The History of the Combsberry Inn, Oxford Maryland, Part 2
Posted by Abby Rose on Fri, May 07, 2010 @ 10:05 AM
As promised, here is the sequel to the history of the Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast. It has been confirmed that Jeanne did compile this information. Great work, Jeanne, I am very impressed at the time and effort that went into this! Thank you!
"John Oldham was in Oxford as early as 1700 when he bought two lots from Nicholas Lowe. He was described as a whitesmith, or one who worked in the light metals such as silver, tin or pewter. After his move to his Manor House, he was elected as a delegate from Talbot County to the House of Burgess. During this time he was chosen by the Assembly as one of seven "visitors" to purchase 100 acres for the use of a public school. It is interesting that the thought of a public school was being considered or even as being needed so early in the development of this pioneer settlement.
In 1729, death claimed John Oldham. He devised all his property to his only son, Edward, who took on the management of the plantation. Like his father, he too made his name in the public sector. He served in the House of Burgess and as a Justice for Talbot County. His first wife was Mary, a daughter of the Nicholas Lowes who lived at nearly Anderton. There were four children of this marriage, only one of whom survived after her mother's death in 1745. It would be another ten years before he took a second wife, Ann Goldsborough, the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah who lived in Otwell.
As the years went by the domestic scene began to deteriorate. Perhaps it was the pressure of public life or the fact that all of his children has been daughters. In any case, in 1773, his wife finally took him to Court and him declared "lunatic by reason of his sotted condition" as the language of the day described. He was put in custody under the guardianship of his two sons-in-laws. Poor old Edward no longer had control of his property or person. He died the following year.
Ann Oldham, Edward's widow, continued to live on at Combsbury until her death in 1792. The plantation then went to their third daughter, Hannah, who had married Nicholas Martin and was living a bit further up the Choptank at a Martin home, "The Wilderness". Hannah and Nicholas immediately turned the entire property over to their eldest son, Nicholas Jr. This young man is listed as the owner and occupant of Combsbury in the 1798 Tax Assessment. However, he was on a trip to the Caribbean when he succumbed to a fatal disease and the plantation reverted back to his father. When Nicholas Sr. died in 1808 he divided his holdings amongst his various children and his eldest daughter, Harriot, inherited Combsbury. She immediately moved here with her mother, as her brother Daniel has possession of "The Wilderness".
Harriot made this her home for the rest of her life. She ran the plantation and cared for her mother until the latters' death in 1828. The news of her brother Daniel's sudden death while serving as Governor of Maryland must have staggered her. She never married. She lived here alone for the next fifty years in spite of a declining economy. It was a remarkable achievement in an era so dominated by men. However, the clouds were gathering. The work force was restless and Harriot finally faced the reality, though it must have saddened her, when she wrote in her will that her real estate be sold. Thus, the Oldham/Martin ownership came to an end.
Nathaniel Leonard was the buyer. There have been many owners since. The kitchen wing to the east was added by the Wingard family in 1877. They probably added the bank-type barn so reminiscent of the Pennsylvania country where they had come from. The library wing to the west was built by the Stanley Coxes in 1927, but it was the Oldham/Martin families who have left their enduring legacy."
Thus, we are wrapping up another week at the Combsberry Inn. It was a productive and fun filled week with events that still have Megan and myself giggling. I am still in the process of planning new Spring/Summer menus and will be posting them soon. Also, I met a wonderful boat Captain yesterday who will be able to offer guests rides from our very own dock to the destination of their choosing... More details to follow, and stay tuned for our exciting summer specials! Come visit soon, you definitely need a vacation and there is no better place to enjoy some R&R than on the hammock of the Combsberry Inn.