Person Page 159

Robert Livingston Cobb^1,2,3

Parents:

Key Events:

Narrative:

Robert Livingston Cobb was born on 6 Oct 1805 in Eddyville, Livingston Co., KentuckyG.^4,5,6
     Robert was probably one of the three males under age 10 listed in the household of his father, Gideon Dyer Cobb, in the 1810 Federal Census of Eddyville, Caldwell Co., KentuckyG.^14,15 He was probably one of the two males age 10 to 16 listed in the household of his father in the 1820 Federal Census of Eddyville, Caldwell Co., KentuckyG.¹⁶ He was probably one of the seven males age 20 to 30 listed in the household of his father in the 1830 Federal Census of Eddyville, Caldwell Co., KentuckyG.¹⁷

Establishing Himself in Eddyville --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

"Rose Hill," built by Robert L. Cobb about 1832
now the Lyon Co. Historical Society

     On 16 Oct 1832 Robert bought lot no. 7 in EddyvilleG, on Water St. at Shelby St., from Noel Watkins for $70. Robert then built a home on that lot, known as "Rose Hill." On 26 Jan 1844 he sold the house and lot to Thomas Washington Catlett, future father-in-law of is brother Giles, for $3,500. The home was later owned by Frederick Henry Skinner and his wife, who was a daughter of Catlett. It remained in the family until it was acquired by the state of Kentucky in 1952 and was used as housing for the employees of the adjacent Kentucky State Penitentiary. After being declared surplus by the state, it was given to the Lyon County Historical Society, which now uses it to house a museum.^18,19
     Robert later built another home, supposedly the finest in town, called "White Hall" after his wife's home in Virginia.²⁰ The site was an entire city block, bounded by Anderson (later called Washington), Wilcox (later College), 3rd and 4th (later 2nd and 3rd) streets, which he had purchased at a court house sale 18 Apr 1849. It had previously belonged to his brother-in-law, John Hallick.²¹ On 15 Feb 1858 the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky passed legislation authorizing the trustees of the town of EddyvilleG to sell the streets on the north and west sides of the site, and a 36-foot width of that on the south, and apply the proceeds to the improvement of the remaining streets.²² The sale was not completed until after the War, when on 14 Jan 1865 Robert paid $250 for the three streets. He had apparently in the meantime made them a part of his homesite, as the deed said they were then "enclosed and occupied by" him²³(see map.) The site is now part of the Kentucky State Penitentiary, built in 1884. It was originally part of the prison farm, outside the walls, but the house site is now part of the fenced yard.²⁴

Old Hospital at Kentucky State Penitentiary
Louisville Courier-Journal photo, 9 Jan 1955

     According to local lore, "White Hall" was sold at the court house door when Robert fell on hard times after the War. It was supposedly purchased by Robert's some-time partner, Willis Benson Machen, who later sold it to the state as part of the prison grounds, where it became the prison hospital.²⁵ The story is untrue. While Machen did buy Robert's ware house at a courthouse sale, he did not buy the home, and Machen sold none of the property acquired for the prison. The house was standing on the six-block parcel when the Cobbs sold it in 1867, the site being outside the prison walls when it was later built. It is not described as standing in later deeds, and when the property was sold to the Commonwealth, the house was mentioned as "burnt," apparently long before.²⁶ (For details of all deeds involving the "White Hall" property, and the prison, see the extracted Lyon Co. Deeds.) The story of the hospital having originally been a home seems long-standing, perhaps because it looked like one. When it was dismantled in 1969 newspaper accounts first described it as the home of Confederate war hero Gen. Hylan Benton Lyon, then retracted that claim but still said it had once been a home.²⁷ The hospital was actually built as part of the construction of the prison, and was rebuilt after burning in 1893.^28,29
     According to Robert's grandson, Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb, the prison's death house was located where his grandmother's rose garden had been. That story seems to have been an exercise of poetic license, or perhaps connected to or even the source of the identification of the hospital with the "White Hall." The death house, in Irvin's time, was at the north end of cell house 3, on what had been lot no. 21. That lot has never been found to have been owned by the Cobbs, and being a full block from the site of "White Hall," seems a very unlikely spot for her rose garden.^30,31,32
     Robert married Cornelia Barbour Mims, daughter of Linah Mims and Rebeccah Davis, on 13 May 1835 in Eddyville, Caldwell Co., KentuckyG.^7,8,9,10
     Robert appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Caldwell Co., KentuckyG, with a household consisting of three white males under age 5 (sons Robert, Linah, and Joshua), one between 30 and 40 (himself); one white female between 10 and 15 and one between 15 and 20 (both unknown) and one between 20 and 30 (wife Cornelia); and one male and two female slaves.³³
     Robert and Cornelia appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Caldwell Co., KentuckyG, enumerated 13 Sep 1850, reporting real estate valued at $10,600. Their children Robert, Linah, Joshua, Sam, and Bobella were listed as living with them, as was his brother, Gideon Dyer Cobb Jr., and her sister, Rebecca E. Mims. There were also 11 slaves, four females ranging in age from 9 to 75, and seven males, ages 4 to 30.^34,35
     Robert and Cornelia appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Eddyville, Lyon Co., KentuckyG, enumerated 10 Jul 1860, reporting $20,000 in real estate, and $32,635 in personal property. Their children Robeson, Linah, Joshua, Bobella, and Mark were listed as living with them, as were her sister, Sarah Jane Mims, and Russel Mims, who is unknown. "Russel" may have been a misspelling of "Russer" the likely middle name of Davis R. Mims, nephew of Cornelia and Sarah, but he was listed in 1860 with his father in Arkansas. There were also 14 slaves, 11 of them males, in two slave houses. Two of the females, aged 21 and 22, were reported to be fugitives from the state.^36,37

Public Service --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Robert seemed to follow in his father's footsteps in taking part in community affairs. His first recorded public duty was his appointment as road surveyor on 19 Oct 1830, at the age of 25. He was responsible for a section of the road from Princeton to Eddyville, beginning one half mile from Eddyville to the foot of the big hill at Eddyville. A road surveyor was responsible for inspecting roads and arranging repairs by the appointed citizens.³⁸
     Two years later, on 16 Jan 1832, be became a Justice of the Peace in Caldwell Co.G As such, he became a member of the County Court, which was the primary governing body of the county, as well as having certain judicial functions. On 18 Aug 1834 he was authorized by the County Court to solemnize marriages, "it appearing there is not a sufficient number of ordained ministers of the gospel in the County," the standard wording for such appointments.³⁹
     Robert served repeatedly as a judge of elections. The first record of that service found was on 20 Apr 1835, when he was appointed one of two judges for election of trustees for the town of Eddyville. Three months later he was appointed one of three judges at Eddyville for the county election. He was appointed again as judge for the town of Eddyville trustee election on 17 Apr 1837. In that election, held 6 May, in what might appear as a conflict of interest, he was elected one of the trustees.⁴⁰
     On 17 Apr 1837 he was appointed a commissioner to sell the vacant lands in the County according to act of the Assembly approved Feb 1835. He was appointed treasurer for the County on 17 Jul 1837. No doubt he continued to hold various public offices, but the records have only been searched through 1837.⁴¹
     In May 1856 Robert gave newly-formed Lyon Co. land part of a lot he owned in Eddyville for a court house and jail, for so long as it was used for public buildings.⁴² He donated a 4½ acre parcel in the area between the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers to the Lardes Methodist Church. Apparently he failed to make a deed at the time, but did so as he was winding up his affairs in EddyvilleG in late 1869.⁴³
      His public service continued during the Civil War, when he supported the Confederacy. He, along with Willis Benson Machen and George R. Merrit were delegates representing Lyon Co. at a convention assembled at Russellville, KentuckyG, on 18 Nov 1861, which passed an ordinance establishing a Provisional State Government of Kentucky, and seeking admission to the Confederacy.⁴⁴

The Cobb Brothers in Business --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Four of the Cobb brothers, Caleb, Robert, followed by Gideon, and later Giles, were very active in business ventures in EddyvilleG and the surrounding area, following in their father's footsteps. We have evidence that Robert joined his father's business at age 21, and we can assume that Caleb did before him. It appears that by the time of their father's death in 1834 the sons had taken over active management of the businesses. Through a series of partnerships among themselves and with others they engaged in mercantile, real estate, and iron businesses.⁴⁵
     By 1829, Robert had joined the partnership of his older brother Caleb and Chittenden Lyon, which they then called Lyon, Cobb & Co.^46,47
     In Aug 1836 Robert formed a new partnership, with William Gray, David Bell, and his brother Gideon, known as Cobb, Gray & Bell. It appears the firm operated solely as a mercantile business.⁴⁸
     The partnership of Cobb, Gray & Bell was replaced by what turned out to be a short-lived partnership of the remaining partners, Robert, Gideon, and David R. Bell, using the name of Cobb Bell & Co.⁴⁹ Caleb seems to have decided to dispose of most of his real estate in 1841, selling the bulk of his holdings to Cobb Bell & Co. The sale included 18 parcels containing over 4,628 acres, mostly in Caldwell Co. but two in Livingston Co. With this transaction the mercantile and iron interests of the Cobb brothers were joined in a single business for the first time. Robert seems to have focused on mercantile interests, including mortgages to secure creditor accounts at the store, while Gideon was more focused on the iron business.^{49,50,51,52,53}
     With the loss of Bell, Robert and Gideon operated their business under the name of R. L. & G. D. Cobb.⁵⁴ Their first order of business was to significantly expand their iron operations with a major purchase from John and Samuel Stacker and Thomas T. Watson, well known entrepreneurs in the local iron industry. The purchase included the Eddyville Furnace and 13 other parcels apparently obtained for their ore and coal deposits, a total of over 3,800 acres.⁵⁵
     Six years later, on 12 Aug 1850, they sold much of their iron operations to William and John F. Kelly, another set of famous iron masters. The sale included the Eddyville Furnace and about 8,000 acres of land in 37 parcels in Caldwell Co.G, and another 1,118 acres in Crittenden Co., including the site where "Cobb & Machen's old forge stood."^56,57
     It appears that the R. L. and G. D. Cobb partnership was dissolved in late 1850, with the sale of most of its properties. Robert and Gideon then joined in a new partnership with their younger brother Giles and Charles M. Jackson, known as Cobb Jackson & Co. This new partnership was located in Dycusburg, Crittenden Co., and was primarily a mercantile business, making only a few land purchases and sales. It appears that even though his two brothers were involved, this was primarily Giles's business.⁵⁸
     For details about all these partnerships, please see The Cobb Brothers in Business.
     The stores operated by the Cobbs and their partners extended credit to their customers, in some cases taking mortgages to secure those accounts. Many of the mortgages list all the borrowers' crops, livestock, tools and household goods, and thus provide an interesting insight on the lifestyle of those farmers. See Accepting Mortgages for some examples.

Transactions Involving Family --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Among the Cobb brothers' extensive real estate transactions were a number that involved members of their extended family, some apparently adversarial in nature.
     Robert bought two lots in EddyvilleG from Hannah and John Hallick, his sister and her husband in 1835, and a large parcel from him in 1832.⁵⁹ In 1844 Robert bought a parcel from Thomas Washington Catlett, future father-in-law of brother Giles.⁶⁰
     At least one relative, George M. Marshall, husband of their sister Persis, seemed to be perennially in debt to the Cobb's businesses. In 1842 he signed a mortgage to Robert and Gideon, and then another two years later. In 1851 he signed a new mortgage, to Robert and Giles. Then in 1855 he signed another mortgage to Gideon, and in 1860 he yet another mortgage to Gideon, this time with his new partner John Gallatly.⁶¹
     In 1849 Robert bought six lots, and entire city block, formerly belonging to his brother-in-law, John Hallick, in a sale at the courthouse door for $395. The sale was in settlement of a suit brought by William H. Scott, but apparently also involving debts owed the firm owned by Robert and his brother Gideon.⁶² Then, in 1846, a pair of apparently related suits brought the Cobb brothers, including Robert, into conflict with their brother-in-law Hallick again.⁶³ Finally, after John's death, Robert and Gideon brought a suit against his heirs in 1851, winning six town lots and a large parcel outside town.⁶⁴
     In 1852 Robert and Gideon's firm bought a tract from the partners' cousin, Elijah George Galusha Jr., with provisions allowing him and his wife to continue living there for the rest of their lives.^65,66
     Robert and Gideon bought lot no. 51 in EddyvilleG from their sister Mary and her husband James G. Clark in 1857 for $1,000. They sold it five years later for the same price.⁶⁷
     For details about all these family transactions, please see The Cobb Brothers' Transactions with Family.

Robert's Dealings Outside the Partnerships --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Robert dealt extensively in rural land and town lots separately from his partners. Records have been found of 14 purchases of tracts of land from individuals in Caldwell Co.G from 1834 to 1847, totaling over 3,500 acres.⁶⁸ He made three more purchases in Lyon Co.G after it was formed in 1854, totaling over 1,300 acres.⁶⁹
     He made six purchases of lots in EddyvilleG between 1835 and 1854, in addition to the parcels used for his homes and for the store and ware house.^70,71 Robert also purchased ten properties in at auction on the courthouse steps between 1834 and 1856, most of those being sold in settlement of judgments obtained to collect debts owed him and his partners.^72,73 Another transaction suggests the proper paperwork was not always completed, or perhaps was lost. A purchase of 93 acres for $600, supposedly made 10 Dec 1856 from the heirs of William Gregory, resulted in a deed dated 8 Feb 1872, after the Cobbs had sold all their assets and moved to PaducahG. No reason was given for the much-delayed deed.⁷⁴
     Besides buying existing tracts of land, it appears that Robert, like his brother Gideon, took full advantage of the legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1835 allowing counties to sell warrants authorizing the buyers to survey and patent tracts of public land. Each of them patented nearly 3,000 acres in Caldwell Co. in a number of patents obtained over many years.⁷⁵ Robert purchased warrants that resulted in ten grants totaling 2,987 acres in Caldwell Co.G the first surveyed 29 Jun 1837, and continuing until 1853.^76,77
     Robert sold seven lots in EddyvilleG between 1837 and the beginning of the Civil War.^78,79 During the same period he sold 22 parcels outside the town, totaling over 3,400 acres.^80,81
      During the War Robert continued selling off his real estate. He sold two town lots for a total of $100, and six parcels of land, totaling some 1,300 acres, for $4,100.⁸² During that time he made only one purchase, three lots in EddyvilleG, for $50 on 28 May 1864.⁸³ (For details of all the records that have been found for land transactions involving Robert, see the extracted Caldwell Co. Deeds, Crittenden Co. Deeds and Lyon Co. Deeds, and for town lots, see map.)

R L Cobb & Sons --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     With his brothers focused on mills and the iron business, and centering their attention in later years in Crittenden Co., Robert maintained the family mercantile business in EddyvilleG founded by their father.^50,84,85 His three eldest sons, Robert, Linah, and Joshua, all joined him in business as they came of age. It is not clear just when each joined the firm, but all were participating by 1859. The firm was then called R L Cobb & Sons.^86,87,88 Robert withdrew from the partnership 1 Jul 1861, leaving Linah, Joshua and their father operating the business.⁸⁹

The Family Business Collapses --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     The Civil War left the family in "much reduced circumstances," to use a phrase popular at the time. Robert was an ardent secessionist in a neutral state. He sold some of his holdings to invest in Confederate bonds, and lost much of the rest through failures brought on by the war.⁹⁰
     After the War, Robert seems to have focused on selling off the remainder of his real estate. In 1866 through 1868 he made eleven sales, six of them dated 12 Nov 1867. But few of them were for cash; in most cases he accepted notes for the entire purchase price. The sales include six lots in or adjacent to EddyvilleG, for a total of $642, and eight parcels of land totaling over 200 ac, for nearly $2,000.⁹¹ His only two purchases at this time were quickly sold. He purchased a parcel of a little over 3 acres adjoining the town of EddyvilleG on 14 Jul 1865 for $3,200, and sold it five months later for the same price.⁹² On 18 Dec 1865 he bought lot no. 51 in EddyvilleG at the court house door after it was ordered sold in a suit brought by him and his brother Gideon against the heirs of Jacob T. Young, apparently after Young failed to pay notes he had signed when he bought the lot from Robert and Gideon in 1862. Robert paid $1,000 for it, and sold it two weeks later for $1,375.⁹³
     On 29 Feb 1868 Robert's sons Linah and Joshua filed nearly identical petitions of bankruptcy at the U.S. District Court in PaducahG. They reported that the firm owed debts of $38,600, including $2,220 due on accounts to 12 farmers and $3,600 due on accounts to other merchants, all apparently suppliers to their mercantile business. In addition they reported $17,800 in notes due 50 individuals and firms, and $15,000 due the Commercial Bank of Kentucky. While a few notes dated to 1859, the majority of the debts originated in 1866 and 1867, indicating that the firm had fallen into difficulty after the war. One note of interest was one for $225 borrowed 2 Oct 1867 from Robert's sister-in-law, Marina Turner Cobb, wife of his brother Joshua.⁹⁴
     The firm's assets were listed as a 324½-acre parcel in Christian Co. valued at $500, notes written by 77 debtors with a total amount of $39,800, and 226 accounts due the firm totaling $30,600. On paper at least, the partnership was solvent, with over $110,000 in assets and less than $39,000 in debts. That probably explains why neither the firm itself nor their father filed for bankruptcy. Why Linah and Joshua did so is unclear. Neither showed other significant assets, but Linah owed the firm $10,700 and Joshua $5,800 on their personal accounts. Clearly some of the notes and accounts due the firm were uncollectable: those owing 17 of the 226 accounts due were deceased, and the addresses of 33 more were unknown. If we assume only half of the notes and accounts due the firm could be collected, each partner's share would be worth around $5,500, less than what either owed.⁹⁵
     The financial picture apparently was bleaker than portrayed by these filings. On 28 Dec 1867 the Lyon Circuit Court issued a writ against the estates of Robert, Linah, and Joshua for $600, with interest from 26 Nov 1867 and costs of $23.40. As a result, the Cobb's brick ware house and lot on Water St. in EddyvilleG was sold at court house door on 24 Feb 1868. The purchaser was Willis Benson Machen, sometime business associate of the Cobbs, paying $600. A second writ was issued 26 Mar 1868 by Caldwell Circuit Court against the estates of the Cobbs and O. M. Jenkins, for $2,219.10 with interest from 30 Nov 1867 and costs. It was levied on the same property, and the right of redemption was sold 27 Apr 1868 at the court house door. Machen again was the purchaser, paying an additional $2,448.50. But before the deed was issued, Joshua supposedly paid Machen $3,600 (how did he have that sum of money?), and Machen had the deed issued in Joshua's name.⁹⁶ The property was sold 17 Nov 1869 to Frederick Henry Skinner for $3,000. The deed was from both Joshua and Machen, suggesting some question about the validity of the prior sale.⁹⁷ This would seem to be the same structure described by Robert's grandson as a "rambling brick building enlarged by the heirs of Gideon Sr. spraddled over an acre."⁹⁸
     The deed in this last sale identified the ware house as "now occupied by Cobb and Terry," suggesting that the Cobbs had taken on a new partner, although no other reference to him has been found. It is not clear which of the Cobbs were still involved in the business, if any. Joshua, at least, had already moved to PaducahG.⁹⁹
     Robert was reported to have owned a bank, a tobacco warehouse, and part interest in two steamship lines by the beginning of the war. How much of that enterprise survived the war is unclear.⁹⁰ After 1869 the Cobbs would appear to have had few, if any, assets left in the county. The Lyon Circuit Court issued two writs 24 Jan 1868, one in favor of Garret Gray against Thomas P. Paine, O. M. Jenkins, R. L. Cobb, and W. B. Machen, the other in favor of John Gallatly against Thomas P. Paine and L. M. Cobb. They were levied on the property of Paine, not the Cobbs.¹⁰⁰

Retiring to Paducah --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     The Cobb's declining financial position apparently forced Robert and Cornelia to sell their grand home, "White Hall." On 16 Nov 1867 they sold it, including its stables, ice house, the surrounding streets he had purchased, and a 100-acre adjoining parcel to William W. Young for $6,000. The sale also included much of the furniture and equipment, listing two carpets, four oil cloths, four bureaus, a hat rack, five tables, two looking glasses, a book case, four bedsteads, beds and mattresses, two sofas or sociables, a buggy, and a water cart.¹⁰¹
     Robert and Cornelia moved to PaducahG about 1870 and he retired from active business.^102,103 They appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Paducah, McCracken Co., KentuckyG, enumerated 11 Jun 1870, reporting that she had real estate of $10,000 and personal estate of $1500. Their children Linah, Joshua, Bobella, and Mark were listed as living with them, as was their son Robert, his wife Virginia Walker and their children, Robert, Virginia, and Cornelia. Also in the household were her sister, Sarah Jane Mims, her sister Rebecca's son, David D. Mitchell, and a married mulatto couple who were domestic servants.¹⁰⁴
     Robert died in Jun 1873 in Paducah, McCracken Co., KentuckyG, at age 67.^11,12,13

Citations

1. [S2303] Kilbury-Cobb, "RE: Cobb Ancestry," e-mail to author, 15 Jun 2001, citing hand-written pages titled "From Joshua Cobb's Family Bible," provided by Lillian W. Sprout, 5 Dec 1931, Montrose, Pennsylvania, shows name as Robert L. Cobb.
2. [S732] Caldwell Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, bond of Robert L. Cobb and Fransis Hey Dallam, 12 May 1835, signed by him as Robt. L. Cobb; and License, dated same day, shows name as Robert L. Cobb.
3. [S49] Freeman, Family File "David and Deborah.GED," 31 Jul 1998, shows full name.
4. [S2303] Kilbury-Cobb, "RE: Cobb Ancestry," e-mail to author, 15 Jun 2001, citing hand-written pages titled "From Joshua Cobb's Family Bible," provided by Lillian W. Sprout, granddaughter of Joshua Cobb, with notarized statement 5 Dec 1931, Montrose, Pennsylvania, that they were from a Bible in her possession, shows date.
5. [S1820] Robert L. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows age 45, county, and state.
6. [S1811] Robert L. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Lyon Co., Kentucky, shows age 56, and state.
7. [S732] Caldwell Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, bond of Robert L. Cobb and Francis Hey Dallam, 12 May 1835, shows intended to be married shortly, and License, dated same day, has return showing marriage solemnized 13 May 1835.
8. [S726] Caldwell Co. Marriage Bonds, Book A, Robert G. Cobb to Miss Cornelia Mims, 13 May 1835, shows date.
9. [S49] Freeman, Family File "David and Deborah.GED," 31 Jul 1998, shows date, town, county, and state.
10. [S1820] Robert L. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows both in household.
11. [S7347] "Mr. Robert L. Cobb," Clarksville Chronicle, 21 Jun 1873, shows "a few days ago" and city.
12. [S3235] Obituary for Mrs. Cornelia B. Cobb, unknown newspaper, 2 Jun 1875, shows he had died nearly two years before she did, 31 May 1875.
13. [S1042] Connelley, History of Kentucky, pg 497, shows year, as 1875, city, and state, and that his wife survived him only a few months and died in 1877.
14. [S583] Cobb & Clarke household, 1810 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
15. [S826] Lyon letter to Witherell, 5 Apr 1828, shows that Samuel C. Clark was living with G. D. Cobb in 1828.
16. [S576] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1820 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
17. [S1789] Gideon Cobb household, 1830 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
18. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:160, Noel Watkins & wife Sarah M. to Robert L. Cobb dated 16 Oct 1832, $70 for lot #7 in Eddyville; G:284-5, Berry Hodge of Union Co. to Robert L. Cobb dated 17 Dec 1833, $1 for lot #7 in Eddyville, clearing title of lot Cobb bought from Watkins because no conveyance from Hodge to Watkins was recorded; and M:47, Robert L. Cobb & wife Cornelia B. to Thomas W. Catlett dated 26 Jan 1844, $3500 for lot #7 in Eddyville.
19. [S2001] Walker, "Rose Hill -- The Cobb House," pp 38-9, shows that Cobb built the house about 1832, sold it to Catlett in 1844, who owned it until 1897, when it became the property of his granddaughter Belle Minner Hussey, bought by the state in 1952 and used for housing until given to the Historical Society.
20. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 26, shows name and origin, "the finest in town."
21. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, O:176-7, Edmund P Watkins, Commissioner of Chancery to Robert L. Cobb, 30 Apr 1849.
22. [S3175] Acts of the General Assembly of Kentucky, 1883, 1858:2:206.
23. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, B:554-5, James Lester, J. C. Holloway, O. M. Jenkins, Charles Wood & Thos. P. Paine, trustees of town of Eddyville to Robert L Cobb, 6 May 1865, sale of streets.
24. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, H:258-9, W. M. Bowman & wife Mattie A. to Commonwealth of Kentucky, conveyed the six town lots, surrounding streets, and adjacent 74½ ac, 9 Sep 1884.
25. [S3400] Cunningham, Castle, pp 23-4, describes sale at court house door and Machen's sale to the state.
26. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, a search of all indexed deeds from "sheriff" and "commissioner," and to W. B. Machen in vol B, C & D (covering deeds recorded Jan 1859 through Dec 1871), and a page-by-page search of the first half of vol D, failed to find such sale; H:254-275 records deeds to "Commonwealth of Kentucky" for all town lots within the initial prison grounds, with none by W. B. Machen; C:384-5, Robert L. Cobb to William W. Young, mentions dwelling house, stables & ice house, 8 Feb 1868; D:425-8, J W Clark, commissioner, to John H. Turley & others, for $3143.25, mentions same as having been there on date of previous deed; F:258-60, J. H. Turley & others to James C. Glenn for $800, does not mention buildings, 26 Nov 1878; G:41-3, James C Glenn & wife to Rebecca E. Lefeber for $1000, reserves brick from ice house to seller, 16 Feb 1881; H:57-8, James H. Lefeber & wife Rebecca E. to W. M. Bowman for $350, make no mention of buildings; and H:258-9, W. M. Bowman & wife to Commonwealth of Kentucky for $500, reserves "all building stone where the Cobb houses were burnt" to seller.
27. [S3426] "Home Used as Prison Hospital," Courier-Journal, 4 Aug 1969, describes building as home of "Gen. Mathew Lyon, Civil War hero; follow-up column "History of Old Prison Building Is Shaping Up," 15 Aug 1969, says it was thought to have been the home of Gen. Hylan B. Lyon and maybe his grandfather, but records did not show either ever lived in the house.
28. [S3406] "Report of the Building Commissioners of Branch Penitentiary", pg 15, shows that the hospital will be constructed near the top of the hill; and pg 23, describes how the hospital will be a frame or brick building.
29. [S3407] Journal of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 1891-'92, II:2902, shows claim for cost of additional work done on hospital building beyond contract requirements; and III:3301, report of committee sent to inspect damage from fire Feb 1893, reports main building a total wreck.
30. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 26, shows death house were rose garden was.
31. [S3402] Bill Cunningham note to author, 12 Dec 2011, included copy of photo showing death house attached to north end of cell house 3.
32. [S3401] Sanborn Map of Eddyville, 1905, sheet 2, shows cell house 3 along Washington St., with its north end somewhat south of the southerly line of First (formerly Second) St.
33. [S1795] R. L. Cobb household, 1840 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
34. [S1820] Robert L. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
35. [S1745] Robert L. Cobb, owner, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, slave schedule.
36. [S1811] Robert L. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Lyon Co., Kentucky.
37. [S1675] Robert L. Cobb, owner, 1860 U.S. Census, Lyon Co., Kentucky, slave schedule.
38. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, E1:86.
39. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, E1:168, exhibited his commission and took oath; E1:319, authorized to solemnize marriages and entered into a bond.
40. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, E1:362, judge for 1835 town election; E1:378, judge for county election; E:505, judge for 1837 town election; and E1:528 election results.
41. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, E1:508, appointed commissioner for sale of land; E1:526, appointed treasurer.
42. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:305-6, Robert L. Cobb & wife Cornelia B. to Fred H. Skinner, presiding Judge of the Lyon Co. Court dated 1 May 1856, in consideration of the Court House being located on the lot, south half of lot #8 in Eddyville and jail house and land on which it stood, _ May 1856.
43. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:113-4, R. L. Cobb to R. C. Wilcox, W. B. Timmons & James Stephens, trustees for use and benefit of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in pursuance of agreement made prior to building of the Church Ediface, 10 Jan 1870.
44. [S2965] United States Congressional Serial Set, Senate Doc. No. 234, 58th Congress, 2nd session, Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865, vol 1, 7 Dec 1861, pp 536-41, contains text of ordinance listing the delegates and letter from the Provisional Governor with details of convention.
45. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 25, citing ledger and day books of the business, shows Robert taken into the business at age 21.
46. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, F:60-1, John W. Marshall & Samuel P. L. Marshall to Chittenden Lyon, Caleb C. Cobb & Robert L. Cobb dated 2 Oct 1829, $150 for 45x60 ft. lot below Water St., near Main St.; F:424-5, Minerva Catlett executrix for Hanson Catlett to same dated 24 Jul 1830, $80 for40x60 ft. lot below Water St. at Main St.;F:288, John Bradley of Princeton to same dated 10 Jan 1834, $214.38 for lot at Main and Water Sts. where Lyon, Cobb & Co. had a 40x60 ft. ware house (this appears to be the same lot, with the odd amount suggesting the settlement of a debt although the text does not say it is); H:236-7, Robert L. Cobb to William Gray dated 2 Aug 1836, $1500 for 1/3 share of 85x70 ft. lot at Water and Main Sts. with a two-story brick house, 80 X 40 ft., erected by Lyon, Cobb & Co., property held the last day of Jun 1836 by C. Lyon, C. C. Cobb and R. L. Cobb as joint tenants; H:237-8, Chittenden Lyon to Robert L. Cobb dated 31 Aug 1836, $1500 for 1/3 share in same property; and K:148, Caleb C. Cobb to same dated 10 Jun 1841, $1500 for 1/3 share in same property.
47. [S875] Wills, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, B:57-9, Chittenden Lyon Will, 21 Nov 1842, shows Caleb to settle affairs of Lyon & Cobb, and Robert to settle those of Lyon, Cobb, & Co.
48. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, H:236-7, Robert L. Cobb to William Gray dated 2 Aug 18, $1500 for 1/3 interest in lot on Water and Main Sts. purchased by Chittenden Lyon, Caleb C. Cobb & Robert L. Cobb where they erected a two-story brick house occupied by Cobb, Gray & Bell as a store and ware house; and I:72-3, John F. Veid mortgage to Robert L .Cobb, William Gray, David R. Bell & Gideon D. Cobb “merchants & copartners trading under the name and style of Cobb, Gray & Bell” dated 23 Jun 1838.
49. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, K:249-52, C. C. Cobb to Robt. L. Cobb, David R. Bell & Gideon D. Cobb "trading under the style & firm of Cobb Bell & Co.," 16 Sep 1841.
50. [S1795] R. L. Cobb household, 1840 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows the only person employed, apparently Robert, as employed in commerce.
51. [S1820] Robert L. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows Robert's occupation as merchant.
52. [S1811] Robert L. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Lyon Co., Kentucky, shows Robert's occupation as merchant.
53. [S578] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, shows Gideon and Caleb living with a group of young men whose occupation appears to be laborer, apparently in the iron works, with Caleb's occupation as iron maker and Gideon's as merchant and iron maker.
54. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, M:127-8, Edward T. Walkins, Commissioner in Chancery to Robert L. Cobb and Gideon D. Cobb of the firm of R. L. & G. D. Cobb dated 4 Feb 1845, $1500 for the interest of Elijah Shepardson in a house and lot in Princeton in settlement of debt owed Robert L .Cobb & Gideon D. Cobb, surviving partners of Cobb Bell & Co.
55. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, L:454-9, John Stacker of Missouri, Samuel Stacker of Tennessee & Thomas T. Watson of Trigg Co. to Robert L. Cobb & Gideon D. Cobb dated 20 Jul 1844, $10,000 for several parcels of land, on which Eddyville Furnace stands and adjacent thereto: 1^st 100 ac. survey made for Christopher –-?–- , conveyed to John Jones and by him to grantees, where Eddyville [Furnace?] stands; 2^nd 100 ac. on –?– Ck., purchased of John Hammonds; 3^rd 50 ac. on Cumberland River immediately below the Furnace; 4^th 30 ac. purchased of C. C. Cobb upon which the Furnace landing sits; 5^th 2 surveys of 400 ac. each purchased of Randolph Doom; 6^th 300 ac. bought of Henry Doven; 7^th 480 ac. survey made in name of Saml. & John Stacker & Thomas T Walter on Cumberland River; 8^th 260 ac. survey made in name of Samuel & John Stacker & Thos T Walter; 9^th 700 ac. survey made in name of Samuel & John Stacker & Thomas T Walson; 10^th 100 ac. survey in name of Stacker & Watson on Cumberland River; 11^th [blank] ac. survey; 12^t 300 ac. survey for Slacker & Watson on Cumberland River; 13^th 124 ac. survey in name of Daniel Glenn on Goat Ck.; 14^th 400 ac. survey made for E. S. Galusha conveyed by him to Stacker & Watson; and 15^th 90 ac. survey made in name of Joshua Hammond purchased of him.
56. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, P:47-58, Robert L. Cobb, merchant, & wife Cornelia, & Gideon D. Cobb, merchant, doing business under the style and firm of R. L. & G. D. Cobb, acting individually and as surviving partners of Cobb, Bell & Co. to William Kelly & John F. Kelly, iron masters, doing business under the style and firm of Kelly & Co., dated 12 Aug 1850, $20,000 for 37 parcels, including 100 ac. "on which Eddyville Furnace stands," other parcels identified as containing 7404½ acres, and seven parcels of unstated size; and P:19-20, same to same dated same, $2000 for 2 parcels in Crittenden Co. [apparently recorded in Caldwell Co. because the clerk obtained Cornelia's release of dower and certified it to Crittenden Co. to save her having to travel to that county].
57. [S2793] Deeds, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, B:593-5, Robert L. Cobb & Cornelia his wife, and Gideon D. Cobb, merchants doing business as R L & G D Cobb, to William Kelly and John Kelly, iron masters, doing business as Kelly & Co., two parcels in Crittenden Co., 21 Oct 1850.
58. [S3055] Travis, "A Thriving Town in the 1800s", shows Jackson & Cobb were selling goods along with shipping tobacco in 1851.
59. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:451, John Hallick to Robert L Cobb, 13 Jan 1835, signed by Hannah though she is not named in deed or clerk's statement; and L:227, John Hallick to Robert L. Cobb, 7 Feb 1844.
60. [S2793] Deeds, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, A:320-1, Thomas W. Catlett to Robert L. Cobb, 22 Jan 1845; A:245-6, Robert L. Cobb to Robert Smith, 2 Oct 1844.
61. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, K:425-6, George M. Marshall mortgage to R. L. Cobb, D. R. Bell & G. D. Cobb of the firm of Cobb Bell & Co. dated 16 May 1842; N:246, George M. Marshall mortgage to Robert L. Cobb & Gideon D. Cobb, merchants trading under name & style of R L & G D Cobb, and surviving partners of Cobb Bell & Co., 21 Aug 1847; B:727, George M. Marshall mortgage to Giles L Cobb & Charles M Jackson of Crittenden & Gideon D Cobb of Caldwell, trading as Cobb Jackson & Co., 14 Apr 1851; D:72, George M. Marshall mortgage to Gideon D. Cobb, 27 Jun 1855; and F:247, George M. Marshall mortgage to Cobb Gallatly & Co. of Dycusburg, 21 Jun 1860.
62. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, O:176-7, Edmund P. Watkins, Commissioner of Chancery to Robert L. Cobb, 30 Apr 1849.
63. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, F:269-70, James Loftus of Christian Co. executor for George Loftus to Caleb C. Cobb, 8 Jan 1831; K:249-52, C. C. Cobb to Robt. L. Cobb, David R. Bell & Gideon D. Cobb, 16 Sep 1841 item #1; N:184-5, Rezin H. J. Davidge, Commissioner in Chancery, to Robert L. Cobb and Gideon D. Cobb,
    17 May 1847: and N:185-6, same to John Hallick, recorded same day.
64. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, Q:238-9, John H. Rackerby, commissioner in chancery to John Stacker, 15 Mar 1853;
    R:158-9, same to William A Brooks,14 Jul 1852; Q:2-4, same to Gideon D. Cobb, 23 Sep 1852; Q:138-40, same to William H. Calvert, 24 Sep 1852; and Q:241-3, same to Robt. L. Cobb, 6 Apr 1853.
65. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, Q:102-3, Elijah G. Galusha to R. L. & G. D. Cobb dated 8 Sep 1852; and P:87-9, Elijah G. Galusha mortgage to R. L. & G. D. Cobb, merchants of Eddyville, dated 24 Aug 1850.
66. [S826] Lyon letter to Witherell, 5 Apr 1828, describes Galusha as "a poor farmer."
67. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:428, James Clark & wife to R. L. & G. D. Cobb, 1 May 1857; and B:556-7, Robt. L. Cobb & Gideon D. Cobb to Jacob T. Young, 24 May 1865.
68. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:349-50, Thomas Rucker to Robert L. Cobb dated 7 May 1834, $214 for 71 ac. on Eddy Ck.; H:246-7, Cyrus Broadwell & wife Virginia to same dated 17 May 1836, $400 for 97 ac. on both sides of road from Eddyville to Princeton; I:70-1, Samuel Campbell to same dated 1 Sep 1836, $369 for 125 ac. on Skinframe Ck.; L:156-7, Charles Jones to same dated 20 Jul 1840, $200 for parcel on Davenport Ck. on the road from Eddyville to Marshall's ferry; L:9-10, Martin A. Rucker to same dated 27 Feb 1843, $900 for 1/5 part of real & personal estate of Robert Harris decd. and life estate of Mrs. Mary Cartwright in land of Harris, 200 ac., and her life estate in Harris' Negroes; M:276-8, Justenian Thrumond, Nepoliean B Thurmond, James L Thurmond, Philip Thurmond, Samuel B. Bennett, Rhoda I Thurmond & Judy Stevens to same dated 20 Nov 1843, 149 ac. on Trade River; L:227-8, Thomas M. Catlett to same dated 20 Jan 1844, $6000 for 386 ac. on Livingston Ck.,10 ac. with water grist & saw mill, & 13 ac.; L:227, John Hallick to same dated 26 Jan 1844, $500 for260 ac. on Lick Ck.; M:96-8, William Henry & wife Cornelia V. to same dated 7 Apr 1845, $200 for 200 ac. on Cumberland River; M:81-2, Edward N. Owen to same dated 8 Apr 1845, $25 for 35 ac. on Livingston Ck.; M:212, Lewis Harrell to same dated 19 Sep 1845, $15 for an undivided 5^th interest in 100 ac. and 44 ac.; M:340-2, James T. Moore & wife Sarah C. to same dated 5 Jan 1846, $1500 for 900 ac. on Cumberland River near Eddyville; M:455-6, George G. Cash & wife Margaret E. to same dated 26 Jan 1846, $150 for his interest in 2 tracts on Eddy Ck., one 44 ac.; M:433, Trustees of Kentucky Baptist Education Society to R. L. Cobb dated 17 Mar 1846, $1200 for all the remaining unsold land donated by State of Kentucky to the Rittenhouse Academy formerly located in this place, 1200 ac. after deducting parcels sold & interference of O'Bannan claim; and N:150-1, James H. Holloway & wife Jinsey to Robert L. Cobb dated 8 Apr 1847, $350 for 125 ac. on Eddy Ck.
69. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:24, Laban S. Locker & wife Judith to Robert L. Cobb dated 20 May 1854, $400 for 240 ac., 30 May 1854; A:132-3, Matthew T. Scott and wife Elizabeth F., and Frances Dewees and wife Mary Ann to Robert L Cobb dated 3 Feb 1855, $900 for 750 ac., 7 Mar 1855; and A:304-5, Isaac N. Wilcox to Robert L. Cobb dated 26 Apr 1856, $150 for undivided half of tract of 633 ac., 3 May 1856.
70. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:451, John Hallick to same dated 13 Jan 1835, $1000 for lots #72 & 73 in Eddyville; H:183-3, Thales D. Morrison to same dated 24 Sep 1835, $250 for lot #35 in Eddyville; M:91-2, President & Directors of Cumberland College to same dated 8 Apr 1845, $300 for lot in Eddyville on Water St. near Franklin St., opposite #12; N:375-6, John Long & wife Maria to same dated 15 Apr 1848, $700 for lot in Eddyville, lower side of Water St.; and O:97-8, Alex McCall & wife Rachael M. E. & Thomas Claiborne to same dated 22 Feb 1849, $300 lots #28 & 25 in Eddyville and lot on S. side of Water St.
71. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:35-6, Jessan Olive & wife Barbara Ann to Robert L. Cobb dated 7 Jun 1854, $750 for lot #8, 26 Jun 1854.
72. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:441-2, Thomas Hunter, Deputy Sherriff to Robert L. Cobb dated 9 Jan 1835, $153 for120 ac., in settlement of a Circuit Court order in favor of John Gatewood against William Mosely, former owner, and others; M:128-9, Rezin H. J. Davidge, Commissioner in Chancery to same dated 7 Mar 1843, $1000 for parcel of land in settlement of suit before Caldwell Circuit Court brought by Cobb & Lyon; N:381-2, same to same dated 21 Oct 1847, $50 for 25 ac. to settle suit in Circuit Court to collect mortgage to Cobbs Gray & Bell; O:359-60, David Flournoy, Commissioner of Chancery to same dated 16 Oct 1849, $500 for 97 ac. on Eddy Ck. on both sides of road from Princeton to Eddyville, to settle suit brought in Circuit Court by Robert L. Cobb; P:344-5, W. B. Machen, Commissioner of Chancery, replacing M. Gracey now dec'd to same dated 20 Sep 1851, $480 for interest of John Long in that part of lot in Eddyville not previously sold by Long to Robert L. Cobb & Robt Love, in settlement of suit brought in Circuit Court by H. Machen; P:452, B. J. Grubbs, Deputy Sheriff to same dated 9 Mar 1852, $25 for 100 ac. on Cumberland River, in settlement of writ issued by Caldwell Circuit Court in favor of Cobbs, Gray & Bell; Q:130-1, Frederick H. Skinner, commissioner in chancery to same dated 30 Jul 1852, $75 for lot #36 in Eddyville, in settlement of petition in Christian Circuit Court by Robert L. Cobb; Q:241-3, John H. Rackerby, commissioner in chancery to same dated 11 Feb 1853, $600 for 350 ac. on Cumberland River below & adjoining Eddyville, in settlement of suit brought in Caldwell Circuit Court by R. L. & D. G. Cobb; and Q:384-6, Edward P. Watkins, commissioner in chancery to same dated 11 Jul 1853, $2100 for lot in Eddyville fronting on the river adjacent to ware house formerly occupied by Cobbs, in settlement of suits brought in Caldwell Circuit Court by Planters Bank of Tennessee, Bank of Kentucky, and others.
73. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:70-3, Edward P Watkins, Commissioner in Chancery of Caldwell Co. to Robert L. Cobb dated 18 Sep 1854, $100 for 50 ac formerly in Caldwell Co., now in Lyon Co., in settlement of suit by Benjamin H Hesten administrator of estate of Samuel Taylor, against Robert L. Cobb, Gideon D. Cobb, and 10 others, 1 Oct 1854; and A:295-6, Wm. H. Kikgore, Commissioner in Chancery to same, not dated, $529.30 for 225 ac. in settlement of suit by Robt. L. Cobb and Gideon D. Cobb, merchants trading under name of R L & G C Cobb, against administrator and heirs of Wilford Ovey, decd., 18 Apr 1856.
74. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:518-9, William B. Emcis agent for John Mathes & wife Sarah, Thomas Gregory Jr., Wisley Gregory, Joseph Steiges & wife Ellen, Joseph Gregory, and William Gregory, heirs at law of Joseph Gregory, decd. to Robert L. Cobb, dated 8 Feb 1872, shows sold by grantor to grantee 10 Dec 1856, 1 Mar 1872.
75. [S838] Kentucky Secretary of State, Land Office, online, describes legislation enabling sale of warrants, and a search of the County Court Order Series for "Cobb" finds 10 grants for Robert, totaling 2987 acres, and 3 for Gideon, totaling 2968 acres.
76. [S839] Kentucky Land Patents, County Court Order Series, Patent No. 1286, (Bk. 4, pg 160), warrant no. 23, dated 18 Apr 1837, surveyed 29 Jun 1837, granted 20 Sep 1839, 200 ac. on the ridge between Lick Creek and Bakers Hollow; No. 5065 (Bk. 11, pg 128), warrant no. 109, dated 1 May 1843, surveyed 8 May 1843, granted 26 Jul 1844, 150 ac. on Clifty Creek; No. 5066 (Bk. 11, pg 129), warrant no. 111, dated 11 Aug 1843, surveyed 15 Aug 1843, granted 26 Jul 1844, 100 ac. on Skinframe Creek; No. 5067 (Bk. 11, pg 130), warrant no. 103, dated 9 Jan 1843, surveyed 19 Jan 1843, granted 26 Jul 1844, 30 ac. on Crab Creek; No. 5363 (Bk. 11, pg 420), warrant no. 112, issued 4 Dec 1844 for his services in repairing the road from Eddyville to Smithland, surveyed 10 Jan 1844, granted 21 Nov 1844, 300 acres on Flat Creek; No. 5364 (Bk. 11, pg 421), warrant no. 112, dated 4 Dec 1843, surveyed 16 Jan 1844, granted 21 Nov 1844, 600 acres on Livingston Creek, a branch of the Cumberland River, the remainder of the grant for repairing the road; No. 6528 (Bk. 14, pg 109), warrant no. 62, dated 3 Nov 1840 (filed with patent no. 7041), surveyed 10 Dec 1840, granted 4 Jul 1845, 500 acres on Long Creek, a part of 800 acres bought by Elias Smith 3 Nov 1840, assigned to Robert 10 Dec 1844; and Patent No. 7717 (Bk. 16, pg 402), warrant no. 75, according to the index but not found, surveyed 21 Jan 1842, granted 3 Jul 1846, 100 acres on Cammack Creek, bought by William M. Etherage, assigned to Robert 18 Jan 1843.
77. [S838] Kentucky Secretary of State, Land Office, online, record for Patent No. 17878, citing Bk. 34, pg 475, shows surveyed 4 Mar 1846, granted 8 Dec 1851, 1000 acres on the Cumberland River, jointly with William Mercer; and No. 21015, citing Bk. 38, pg 379, shows surveyed 2 Jul 1851, granted 1 Apr 1853, 7 acres on Skinframe Creek.
78. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, I:57, Robert L. Cobb to William O'Hara dated 7 Dec 1837, $300 for lot #35 in Eddyville; K:524-5, same to Ruben R. Bush dated 28 Jun 1842, $1000 for lots #72 & 73 in Eddyville; N:373, Robt. L. Cobb & wife Corenlia B. to Archibald Hunter dated 15 Apr 1848, $350 for lot lower side of Water St. in Eddyville; and Q:46-7, Robert L. Cobb to Jacob Boone dated 12 Jun 1852, $550 for tract in Eddyville with 1 story frame house, on Water St.
79. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:168-9, Robert L. Cobb and Cornelia. Cobb to Morrison D. Wilcox, $350 for lot on south side of Water St., up from Franklin St., dated 20 Apr 1855, 26 Apr 1855; A:396-7, same to Marcus M. Tyler, dated 21 Feb 1857, $1250 for lot # 3, 6 Mar 1857; B:21-2, Robt. L. Cobb and Cornelia B. Cobb to Charles Wood, dated 1 Jan 1859, $150 for lot no 26, 5 Jan 1859; and B:233, Robt. L. Cobb and wife Cornelia B. Cobb to Robert A. Dixon dated 11 Oct 1860, $25 for lot on Spring Alley, 12 Jan 1861.
80. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, H:166-7, Robert L. Cobb to John Kindrick dated 16 May 1836, $300 for lot# 46 in Prince's Addition, Princeton; H:576-7, Robert L. Cobb & wife Cornelia B. to James Blue dated 17 Nov 1837, $300 for 125 ac.; L:103-4, Robert L. Cobb to John Kendrick dated 5 Aug 1843, $525 for 125 ac.;
    M:381-3, same to John F. Bennett dated 18 Mar 1846, $3500 for386 ac.; N:288-9, Robert L. Cobb to Robert Love dated 20 Jan 1847, $200 for 200 ac.; O:61-2, Robt. L. Cobb to William Stubbs dated 12 Apr 1848, $475 for 160 ac.; O:21-2, Robert L. Cobb to James H. McChesney dated 21 Nov 1848, $400 for 3 tracts, 149 ac., 13 ac. and 20 ac.; Q:188-9, same to Miriam G. Young, Dicey H. Young, George C. Young, William J. Young, Ceclia Maria Young, Nancy J. Young, & Louisa V. Young dated 17 Jun 1852, $1500 for 200 ac.; Q:360-1, same to Samuel Garrett & John Garrett dated 2 Mar 1853, $600 for 97 ac.; and R:281-2, Robert L. Cobb & Cornelia B. Cobb to Needham C. Gray dated 16 Apr 1853, $250 for 125 ac.
81. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:24-5, Robert L. Cobb and wife Cornelia B. to John P. Boyd dated 23 May 1854, $1,000 for 245 ac. adjoining Eddyville, 30 May 1854; A:302-4, William Mercer and wife Susan, and Robert L. Cobb and wife Cornelia B. to Benjamin Bimbray dated 8 Apr 1856, $302 for
    162 ac on south side of Cumberland, 2 May 1856; A:304, Robert L. Cobb and William Mercer to Isaac N. Wilcox dated 17 Apr 1856, $300 for 733 ac on south bank of Cumberland River, 2 May 1856; A:397-80, Robert L. Cobb and wife Cornelia B. to James H. Glasgow dated 21 Feb 1857, $1200 for tract of unspecified size, 6 Mar 1857; B:90, Robt. L. Cobb and Cornelia B. Cobb to George M. Coffer, W. H. Coffer, and Henry M. Coffer dated 26 Jan 1859, $500 for 100 ac, 17 Aug 1859; B:189-90, Robert L. Cobb and wife Cornelia B. Cobb to John Stacker dated 9 Jul 1860, $200 for 500 ac, 9 Jul 1860; B:216, same to Georgiann Smith dated 27 Aug 1860, $100 for tract beginning in the edge of the Eddyville and Smithland Rd, 17 Sep 1860; B: 215, same to Henry Hallock, a free man of color dated 6 Sep 1860, $750 for 54 ac adjacent to town of Eddyville, 28 Sep 1860; and B:279-80, same to M. M. Lyon dated 1 Jan 1861, $2,250 for tract on the Eddyville & Smithland Rd, 15 Jun 1861.
82. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, B:377, R. L. Cobb & wife to John W. Ethridge, lot near river, $50, 3 Apr 1863; B:492-3, Robert L. Cobb & wife to Sarah A. Bush, wife of John W. Bush, lot below Eddyville, $50, 10 Oct 1864; B:280-1, Robert L. Cobb & wife to W. E. Lady, $600, at least 200 ac, 15 Jun 1891; B323-4, R. L. Cobb & wife to Benjamin Doom, $750, 326 ac, 8 Jul 1862; B:324-5, Robert L. Cobb & wife to W. W. Hildreth, $1,500, 100 ac, 8 Jul 1862; B:340-1, same to James Lister, $750, 300 ac, 5 Sep 1862; C:28-9, R. L. Cobb & wife to William Moneymaker, $200, 112 ac, 15 Sep 1865; and C410-1, Robert L. Cobb to Joseph Collins, $300, 243 ac, 28 Mar 1868.
83. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, B:482, William Childers & wife to R. L. Cobb, for lots # 41, 42 & 43 in Eddyville, 6 Sep 1864.
84. [S1820] Robert L. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows occupation as merchant.
85. [S1811] Robert L. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Lyon Co., Kentucky, shows occupation as merchant.
86. [S3265] R. Cobb, bankruptcy, case no. 972, Bankruptcy Case Files, Act of 1867, Records of the U.S. District Court, Record Group 21, Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Term, Schedule A-3, shows debt created in 1859 by R L Cobb & Sons, and that Robert and R L Cobb, L M Cobb, and J C Cobb were doing business as a partnership.
87. [S3266] J. C. Cobb, bankruptcy, case no. 250, Bankruptcy Case Files, Act of 1867, Records of the U.S. District Court, Record Group 21, Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Term, Schedule A-3, shows debt created in 22 Aug 1859 by R L, L M, and JC Cobb, firm of R L Cobb & Sons.
88. [S1950] Battle, Kentucky - A History of the State, pg 291, shows Joshua's first venture was with his father in Eddyville, where he engaged in the tobacco trade.
89. [S3265] R. Cobb, bankruptcy, case no. 972, Bankruptcy Case Files, Act of 1867, Records of the U.S. District Court, Record Group 21, Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Term, Schedule A-3.
90. [S3064] Lawson, Irvin S. Cobb, pg 2.
91. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, C:411-2, Robt. L. Cobb & wife to Sally Marshall, $60, 1-1/8 ac adjoining Eddyville, 28 Mar 1868; C:412-3, same to Henry Hallick & Howard Scott, $100, 2 ac adjoining Eddyville, 28 Mar 1868; C:415-6, same to James OHara of Eddyville, $140, lots # 45 & 46 in Eddyville, 13 Apr 1868; C:507-8, same to Gile Crump, $142.50, 5¼ ac adjoining Eddyville, 7 Dec 1868; C:516-7, Robt L Cobb to H. L. & E. C. Machen, $200, lot in Eddyville below Water St., 14 Dec 1868; C:201-2, Robt L. Cobb & Cornelia B. Cobb to N. T. Braswell, $400, 30 or 40 ac, 6 Nov 1866; C:244, Robert L Cobb & wife to F H Wilson, $300, tract size unspecified, 5 Feb 1867; E:217-8, Robt. L. Cobb & wife to James Peacher, $600, 40 ac, 17 Apr 1874; D:224, same to Carter Blue, $250, 20 ac, 29 Aug 1870; C:385, R. L. Cobb to Russell W. Wake, $250, 100 ac, 8 Feb 1868; and D:111-2, Robt. L. Cobb & wife to William Cash Jr., $125, 2½ ac, 1 Jan 1870.
92. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, C:245, George McHuggans & wife Sarah Ann to Robt. L. Cobb, 25 Mar 1867; and C:250-1, Robt. L. Cobb & wife to Charles Anderson, 26 Mar 1867.
93. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, B:556-7, Robt. L. Cobb & Gideon D. Cobb to Jacob T. Young, $1,000 paid by two notes $500 each, 24 May 1865; C:54-6, John W. Clark commissioner in chancery to R. L. Cobb, in accordance with decree Jun 1865 term in Lyon Circuit Court in suit, R. L. & G. D. Cobb planitiffs, W. H. Long & John Boyd adminstrators of Jacob T. Young, decd, & Mary Ann Young, Mildred B. Young, & Sarah L. Young defendants, 1 Jan 1866; and C:140, Robt. L. Cobb & wife to Darwin Rogers, 6 Apr 1866.
    
    
94. [S3266] J. C. Cobb, bankruptcy, case no. 250, Bankruptcy Case Files, Act of 1867, Records of the U.S. District Court, Record Group 21, Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Term, petition; Schedule A-3, unsecured debts.
95. [S3266] J. C. Cobb, bankruptcy, case no. 250, Bankruptcy Case Files, Act of 1867, Records of the U.S. District Court, Record Group 21, Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Term, petition; Schedule B, assets.
96. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:40-3, John Boyd, late sheriff Lyon Co. to Joshua C. Cobb, 26 Jul 1869; and D:96-8, Joshua C. Cobb and Willis B. Machen to Frederick H. Skinner, shows Machen had sold to Joshua C Cobb for $3600 on 23 Jul 1869 and directed sheriff to make the deed to Cobb, 18 Nov 1869.
97. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:96-8, Joshua C. Cobb and Willis B. Machen to Frederick H. Skinner, 18 Nov 1869.
98. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 24.
99. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:96-8, Joshua C. Cobb of Paducah and Willis B. Machen to Frederick H. Skinner, 18 Nov 1869.
100. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, D:134-5, John Boyd, former sheriff Lyon Co. to W. B. Machen, for lots no. 16 nd 17 in Eddyville were Thomas P. Paine lived, a vacant lot back of the drug store of Bowman & Smith, and 2 ac on bank of Cumberland River, all owned by Paine, 26 Feb 1870.
101. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, C:384-5, Robert L. Cobb to William W. Young, 8 Feb 1868.
102. [S1042] Connelley, History of Kentucky, pg 497, shows year, as 1870.
103. [S628] Robert L. Cobb household, 1870 U.S. Census, McCracken Co., Kentucky, shows occupation as retired merchant.
104. [S628] Robert L. Cobb household, 1870 U.S. Census, McCracken Co., Kentucky.
105. [S3235] Obituary for Mrs. Cornelia B. Cobb, unknown newspaper, 2 Jun 1875, shows she had twelve children, five then living, listed as Robert, Linah, Joshua, Mark, and the widow of John B. Saunders.