COBB, Howell; the uncle of Secretary Cobb, and for whom the latter was named; was born in Granville, North Carolina, was a Representative in Congress from Georgia from 1807 to 1812; during the last war with England served with credit as a Captain in the army, and after peace was declared settled upon a plantation, and devoted his whole attention to agriculture.  Died about the year 1820.
(Source: Biographical Annals of the Civil Government of the United States, by Charles Lanman, 1887, pg 102)