry Co, NC. The children of Mason and Sarah Combs senior and long-time associates, Simon Stacy senior and his wife Judith Tolson (also formerly of Stafford and Frederick Cos, VA), along with the Cody and Ridge families, and others, align themselves with the Tory Cause. They include: Mason Combs, Jr; William Combs (m Seth Stacy) and his son, John; Biram Combs and Nicholas Combs, Sr. (both sons of John Combs, Sr.); Benjamin Stacy, Sr. (m Ann Combs); William Ridge (m Winnifred Combs); William Cody (m Sinai Stacy); John Stacy; and an unidentified Jeremiah Combs. --A Mason Combs served in the North Carolina militia in war (Joseph Winston Wells, His Entry Book, p. 28) and signed the Oath Of Allegiance to make Land Entry on 23 Jul 1778. --Aug 1780 Battle of Hanging Rock, Lancaster, SC. The Tories were defeated and William Ridge (h/o Winnifred Combs) was killed, setting off a years-long legal battle having to do with slaves, minor children, confiscated estates and tangled relationships - with much of it recorded in the William Ridge Estate File. --14 Oct 1780 Battle of Shallowford, Old Surry (now Yadkin) Co, NC. The Tories were defeated again, this time in the Combs' back yard, possibly resulting in the death of at least one Combs (unidentified). --17 Oct 1780 Surry Co, NC Three days later Mason Combs, probably junior, sold "for 100 pounds gold & silver to John Pipes my lands, livestock, personalty." Witnesses: John English, Betse Mosbe [Moseby, Mosby, Moseley]. John Pipes signed the bill of sale to William F. [sic] Lewis on 21 Jan 1783 and it was recorded in the August Court in (Surry Co, NC Will Book B 2, p. 34a.) This was probably Mason junior selling his property in an effort to avoid confiscation because of his support for the Tories. Presumably, because Mason senior was by this time almost 70 years of age, he was immune to legal action. Moreover, the sale probably also presaged the departure of, not only Mason Combs, junior but most of his siblings and in-laws as well, including the families of William Combs senior and his wife Seth Stacy; Benjamin Stacy and his wife Ann Combs; and their in-laws William Cody and his wife and Sinai Stacy; and others, all having apparently left Surry Co together within the year. --Mar 1781 Capt. Daniel Trigg's Montgomery Co, VA Militia listed Mason Combs junior and most of the above males appeared on this list - more likely fighting Indians than Tories. --1782 Montgomery Co, VA. Mason Combs junior and all of the above, except inexplicably William Cody, appeared on this county's tax lists. --before 1785 (possibly in North Carolina) Mason Combs, Jr. marries Dorothy (Mason's son, Simon was born ca 1785, North Carolina, according to descendant researchers, but source unknown, and 1880 census records are still needed to confirm where Simon's still-living children stated their parents were born). --10 Oct 1786 Salisbury District, NC. Mason Combs was allowed a claim for 239 pounds (Rev. Accts. of NC Vil II. (Combs &c. Revolutionary War Pay Vouchers). Where in North Carolina this payment was issued, for what (other than retroactively), or where Mason was residing at this time, although the Surry-Wilkes NC area is likely and/or that part of North Carolina which became Tennessee, is not known. --1788 Jeremiah Combs, s/o Mason and Dorothy (1850-1860 Madison Co, AR Census) was born. Mason was in Virginia, probably Russell County, when his youngest known son, Jeremiah Combs, was born. --11 Nov 1788 [probably Surry Co, NC] Received from the Senate the Memorial of William T. Lewis and others praying an allowance for taking up deserters, and the Petition of Thomas Donoho & William Sanders and the Memorial of William T. Lewis and others praying an allowance for attending as Witnesses against John and Mason Combs. Endorsed, read and referred as by the House of Commons (State Records of NC, Vo.. XXI., 1788-1890, Nash, Goldsboro, NC, 1903, p. 30). Although this could be another Mason who was the son of John and Nancy Combs, Sr, it would appear more likely to have been Mason Combs, Jr. since Mason son of John Combs was recorded in Montgomery Co, VA around this same time period. --1789 Russell Co, VA. Mason Combs junior; William Combs senior and his wife Seth Stacy; a second William Combs who was probably their son William junior; William Cody and his wife Sinai Stacy; Benjamin Cody and his wife Ann Stacy; half a dozen more Stacys; and Henry Skaggs (from early Montgomery Co, VA, with a Combs son-in-law) are all listed on the Upper District Personal Property Tax List. --1790 Russell Co, VA, Mason Combs (listed as Meshack) was again listed on the Upper District Personal Property tax lists, along with all of the above. --1791 Upper District Personal Property tax lists included no Combs, Codys, Stacys or Skaggs. To date, Mason Combs was not found in records of Russell County again after 1790. --by 1795 at the latest Mason was a resident of Hawkins Co, TN. Mason was probably in Hawkins Co earlier than 1795, possibly shortly after disappearing from Russell Co, VA tax lists. William Combs (Mason's brother? Nephew? Son?) had already been in Hawkins Co as early as 1792. --1795 Robert King sold to Mason Combs land on Beach Creek (Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book 2:213) and (Hawkins Deed Book 972798). --1795 Peter Stacy of Hawkins Co, TN sold to Mason Combs of same county for £12 fifty acres in Hawkins County "on Fowless (?) Creek; on Bays Mountain; to a markt line; along said line." Signed Peter Stacy. Witnesses: Thos Jackson; Poydextor [sic] Payne. Signed 14 Mar 1795. Recorded 17 Aug 1795. (Hawkins Co Deed Book 2:243). Peter Stacy was s/o John Stacy, Sr. (the Tory of Surry NC?). Poyndextor Payne was the brother of Daniel Paine who married Sylvy Combs (ca 1780-1857), who may have been an elder grown daughter of Mason Combs of Hawkins County. (Ann Paine Sanford Journal) Several other deeds have been found that include the Combs and/or Stacys presented here in brief: --25 Feb 1796 Mason Combs sold to Daniel Jones conditional upon Jones building a mill on Beach Creek. (Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book?) and (Hawkins Deeds 972799) Additional deeds are extant in regards to Mason Combs of Hawkins Co, TN, but the following is the most informative: Trust: Mason Combs to his Wife & Children: Know all men by these presents that I Mason Combs of the county of Hawkins and State of Tennessee for devers Good Causes & reasons well known, I do give & bequeath unto my wife Dorothy Combs Two Choice Cows all the Hogs & Sheep, two Sorrel mares all the beds & Furniture that now belongs to me to dispose of at her will after my decease the Tract of Land that I now live on I give and bequeath to my two Sons Simeon & Jeremiah to be Equally Divided between them Simeon to have the Lower end and Jeremiah Combs to have the upper End only Reserving to the use of their mother Dorothy Combs Ten acres out of each half when divided as She thinks proper to choose also the use of what Timber She may want for her use during her the two boys to have all the profits arising from Said Lands and their Mother to have the privilege of Renting and Seeing to the Said Land untill the boys comes of age [---] for all my Goods & chattles of every kinds whatsoever that now belongs to me I leive to my wife Dorothy Combs during her life or widowhood for the use and benefit of my children in Trust at the end of which it is to be Equally Divided among my surviving children only Simeon is to have the first Colt that the Big Sorrel mare brings and Jerry is to have as his own the yearlin colt now belonging to the Roan Mare Ther mother to have the charge & care of them untill the boys become of age and the Increase of sd colts young to Dispose of as She thinks fit. All these things I do Give and Grant as before mentioned and do hereby confirm. In Witness of which I here unto set my hand & seal this 22nd day of February in the year of our Lord 1802. Mason [M] Combs (Seal) [his mark] Signed sealed and Delivered in presence of Wm Paine, Jacob Manus, Martin Johnson. State of Tennessee, Hawkins County, August Session 1802 Registered 1 November 1802 Trans from Leber E, page 385 (Hawkins Co, TN DB3:69) Dtd. 2/22/1802 Reg. 11/1/1802 The within Deed was proven in open court by the oaths of William Paine, Jacob Manus and Martin Johnson. Richard Mitchell - clerk. Although presumably Mason Combs signed the above document much as if it were a will, it is a land trust. As a result of earlier, possibly nefarious, activities of the Revolutionary Loyalist Combs, Stacy, Cody and Ridge families in Surry Co, NC -- including allegations of murder and theft -- it is possible Mason Combs was still on the run… or on his way to jail, although no evidence has been found of either. Another possibility is Mason was leaving to explore new lands further west and the above deed was to ensure the future security of his wife and minor childen. The trust documents his wife Dorothy and sons, Simeon (aka Simon) and Jeremiah Combs, but neither proves nor disproves he had other children. Of the three witnesses to his Land Trust: William Payne is believed to have been another brother to Daniel Paine, husband of Sylvia Combs; Martin Johnson was the husband of Sarah Combs (Goodspeeds History of NW AR, Biography of Thomas Murrell Johnson); and Jacob Manus owned property on Dodson Creek of the Holston River adjacent to that of William Paine and Martin Johnson and can be found on the tax lists of Montgomery Co, VA during the same period that Mason Combs was also believed to be in that area. By 1808, however, Mason was definitely deceased when his widow and sons executed the following deed; the family appears to have remained in Hawkins Co, TN until circa 1807, by which time younger son Jeremiah Combs would have been approximately 19 years of age: This Indenture made this ninth day of September one thousand and --- eight hundred and seven Between Dorothy Combs, Simon Combs and Jeremiah Combs of the County of Hawkins of the one part & Henry Buram of the other part and same County and state. Witnesseth that we the said Doroty simon and Jeremiah Combs for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred Dollars to us in hand paid by the said Buram the Recipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged hath granted Bargained & sold ----- and sold and confirmed unto the said Buram his heirs or assigns forever one certain parcel or tract of Land containing two hundred acres the same --- more or less lying and being in the County of Hawkins afforesaid on the south side ---- of Holston river and on the North side of Bays Mountain on both sides of ----- Branch - adjoining land surveyed for said --elling Beginning at ... to the Beginning and the said Doroty Simon & Jeremiah Combs Doth by these presents ------ to warrant and oblige themselves the-heirs, Executors or administrators to warrant and forever defend the right and title of the said lands. and ----ements with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Henry Buram his heirs or Assigns In fee simple against the lawful Claims & demand of all and every person or ----- whatsoever. In Witness whereof we the said Doroty Simon And Jeremiah Combs hath hereunto Set Our hands and seals the day and date above mentioned. Dorothy [x] Combs (Seal); Simon Combs (Seal); Jeremiah [?] Combs (Seal). Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us William Rowan (Jurat), John Webster, William Rowan Senr, Peter Buram (Jurat). (Hawkins Co, TN DB6:51) 1808. Dorothy Combs S Combs Jeremiah Combs to Henry BURAM reg. April 30, ---- State of Tennessee, Hawkins County, Feby Session 1808: Then the within was proven in open court by the oaths of William Rowan --- and Peter Buram and ordered to be ------ (Transcribed by Carole Hammett, 1995, from a partly illegible microfilm copy) Dorothy Combs was not found in later records. Several years pass before Simon and Jeremiah Combs are found - still in the company of Martin Johnson and his wife Sarah Combs and with Daniel Paine and his wive Sylvy Combs - but now in Warren Co, Tennessee where in 1812, Simon (Martha Murrell) Combs, Jeremiah (Charity Rhodes) Combs, Daniel (Sylvy Combs) Paine, Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, and John (Nancy Combs) Fleming, are all listed on Benj. Lockhart's returns of the 1812 Warren Co, TN Tax List. A number of deeds have been located in Warren Co, TN, but only abstracts of those showing the proximity of these families to each other are included here: --11 Oct 1816, Indenture, "Between Simeon Combs and Jeremiah Combs both of Warren County, TN. Witnesseth: For [?] dollars a tract of land in Warren County on the east side of Rocky River, being part of a 240 acre tract granted by Tennessee to Catron grant #480?, beginning at a black oak on the south boundry line of said surety being a conditional corner made between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine?, running easterly to include ? the spring to a large poplar on the side of the hill northward of the spring thence to a sassafras in the field and to a line made between Simon Combs and Daniel Paine, thence westwardly to the west boundary line of a 150 acre tract granted by Tennessee to John Catron grant #431? to southwest corner of said survey to north boundry line of the 240 acre tract, then to the above named line between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine , thence southwest to the beginning. Signed Simon Combs. Witnesses: William Logue and Martin Johnson (Madison County Musings) --15 Jan 1818 Martin Johnson sold to John Douglass, both of Warren County, for $500, 60 acres on the Collins River.. Jacob Hawk's occupant claim.. John A. Wilson's corner.. the conditional line between Daniel Pane and Jeremiah Combs. Reg. 15 Jan 1818. TN, Warren Co, Deed Book A, p 477, In 1820, for reasons undetermined, neither Simon nor Jeremiah Combs are listed on the Warren Co, TN Census - even though both appear in the records of that county as residents in 1818 and 1821, and even though Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, John (Nancy Combs) Fleming, and Daniel (Sylvy Combs) PAYNE are listed. In 1828 all of the above families, except Daniel Paine and his wife Sylvy Combs who have already moved to Alabama and then Illinois, are listed on the 1828 Rocky River Church List of Warren County, as well as an unidentified Tempie Combs. Simon Combs, Jeremiah Combs, Martin Johnson, John Fleming and unidentifed John Combs were listed on the 1830 Warren Co, TN census (the 0/1/2 references link to reading the numbers and ages of the inhabitants on the census): --John Combs 210001-10001 (unidentifed) p. 352 --Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, 00010001-0111000101, p. 363 --John (Nancy Combs) Flemming 2020001-110001, p. 363 --Simon Combs age 40 - 49 with his wife Martha Murrill and family 1010001-2121001, p. 363 --Barnet (Mahala Combs, dau of Simon) Owens 00101-2001, p. 368 --Thomas (Nancy Combs, dau of Jeremiah) Clark 00001-1001, p. 368 --Jeremiah (Charity RHODES) Combs, 111001-111101, p. 374 By 1833 Simon Combs had died, and Jeremiah Combs and Martin Johnson had moved to Madison Co, AR, with yet another unidentifed, although younger, John Combs. Martha Murrill, widow of Simon Combs, died in 1839 and by 1840 the only Combs by surname remaining on the 1840 Warren Co, TN census were: --Martha Combs 22010001-0021 (unidentified), p. 335. Martha does not appear to have been the wife of the unidentified John Combs on the 1830 census and is too young to be Martha (Murrell) Combs who was said by her son to have died in 1839. --Barnet (Mahala Combs) Owens 110001-011001, p. 335. Barnet Owens, born 1805, according to a family bible (source unknown), is said to have married Mahala Combs, daughter of Simon Combs and his wife Martha Murrill. By 1850, Barnet and Mahala are also in Madison Co, AR. (Madison Co AR 1850 Census) --John (Nancy Combs) Flemming 21100001-1101001, p. 337 By the early 1830s Jeremiah Combs and his wife and Charity Rhodes and their children departed for what would become Kings River Township, Madison Co, AR, which is where he appears on the 1840 census, as do other Combs: Hilburn Township: --Jesse D. Combs 002001-010001-0 (unidentified), p. 28 King River Township: --John Combs 11002-20001-0 (son of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38 --John Combs 00001-00001-0 (unidentified, but probably husband of Mahala*), p. 38 --James B. (Emeline Combs) McElhaney 21001-0 [sic], (daughter of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38 --Thomas Clark and his wife Nancy Combs 110001-22001-0, (daughter of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38 --Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes 2111001-0010001-0, p. 38 The descendants of Simon Combs have not been traced with the exception of Mahala Combs Owen who moved to Madison Co, AR, as did all of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes' children initially. Detailed sources: --Combs-Coombs Research Group, http://www.combs-families.org/combs/families/c-masjr.htm. Combs (Seal) [his mark]
Signed sealed and Delivered in presence of Wm Paine, Jacob Manus, Martin Johnson.
State of Tennessee, Hawkins County, August Session 1802
Registered 1 November 1802 Trans from Leber E, page 385
(Hawkins Co, TN DB3:69) Dtd. 2/22/1802 Reg. 11/1/1802
The within Deed was proven in open court by the oaths of William Paine, Jacob Manus and Martin Johnson. Richard Mitchell - clerk.

Although presumably Mason Combs signed the above document much as if it were a will, it is a land trust. As a result of earlier, possibly nefarious, activities of the Revolutionary Loyalist Combs, Stacy, Cody and Ridge families in Surry Co, NC -- including allegations of murder and theft -- it is possible Mason Combs was still on the run… or on his way to jail, although no evidence has been found of either. Another possibility is Mason was leaving to explore new lands further west and the above deed was to ensure the future security of his wife and minor childen. The trust documents his wife Dorothy and sons, Simeon (aka Simon) and Jeremiah Combs, but neither proves nor disproves he had other children. Of the three witnesses to his Land Trust: William Payne is believed to have been another brother to Daniel Paine, husband of Sylvia Combs; Martin Johnson was the husband of Sarah Combs (Goodspeeds History of NW AR, Biography of Thomas Murrell Johnson); and Jacob Manus owned property on Dodson Creek of the Holston River adjacent to that of William Paine and Martin Johnson and can be found on the tax lists of Montgomery Co, VA during the same period that Mason Combs was also believed to be in that area.

By 1808, however, Mason was definitely deceased when his widow and sons executed the following deed; the family appears to have remained in Hawkins Co, TN until circa 1807, by which time younger son Jeremiah Combs would have been approximately 19 years of age: This Indenture made this ninth day of September one thousand and --- eight hundred and seven Between Dorothy Combs, Simon Combs and Jeremiah Combs of the County of Hawkins of the one part & Henry Buram of the other part and same County and state. Witnesseth that we the said Doroty simon and Jeremiah Combs for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred Dollars to us in hand paid by the said Buram the Recipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged hath granted Bargained & sold ----- and sold and confirmed unto the said Buram his heirs or assigns forever one certain parcel or tract of Land containing two hundred acres the same --- more or less lying and being in the County of Hawkins afforesaid on the south side ---- of Holston river and on the North side of Bays Mountain on both sides of ----- Branch - adjoining land surveyed for said --elling Beginning at ... to the Beginning and the said Doroty Simon & Jeremiah Combs Doth by these presents ------ to warrant and oblige themselves the-heirs, Executors or administrators to warrant and forever defend the right and title of the said lands. and ----ements with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Henry Buram his heirs or Assigns In fee simple against the lawful Claims & demand of all and every person or ----- whatsoever. In Witness whereof we the said Doroty Simon And Jeremiah Combs hath hereunto Set Our hands and seals the day and date above mentioned. Dorothy [x] Combs (Seal); Simon Combs (Seal); Jeremiah [?] Combs (Seal). Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us William Rowan (Jurat), John Webster, William Rowan Senr, Peter Buram (Jurat).
(Hawkins Co, TN DB6:51) 1808. Dorothy Combs S Combs Jeremiah Combs to Henry BURAM reg. April 30, ----
State of Tennessee, Hawkins County, Feby Session 1808: Then the within was proven in open court by the oaths of William Rowan --- and Peter Buram and ordered to be ------
(Transcribed by Carole Hammett, 1995, from a partly illegible microfilm copy)

Dorothy Combs was not found in later records. Several years pass before Simon and Jeremiah Combs are found - still in the company of Martin Johnson and his wife Sarah Combs and with Daniel Paine and his wive Sylvy Combs - but now in Warren Co, Tennessee where in 1812, Simon (Martha Murrell) Combs, Jeremiah (Charity Rhodes) Combs, Daniel (Sylvy Combs) Paine, Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, and John (Nancy Combs) Fleming, are all listed on Benj. Lockhart's returns of the 1812 Warren Co, TN Tax List. A number of deeds have been located in Warren Co, TN, but only abstracts of those showing the proximity of these families to each other are included here:
--11 Oct 1816, Indenture, "Between Simeon Combs and Jeremiah Combs both of Warren County, TN. Witnesseth: For [?] dollars a tract of land in Warren County on the east side of Rocky River, being part of a 240 acre tract granted by Tennessee to Catron grant #480?, beginning at a black oak on the south boundry line of said surety being a conditional corner made between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine?, running easterly to include ? the spring to a large poplar on the side of the hill northward of the spring thence to a sassafras in the field and to a line made between Simon Combs and Daniel Paine, thence westwardly to the west boundary line of a 150 acre tract granted by Tennessee to John Catron grant #431? to southwest corner of said survey to north boundry line of the 240 acre tract, then to the above named line between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine , thence southwest to the beginning. Signed Simon Combs. Witnesses: William Logue and Martin Johnson (Madison County Musings)
--15 Jan 1818 Martin Johnson sold to John Douglass, both of Warren County, for $500, 60 acres on the Collins River.. Jacob Hawk's occupant claim.. John A. Wilson's corner.. the conditional line between Daniel Pane and Jeremiah Combs. Reg. 15 Jan 1818. TN, Warren Co, Deed Book A, p 477,

In 1820, for reasons undetermined, neither Simon nor Jeremiah Combs are listed on the Warren Co, TN Census - even though both appear in the records of that county as residents in 1818 and 1821, and even though Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, John (Nancy Combs) Fleming, and Daniel (Sylvy Combs) PAYNE are listed.

In 1828 all of the above families, except Daniel Paine and his wife Sylvy Combs who have already moved to Alabama and then Illinois, are listed on the 1828 Rocky River Church List of Warren County, as well as an unidentified Tempie Combs.

Simon Combs, Jeremiah Combs, Martin Johnson, John Fleming and unidentifed John Combs were listed on the 1830 Warren Co, TN census (the 0/1/2 references link to reading the numbers and ages of the inhabitants on the census):
--John Combs 210001-10001 (unidentifed) p. 352
--Martin (Sarah Combs) Johnson, 00010001-0111000101, p. 363
--John (Nancy Combs) Flemming 2020001-110001, p. 363
--Simon Combs age 40 - 49 with his wife Martha Murrill and family 1010001-2121001, p. 363
--Barnet (Mahala Combs, dau of Simon) Owens 00101-2001, p. 368
--Thomas (Nancy Combs, dau of Jeremiah) Clark 00001-1001, p. 368
--Jeremiah (Charity RHODES) Combs, 111001-111101, p. 374

By 1833 Simon Combs had died, and Jeremiah Combs and Martin Johnson had moved to Madison Co, AR, with yet another unidentifed, although younger, John Combs. Martha Murrill, widow of Simon Combs, died in 1839 and by 1840 the only Combs by surname remaining on the 1840 Warren Co, TN census were:
--Martha Combs 22010001-0021 (unidentified), p. 335. Martha does not appear to have been the wife of the unidentified John Combs on the 1830 census and is too young to be Martha (Murrell) Combs who was said by her son to have died in 1839.
--Barnet (Mahala Combs) Owens 110001-011001, p. 335. Barnet Owens, born 1805, according to a family bible (source unknown), is said to have married Mahala Combs, daughter of Simon Combs and his wife Martha Murrill. By 1850, Barnet and Mahala are also in Madison Co, AR. (Madison Co AR 1850 Census)
--John (Nancy Combs) Flemming 21100001-1101001, p. 337

By the early 1830s Jeremiah Combs and his wife and Charity Rhodes and their children departed for what would become Kings River Township, Madison Co, AR, which is where he appears on the 1840 census, as do other Combs:
Hilburn Township:
--Jesse D. Combs 002001-010001-0 (unidentified), p. 28
King River Township:
--John Combs 11002-20001-0 (son of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38
--John Combs 00001-00001-0 (unidentified, but probably husband of Mahala*), p. 38
--James B. (Emeline Combs) McElhaney 21001-0 [sic], (daughter of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38
--Thomas Clark and his wife Nancy Combs 110001-22001-0, (daughter of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes), p. 38
--Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes 2111001-0010001-0, p. 38
The descendants of Simon Combs have not been traced with the exception of Mahala Combs Owen who moved to Madison Co, AR, as did all of Jeremiah Combs and his wife Charity Rhodes' children initially.


Detailed sources:
--Combs-Coombs Research Group, http://www.combs-families.org/combs/families/c-masjr.htm.

     Tisha Combs was born a 1780 at South Carolina. She was the daughter of Mason Combs II and Dorothy Mason ? Tisha Combs married William Johnson I, son of MAJ James Johnson and Rebekah Martin, a 1800. Tisha Combs died a 1850 at Madison Co, Arkansas.

     Rachel M. Boyd was born in 1812. She married James B. Johnson, son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs, in 1837 at Tennessee. Rachel M. Boyd died in 1880.

     Mary "Polly" Jane Drake was born in 1811. She married John Clark Johnson, son of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs, in 1828 at Warren Co, Tennessee.

     John Mitchell was born a 1786. He married Elizabeth "Betsy" "Bessie" Johnson, daughter of SGT Martin Johnson I and Sarah "Sally" Combs, a 1817.

     Dorothy Mason ? was born in 1750 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee. She married Mason Combs II, son of Mason Combs I and Sarah (Unknown), in 1779 at Surry Co, North Carolina. Dorothy Mason ? died in 1818 at Hawkins Co, Tennessee.