"sanguine vita" Down through the ages our surname has had numerous variations in spelling. My grandfather told me one story that his grandfather decided there were more than one Cobb so the name should have an "s" added to make it plural. We will follow Mike Cobb's format:

• The early British born generations are spelled COBBES.
  
• The early American born generations are spelled COBBS.
  
• The modern international spelling is COBB unless otherwise noted, as several branches of the family, including ours, still spell the name COBBS.

We want to recognize the efforts of Mike Cobbs and all the File Managers of the Cobb and Cobbs site, without whose effort very little would be known about our family and its history. Mike connected with Alexander Robert Cobb, the grandson of Robert Stanley Cobb, who provided his grandfather's genealogical work on the Cobb history in Britain. We have borrowed much from these works to make our files here for you to use. We strongly recommend that you visit Cobb and Cobbs to see the whole story. The first Cobb from County Kent, England, to be recorded in the College of Heralds was the man known to genealogists as John Cobb of Kent (c1324). His American descendants are all from the line of Ambrose Cobb, who arrived in Virginia, in 1635. Researchers have been trying for generations to identify John’s father. Although the most likely answer has been known for almost a decade, a challenge has been presented within the last two years. On the one hand is the claim that John’s father was one Walter Cobbe. On the other hand we have a claim that John’s father was a man named Henry Cobb. Read more about The Hoax. We have the work done by Robert Stanley Cobbs, MC, FRIBA, who in the 1950's began to research the Cobbs in Kent, England. He published this work for his family, not intending it to be a source document for others but, it is a great reference for those descended from Ambrose Cobbs here in the United States. You can begin your search with the Cobbs of Kent or start with the Ambrose "the Emigrant".

First Generation

1. Henry COBBES.
   

We know little about Henry, except that in 1258 he acquired land in the parish of Hope, St. Mary (in the Marsh), New Romney and Newchurch. In 1265, he obtained the property of Richard Organistre which he joined to his own property. In 1324, the former Organistre property was the home of his only known child, son John. The name of Henry's wife is lost. Henry COBBES had the following children:

+2i.              John COBBES Esquire (of Kent).

Second Generation

2. John COBBES Esquire (of Kent) (Henry-1).
   

John Cobbs of Kent is the earliest documented progenitor of our Cobb family, meaning only that he was the first to be recorded in the College of Heralds. We do not know when John was born; but by 1324, he had acquired possession of the former property of Richard Organistre. It was located about a quarter of a mile north of St. Peter and St. Paul Church at Newchurch. This manor became known as Cobbs Place (a name that remained in use until the late 1700's) and remained in the family until the death of Alice Cobbe, then Lady Cobham, in the reign of Elizabeth I, when it passed to the Cobhams and was sold and later demolished.

John was still living at Cobbe's Place in the 17th year of the reign of King Edward II. During his life he was awarded the title of Esquire, for having performed some unidentified service to the Crown. This title continued to be born by several generations of his direct male descendants. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known that he had at least one son, Richard.

+3i.              Richard COBBES Esquire (born before 1326).

Third Generation

3. Richard COBBES Esquire (John-2, Henry-1) was born before 1326 in Cobbs Court, Romney, Kent.
   

More specifically, Richard was born during the first quarter of the 14th century. He was living in 1337. Richard also carried the title of Esquire (by the right of his father), and was still living at Cobbs Court in 1338; the 11th year of the reign of King Edward III. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known he had at least one son, Edward.

+4i.           Edward (Edmund) COBBES Esquire (born in 1387).

Fourth Generation

4. Edward (Edmund) COBBES Esquire (Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1387 in Cobbs Court Romney, Kent. The names Edward and Edmund were used interchangeably in early England.
   

During his life, Edward continued to carry the title of Esquire, by the right of his father. He was still living at Cobbs Court in the 10th year of the reign of King Richard II. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known he had at least two sons, Edmund and Richard.

+5i.           Edmund (Edward) COBBES Esquire.
6ii.           Richard COBBES was born. It appears Richard held an official position in the Corporation of Romney, probably that of Justice of the Peace or Chamberlain.

Fifth Generation

5. Edmund (Edward) COBBES Esquire (Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was living in 1417.

Edmund was still living at Cobbs Court in the 5th year of the reign of King Henry V. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known he had at least two sons, John and Thomas.

+7i.              John ("the Advocante") COBBES (of Newchurch).
+8ii.              Thomas COBBES (of Reculver).

Sixth Generation

7. John ("the Advocante") COBBES (of Newchurch) (Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) signed a will on 14 October 1472. He died on 16 October 1472 in Chislete, Reculver, Kent, England. He was born in Cobbs Court, Romney Kent.

There are many references to John, the advocante, in the records of the Corporation of New Romney. "He was a young man at the time when Joan d'Arc was burnt in 1431, and judging by his own unhealthy fear of purgatory, which he exposes in his will, he would have found no alternative to death by burning for the good of her soul and for his own conscience." The Records of the Corporation show the activities of John from 1456 to 1466.

The oldest son and heir of Edmund Cobbs, his was the right to continue carrying the title Esquire. At the time of his death in 1472, he held considerable property and land on the Marshes and owned not only Cobbes Place in Newchurch, but the Manor and lands at Bonnington, the Manor of Camerston, the Manor of Organers and Goddy Hall, which according to the records of All Souls, Oxford, lies between Millebergh and Bensqukescroche, and a house called Breggis in Wheystreet. His will, which was written a month before his death, was proved on 17th November, 1472.

He was still living at Cobbes Place (Court) when he made his Will in the 12th year of the reign of King Edward IV, and died there that same year. In his Will, he named his wife Dionicia and his three sons John, William, and Thomas. He further requested that his body be buried in the Chapel of St. Michael's Church.

(Extract) WILLS FROM THE CLOSE ROLLS.-III. Cobbe, John, of co. Kent. 14 October, 12 Edw. IV. [1472].

"To Dionyse my wife, the manor of BoDyngton for lite, &c, and two acres in Bonington, held by her mother for life.

To William my SON, the principal tenement that I live in, save to my wife the chamber that I lie in myself, with the dorter, while she abideth in the same.

To Edward my SON, a manor or tenement called Organers.

To John my SON, a tenement called Breggys in Whitestrtte.

To Thomas my son, 43 acres called Brodewater, &c.

[All with remainder to son William.]

Lands to pass to my sons Edward and Roger after death of testator and Dionyse, with reminder to three daughters of said Dionyse.

Bequests to church, poor, mending of foul ways, and marriage of poor maidens. "If the livelode will not stretch thereto, then to find fewer priests [for masses] ; and the remanent above the said preestys fyndyng to be employed to relief of poor parishioners," and reparation of church. Tea marks to each daughter of Dionyse.

The entry proceeds to state that the said John Cobbe, the testator, died Friday before St, Luke. 12 Edw. IV. [16 October, 1472]."

John married Dionicia BONNINGTON before 1436 and had the following children:

9i.              John COBBES was born in 1436 in Cobbs Court, Romney Kent. The oldest son and heir, he died unmarried and without issue.

+10ii.              William COBBES (born in 1442).

+11iii.              Thomas COBBES (born in 1448).

12iv.              Edward COBBES was born in 1450. Named in his father's Will of October 1472, he inherited Cobbe's Place.

13v.              Crystin COBBES was living and as yet apparently unmarried when her father made his Will in October 1472.

8. Thomas COBBES (of Reculver) (Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died in 1441 in Chislete, Reculver, Kent, England. He died in the 19th year of the reign of King Henry VI. He was born in Cobbs Court, Romney, Kent.

Thomas, the younger brother of John, the "Advocante" left the Romney Marsh in the middle of the 15th century and settled in the neighborhood of Reculver, where his descendants remained for two hundred years before returning to Romney in about 1676.

It is recorded that he sold his brother John all his interest in a field called Cobbs Close, in the 14th year of the reign of Henry 6th. It is believed he moved to Chislete, Parish of Reculver, at this time. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known he had at least one son, John.

+14i.           John COBBES.

Seventh Generation

10. William COBBES (John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1442. He signed a will on 2 March 1500. He died in 1506.

He was thirty years old when his father died in 1472, and shared Gavelkind with his brothers Thomas and Edward from their father's estate. In 1480, he was appointed Bailiff of New Romney. He was heir to his oldest brother John who died unmarried and without issue. William COBBES married Alice CATTS and had the following children:

+15i.       Robert COBBES.

16 ii.           Gervase COBBES died in 1512. He was named as a beneficiary of his brother Robert's Will which was proved on February 11, 1509. Being the eldest son of William and Alice, he inherited Cobbes Court from his father. However, since he died without issue, the manor was passed to his brother George who in turn possessed it until his own death in 1515.

+17iii.           Edward COBBES.

18iv.           George COBBES died in 1515 in Ivychurch, Kent. His Will is now found at Maidstone. He was named as a beneficiary of his brother Robert's Will which was proved February 11, 1509.

11. Thomas COBBES (John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1448 in Cobbs Court, Romney, Kent. He was living and named in his father's Will of October 1472. Per the Kentish custom of Gavelkind, he received an equal share of the lands that had belonged to his father. The name of his wife is lost, but it is known he had at least one son, Thomas.

+19i.      Thomas COBBES (of Aldington).

14. John COBBES (Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died on 22 April 1482 in Reculver Parish, Kent.

He was the only known son of Thomas Cobb of Reculver and was probably born at Chislete. He made his Will August 21, 1445, in which he requested one John Yong (sic) and William Allen to sell enough of his lands to pay his debts, and to Alice his wife, a piece of land called Towne (Pece) (sic) in Reculver. It is known he had two children, but only one is known, his son Thomas. John COBBES married Alice LNU (COBBES). John and Alice had the following children:

+20i.          Thomas COBBES.

Eighth Generation

15. Robert COBBES (William-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) signed a will on 20 November 1508. He died before 11 February 1509 in Newchurch, Kent, England.

Extract of the Last Will & Testament of Robert Cobbes.

"Robert Cobbes of Newchurche, Gent. 20 Sept 1508. To be buried in the church bifore the highe crosse. To the making of a silver crosse in Newchurche aforesaid 100s if the parisshens there ordeyne & bye the same to the value of 20 marcs. To the Crosse light in Newchurche 3s 4d. To the brotherhed of Or Lady there a Kowe yf the brethern & sustern will putt ther money of the same broderyeld into a stokke for to encreasse. To the herse light 20d. An honest preest to syng by the space of oon hole yere in the chapell of Seynt Thomas in Newchurche, 10 marcs.

To Elizabeth my doughter to hir marige 40 marcs. If she dye then between Benett my wif & Thomas Cobbes my son.

 

To William Cobbes my son £20 when 22 & a pece of silver called a bolle pece, a salte of silver wt a couering parcell gilte & 6 silver sponys wt knopps of wodwoses gilte which pecs my saltes & sponys I will shall remayn in the custody of the forsed Benett during the terme of her life.

 

To Thomas Cobbes my son £20 when 22 and another bolle pece of silver, a salte of silver wt a couering parcell gilte & 6 spones of silver knopped wh Postells gilte.

 

To Elizabeth my doughter a pece of silver parcell gilte, a salte of silver parcell gilte, the better of two wtoute covering & a doseyn sponys of silver a gyrdell harneysed wt a demysent of silver & overgilte, a payre of beds of corall gawded wt stones of silver gilte and a ryng of golde callid an hopryng.

 

To Sr Laurence Snelle, chanon of Bylsington 10s.

 

To Dame Anne of the Mynster of Shepey doughter of Benett my wif 40s.

 

To every of my household servants 3s 4d. To Laurence Hunte 3s 4d.

 

To George Cobbes my broder my blakke gowne furred wt blakke booge.

 

To Gerveys Cobbes my broder my russet gowne furred wt foxe.

 

To Edward Cobbes my broder my tawney gowne furred wt shanks.

 

To Edward Brekhell broder to Benett my wif 20s. Residue to Benett my wif, executrix.

 

Proved 11 Feb 1509 by executrix."

Robert COBBES married Benett BREKHELL. She was named the Executrix of her husband's Will which was proved on February 11, 1509. Robert and Benett had the following children:

21i.      Elizabeth COBBES was living and named as a beneficiary of her father's Will which was proved on February 11, 1509. From the wording of this instrument one gets the impression she was married but her married name is not given.

22ii.      William COBBES was born after 1486. He was referred to as being under 22 years of age in his father's Will of September 20, 1508.

23iii.     Thomas COBBES was born after 1486. He was referred to as being under 22 years of age in his father's Will of September 20, 1508.

17. Edward COBBES (William-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died in 1579 in Cobbs Court, Romney, Kent.

He lived at Cobbe's Place at Newchurch until his death. The property then passed to his only daughter Alice who was born about 1524. He was named as a beneficiary of his brother Robert's Will which was proved on February 11, 1509. Edward COBBES married a Miss CATESBY and had the following children:

+24i.       Alice COBBES (born about 1524).

19. Thomas COBBES (of Aldington) (Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died before June 1528. This was the date his Will was proved.

Thomas built himself a new house in Aldington, known to this day as Cobbe's Hall and it was here that Elizabeth Barton, the Maid of Kent, served as a scullery maid.

In his will, which was proved in June 1528, Thomas left his wife Joan only a pittance saying: "I will that if my wife is not contented with this portion and vex the executors she shall lose, and not have anything." In his will he made gifts to the Church at Aldington and Newchurch. Thomas left four sons, James of Aldington, Richard of Bilsington and Martin, whose son Thomas went to Chilham. Thomas COBBES married Joan LNU (COBBES) and had the following children:

+25i.       James ("of Aldington") COBBES.

26ii.       Thomas COBBES was born. The well known family of Cobbs living at Mockbeggar near Rochester are said to be his descendants.

+27iii.       Richard COBBES (of Bilsington).

+28iv.       Martin COBBES (of Chilham).

20. Thomas COBBES (John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3,John-2, Henry-1) lived in Chislete, Reculver, >Kent, England.

Thomas COBBES married Alice LNU (COBBES) before 1480 and died after 1482. Thomas and Alice had the following children:

+29i.       Alexander COBBES (born about 1480).

+30ii.       John COBBES (of Faversham) (born about 1482).

31iii.       Edward COBBES was born after 1482 in Kent.

Ninth Generation

24. Alice COBBES (Edward-8, William-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born about 1524 in Cobbs Court, Romney, Kent. She inherited Cobbes Court from her father.

From Hasted’s “History of Kent” (1788): “The land on which Cobbes Place stood is known, to this day, by the name of "Cobbe's Place", and was originally acquired from the Fitzbriand family in about 1305. The Manor remained in the Cobbe family until the death of Alice Cobbe, then Lady Cobham, in the reign of Elizabeth I, when it passed to the Cobhams and was sold and later demolished

Alice COBBES married first Lord John NORTON who was also known as Sir John NORTON (of Northwood).

Alice COBBES married second Lord John COBHAM who was born on 22 April 1534. He died on 25 September 1594. Lord John Cobham (alias Brooke) was the son of George Lord Cobham. John Cobham was a Member of Parliament and a favourite at Court. In Cobham Church there is an effigy of him bearing his arms impailed with the Cobbe arms, viz: argent, a chevron between three cocks. He was buried with Alice at Newington Church.

The following is taken from Archaelogia Contiana. Vol. 12, page 139.

"Lord John Cobham (alias Brooke) was born 22nd April 1534, his education was under the care of Martin Bucer who, in a letter from Strasburg in May 1548 speaks highly of his abilities and attainments. He distinguished himself as a soldier in the wars of the Low Countries in a struggle for civil and religious liberty. But we have complaints of him, William Prince of Orange writes to Elizabeth March in 1560/7 concerning his elopement from the island of Walcheron with one Lucretia de Affelate, a lady under the special probation of the Queen, who was therefore much offended by this affair. Later we hear that John Brocke Captain in Her Majesty's service keeps the whole pay of her soldiers from them and that Brocke has gotten Mr. Norton Green, a Roman Catholic, guilty of no other crime than disobedience to her majesty in not going to Church, from whom he means to squeese 2,000 marks before he shall be at liberty. Afterwards we find him in his own country aiding in the preparations against the Armada and a possible landing of the Duke of Parma.

 

In May 1584 John Cobham is named amongst the commoners as the Master in the County of Kent, He married Alice, daughter and heir of Edward Cobbe Esq., widow of Sir John Norton or Northwood, Knight. He died in September 25th 1594 - buried at Newington Church where there is a, fine monument in alabaster erected to his memory by his nephews William and George representing him in armour, kneeling within a niche. Lady Norton was also buried here where still remains a brass representing her sons by her side and a rhyming which speaks of her as John Cobham's late and loving wife."

25. James ("of Aldington") COBBES (Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) married Johanna LNU (COBBES) and had the following children:

+32i.               James COBBES.

27. Richard COBBES (of Bilsington) (Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) married Elizabeth SCOTT.

28. Martin COBBES (of Chilham) (Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died in 1551. Martin married a Miss CRESSY and had the following children:

+33i.               Thomas COBBES (born between 1551 and 1554).

+34ii.            Anne COBBES.

29. Alexander COBBES (Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born about 1480 in Chislete, Reculver, Kent, England. He signed a will on 7 April 1541. He died before 31 May 1541. His Will was probated on that date, indicating he had passed since signing it on April 7.

Alexander, lived at Reculver, and his inheritance and ability brought him considerable property. At the time of his death in 1541, he owned lands which extended from Reculver to Herne, Whitstable, Swaycliffe and Sturry near Canterbury, which is called Rashbourn. His mansion as he describes it, lay between Reculver and Hillborough and was called Bishopston.

The following is taken from Hasted's History of Kent: "The parish of Reculver is low, marshy land, excepting towards the west, where May Street and the hamlet of Holsborough stand, the latter in the road towards Hoath and Canterbury and a little northward from it, near the sea, Bishopstone, once accounted a manor, which for many years was the seat and property of the family Cobbe who resided here until the latter end of the last century (1676). Alexander Cobbe of Reculver died possessed of it in 1541 and divided his mansion of Bishopston with its lands, and those at Old Hevyn to his son Robert whose descendant Henry died seised of it in 1618. There is an entry of this branch of the Cobbe family who lie buried in this Church in the Heralds Office book D 18, folio 144 b."

Extract of Last Will & Testament of Alexander Cobbes. "ALEXANDER COBBE, yeoman.

 

7 April 1541. Buried beside the Palm cross in the churchyard of Reculver. At my burial in dirige and masses for my soul and to poor people, 100s.

 

Son Richard have 150 wethers, 100 ewes, when he is twenty-one.

 

Daughters Margaret, Cristen, Agnes and Frideswide, £20 each at their marriage, but if any daughter die, then Thomsine my wife have £5 to her own use, and £5 among the others.

 

To every child of my daughter Sawkyn, and of my daughter Knoller, 4 ewes each.

 

Residue of goods to wife Thomsine my ex'or.

 

That my mansion house called Bishopston with all its appurtenances and lands, also four acres of land at Rushbourne yeate (sic), four acres at Holt Hill, a piece called Town-piece, three acres in a close called Ewellscroft, two acres at Little Blakesham, one acre at Taylerscroft, one acre and a rood at the Crokydtree, all my lands and tenements at Old Hevyn, and all lands in Well-lease otherwise Bogywell, with their ppurtenances to son Richard and his heirs.

 

To my Sons Richard and Alexander, as much land in Rushbourne Marsh as will keep and feed yearly 150 sheep.

 

The tenement called Danys in Herne and all lands, etc., thereto in Reculver, with all my other lands and tenements in Herne, to son Michell and his heirs; also as much land in Rushbourne Marsh as will keep and feed yearly 50 sheep.

 

My tenement at Helbrough and other lands in Reculver to son Alexander, also all my land at Rushbourne in Sturrey.

 

Sons Michael and Alexander have all my lands and tenements in Whitstaple (sic) and Swayclif, and to their heirs.

 

That wife Thomasine have all my lands and tenements and the profits therefrom to her own use, until sons be of full age of twenty-one years, and as every son comes to that age to have his share and pay to his mother 40s. yearly.

 

Witnesses: Sir Alexander Bullok, clerk, Robert Seeth, John Cobbe, William Paramore. Probate 31 May 1541.”

Alexander COBBES and Thomasyn DEATH were married before 1520. She was the daughter of John DEATH of Hearne, Kent. She was living in 1581 in Reculver Parish, Kent. She was named as Executrix of her husband's Will in 1541. Alexander COBBES and Thomasyn DEATH had the following children:

+35i.          Alexander COBBES (born before 1520).

+36ii.          Michael COBBES (born before 1520).

37iii.          Sawkyn COBBES was living in 1541. The spelling of her name is taken directly from her father's Will of 1541. The wording of the instrument lends the impression she was already married by that time.

38iv.          Knoller COBBES was living in 1541. The spelling of her name is taken directly from her father's Will of 1541. The wording of the instrument lends the impression she was already married by that time.

+39v.          Richard COBBES (born after 1520).

40vi.          Margaret COBBES was living and named as a beneficiary of her father's Will of 1541.

41vii.          Cristen COBBES was living and named as a beneficiary of her father's Will of 1541.

42viii.          Agnes COBBES was living and named as a beneficiary of her father's Will of 1541.

43ix.          Frideswide COBBES was living and named as a beneficiary of her father's Will of 1541.

30. John COBBES (of Faversham) (Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born about 1482 in Chislete, Reculver Kent, England. He was living in 1510. He was named in the Will of his mother in law Isabelle HAWLETT. Although he relocated to Faversham, he retained control of the home at Eastleigh Court, until he gave it to his son Thomas.

John married Rose HAWLETT before 1510. She was the daughter of Nicholas and Isabelle HAWLETT and was specifically named in her mother’s Will as the wife of John Cobbes.

The number of children actually produced from this marriage is difficult to determine. The only reference available is the Last Will & Testament of Isabelle HAWLETT, mother of Rose. Only two children; John "the younger" and Alice are specifically named. However the Will also states, "every daughter of John Cobb" was to receive an inheritance. John and Rose had the following known children:

44i.          Alice COBBES was born before 1510. She was named as a beneficiary in the Will of her grandmother Isabelle HAWLETT.

45ii.          John COBBES was born before 1510. He was named as a beneficiary in the Will of his grandmother Isabelle HAWLETT. +46iii.          Thomas COBBES was not yet born when his grandmother Isabelle HAWLETT made her Will in 1510.

Tenth Generation

32. James COBBES (James-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) died in 1587. James COBBES married. Edith SMITH and had the following children:

+47i.          William COBBES.

33. Thomas COBBES (Martin-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born between 1551 and 1554. He died in 1627 in Chilham, Kent, England. Both he and his wife are buried at Chilham and their memorial stones show the Cobb arms.

Thomas became the owner of his wife’s (Payne) estate which remained in his family from about 1575 until 1712 when it was sold to Thomas Belke. Thomas also inherited the lands at Bislington from his father. They had been owned by his uncle, Richard, who died in 1557.

Thomas married Mary PAYNE. She was the daughter and heiress of William Payne of the Manor of Northbrookes, at Oldwood Lees, sometimes called Old Wives Lees or Old Lees, about a mile east of Chilham, which is six miles west of Canterbury. She is buried at Chilham with her husband. Thomas and Mary had the following children:

+48i.          Jane COBBES.

+49ii.          William COBBES (born in 1604).

34. Anne COBBES (Martin-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) married Thomas WILMOT (of Hythe, Kent).

35. Alexander COBBES (Alexander-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born before 1520.

He was named as a beneficiary of his father's Will; and the impression is given that he was already of legal age in 1541. This Alexander is mentioned in his father's will but his name has not been recorded at the College of Arms.

Alexander married Agnes PEAKE. She was the daughter of Nicholas Peake, a juriat of Sandwich and Mayor in 1544 and 1553.

36. Michael COBBES (Alexander-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born before 1520. He was named as a beneficiary of his father's Will; and the impression is given that he was already of legal age in 1541.

Michael married Mary LEIGH in 1558. It is reported she was the daughter of Sir Thomas LEIGH, Lord Mayor of London in 1558. However, this appears to be erroneous. An examination of the Leigh genealogy does reflect a daughter Mary who married a Cobb; but one named Richard. Also, the daughter of Sir Thomas would have been close to thirty years younger than this Michael Cobbes. Michael and Mary had the following children:

+50i.          Thomasyn COBBES.

39. Richard COBBES (Alexander-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born after 1520. He was referred to as being less than 21 years of age in his father's Will of 1541. He signed a will on 26 February 1581. He died before 30 June 1582 in Reculver Parish, Kent. His Will was proved at Canterbury on that date.

Richard married Elizabeth LNU (COBBES) before 1561. He was still living in 1581. Richard and Elizabeth had the following children:

+51i.          Henry COBBES (born in 1561).

52ii.          Alexander COBBES was born. Alexander was a jurist of Sandwich and Mayor of that town in 1574. As a jurist he took some part in the welcome accorded to Queen Elizabeth I when she visited Sandwich in 1573.

53iii.          Richard COBBES

54iv.          William COBBES

55v.          Nicholas COBBES

56vi.          Mary COBBES

57vii.          Margaret COBBES

58viii.          Elizabeth COBBES

59ix.          Suzanna COBBES

60x.          Thomasine COBBES

46. Thomas COBBES (John-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born after 1510 in Faversham, Kent. The exact date of his birth can only be estimated. It is known he was not yet born at the time his grandmother Isabelle HAWLETT made her Will in 1510. He died in 1599 in Eastleigh Court Lyminge, Kent. He was buried in Faversham, Kent.

It is believed he married first Christina YOUNG on 21 January 1543 in Chislete, Reculver, Kent, England. Her name is not confirmed; however it is known that all of Thomas' children were by her. She died sometime after 1563. Thomas COBBES and Christina YOUNG had the following children:

+61i.          Edmund\Edward COBBES (born in 1560).

+62ii.          Ambrose COBBES (born between 1563 and 1565).

+63iii.          FNU COBBES. (a daughter)

Thomas married second Agnes MUSARED (of Thanet) in July 1579 in St. Nicholas Church, Kent, England. She was the widow of William Musared whose Will was proved August 24, 1576, in the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Canterbury. William and Agnes had two children; son Valentine and daughter Margaret who married Edmund Cobbs, her step-brother.

From the time Thomas Cobbs married Agnes Musared, he was involved in one aggravating and troublesome court action after another, right up to the time of his death. These suits seem to have stemmed from debts Agnes had accumulated while still a widow. It seems she had failed to pay the Lord's rent on the property she had inherited from her first husband, and had also accumulated additional unpaid debts. Thomas did not think he should be held responsible for all her former accounts and refused to pay them. Much litigation ensued, during which he won some cases and lost others. All these legal problems caused a strain on the marriage. At one time, Thomas and Agnes were either living with or visiting Ambrose Cobbs (son of Thomas by his first wife) at Eastleigh Court. Thomas had become concerned about his estate and had determined to write his Will, a decision Agnes adamantly opposed. He found it necessary to order her return to Faversham, after which he summoned a Notary Public and composed his Last Will and Testament. Thomas died in 1599 at Lyminge, probably at Eastleigh Court. He left a sizeable estate, and was more than generous to all his heirs. However, even though he had left Agnes well cared for, she contested the Will and further litigation continued for several years. In the end, the Will of Thomas Cobbs was upheld.

Eleventh Generation

47. William COBBES (James-10, James-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was living in 1619, at the time of the Herald's Visitation to Kent, and left three sons and one daughter.

William married Margaret PELHAM. She was the daughter of Sir Edmond Pelham, Sergeant at law, and Chief Baron of the Exchequer of Ireland in the reign of King James I. William and Margaret had the following children:

+64i.          James COBBES.

65ii.          Thomas COBBES 66iii.          William COBBES 67iv.          Margaret COBBES

48. Jane COBBES (Thomas-10, Martin-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) married first John Osborne, who owned Nutts Manor. Her second marriage was to John Pettit, one of Queen Elizabeth's personal servants; and who is buried with Jane at St. Peter and St. Paul, Boughton.

49. William COBBES (Thomas-10, Martin-9, Thomas-8, Thomas-7, John-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1604. He died in 1626 in Chilham, Kent, England.

William married Mary BARHAM. She was the daughter of Arthur BARHAM. William and Mary had the following children:

68i.          Thomas COBBES died in 1649.

69ii.          Martin COBBES 70iii.          Jane COBBES 71iv.          Suzanna COBBES 72v.          Maria COBBES 73vi.          Elizabeth COBBES 74vii.          Dorothy COBBES

50. Thomasyn COBBES (Michael-10, Alexander-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) married Esquire Ralph BROOKE. He was born in 1553. He died on 15 October 1625 in Hillsborough, Reculver, Kent.

Ralph BROOKE was a member of a Cheshire family and for some reason changed his name from Brooksmouth to Brooke. He was born in 1553 and went to Merchant Taylors School in 1564 being appointed first a Rouge Croix Pursuivant and later York Herald in 1593.

Ralph Brooke lived at Reculver and was buried there. 0n the South Wall of old Reculver Church was hung his portrait showing him with a short trimmed beard in full Herald's ceremonials and under was inscribed:

"Here under, quiet from worldly miseries,

Ralph Brook Esquire, late York Herald lies, Fifteenth of October he was last alive, One thousand six hundred and twenty five, Seventy three years bore he fortunes harms, and forty five an officer of arms. He married Thomasin, daughter of Michael Cobb of Kent, Sargent at Arms, by who two daughters God him lent, Surviving, Mary, William Dicken's wife, Thomasine, John Eaton's, Happy be their life."

Ralph Brook seems to have brought the records of the Cobbe family to date during the Heralds Visitation in 1619 and it may be that he added a ducal coronet to the family crest, with, no doubt, the consent of the family.

51. Henry COBBES (Richard-10, Alexander-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1561 in Reculver Parish, Kent. He died in 1618 in Reculver Parish, Kent. He made his Will the previous year.

Henry married Pleasance REDWOOD. She was named as being deceased in the Will of her brother John REDWOOD, dated April 16, 1633. Henry and Pleasance had the following children:

+75i.          Benjamin COBB (born in 1584).

61. Edmund\Edward COBBES (Thomas-10, John-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born in 1560 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent. He died between May 1602 and October 1602 in Faversham, Kent.

Between 1590-1602, Edmund was a member of the Common Council of Faversham. Although married twice, it is believed he died without issue. This would indicate that his younger brother Ambrose, came into possession of all the property that their father Thomas, had bequeathed to Edmund... "All house and land... and all other of my houses and lands in the Parish of Reculver and Herne, and also in Chislet in the County of Kent, and also my tenement in Faversham... on West Street with grounds... I give and bequeath unto Edmund Cobb, my son, to be had and holden to him... his natural life. And after his decease... if he die without heirs... then, I will all my lands and tenements before mentioned shall remain unto Ambrose Cobb, my son".

Edmund\Edward married first his step-sister Margaret MUSARED on 6 July 1584 in Lyminge, Kent. She was the daughter of William and Agnes MUSARED. She died before 14 December 1594. Edmund\Edward married second Ann ELFRITH on 14 December 1594. After his death she married one Henry Johnson.

62. Ambrose COBBES (Thomas-10, John-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born between 1563 and 1565 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent. He died between 31 December 1605 and 26 March 1607 in Petham, Kent.

Ambrose signed a will on 31 December 1605/6. It was proved March 26, 1607, indicating he had died during the interim. In it his three sons shared an inheritance per the Kentish custom of "gavelkind", meaning all shared equally, without preference to the eldest son. His brother in law, Stephen Hunt, was named Executor. He was buried in Petham, Kent. He was the first in our lineage to be called "Ambrose", a name which has been repeated so many times in America.

His sixth child was also named Ambrose, however this infant died within days of being born. To continue the name in the family, the eighth child was also named Ambrose. And this child would become our emigrant ancestor. Ambrose Cobbs relocated from Eastleigh Court to Petham, about 1601. Quoting from "The Cobbs of Tennessee", Ruralist Press; Atlanta,1968, " It is possible that while living at Petham, Ambrose and his family lived on a tract of land there known as 'Great Cobbs'. This tract contained 5 acres and was bounded in 1660 by lands of John Thompson to the north, south and east and by the highway to the west, and another parcel of land called 'Little Cobbs' containing 2 acres bounded by the highway to the east, land late of William Crammer to the south and west, and lands of John Thomsen (sic) to the north. The two tracts of land, Great Cobb and Little Cobb, were across the highway from each other, making a total of 7 acres. This land was sold the first of June 1660 by John Hawked of Petham, yeoman, to John Thompson (sic). Ambrose died at Eastleigh Court and was buried at Petham Parish, which is about six miles south-southwest of Canterbury, near Faversham. In his Will he requested that his brother-in-law Stephen Hunt be the sole executor. He also requested that Hunt be appointed the guardian of his minor children, a responsibility which Hunt chose to reject. He petitioned the court to be excused from this duty, and was relieved from that duty. It is not known if a replacement was appointed.

“THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF AMBROSE COBBS, OF EASTLEIGH COURT AND PETHAM: In the name of God, Amen, the 31 December 1605/6. I, Ambrose Cobb(s) of Petham in the County of Kent of perfect remembrance make my last will and testament in the manner and form following:

FIRST, I bequeath my soul to Christ, my Redeemer, and my body to be buried in Petham Churchyard.

 

ITEM: My will is that my Manor of Eastleigh Court with all services and appurtenances thereto belonging in the County of Kent and all my land goods and chattels wheresoever shall be sold by my executor for the payment of my debts and these my legacies following:

 

First, I give and bequeath of the premises 20 shillings unto the poor of the parish of Petham.

 

ITEM: I give unto my daughter, Susanna, three score pounds.

 

ITEM: I give unto my daughter, Rachel, 50 pounds.

 

ITEM: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Elizabeth, 50 pounds.

 

ITEM: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Jane, 50 pounds.

 

ITEM: I give and bequeath unto my son, Thomas, 120 pounds.

 

ITEM: My will is that the remnant of my goods, chattels and the price of my said manor and lands with the appurtenances shall be equally divided between my other two sons, Edmund and Ambrose Cobb(s) unto whom I give and bequeath it by even portions. And of this my last will and testament, I make Stephen Hunt of Chislet, my brother-in-law, my sole executor and my daughter, Susanna, overseer. In witness whereof to this my last will and testament I have set my hand seal and delivered the same day above written in the presence of:

 

Ralph Bower,

 

Elizabeth Maxted (her mark),

 

Richard Stimson (his mark),

 

Elizabeth Gilven (her mark).

Signed: Ambrose Cobb(s) by his mark"

Ambrose married Angelica HUNT about 1584/85 in Kent. She died and was buried on 18 September 1603 in Petham, Kent. Angelica Hunt had at least one brother, Stephen Hunt of Chislete. However, it is reported she had at least two others; the Reverend Robert Hunt who migrated to America on the original voyage to Jamestown, in 1607; and Thomas Hunt who arrived in Jamestown on the second supply ship in September 1608. Ambrose and Angelica had the following children:

76i.          Susanna COBBS was born about 1586 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent. She was christened on 27 November 1586 in Lyminge, Kent.

77ii.          Rachel COBBS was born about 1588 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent. She was christened on 19 November 1588 in Lyminge, Kent.

+78iii.          Thomas COBBS (born about 1590).

79iv.          Edmund COBBS was born about 1592 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent. He was probably about 13 years of age when his father died in 1605. He was one of three sons to share gavelkind from his father's estate. He was eventually apprenticed to Thomas Pordag of Canterbury, and after completing his training, he became a "freeman" of Canterbury, on 28 Oct 1619, at Elmstone. He was successful at business and was the bondsman for the marriage of his sister Elizabeth, in 1619. He was a dealer of textiles and fabrics, especially silks. He probably died single without issue.

+80v.          Elizabeth COBBS (born about 1594).

81vi.          Ambrose COBBS was christened on 24 August 1595 in Lyminge, Kent. He was buried on 27 August 1595 in Eastleigh Court, Lyminge, Kent.

+82vii.          Jane COBBS (born about 1597).

+83viii.          Ambrose COBBS "the Emigrant" (born about 1603).

63. FNU COBBES (Thomas-10, John-9, Thomas-8, John-7, Thomas-6, Edmund (Edward)-5, Edward (Edmund)-4, Richard-3, John-2, Henry-1) was born. The will of Thomas Cobb indicates he had a daughter, given name unknown, who married one Richard Tylman of Faversham. This based on the fact that Thomas bequeathed to each of Richard Tylman's children 20 shillings; the same amount he had bequeathed to each of the children of Ambrose Cobb. This indicates that the Tylman children were Thomas Cobb's grandchildren.