In August of 1862 the 37th was serving under Colonel Alexander G. Taliferro in the 3rd Brigade, Stonewall Jackson's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. On August 9th 8,000 Union soldiers attacked nearly 17,000 Confederate soldiers in what became known as the Battle of Cedar Mountain.
James H. Wood, at the time the Captain of Company D of the 37th, records the death of Samuel E. Combs as follows:
"Of the killed and wounded of the regiment I am unable to recall the number, names or companies, except in one instance, and that was impressed upon my mind because of the nature of the wound and of the unlooked for result, viz: Young Combs of Company "C" was to appearances vigorous and strong, of fine physical appearance. It was his first battle. A minnie ball passed just under the skin in the calf of the leg for the space of one or two inches and out. There was but little blood, no artery had been touched and no reason could be assigned for serious results; nevertheless, he was greatly excited and died in a few minutes."The Abingdon Virginian recorded his death:
"It becomes our painful duty as a church to record the death of our beloved brother, Mr. SAMUEL COMBS, son of Thompson and Virginia Combs, who fell mortally wounded in the memorable battle of Ceder Run, Aug. 9th, 1862, and in a few minutes expired, in the 27th year of his age."Combs' death left his pregnant wife alone. Their son Elbert Combs was born December 8th, 1862.
