1st Lt. NELSON D. COMBS, Co. F, 86th Illinois
Nelson D. Combs was born on February 18, 1833 in __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of John Milton Combs and Mary (Davis) Combs, of Highland Co, Ohio. John Milton Combs was born on March 5, 1792 in ___________, Virginia, while Mary (Davis) Combs was born on __________ __, 1794 at __________, Virginia.
John Milton Combs is believed to have served in Moses Patterson's and James Odell's Companies of the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 John and Mary were married on September 1, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio. Eleven children are known to have been born to them. See his Find A Grave site for more information about the children.
John and Mary moved the family from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1836 and 1840. The Combs family is found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census. Mary (Davis) Combs died on August 10, 1846. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Knox County.
John Milton Combs was married 2nd to Mary Ann Morey on September 2, 1850 in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Ann Morey was born c. 1825/26 in Indiana. At the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois the following information is found;
2028 John M. COMBS 57 m farmer Va md within census year
Mary Ann 24 f IN md within census year
Nelson D.? 18 m laborer OH attended school within the year
John 16 m OH attended school within the year
Wilson 12 m OH attended school within the year
James DAVIS? 27 m IN cannot read or write
Eliza 28 f IN cannot read or write
William H. 6 m IN
Eliz DARNELL? 13 f IL
One son, Enoch Franklin Combs, is believed to have been born to John and Mary Ann (Morey) Combs. At the time of the 1860 census of Knox County, John M. Combs is found residing with his son, William Combs, and his family;
1342 William Combs 32 m Farmer 500 OH
Mary J 31 f OH
Erastus 10 m IL
Leonidas 7 m IL
William F. 5 m IL
Charles 2 m IL
Judson 1 m IL
John M. Combs 62 m Farmer 4500 100 VA
Franklin 12 m IL
John Milton Combs is believed to have died on __________ __, 1881 and his earthly remains are believed to have been laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Maquon Township in Knox County, though no tombstone exists today.
Now to continue with the biography of Nelson D. Combs;
Nelson D. Combs was married to Polly Ann Ouderkirk on January 9, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Polly was born on __________ __, 1841 in __________, New York, the daughter of Peter F. Ouderkirk (1790 - 1846) and Elizabeth (Fink) Ouderkirk (1804 - 1862). Their children included;
1. John Ouderkirk 1827 - 1912
2. Samuel B. Ouderkirk 1830 - 1917; also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois.
3. Caroline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1923
4. Adeline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1928
5. Polly Ann Ouderkirk 1841 - 1871
6. LaFayette Ouderkirk 1844 - 1853
At least three children are known to have been born to Nelson and Polly. They are;
1. Minnie F. Combs, born November __, 1859/60 in Illinois; married to Merris Barrow, the son of Rev. R. C. Barrow, on __________ __, 18__; Minnie died on __________ __, 1944 in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; buried in the ___________ Cemetery in __________, __________.
2. Elsworth Bond "Elzie" (son) Combs, born November 7, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois; was the proprietor of the extensive livery and sale stable on Third street in Tecumseh, and in that connection widely and favorably known; Married on November 15, 1887 to Miss Nellie Marie Barrow, the daughter of the Rev. R. C. Barrow, the well-known and efficient State Evangelist of the Christian Church, a popular, eloquent and effective preacher; member of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Sons of Veterans; buried in the Douglas Park Cemetery in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; Elsworth died on April 2, 1932 in Douglas, Converse Cunty Wyoming
3. Mary Elizabeth Combs, born July 15, 1865 in Maquon, Illinois; married to Charles Daniel Briggs; Mary died on August 19, 1939 in Yuma County, Arizona; buried in the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Knox County, Illinois. Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, Nelson D. Combs volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. His younger brother, Wilson H. Combs, volunteered to serve in this unit on August 11, 1862 at Maquon, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name COMBS, NELSON D
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation HARNESS MAKER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks RESIGNED JAN 11, 1863
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including both Combs brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their Captain, while Nelson D. Combs was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Louisville, Kentucky area on the Kentucky Campaign, the new troops were having great difficulty with their new diet and living conditions. When McCook's Brigade left the Louisville area, many men were left behind in Union Hospital. During the long march from Perryville to Nashville, the men of McCook';s Brigade passed through first Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. They rested for several days in each of these cites before continuing the long march to Nashville. When the men of McCook's Brigade left each of these cites, many more men were left behind sick in Union hospitals. One of the many men known to having difficulty with his health at this time and who was left behind in a Gallatin hospital in early November of 1862 was Private Wilson H. Combs. Lt. Nelson D. Combs is believed to have gone on the Nashville with his company at this time.
The men of the 86th marched into Nashville, Tennessee on November 7, 1862. They set up their first camp in the area across the river from downtown Nashville in small community called Edgefield, Tennessee. By early January of 1863, if not sooner, Lt. Nelson D. Combs was having great difficulty with his health. Whatever his ailment, the army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally, it was decided that it would be best for Lt. Combs to go home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking that Lt. Combs could regain his health so on January 11, 1863, 1st Lieutenant Nelson D. Combs resigned from the service and returned to his family in Central Illinois. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
Back up in Gallatin, Private Wilson H. Combs lingered in the hospital in Gallatin for more than two months. Whatever his ailment, the Union Army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally in February of 1863, the doctors decided that Wilson H. Combs was not fit at this time to rejoin his unit and that, like his brother, it would be best for him to be discharged and sent home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 11, 1863, Private Wilson H. Combs was also sent home in hopes that with the help of family and that home cooking he, too, would regain his health. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, Nelson and Wilson did regain their health, at least for the most part.
In 1869 or early in 1870, when their son Elzie was about 7 years of age, Nelson and Polly moved west, where they initially settled in John County, Nebraska. At the time of the 1870 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Johnson County, Nebraska with their family;
Tecumseh Pct, p. 72 22 June 1870
22/22 JONES J. G., 35 m w Barber PA
Carrie, 35 f w Keeping House PA
MORGAN, R H, 22 m w Butcher NY
JONES, C D, 22 m w Blacksmith PA
JONES, Warren, 25 m w Laborer RE=$800 NY
Combs, N D, 38 m w Trader in Stock PP=$800 OH
Polly, 30 f w Keeping House NY
Minnie, 10 f w At Home IL
Eliza, 8 f w At Home IL
?asie, 4 f w IL
SHANGLE, J C, 2? m w Painter NJ
Wilson H. Combs and his family are also known to have moved west to Nebraska in the 1860's or 1870's, but at this time, it is not known who moved west first. Polly died on __________ __, 1872 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the __________ Cemetery in __________, Nebraska. Shortly afterward Polly's death, Nelson moved to Bennet, Nebraska in Lancaster County, where he resided for some time. Sometime in the 1870's, Nelson moved on the Nemaha County, Nebraska where he resided with his brother, Wilson H. Combs. At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson is found residing in Nemaha, Nebraska, where he is widowed and residing with his brother, Wilson H. Combs, and his family;
Household Gender Age
Wilson H. Combs M 43
S. E. Combs F 38
Eugene Combs M 21
Stella Combs F 16
Cora D. Combs F 4
N. D. Combs M 47
Allan Banks M 23
Name: N. D. Combs
Residence: Nemaha, Nemaha, Nebraska
Birthdate: 1833
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Relationship to Head: Brother
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Birthplace:
Father's Name:
Father's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Mother's Name:
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Gender: Male
Martial Status: Widowed
Age (Expanded): 47 years
Occupation: Harness Maker
It was said in a biography about his son, Elzie, that Nelson was since coming to Nebraska "variously occupied, and since the death of his wife has been of somewhat nomadic disposition, never settling in any place for a great length of time."
Sometime between 1880 and 1898, Nelson returned to Illinois. There on July 25, 1898, Nelson D. Combs, of Illinois, applied for and received a Civil War Pension for his service in F Co, 86 IL. Infantry (App# 1208 704, Cert. # 985 807 from NARA Civil War Pension Index).
At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson D. Combs is found to be a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Riverside Township in Quincy, Illinois. He is found on page 296B, June 4, 1900, ED 144, Sheet 3. Combs Nelson B, Inmate, w, m, 67, b. Feb. 1833, Wd OH VA VA.
Lt. Nelson D. Combs died just over four months after this census was taken on October 22, 1900. He most likely died in Quincy, Illinois as a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Soldiers and Sailors Home Cemetery, known as Sunset Cemetery.
Wilson H. Combs, who was born on Aug. 8, 1836, remained in Nebraska and died there on Jan. 22, 1912. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the McCain Cemetery, in Gandy, Logan County, Nebraska.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Combs family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nelson D. Combs and the Combs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Nelson D. Combs that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Nelson D. Combs was born on February 18, 1833 in __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of John Milton Combs and Mary (Davis) Combs, of Highland Co, Ohio. John Milton Combs was born on March 5, 1792 in ___________, Virginia, while Mary (Davis) Combs was born on __________ __, 1794 at __________, Virginia.
John Milton Combs is believed to have served in Moses Patterson's and James Odell's Companies of the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 John and Mary were married on September 1, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio. Eleven children are known to have been born to them. See his Find A Grave site for more information about the children.
John and Mary moved the family from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1836 and 1840. The Combs family is found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census. Mary (Davis) Combs died on August 10, 1846. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Knox County.
John Milton Combs was married 2nd to Mary Ann Morey on September 2, 1850 in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Ann Morey was born c. 1825/26 in Indiana. At the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois the following information is found;
2028 John M. COMBS 57 m farmer Va md within census year
Mary Ann 24 f IN md within census year
Nelson D.? 18 m laborer OH attended school within the year
John 16 m OH attended school within the year
Wilson 12 m OH attended school within the year
James DAVIS? 27 m IN cannot read or write
Eliza 28 f IN cannot read or write
William H. 6 m IN
Eliz DARNELL? 13 f IL
One son, Enoch Franklin Combs, is believed to have been born to John and Mary Ann (Morey) Combs. At the time of the 1860 census of Knox County, John M. Combs is found residing with his son, William Combs, and his family;
1342 William Combs 32 m Farmer 500 OH
Mary J 31 f OH
Erastus 10 m IL
Leonidas 7 m IL
William F. 5 m IL
Charles 2 m IL
Judson 1 m IL
John M. Combs 62 m Farmer 4500 100 VA
Franklin 12 m IL
John Milton Combs is believed to have died on __________ __, 1881 and his earthly remains are believed to have been laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Maquon Township in Knox County, though no tombstone exists today.
Now to continue with the biography of Nelson D. Combs;
Nelson D. Combs was married to Polly Ann Ouderkirk on January 9, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Polly was born on __________ __, 1841 in __________, New York, the daughter of Peter F. Ouderkirk (1790 - 1846) and Elizabeth (Fink) Ouderkirk (1804 - 1862). Their children included;
1. John Ouderkirk 1827 - 1912
2. Samuel B. Ouderkirk 1830 - 1917; also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois.
3. Caroline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1923
4. Adeline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1928
5. Polly Ann Ouderkirk 1841 - 1871
6. LaFayette Ouderkirk 1844 - 1853
At least three children are known to have been born to Nelson and Polly. They are;
1. Minnie F. Combs, born November __, 1859/60 in Illinois; married to Merris Barrow, the son of Rev. R. C. Barrow, on __________ __, 18__; Minnie died on __________ __, 1944 in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; buried in the ___________ Cemetery in __________, __________.
2. Elsworth Bond "Elzie" (son) Combs, born November 7, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois; was the proprietor of the extensive livery and sale stable on Third street in Tecumseh, and in that connection widely and favorably known; Married on November 15, 1887 to Miss Nellie Marie Barrow, the daughter of the Rev. R. C. Barrow, the well-known and efficient State Evangelist of the Christian Church, a popular, eloquent and effective preacher; member of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Sons of Veterans; buried in the Douglas Park Cemetery in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; Elsworth died on April 2, 1932 in Douglas, Converse Cunty Wyoming
3. Mary Elizabeth Combs, born July 15, 1865 in Maquon, Illinois; married to Charles Daniel Briggs; Mary died on August 19, 1939 in Yuma County, Arizona; buried in the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Knox County, Illinois. Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, Nelson D. Combs volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. His younger brother, Wilson H. Combs, volunteered to serve in this unit on August 11, 1862 at Maquon, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name COMBS, NELSON D
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation HARNESS MAKER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks RESIGNED JAN 11, 1863
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including both Combs brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their Captain, while Nelson D. Combs was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Louisville, Kentucky area on the Kentucky Campaign, the new troops were having great difficulty with their new diet and living conditions. When McCook's Brigade left the Louisville area, many men were left behind in Union Hospital. During the long march from Perryville to Nashville, the men of McCook';s Brigade passed through first Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. They rested for several days in each of these cites before continuing the long march to Nashville. When the men of McCook's Brigade left each of these cites, many more men were left behind sick in Union hospitals. One of the many men known to having difficulty with his health at this time and who was left behind in a Gallatin hospital in early November of 1862 was Private Wilson H. Combs. Lt. Nelson D. Combs is believed to have gone on the Nashville with his company at this time.
The men of the 86th marched into Nashville, Tennessee on November 7, 1862. They set up their first camp in the area across the river from downtown Nashville in small community called Edgefield, Tennessee. By early January of 1863, if not sooner, Lt. Nelson D. Combs was having great difficulty with his health. Whatever his ailment, the army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally, it was decided that it would be best for Lt. Combs to go home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking that Lt. Combs could regain his health so on January 11, 1863, 1st Lieutenant Nelson D. Combs resigned from the service and returned to his family in Central Illinois. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
Back up in Gallatin, Private Wilson H. Combs lingered in the hospital in Gallatin for more than two months. Whatever his ailment, the Union Army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally in February of 1863, the doctors decided that Wilson H. Combs was not fit at this time to rejoin his unit and that, like his brother, it would be best for him to be discharged and sent home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 11, 1863, Private Wilson H. Combs was also sent home in hopes that with the help of family and that home cooking he, too, would regain his health. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, Nelson and Wilson did regain their health, at least for the most part.
In 1869 or early in 1870, when their son Elzie was about 7 years of age, Nelson and Polly moved west, where they initially settled in John County, Nebraska. At the time of the 1870 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Johnson County, Nebraska with their family;
Tecumseh Pct, p. 72 22 June 1870
22/22 JONES J. G., 35 m w Barber PA
Carrie, 35 f w Keeping House PA
MORGAN, R H, 22 m w Butcher NY
JONES, C D, 22 m w Blacksmith PA
JONES, Warren, 25 m w Laborer RE=$800 NY
Combs, N D, 38 m w Trader in Stock PP=$800 OH
Polly, 30 f w Keeping House NY
Minnie, 10 f w At Home IL
Eliza, 8 f w At Home IL
?asie, 4 f w IL
SHANGLE, J C, 2? m w Painter NJ
Wilson H. Combs and his family are also known to have moved west to Nebraska in the 1860's or 1870's, but at this time, it is not known who moved west first. Polly died on __________ __, 1872 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the __________ Cemetery in __________, Nebraska. Shortly afterward Polly's death, Nelson moved to Bennet, Nebraska in Lancaster County, where he resided for some time. Sometime in the 1870's, Nelson moved on the Nemaha County, Nebraska where he resided with his brother, Wilson H. Combs. At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson is found residing in Nemaha, Nebraska, where he is widowed and residing with his brother, Wilson H. Combs, and his family;
Household Gender Age
Wilson H. Combs M 43
S. E. Combs F 38
Eugene Combs M 21
Stella Combs F 16
Cora D. Combs F 4
N. D. Combs M 47
Allan Banks M 23
Name: N. D. Combs
Residence: Nemaha, Nemaha, Nebraska
Birthdate: 1833
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Relationship to Head: Brother
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Birthplace:
Father's Name:
Father's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Mother's Name:
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Gender: Male
Martial Status: Widowed
Age (Expanded): 47 years
Occupation: Harness Maker
It was said in a biography about his son, Elzie, that Nelson was since coming to Nebraska "variously occupied, and since the death of his wife has been of somewhat nomadic disposition, never settling in any place for a great length of time."
Sometime between 1880 and 1898, Nelson returned to Illinois. There on July 25, 1898, Nelson D. Combs, of Illinois, applied for and received a Civil War Pension for his service in F Co, 86 IL. Infantry (App# 1208 704, Cert. # 985 807 from NARA Civil War Pension Index).
At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson D. Combs is found to be a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Riverside Township in Quincy, Illinois. He is found on page 296B, June 4, 1900, ED 144, Sheet 3. Combs Nelson B, Inmate, w, m, 67, b. Feb. 1833, Wd OH VA VA.
Lt. Nelson D. Combs died just over four months after this census was taken on October 22, 1900. He most likely died in Quincy, Illinois as a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Soldiers and Sailors Home Cemetery, known as Sunset Cemetery.
Wilson H. Combs, who was born on Aug. 8, 1836, remained in Nebraska and died there on Jan. 22, 1912. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the McCain Cemetery, in Gandy, Logan County, Nebraska.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Combs family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nelson D. Combs and the Combs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Nelson D. Combs that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
1st Lt. NELSON D. COMBS, Co. F, 86th Illinois
Nelson D. Combs was born on February 18, 1833 in __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of John Milton Combs and Mary (Davis) Combs, of Highland Co, Ohio. John Milton Combs was born on March 5, 1792 in ___________, Virginia, while Mary (Davis) Combs was born on __________ __, 1794 at __________, Virginia.
John Milton Combs is believed to have served in Moses Patterson's and James Odell's Companies of the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 John and Mary were married on September 1, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio. Eleven children are known to have been born to them. See his Find A Grave site for more information about the children.
John and Mary moved the family from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1836 and 1840. The Combs family is found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census. Mary (Davis) Combs died on August 10, 1846. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Knox County.
John Milton Combs was married 2nd to Mary Ann Morey on September 2, 1850 in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Ann Morey was born c. 1825/26 in Indiana. At the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois the following information is found;
2028 John M. COMBS 57 m farmer Va md within census year
Mary Ann 24 f IN md within census year
Nelson D.? 18 m laborer OH attended school within the year
John 16 m OH attended school within the year
Wilson 12 m OH attended school within the year
James DAVIS? 27 m IN cannot read or write
Eliza 28 f IN cannot read or write
William H. 6 m IN
Eliz DARNELL? 13 f IL
One son, Enoch Franklin Combs, is believed to have been born to John and Mary Ann (Morey) Combs. At the time of the 1860 census of Knox County, John M. Combs is found residing with his son, William Combs, and his family;
1342 William Combs 32 m Farmer 500 OH
Mary J 31 f OH
Erastus 10 m IL
Leonidas 7 m IL
William F. 5 m IL
Charles 2 m IL
Judson 1 m IL
John M. Combs 62 m Farmer 4500 100 VA
Franklin 12 m IL
John Milton Combs is believed to have died on __________ __, 1881 and his earthly remains are believed to have been laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Maquon Township in Knox County, though no tombstone exists today.
Now to continue with the biography of Nelson D. Combs;
Nelson D. Combs was married to Polly Ann Ouderkirk on January 9, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Polly was born on __________ __, 1841 in __________, New York, the daughter of Peter F. Ouderkirk (1790 - 1846) and Elizabeth (Fink) Ouderkirk (1804 - 1862). Their children included;
1. John Ouderkirk 1827 - 1912
2. Samuel B. Ouderkirk 1830 - 1917; also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois.
3. Caroline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1923
4. Adeline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1928
5. Polly Ann Ouderkirk 1841 - 1871
6. LaFayette Ouderkirk 1844 - 1853
At least three children are known to have been born to Nelson and Polly. They are;
1. Minnie F. Combs, born November __, 1859/60 in Illinois; married to Merris Barrow, the son of Rev. R. C. Barrow, on __________ __, 18__; Minnie died on __________ __, 1944 in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; buried in the ___________ Cemetery in __________, __________.
2. Elsworth Bond "Elzie" (son) Combs, born November 7, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois; was the proprietor of the extensive livery and sale stable on Third street in Tecumseh, and in that connection widely and favorably known; Married on November 15, 1887 to Miss Nellie Marie Barrow, the daughter of the Rev. R. C. Barrow, the well-known and efficient State Evangelist of the Christian Church, a popular, eloquent and effective preacher; member of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Sons of Veterans; buried in the Douglas Park Cemetery in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; Elsworth died on April 2, 1932 in Douglas, Converse Cunty Wyoming
3. Mary Elizabeth Combs, born July 15, 1865 in Maquon, Illinois; married to Charles Daniel Briggs; Mary died on August 19, 1939 in Yuma County, Arizona; buried in the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Knox County, Illinois. Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, Nelson D. Combs volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. His younger brother, Wilson H. Combs, volunteered to serve in this unit on August 11, 1862 at Maquon, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name COMBS, NELSON D
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation HARNESS MAKER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks RESIGNED JAN 11, 1863
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including both Combs brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their Captain, while Nelson D. Combs was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Louisville, Kentucky area on the Kentucky Campaign, the new troops were having great difficulty with their new diet and living conditions. When McCook's Brigade left the Louisville area, many men were left behind in Union Hospital. During the long march from Perryville to Nashville, the men of McCook';s Brigade passed through first Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. They rested for several days in each of these cites before continuing the long march to Nashville. When the men of McCook's Brigade left each of these cites, many more men were left behind sick in Union hospitals. One of the many men known to having difficulty with his health at this time and who was left behind in a Gallatin hospital in early November of 1862 was Private Wilson H. Combs. Lt. Nelson D. Combs is believed to have gone on the Nashville with his company at this time.
The men of the 86th marched into Nashville, Tennessee on November 7, 1862. They set up their first camp in the area across the river from downtown Nashville in small community called Edgefield, Tennessee. By early January of 1863, if not sooner, Lt. Nelson D. Combs was having great difficulty with his health. Whatever his ailment, the army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally, it was decided that it would be best for Lt. Combs to go home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking that Lt. Combs could regain his health so on January 11, 1863, 1st Lieutenant Nelson D. Combs resigned from the service and returned to his family in Central Illinois. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
Back up in Gallatin, Private Wilson H. Combs lingered in the hospital in Gallatin for more than two months. Whatever his ailment, the Union Army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally in February of 1863, the doctors decided that Wilson H. Combs was not fit at this time to rejoin his unit and that, like his brother, it would be best for him to be discharged and sent home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 11, 1863, Private Wilson H. Combs was also sent home in hopes that with the help of family and that home cooking he, too, would regain his health. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, Nelson and Wilson did regain their health, at least for the most part.
In 1869 or early in 1870, when their son Elzie was about 7 years of age, Nelson and Polly moved west, where they initially settled in John County, Nebraska. At the time of the 1870 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Johnson County, Nebraska with their family;
Tecumseh Pct, p. 72 22 June 1870
22/22 JONES J. G., 35 m w Barber PA
Carrie, 35 f w Keeping House PA
MORGAN, R H, 22 m w Butcher NY
JONES, C D, 22 m w Blacksmith PA
JONES, Warren, 25 m w Laborer RE=$800 NY
Combs, N D, 38 m w Trader in Stock PP=$800 OH
Polly, 30 f w Keeping House NY
Minnie, 10 f w At Home IL
Eliza, 8 f w At Home IL
?asie, 4 f w IL
SHANGLE, J C, 2? m w Painter NJ
Wilson H. Combs and his family are also known to have moved west to Nebraska in the 1860's or 1870's, but at this time, it is not known who moved west first. Polly died on __________ __, 1872 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the __________ Cemetery in __________, Nebraska. Shortly afterward Polly's death, Nelson moved to Bennet, Nebraska in Lancaster County, where he resided for some time. Sometime in the 1870's, Nelson moved on the Nemaha County, Nebraska where he resided with his brother, Wilson H. Combs. At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson is found residing in Nemaha, Nebraska, where he is widowed and residing with his brother, Wilson H. Combs, and his family;
Household Gender Age
Wilson H. Combs M 43
S. E. Combs F 38
Eugene Combs M 21
Stella Combs F 16
Cora D. Combs F 4
N. D. Combs M 47
Allan Banks M 23
Name: N. D. Combs
Residence: Nemaha, Nemaha, Nebraska
Birthdate: 1833
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Relationship to Head: Brother
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Birthplace:
Father's Name:
Father's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Mother's Name:
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Gender: Male
Martial Status: Widowed
Age (Expanded): 47 years
Occupation: Harness Maker
It was said in a biography about his son, Elzie, that Nelson was since coming to Nebraska "variously occupied, and since the death of his wife has been of somewhat nomadic disposition, never settling in any place for a great length of time."
Sometime between 1880 and 1898, Nelson returned to Illinois. There on July 25, 1898, Nelson D. Combs, of Illinois, applied for and received a Civil War Pension for his service in F Co, 86 IL. Infantry (App# 1208 704, Cert. # 985 807 from NARA Civil War Pension Index).
At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson D. Combs is found to be a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Riverside Township in Quincy, Illinois. He is found on page 296B, June 4, 1900, ED 144, Sheet 3. Combs Nelson B, Inmate, w, m, 67, b. Feb. 1833, Wd OH VA VA.
Lt. Nelson D. Combs died just over four months after this census was taken on October 22, 1900. He most likely died in Quincy, Illinois as a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Soldiers and Sailors Home Cemetery, known as Sunset Cemetery.
Wilson H. Combs, who was born on Aug. 8, 1836, remained in Nebraska and died there on Jan. 22, 1912. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the McCain Cemetery, in Gandy, Logan County, Nebraska.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Combs family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nelson D. Combs and the Combs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Nelson D. Combs that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Nelson D. Combs was born on February 18, 1833 in __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of John Milton Combs and Mary (Davis) Combs, of Highland Co, Ohio. John Milton Combs was born on March 5, 1792 in ___________, Virginia, while Mary (Davis) Combs was born on __________ __, 1794 at __________, Virginia.
John Milton Combs is believed to have served in Moses Patterson's and James Odell's Companies of the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 John and Mary were married on September 1, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio. Eleven children are known to have been born to them. See his Find A Grave site for more information about the children.
John and Mary moved the family from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1836 and 1840. The Combs family is found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census. Mary (Davis) Combs died on August 10, 1846. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Knox County.
John Milton Combs was married 2nd to Mary Ann Morey on September 2, 1850 in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Ann Morey was born c. 1825/26 in Indiana. At the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois the following information is found;
2028 John M. COMBS 57 m farmer Va md within census year
Mary Ann 24 f IN md within census year
Nelson D.? 18 m laborer OH attended school within the year
John 16 m OH attended school within the year
Wilson 12 m OH attended school within the year
James DAVIS? 27 m IN cannot read or write
Eliza 28 f IN cannot read or write
William H. 6 m IN
Eliz DARNELL? 13 f IL
One son, Enoch Franklin Combs, is believed to have been born to John and Mary Ann (Morey) Combs. At the time of the 1860 census of Knox County, John M. Combs is found residing with his son, William Combs, and his family;
1342 William Combs 32 m Farmer 500 OH
Mary J 31 f OH
Erastus 10 m IL
Leonidas 7 m IL
William F. 5 m IL
Charles 2 m IL
Judson 1 m IL
John M. Combs 62 m Farmer 4500 100 VA
Franklin 12 m IL
John Milton Combs is believed to have died on __________ __, 1881 and his earthly remains are believed to have been laid to rest in the Uniontown Cemetery in Maquon Township in Knox County, though no tombstone exists today.
Now to continue with the biography of Nelson D. Combs;
Nelson D. Combs was married to Polly Ann Ouderkirk on January 9, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Polly was born on __________ __, 1841 in __________, New York, the daughter of Peter F. Ouderkirk (1790 - 1846) and Elizabeth (Fink) Ouderkirk (1804 - 1862). Their children included;
1. John Ouderkirk 1827 - 1912
2. Samuel B. Ouderkirk 1830 - 1917; also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois.
3. Caroline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1923
4. Adeline E. Ouderkirk 1835 - 1928
5. Polly Ann Ouderkirk 1841 - 1871
6. LaFayette Ouderkirk 1844 - 1853
At least three children are known to have been born to Nelson and Polly. They are;
1. Minnie F. Combs, born November __, 1859/60 in Illinois; married to Merris Barrow, the son of Rev. R. C. Barrow, on __________ __, 18__; Minnie died on __________ __, 1944 in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; buried in the ___________ Cemetery in __________, __________.
2. Elsworth Bond "Elzie" (son) Combs, born November 7, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois; was the proprietor of the extensive livery and sale stable on Third street in Tecumseh, and in that connection widely and favorably known; Married on November 15, 1887 to Miss Nellie Marie Barrow, the daughter of the Rev. R. C. Barrow, the well-known and efficient State Evangelist of the Christian Church, a popular, eloquent and effective preacher; member of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Sons of Veterans; buried in the Douglas Park Cemetery in Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming; Elsworth died on April 2, 1932 in Douglas, Converse Cunty Wyoming
3. Mary Elizabeth Combs, born July 15, 1865 in Maquon, Illinois; married to Charles Daniel Briggs; Mary died on August 19, 1939 in Yuma County, Arizona; buried in the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Knox County, Illinois. Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, Nelson D. Combs volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. His younger brother, Wilson H. Combs, volunteered to serve in this unit on August 11, 1862 at Maquon, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name COMBS, NELSON D
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation HARNESS MAKER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks RESIGNED JAN 11, 1863
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including both Combs brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their Captain, while Nelson D. Combs was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Louisville, Kentucky area on the Kentucky Campaign, the new troops were having great difficulty with their new diet and living conditions. When McCook's Brigade left the Louisville area, many men were left behind in Union Hospital. During the long march from Perryville to Nashville, the men of McCook';s Brigade passed through first Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. They rested for several days in each of these cites before continuing the long march to Nashville. When the men of McCook's Brigade left each of these cites, many more men were left behind sick in Union hospitals. One of the many men known to having difficulty with his health at this time and who was left behind in a Gallatin hospital in early November of 1862 was Private Wilson H. Combs. Lt. Nelson D. Combs is believed to have gone on the Nashville with his company at this time.
The men of the 86th marched into Nashville, Tennessee on November 7, 1862. They set up their first camp in the area across the river from downtown Nashville in small community called Edgefield, Tennessee. By early January of 1863, if not sooner, Lt. Nelson D. Combs was having great difficulty with his health. Whatever his ailment, the army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally, it was decided that it would be best for Lt. Combs to go home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking that Lt. Combs could regain his health so on January 11, 1863, 1st Lieutenant Nelson D. Combs resigned from the service and returned to his family in Central Illinois. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
Back up in Gallatin, Private Wilson H. Combs lingered in the hospital in Gallatin for more than two months. Whatever his ailment, the Union Army doctors were unable to do anything to improve his condition. Finally in February of 1863, the doctors decided that Wilson H. Combs was not fit at this time to rejoin his unit and that, like his brother, it would be best for him to be discharged and sent home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 11, 1863, Private Wilson H. Combs was also sent home in hopes that with the help of family and that home cooking he, too, would regain his health. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, Nelson and Wilson did regain their health, at least for the most part.
In 1869 or early in 1870, when their son Elzie was about 7 years of age, Nelson and Polly moved west, where they initially settled in John County, Nebraska. At the time of the 1870 census, Nelson and Polly are found in Johnson County, Nebraska with their family;
Tecumseh Pct, p. 72 22 June 1870
22/22 JONES J. G., 35 m w Barber PA
Carrie, 35 f w Keeping House PA
MORGAN, R H, 22 m w Butcher NY
JONES, C D, 22 m w Blacksmith PA
JONES, Warren, 25 m w Laborer RE=$800 NY
Combs, N D, 38 m w Trader in Stock PP=$800 OH
Polly, 30 f w Keeping House NY
Minnie, 10 f w At Home IL
Eliza, 8 f w At Home IL
?asie, 4 f w IL
SHANGLE, J C, 2? m w Painter NJ
Wilson H. Combs and his family are also known to have moved west to Nebraska in the 1860's or 1870's, but at this time, it is not known who moved west first. Polly died on __________ __, 1872 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the __________ Cemetery in __________, Nebraska. Shortly afterward Polly's death, Nelson moved to Bennet, Nebraska in Lancaster County, where he resided for some time. Sometime in the 1870's, Nelson moved on the Nemaha County, Nebraska where he resided with his brother, Wilson H. Combs. At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson is found residing in Nemaha, Nebraska, where he is widowed and residing with his brother, Wilson H. Combs, and his family;
Household Gender Age
Wilson H. Combs M 43
S. E. Combs F 38
Eugene Combs M 21
Stella Combs F 16
Cora D. Combs F 4
N. D. Combs M 47
Allan Banks M 23
Name: N. D. Combs
Residence: Nemaha, Nemaha, Nebraska
Birthdate: 1833
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Relationship to Head: Brother
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Birthplace:
Father's Name:
Father's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Mother's Name:
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia, United States
Gender: Male
Martial Status: Widowed
Age (Expanded): 47 years
Occupation: Harness Maker
It was said in a biography about his son, Elzie, that Nelson was since coming to Nebraska "variously occupied, and since the death of his wife has been of somewhat nomadic disposition, never settling in any place for a great length of time."
Sometime between 1880 and 1898, Nelson returned to Illinois. There on July 25, 1898, Nelson D. Combs, of Illinois, applied for and received a Civil War Pension for his service in F Co, 86 IL. Infantry (App# 1208 704, Cert. # 985 807 from NARA Civil War Pension Index).
At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson D. Combs is found to be a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Riverside Township in Quincy, Illinois. He is found on page 296B, June 4, 1900, ED 144, Sheet 3. Combs Nelson B, Inmate, w, m, 67, b. Feb. 1833, Wd OH VA VA.
Lt. Nelson D. Combs died just over four months after this census was taken on October 22, 1900. He most likely died in Quincy, Illinois as a resident of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Soldiers and Sailors Home Cemetery, known as Sunset Cemetery.
Wilson H. Combs, who was born on Aug. 8, 1836, remained in Nebraska and died there on Jan. 22, 1912. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the McCain Cemetery, in Gandy, Logan County, Nebraska.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Combs family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nelson D. Combs and the Combs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Nelson D. Combs that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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