Note: Samuel and Edith Marot Cobbs had one of the most easily documented lives together, primarily due to the fact that they settled in one place and remained there while earning a position of prominence in the community. They married in Williamsburg, York County, in 1717. Two years later, in partnership with his father-in-law, Jean Marot, and a man named Hubbard, Samuel obtained a license to operate an "ordinary" (a public house; an inn), in the City of Williamsburg. This establishment was operated primarily by Marot; and upon his death, passed into the hands of his daughter Anne, wife of James Shields. Shields Tavern is today operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and is recognized as serving an authentic colonial-period quisine.

While still living in Williamsburg, Samuel received a patent for some 2120 acres of land in Prince George (later to become Amelia) County, between Knibbs Creek and Flat Creek. On this land he and Edith built 'Huntington' and remained there the rest of their lives. In later years, Samuel dedicated a plot of ground there for what became known as Huntington Church. During the 19th century, this same property changed hands, becoming the plantation of Peter Field Archer, who renamed it 'Oak Shade'. It is located about five miles northwest of Amelia Court House, near present Truxillo, Virginia. By the time of his death in 1757, Samuel had accumulated several tracts of land amounting to about 6400 acres, in Amelia County.

In 1735, Amelia County was formed from Prince George County. Samuel Cobbs was appointed the first County Court Clerk, and he remained a public figure the rest of his life. In 1741, he was authorized to build an 'ordinary' (tavern) at the crossroads near his house. He maintained an office there as well as at Amelia, thus the location eventually became known as Office-Tavern Post Office, and a small community grew up around it. In 1742, Samuel was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, a post he continually held until 1749. In1737, he was commissioned a Colonel of the Virginia Militia. He furnished arms, bayonets, and swords to the troops of Colonel George Washington's regiment, at his own expense. He was survived by his wife, two sons and six daughters. He is buried at Huntington.