This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: drdjones Surnames: Cobb, Winstead Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.tennessee.counties.hawkins/3181.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: There are several different issues here. First, Joel is a nickname for Joseph--at least in Hawkins County. We have many examples of it. There was a land transfer to Joel Cobb in Edgecombe County in 1802 that was witnessed by the Winsteads. Deeds are almost always witnessed by close relatives. Edgecombe Co. Db 11, page 252, date of deed 21 Dec 1802, date recorded Nov Ct. 1804, Thomas Ellender of Edge. Co. to Joel Cobb, of Edge. Co. for $62 & \'bd silver, a tract of 66 \'bd acres on the south side of Town Creek beginning at a pine standing in Benjamin Weavers line near a hickory that is now down formerly (showed) as a corner then west 152 poles along a line of marked trees to a black oak then along Samuel (Brileys) line north 6 east 30 poles then north 42 poles along a line of marked trees to a dead pine then (east) 144 poles to Benjamin Weavers line then along Benj. Weavers line to the first station, signed Thos. Ellenor, wit Francis Winstead, Mathew Winstead. The body of deed records from Edgecombe County show that the Town Creek Cobbs were descendents of James Cobb of Wayne Count, NC, and that the Edward Cobb descendents lived in a different part of Edgecombe County. I personally believe that he Edward Cobb connections is wrong. In fact, his will shows that it is wrong. He didn't have a son named Joel/Joseph. In addition, we have the fact that Joel Cobb named a son Winstead Cobb. These tribute names often arise from the family name of the spouse. Edgecombe County November Court 1817 Teh within last will and Testament of Edward Cobb dead was exhibited in open court for Probate and was duly proven by the Oaths of Harm Edwards and Bryant Edwards the two subscribing witnesses thereto and Stephen Cobb of the Executor therin named at the same time qualified thereto-Ordained that the same be certified and the Will recorded. E Hall Clerk In the name of God Amen. I Edward Cobb of the County of Edgecomb & State of North Carolina being of sound disposing sense & menory do ordain this my last will and testament. That is to say I lend unto my well beloved wife Winifred Cobb all my property real & personal during her natural life.Item I give unto my sons Stephen Cobb Gray Cobb & John Cobb my daughters Sally Thigpen & Fanny Mayo ten head of cattle after the death of my wife to be equally divided amoungest them. Item I give unto my sons Jonas Cobb & Edward Cobb my plantation with all the lands I am pozest of with all the remaining part of my estate at the death of my wife. I construe & ordain my sons Stephen Cobb and John Cobb executors to this my last will and testament in witness thereof I have herein to set my hand & seal this 28th day of November 1812. Witnesses: Harmon X Edwards Bryant X Edwards Marks Edward X Cobb (Seal) Edgecombe County November Court 1817 The within last will and testament of Edward Cobb dec'd was exhibited in open Court for Probate and was duly proven by the oaths of Harmon Edwards and Bryant Edwards the two subscribing witnesses thereto. And Stephen Cobb one of the executors therein named was at the same time qualified thereto. Ordered that the same be certified and the Will recorded. E. Hall, Ck Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.