Caleb Clark Cobb1,2,3

Family Chart
ID# 1513, (1797 - 1867)
FatherGideon Dyer Cobb4,5 (11 Sep 1773 - 1 Mar 1834)
MotherModena Chittenden Clark4,5 (4 Oct 1779 - 7 Oct 1837)

Key Events:

Birth: 25 Dec 1797, Fair Haven, Rutland Co., Vermont6,7,8
Marriage: 3 Dec 1822, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, Mary W. Machen (28 Jan 1804 - 11 Oct 1835)9,10,11
Marriage: 30 Jan 1853, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, Louisa Berry Long (1812 - 1881)12,13
Death: 19 Nov 1867, Crittenden Furnaces, Crittenden Co., Kentucky14,15,16
ChartsDescendants of Gideon Cobb
AncestryThe Cobbs of Pawlet, Vermont

Copyright Notice

Narrative:

     Caleb Clark Cobb was born on 25 Dec 1797 in Fair Haven, Rutland Co., Vermont.6,7,8
     He moved from Pawlet to Eddyville, Kentucky, with his parents, in late 1799, wintering in New Geneva, Pennsylvania, then continuing in the spring.17,18,19 For details, please see The Trek from Vermont to the Kentucky Wilderness.
     Life on the frontier was challenging to a young mother, though exciting to a young boy, if the story passed down through the family is true. Supposedly, while Caleb was still very young Indians who lived nearby would come and want to take him with them. Modena was afraid to let him go, but also afraid of offending the Indians, and the little boy always wanted to go. They gave him an outfit with a bright feathered headpiece, which he loved. One day his mother saw an Indian swimming out in the middle of the river with the child on his back, giving her a terrible fright. Later the Indians threw him in the river, and the little fellow kicked and stayed afloat, after which they returned him home supposedly saying "Him heap plucky." No doubt the story has been enhanced over time, if not invented outright, but it probably gives at least an idea of the perceived risks the families faced.20
     Caleb 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., Kentucky, although he was actually 13.21,22 He is probably the male age 16 to 26 listed in the household of his father in the 1820 Federal Census of Eddyville, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.23
     Caleb married first Mary W. Machen, daughter of Henry Ballinger Machen and Nancy Tarrant, on 3 Dec 1822 in Caldwell Co., Kentucky.9,10,11
     Caleb appeared on the 1830 Federal Census of Caldwell Co., Kentucky, with a household consisting of two white males under age 5 (sons Thomas and Robert), two between 30 and 40 (himself and another), one white female between 20 and 30 (his wife Mary), and four male and five female slaves.24
     His wife died on 11 Oct 1835.25,26,27
     Caleb appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Caldwell Co., Kentucky, with a household consisting of two white males between 10 and 15 (sons Thomas and Robert), three between 15 and 20 (probably including brother Giles), four between 20 and 30 (probably including brother Gideon), and one between 30 and 40 (probably Caleb, though he was about 43 by then), no white females, and 56 male and 6 female slaves.28

The Mysterious Relationship with Louisa Long --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---


     The relationship between Caleb and Louisa seems beset with mysteries. First, there is a series of transactions involving land left by her late father to his widow and children. The purchases started about the time of the birth of their first son, while she was still apparently living on the property with or near her mother. It seems Caleb set about acquiring the rights of all the heirs, apparently expending some effort to do so. On 15 Jul 1836 he purchased from Louisa's sister Maria and her husband, for $50, their right as "one of the legatees of Griffin Long desc'd." to 400 ac. on Spring Creek and the waters of Livingston Creek. On 26 Oct 1836 he purchased from Sarah, Long's widow, her right of dower on the same property, for $100, noting that she then lived there. On 26 Oct 1836 he purchased Louisa's rights as one of the legatees, for $70.29
     On 17 Jul 1841 he sold five acres of apparently the same 400-acre parcel to Daniel Jarrett for $25. He sold half the property to his two brothers as part of the 2 Aug 1841 sale of 18 different parcels, and a week later sold the other half to Louisa for $200, in neither case mentioning the previous sale of five acres. Then, on 8 Dec 1843, he obtained for $80 what appears to be further title to the same property, the rights of Thomas Long, of Sangamon Co, Illinois, which he had obtained from Louisa's sisters Eliza and Melvilla and their husbands. In that deed the tract was described a on the head of Spring Creek, belonging to heirs of Griffing Long desc'd.," the proper boundaries not known to the parities and undivided," reserving the one-third part which was the widow's right of dower. Was Caleb clearing the title to the land he had already sold, as he would have been required to do if the title became questionable? Why did he go to such trouble obtain the land then sell half of it back to Louisa? Was the other half valuable for the iron operations? Did she want it to return to her home place, or perhaps because her mother was still living there?30
     Caleb and his brother Gideon both appear twice in the 1850 census, living together in Crittenden Co., and separately in Caldwell Co. It seems likely that they were enumerated at their iron operations in Crittenden, but did not consider it their regular home. Caleb appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Crittenden Co., Kentucky, in the household of his brother, Gideon. They are shown as living with a group of young men whose occupation appears to be laborer, perhaps in the iron works.31,32
     Caleb appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Caldwell Co., Kentucky, enumerated 7 Sep 1850, reporting real estate of $1,000. His son Gideon was listed as living with him, as well as Louisa Berry Long, the child's mother, but whom he didn't marry until three years later. Also living there were her mother, Sarah Graham, John C. Cobb whose relationship is unknown, and David Lackman, Sarah's 18-year-old grandson.33
     Caleb and Louisa's relationship seems to have been awkward for the family. A well-researched family history by Caleb's granddaughter-in-law, based on extensive contacts with older family members as well as written sources, states that after his first wife's death he "moved to Dycusburg and married Louisa Long, and had by her one son Gideon. They then moved to Crittenden Furnaces..." The account ignores the fact that this son predated the marriage by seven years, and that they had apparently been living together in Caldwell Co. for some years before the marriage. It also omits mention of their eariler son and their daughter Belle, who was born after the marriage, but who may have died young.34
     Caleb married second Louisa Berry Long, daughter of Griffin Long and Sarah Graham, on 30 Jan 1853 in Crittenden Co., Kentucky, with Collin Hodge officiating.12,13
     Caleb and Louisa appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Dycusburg, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, enumerated 13 Jul 1860, reporting no real estate, but $500 in personal estate. Their children Gideon and Belle were listed as living with them, They were apparently living near his brother Gideon as his household was listed second preceding in the record.35,36

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


     While not as prominent as his father, Caleb did take part in community affairs. His first recorded office was held only briefly, and at the young age of 23. He was appointed Constable on 28 May 1821 in place Samuel C. Clark, who was apparently a relative of his mother, who had resigned. But for reasons not stated, he too resigned less than two months later, on 23 Jul 1821.37
     He clearly had standing in the community despite his young age. He several times acted as security for others. For example on 22 Oct 1821 he was security for the bond of Matthew Lyon Jr. as executor for Aurelea Skinner, Caleb's aunt. On 17 Apr 1826 and again on 19 Apr 1830 he acted as security for his father's bond in connection with the renewal of his tavern license.38 On 20 Feb 1826 he was named one of three commissioners to let bids for building a bridge across Lick Creek on the road from Eddyville to Smithland and Salem, to be "built of wood with stone abutments, in a substantial manner." On 18 Oct 1830 he was appointed one of five commissioners to settle with the administrator of the estate of George Marshall.39
     At the time roads were established and maintained by citizens appointed by the County Court. Caleb was one of five men appointed 16 Apr 1827 to view the road from Eddyville to Walker ferry on Cumberland River, "it being referenced that the road may be changed so as to be of more public convenience." Road viewers recommended the routes of new or relocated roads. On 21 Feb 1831 Caleb was appointed surveyor of the section of the road from Eddyville to Smithland, beginning at a hill about 250 yards from Joshua Hammond's plantation to opposite Hammond's dwelling. A road surveyor was responsible for inspecting roads and arranging repairs by the appointed citizens. Caleb was one of five men appointed 16 Jan 1832 "to view the several roads from Eddyville to Smithland continuing to the county line and report the most convenient of them."40
     After he moved to Dycusburg he continued to serve his community. In 1851 he was appointed as one of five men to view a way for a road to commence at Dycusburg and extend to Clay Lick Creek.41

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

Great Western Furnace - similar to those operated by the Cobb family
photo by authors

     Four of the Cobb brothers, Caleb, Robert, followed by Gideon, and later Giles, were very active in business ventures in Eddyville 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.42
     By 1826 he had formed a partnership with Chittenden Lyon, doing business as Lyon & Cobb.43 By 1829, Caleb and Chittenden had expanded their partnership to include Caleb's younger brother, Robert, now calling the partnership Lyon, Cobb & Co.44,45
     Caleb formed a separate partnership with Willis Benson Machen by late 1833 which appears to have been engaged primarily in the iron business, under the firm name Cobb & Machen.46,47
     It was apparently Caleb who built the Cobb's Crittenden Furnace two miles north of Dycusburg, Crittenden Co., in 1848, and then sold it to Gideon. Caleb continued to be involved as manager of the furnace after he sold it, while Gideon was apparently more involved with other ventures.48,49,50
     For details about all these partnerships, please see The Cobb Brothers in Business.

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.
     Caleb purchased property from his father in 1823, and from Samuel C. Clark, apparently a relative of his mother, the next year. In 1826 he purchased the property where his uncle John Cobb lived.51
     A pair of apparently related suits brought the Cobb brothers, including Caleb, into conflict with their brother-in-law, John Hallick, in 1846.52
     For details about all these family transactions, please see The Cobb Brothers' Transactions with Family.

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


     Caleb's earliest recorded land purchase was in his mid twenties. On 31 Mar 1822, at the age of about 25, he purchased 666 2/3 acres on Livingston Creek, in Livingston Co., from James Fitzhugh for $580.53 However, in 1821 Caleb began declaring as his on the tax rolls a 400-acre parcel on the Cumberland River that had been granted to his father some years before. Dut the deed was apparently not made until 3 Aug 1823, showing that Caleb had paid $160 for it.54,55
     While he was engaged in the various partnerships he continued to deal in real estate outside of them. Records have been found of four purchases by Caleb in Caldwell Co. from 1829 to 1841. Except for one river-front lot in Eddyville, they were tracts of land, totaling about 1400 acres.56 He seems to have taken advantage of bargains when they were available. In 1831 he purchased 200 acres for $20 and in 1832 a lot in Eddyville for $8, both at auctions on the courthouse steps. In each case the property was being sold to satisfy court orders in suits brought to collect debts, in the first case owed to Caleb. In 1841 he obtained 200 acres for $2.37½ owned in back taxes on apparently abandoned property.57
     Apparently at least some of his land holdings were used as mill sites. On 19 May 1828 he obtained a writ of ad quod damnum to build a water grist mill and saw mill on Hammond Creek, about a half mile from its mouth. The process was simplified since he owned the land on both sides of the creek. On 16 Apr 1832 he was granted a writ for similar mills on Livingston Creek, about 50 yards from its mouth. In this case, even though he again owned the land on both sides, he was ordered to pay James Currey seven dollars for unspecified damages.58
     Caleb seems to have decided to dispose of most of his real estate in 1841. On 2 Aug 1841 he sold the bulk of his holdings to his brothers Robert and Gideon and their partner David R. Bell, for the considerable sum of $20,000. The sale included 18 parcels containing over 4,630 acres, mostly in Caldwell Co. but two in Livingston Co.59 No records have been found for the transfer of the slaves engaged with the iron works, but it appears they were also transferred about this time.60,61
     Caleb did sell at least one lot of slaves separately. On 7 Aug 1841 he sold a group of slaves to the father of his late wife, Henry Ballinger Machen, for $4,006. They included a Negro man named Dick, age 26 years; Edey and her two children, Silas a boy about age 11, and Ataeian a girl age 3; Dolly and her three children, John a boy about 4, Rose a girl age 2, Lewis an infant boy about 2 weeks; Nelly and her child Henry age about 6 mo; and a man Anderson age about 35.62
     Even after selling the large number of properties to his brothers, Caleb apparently still has substantial holdings. Between 1842 and 1846 he sold off seven parcels in Caldwell Co. totaling almost 1700 acres, realizing about $3600.63 With his focus shifted to Crittenden Co., he took a bit longer to dispose of his properties there. He sold three parcels between 1847 and 1854, totaling 227 acres, for $575.64 On 26 Apr 1856 Caleb purchased 50 acres in Lyon Co. at the courthouse door for $50, it having been sold to satisfy a suit he had won in Lyon Co. Circuit Court against L. D. Parks. He lost that land when it was sold at the courthouse steps 28 Dec 1857 to satisfy an execution against him in favor of the Planters Bank of Tennessee.65 On 1 Sep 1866 Caleb sold 50 acres in Lyon Co. to William H. Grubbs, for $300.66 (For details of all the records that have been found, see the extracted Caldwell Co. Deeds for Caleb Clark Cobb, Crittenden Co. Deeds and Lyon Co. Deeds for Second Generation Cobbs.)

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


     We do not know how long Caleb continued to participate in the iron business. He reported his occupation in 1850 as iron master, but by 1860, at age 63, he seems to have retired to farming.67,68
     Caleb died on 19 Nov 1867 at Crittenden Furnaces, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, at age 69.14,15,16
     Caleb died intestate (without leaving a will) and letters of administration for his estate were issued on 14 Dec 1867 in Crittenden Co. to Thomas Jefferson Cobb, his son. He posted a bond with his uncle Gideon Dyer Cobb Jr. as surety.69
     An inventory of his estate was filed on 9 Jan 1868 listing furnishings, livestock, and farm produce. His widow, Louisa, took items valued at $534.25, with the balance of the personal property valued at $291.50. Those items were sold the same day, for a total of $181.20, with many of the furnishings being purchased by his widow.70
     The settlement of the estate was filed on 28 Jan 1870. The administrator reported receipts of only the $181 from the sale of personal property, and payment of debts and fees of $208, leaving the estate owing him $27.71
     
Research Note, 22 Oct 2016:
John C. Cobb is listed in the 1850 census as if he was the son of Caleb Clark Cobb, shown as age 13. No son of that name is known, but Caleb and Louisa appear to have had as son Willis Berry Cobb who would have been about that age and who has not been found elsewhere in 1850. This appears to have been him, but why he would have been listed as John C. is a mystery.

Children:
     Children with Mary W. Machen:

Children:
     Children with Louisa Berry Long

According to family documents, supported by their appearance in census records and Gideon's marriage record, Willis and Gideon were sons of Caleb and Louisa even though they were born many years before the parents' marriage. Belle, born after their marriage, also seems to have been their child but based only on her presence in their household in 1860. No further record of Belle has been found to prove or disprove this assumption.83,80,84

Citations

  1. [S2308] Ruth Cobb letter to Irvin S. Cobb, 29 Aug 1931, pg 10, shows name as Caleb Clark Cobb.
  2. [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 Caleb Clark Cobb.
  3. [S732] Caldwell Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, bond of C. C. Cobb and John Long, 2 Dec 1822, shows name as Calab C. Cobb.
  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, 5 Dec 1931, Montrose, Pennsylvania.
  5. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 5.
  6. [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 month and year, stating year is illegible but believed to be 1797 or 1798, in Fairhaven, VT.
  7. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 7, shows town, state, and date, with year as 1797 or 98.
  8. [S578] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, shows age 53, and state, as Vermont.
  9. [S732] Caldwell Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, bond of C. C. Cobb and John Long, 2 Dec 1822, shows intended to be married shortly.
  10. [S870] Cobb, "Jefferson Davis Cobb's family," e-mail to author, 23 Apr 2005, citing letter in 1930's from Ruth, wife of Frank A. Cobb, grandson of Thomas Jefferson Cobb, reporting she said Caleb married twice, first to Mary Machen.
  11. [S2088] Mary W. Cobb grave marker, Eddyville Cemetery, shows her as "consort of C. C. Cobb."
  12. [S873] Crittenden Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, license and return for C. C. Cobb and Miss Louisa B. Long, 26 Jan 1853, shows date and officiant.
  13. [S819] Caleb C. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, shows them apparently living as husband and wife.
  14. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 7, citing "Family Bible," shows date and place.
  15. [S900] Inventory and Sale Books, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, C:77-8, C. C. Cobb Inventory, 13 Jul 1868, shows the appraisers were appointed at the Dec 1867 term of the county court.
  16. [S1691] Louisa Cobb household, 1870 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, he does not appear in the household.
  17. [S2388] Matthew Lyon letter to Jackson, 28 Feb 1800, Lyon says he took with him one of his daughters and her husband, an unmarried daughter, a niece and her husband [Modena and Gideon] and several adventurers, and he intended to later bring his wife and family and others.
  18. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 21, shows his great-grandfather "assembled his brood" in 1799 as part of nine-month trek overland, then by barge from Pittsburgh, by12 families, led by Matthew Lyon.
  19. [S2384] Matthew Lyon letter to Jefferson, 4 Apr 1801, 6th page, shows within a few days he would start for western waters, but expected to be detained a week or two at N Genevea before proceeding to the Cumberland River.
  20. [S2308] Ruth Cobb letter to Irvin S. Cobb, 29 Aug 1931, pg 18, citing a story handed down in the family.
  21. [S583] Cobb & Clarke household, 1810 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
  22. [S826] Lyon letter to Witherell, 5 Apr 1828, shows that Samuel C. Clark was living with G. D. Cobb in 1828.
  23. [S576] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1820 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
  24. [S577] C. C. Cobb household, 1830 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
  25. [S2088] Mary W. Cobb grave marker, Eddyville Cemetery, shows date.
  26. [S2303] Kilbury-Cobb, "RE: Cobb Ancestry," e-mail to author, 15 Jun 2001, shows date.
  27. [S574] C. C. Cobb household, 1840 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows no white women in the household.
  28. [S574] C. C. Cobb household, 1840 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
  29. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, H:350-1, Isaac Mills & wife Maria to Caleb C. Cobb dated 15 Jul 1836; H:284, Sally Long to same dated 26 Oct 1836; and H:284-5, Louisa Long to same dated 26 Oct 1836.
  30. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, K:247, Caleb C Cobb to Daniel Jarrett, 16 Sep 1841; K:249-52, C. C. Cobb to Robt. L. Cobb, David R Bell & Gideon D. Cobb dated 2 Aug 1841, item No. 14; K248, Caleb C. Cobb to Louisa Long, dated 9 Aug 1841; and O:143-4, John Ball & wife Eliza and William Snow & wife Malvilla to Thomas Long dated 9 May 1836, assigned to assigned to Caleb C. Cobb 8 Dec 1843.
  31. [S578] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky.
  32. [S1681] Gideon D. Cobb, owner, 1850 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, slave schedule.
  33. [S1829] Clark C. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky.
  34. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 7.
  35. [S819] Caleb C. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky.
  36. [S1697] Gideon D. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, is listed with only one household between his and his brother's.
  37. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, C:291, appointment; C:312, resignation.
  38. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, C:328; bond of Matthew Lyon Jr.; D:226, 1826 tavern bond; and E1:55, 1830 tavern bond.
  39. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, D:219-20; bridge commissioner; E1:81, estate of George Marshall.
  40. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, D:300, 1826 appointment; E1:106, 1831 appointment; and E1:170, 1832 appointment.
  41. [S3066] Patton, "Court Order Book Paints Picture", citing pg 419.
  42. [S1977] Cobb, Exit Laughing, pg 25, citing ledger and day books of the business, shows Robert taken into the business at age 21.
  43. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, E:141-2, Thomas Gordon & wife Elizabeth W. to Chittenden Lyon & Caleb C. Cobb dated 11 Nov 1826 $500 for lot 13 and part of lot 12 in Eddyville; E:351-3, James L Dallam, commissioner in chancery to same dated 21 Mar 1828, land on Lick Creek in settlement of order of Circuit Court in Sep 1827 term; E:355-7, same to same dated 20 Jun 1828, two tracks on Lick Creek in settlement of order in same court Mar 1827 term; F:126, Chittenden Lyon & Caleb C. Cobb to Cader Harrel dated 12 Nov 1829, #360 for 360 ac. on Lick Creek; G:335, Chittenden Lyon & Caleb C. Cobb to James N. Gracey dated 16 Nov 1833, #359 for lot #13 in Eddyville; and K:63, Caleb C. Cobb to Frederich H. Skinner, $100 for ½ interest in part of lot #12 in Eddyville, on which Skinner and Lyon had erected a large brick building.
  44. [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.
  45. [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.
  46. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, G:233-4, Spallswood D. Crewshaw to Caleb C. Cobb & Willis B Machen dated 27 Sep 1833, $250 for 1000 ac. on Livingston Ck.; H:317-8, A. Harpending to Caleb C. Cobb & Willis B. Machen "under the firm of Cobb & Machen" dated 16 Jan 1837, $500 for 517 ac. in Livingston Co. on Livingston Ck.; and K:249-51, C. C. Cobb to Robt L. Cobb, David R. Bell & Gideon D. Cobb dated 2 Aug 1841, item #16, 666 2/3 ac. in Livingston Co. on Livingston Ck. "...whereupon Livington Forge were erected..."
  47. [S49] Freeman, Family File "David and Deborah.GED," 31 Jul 1998, reports Battle, Perrin & Kniffin, Kentucky: A History of the State 2nd ed., (Caldwell Co.: 1885) shows Machen was engaged in the manufacture of iron with Caleb in Livingston Co. for seven years before entering the mercantile business in 1838.
  48. [S1999] Lesley, The Iron Manufacturer's Guide, pg 128, shows "Crittenden Steam Cold-blast Charcoal Furnace" owned by G. D. Cobb and managed by C. C. Cobb, year built, and location, as 2 miles west of Dycusburg.
  49. [S849] "Kentucky Historical Marker Database," , Marker Number 1210, 2½ miles north of Dycusburg, viewed Jun 2005, describes Crittenden Furnace, shows location as one mile west of marker.
  50. [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.
  51. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, D:233, Samuel C. Clark to Caleb C. Cobb, 7 Jul 1824; D:234, Gideon D. Cobb to Caleb C. Cobb, 1 Jul 1824; and G:16, John Bradley, Sheriff to same dated 16 Apr 1832, $12 for 29 ac. where John Cobb lived, sold in settlement of suit decided by Circuit Court in favor of Peter Purtte against John Cobb & G. D. Cobb for $110, interest, and costs of $10.24½.
  52. [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.
  53. [S2077] Deeds, Livingston Co., Kentucky, AA:4-5, James Fitzhugh to Caleb C. Cobb dated 31 Mar 1822, 666 2/3 ac. for $580.
  54. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, D:234, Gideon D. Cobb to Caleb C. Cobb, 1 Jul 1824.
  55. [S4057] Caldwell Co. tax lists,, 1821, pg 10; 1822, pg 5, et seq.
  56. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, F:174-5, Minerva Catlett executrix for Hanson Catlett to Caleb C. Cobb dated 28 Nov 1829, $26 for lot in Eddyville; F:269-70, James Loftus executor for George Loftus to same dated 8 Jan 1830, $25 for 500 ac.; G:334-5, Thomas Gregory to same dated 9 Feb 1834, $75 for 199 ac. on Lick Ck.; K:238, James Tull to Caleb C. Cobb dated 2 Aug 1841, $600 for 200 ac. on Cumberland River; and K:362-3, Charles M. to Smith to C. C. Cobb dated 27 Sep 1841, $500 for 375 ac. on Livingston Ck.
  57. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, F:379, William D. Stewart, deputy sheriff to Caleb C. Cobb dated 5 Jul 1831, $20 for 200 ac. on Tennessee River, sold in settlement of Circuit Court order granting Cobb $92.14 damages and $8.43 costs; F:543, William D Stewart, deputy sheriff to same dated 21 May 1832, $8 for lot #46 in Eddyville, in settlement of Circuit Court decision in favor of Allen Pearce against the owner for $343.15 debt and $9.38 costs; and K:266, Charles B. Dallam, agent of forfeited lands to Clark C. Cobb dated 30 Aug 1841, $2.37½ taxes due for 200 ac. apparently abandoned.
  58. [S1971] Caldwell Co. Order Book, D:377, Hammond Ck. mill; E1:177-8, write for Livingston Ck. mill; and E1:192-3, jury's report.
  59. [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 , item No. 1, 556 ac. on Cumberland River adjoining Town of Eddyville; No. 2, 444 ac. on the Cumberland River adjoining the above, excepting 31 ac. belonging to Eddyville Furnace; No. 3, 100 ac. on waters of Eddy Ck.; No. 4, one moiety or equal half of undivided survey of 1000 ac. on Livingston Ck.; No 5, 150 ac. on waters of Lick & Eddy Cks.; No 6 50 ac. on both sides of Spring Ck.; No. 7, 190 ac. on waters of Poplar Ck.; No. 8, 219 ac.; No. 9, 111 ac.; No. 10, 200 ac. on Spring & Crab Cks.; No. 11, 200 ac. on Spring & Crab Cks.; No. 12, one moiety of undivided survey of 1000 ac. on Goose (now Livingston) Ck.; No. 13, 72½ ac. on Knob & Hammond Cks. adjoining Eddyville Furnace; No. 14, 200 ac., one moiety of 400 ac. on Spring Ck. a branch of Livingston Ck.; No. 15, 50 ac. & house on Skinfame Ck.; No. 16, 666 2/3 ac. in Livingston Co. on Livingston Ck., where Livingston Forge erected; No. 17, 291 ac., part of 517 ac. tract in Livingston Co. on Livingston Ck.; and No. 18, 200 ac. on Tennessee River opposite Long Island.
  60. [S574] C. C. Cobb household, 1840 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows 8 persons employed in mining and 6 in manufacturing. This would appear to count only the white males, of which there are 8 over age 15 (probably including Gideon), counting 6 of them for both occupations. It apparently does not count the slaves, of which there were 38 males over age 24, and other 16 between10 and 24.
  61. [S1681] Gideon D. Cobb, owner, 1850 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, slave schedule, shows he owned 53 male slaves.
  62. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, K:437, Caleb C. Cobb to Henry Machen.
  63. [S1975] Deeds, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, K:438-9, Caleb C. Cobb & Willis B. Machen to Terry D. King dated 1 Jan 1842, 1000 ac. on Eddy Ck. for $1200; K:375, Caleb C. Cobb to Samuel P. Glenn dated Feb 1842, 12½ ac. on Crab Ck. for $17; K:504-6-5, same to Celia Prince dated 20 Apr 1842, 50 ac. on Crab Ck. for $200; K:505-6, same to Andrew C. Glenn dated 13 Jun 1842, 60 ac. for $180; L:57-8, same to Samuel Williams dated 7 Sep 1842, 250 ac. on Crab Ck. for $1000; L:387-8, same to John Victor dated 8 Jul 1844, 100 ac. on Spring Ck. for $400; and M:417-8, same to Robert L. Cobb & G. D. Cobb dated 29 Jun 1846, 200 ac. on Flat Ck. for $600.
  64. [S2793] Deeds, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, B:83, C. C. Cobb to Preston Sodwick, 16¾ ac. on the Cumberland River adjoining Dycusburgh, 23 Nov 1847; B:896-7 Caleb C. Cobb to Mrs. Esther Crouch, 110 ac. in on Cumberland River, 17 Dec 1851; and C:457, C. C. Cobb to Andrew Martin, 100 ac. beginning on a walnut on bank of Livingston Ck., 21 Feb 1854.
  65. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, A:566-7, William G. Kilgore, commissioner, to Caleb C. Cobb, 26 Jul 1858; and B:62-3, M. M. Lyon, sheriff, to P. D. Beiser, 23 Mar 1859.
  66. [S3152] Deeds, Lyon Co., Kentucky, C:192-3, Caleb C. Cobb & wife to William H. Grubbs, 28 Sep 1866.
  67. [S1829] Clark C. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows Caleb's occupation as iron master.
  68. [S819] Caleb C. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, shows Caleb's occupation as farmer and a word that seems to be rentor, although the first two letters are less than clear.
  69. [S7245] Administrator, Executor and Curator Bonds, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, 1865-1876:36.
  70. [S900] Inventory and Sale Books, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, C:77-8, C. C. Cobb Inventory and account of sale, 13 Jul 1868.
  71. [S7246] Settlements, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, 1:614-5.
  72. [S2093] Mary Jane & Modena Ann Cobb grave marker, Eddyville Cemetery, shows "daughters of Caleb C. and Mary W. Cobb."
  73. [S2303] Kilbury-Cobb, "RE: Cobb Ancestry," e-mail to author, 15 Jun 2001.
  74. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 8.
  75. [S732] Caldwell Co. Marriage Records, loose papers, consent of C. C. Cobb to marriage of Robt. Garrett and Mary Elen Cobb, 10 Feb 1854, describes her as "my daughter."
  76. [S2308] Ruth Cobb letter to Irvin S. Cobb, 29 Aug 1931, pg 11.
  77. [S1825] Henry Machen household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows Ellen in the household of of Mary's parents, at an age suggesting that Mary may have died at her birth.
  78. [S7222] Alfred Albert Cobb, family history notes, Gideon Berry Cobb family notes.
  79. [S3399] Gideon B. Cobb and Sarah M McElevy, Return of Marriage to County Clerk.
  80. [S2529] Ruth Garrett Cobb, "Cobb-Garrett Family History", pg 7, shows Caleb married Louisa and by her had one son, Gideon.
  81. [S1829] Clark C. Cobb household, 1850 U.S. Census, Caldwell Co., Kentucky, shows them apparently living as parent and child.
  82. [S819] Caleb C. Cobb household, 1860 U.S. Census, Crittenden Co., Kentucky, shows them apparently living as parent and child.
  83. [S7222] Alfred Albert Cobb, family history notes, Gideon Berry Cobb family notes, shows Willis and Gideon as sons of Caleb and Louisa.
  84. [S3399] Gideon B. Cobb and Sarah M McElevy, Return of Marriage to County Clerk, shows C. C. Cobb and Lousia Long as his parents.