| Notes |
The identity of Martha's parents is not proven, but current evidence indicates that Martha is the daughter of Frederick Stier and Elizabeth Cunningham. Frederick Stier married Elizabeth Cunningham about January 15, 1827. See, Marriage Bond of Frederick Stier and Elizabeth Cunningham. The 1850 census shows Frederick, 49, and Elizabeth, 54, living together. Frederick is also listed in the 1830 and 1840 censuses. In the 1830 census, Frederick lists a female 30 to 40 (Elizabeth Cunningham was 34) and a female child under five (Martha Stier was 4). In the 1840 census, he listed a female 40 to 50 (Elizabeth Cunningham was 44) and a female 10 to 15 (Martha Stiers was 14). Thus, the census data for 1830 and 1840 is consistent with the theory that Frederick is the father of Martha Stier.
Martha Stier married Thomas Combs in 1850 after the census was taken for that year. Martha was not living with Frederick and Elizabeth in 1850. A Martha Stier, 23, is listed in the household of Matthew Sparks in the 1850 census.
Martha Stier and her husband Thomas Combs appear in the 1860 census in the household of William J. Coram. An Elizabeth Stier, 66, is listed in the same household. It seems probable that Elizabeth Stier is the mother of Martha. Frederick Stier, 59, is living with Nancy Stier, 79, who is likely his mother. A Nancy Stier, 70, is listed in the 1850 census in the household of Bedford Stier, 25. I believe that Bedford is the son of Frederick and the grandson of Nancy. The fact that Frederick and Elizabeth were not living together in 1860 could be interpreted to mean that this particular Elizabeth is not Frederick's wife. It could also mean that they were estranged.
I believe that the Frederick and Elizabeth were married at one time and were estranged in 1860. My reasons for believing this are as follows. First, there is no evidence of another Elizabeth Stier in Rockingham Co., except perhaps the 1860 census. Second, we know from the 1850 census that Elizabeth Cunningham is older than Frederick and the Elizabeth Stier living with Thomas and Martha Combs is the right age. Third, we know from the 1850 census that Elizabeth Cunningham was born in Virginia. The Elizabeth Stier living with Thomas and Martha Combs was also born in Virginia. Fourth, Frederick Stier lived very near Thomas and Martha Combs in Wentworth, as indicated by the 1860 census. Finally, Martha's son, James T. Combs, was the administrator for Frederick Stires' estate, which often indicates a family relationship. See, Note for Frederick Stires for details about the estate administration. If Frederick is Martha's father, then James T. Combs would be his grandson.
Marriage Bond of Thomas Combs and Martha Stires (Bond #000119202)
Comb, Thomas Martha Stires 16 Sept. 1850 (b) John Murphy Jr.
(w) F. Watkins
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Abt 1826 - Yes, date unknown
Children