Edward Buncombe (1742-1778) was a planter and soldier who resided in Tyrrell County. In 1775 he became the Colonel of the Tyrrell County Regiment of the North Carolina Militia and in 1776 he became the Colonel of the 5th North Carolina Regiment. He brought his troops north in early 1777 to join General Washington's army. It was during this period that some Tyrrell residents suspected that Buncombe may not return and Absolem Leggett disclosed to his fellow members of the Gourd Patch Conspiracy that he hoped to take some of Buncombe's property for himself. Buncombe was captured by the British at the Battle of Germantown in October 1777 and died before he was released. Buncombe's family retained his property after his death.