This web page contains all the notes I have collected while trying to piece together the Byars family in North and South Carolina. When I say "Byars" I include families who used other variations of spelling such as Byers, Byas, Bias, Byus, Buys, Buise, Biars, etc. My primary focus has been on the old Tryon County region along the NC/SC border where a number of Byars families settled in what became Rutherford County, NC, and York, Cherokee, and Spartanburg Counties in SC. It is apparent that some of these families migrated from the Granville, Orange, and Caswell County area of NC, so I have also researched that area as well.
My impression is that there were at least two unrelated Byars groups that migrated to the old Tryon County region beginning in the 1760s. One group was the families of David and William who settled primarily in what became York County, SC. They are thought to have come from Pennsylvania and most often used the spelling "Byers" with an "e". Judging from what has been published, the members of this group appear to be relatively well documented.
The other group appears to have come from the Granville, Orange, and Caswell County area of NC. They most often used the spellings "Byars" and "Byas". The structure of this group is not as clear. It appears to me there were probably multiple Byars families who emerged from the Granville / Orange / Caswell County area. Some members of these families migrated to the old Tryon County region while others stayed. A "James Henry Byars" who is said to have migrated to Granville County from Hanover / Louisa County in Virginia is claimed to be the progenitor of this group in various family trees posted on the Internet. But while a "James Byars" of Hanover County, Virginia does appear in the Granville County records in 1757, I have yet to see any original records which use a middle name of "Henry", or explain what his relationship was to the rest of the group.
My primary interest in the Byars family is to understand their connections to the Logan family. The first contact between the Byars and Logan families that I am aware of was the marriage of Annie Bias and Joseph Logan. Annie Bias would have probably been born circa 1740s, but I have yet to find how she connects with the other Byars family members or where she met Joseph Logan.
After compiling the information on this web page I discovered an excellent resource with additional information on the Byars family. As of 2010 the Byars family research of Majorie Stewart Tucker could be accessed online via the Brigham Young Family History Archive. To access it click here to go to the Brigham Young Family History Archive search page. Then under "Surnames" enter "Byars" and click search.
If you have any information that would add to or correct what is listed on this web page, please contact me.
Contents:
[Books and Articles]
[Revolutionary War Pension Applications]
[Census Records]
[Granville County, NC]
[Orange County, NC]
[Caswell County, NC Records]
[Mecklenburg County, NC Records]
[Tryon County, NC Records]
[Rutherford County, NC Records]
[Lincoln County, NC Records]
[Burke County, NC Records]
[Spartanburg County, SC Records]
[A Few Harralson Family Records]
[Annie Bias and Joseph Logan]
[Sources]
See also an article published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal on January 17, 19811 which makes a reference to the burial site of Nathan Byars (JPEG copy). For photos of Nathan Byars' burial site, click here.
I: William Byars, born ca. 1760 Va., died 8 Nov. 1819 Spartanburg District, SC. Married ca. 1785 Elizabeth Bedford, born 1763 Pa., died 1847 Chickasaw Co., Miss. Dau. of Raymond Bedford of Rutherford Co. NC. Brother to James Byars, born 22 Oct 1761 Granville County, NC, died 1 Jan 1835, married Sarah Pegg, dau. of Edward Pegg. Mentions Nathan Byars, Sr. (b. 1749 Granville Co, NC, d. 1846 Spartanburg Co, SC) as another possible brother. Children were as follows (order not known):
II: William Byars (Buys) born ca. 1760 NC, died 1800 Spartanburg Dist. SC. Wife's name was Sarah. Children listed in will (name spelled Buise):
III: Capt. William Byers, born ca. 1730 Ireland, to Pa. with father, then to va., came to York Co., SC ca. 1765. (brother, David Byers, also Rev War soldier, came to York Co., SC, ca. 1765). Married ca. 1760 Elizabeth Walton of Rockbridge, Va. She was born ca. 1740, died ca. 1795. Children were as follows:
IV: William Byars, Sr., born 6 April 1747, York Co., Pa., came to York Co., SC with his father David, brother of Capt. William Byers (III above). Died Feb 1837, Williamson Co., Tenn. where he went in 1816. Married Jane (Hope?). Children were as follows:
V: William Byers, born ca. 1740-1750. Came to Rutherford Co., NC. Died ca. 1794-5 in Buke of Rutherford Co., NC. Married Sarah Ann Doggett, a widow (she married 3rd Joel Blackwell). Born ca. 1745, died 12 Aug 1823. Children were as follows:
See also the article "Bushrod Doggett" in the February 2012 issue of the Bulletin of The Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County for more information on Bushrod Doggett and his mother Sarah Ann Doggett who married William Byars19.
Granville County was created in 1746 from the western part of Edgecombe County.
[Tax Lists of Granville County, 1747-1759 name JAMES BYARS, JAMES BYAS, JAMES BYUS,
JOHN BYARS, JOHN BYAS, JOHN BYUS, WILLIAM BYARS, WM BYARS,
WILLIAM BYAS, and WM BYUS. Reminder: Get details on which years each name is listed.]
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Tax Lists, 1747-1759)48
Deed Book B, p.162-164, Dec. 8, 1752: RICHARD HARRIS to STEPHEN PERRY
of Hanover Co., Va. for 75 pds. 400 acres on
W side of Nutbush Creek on NORWOOD's line, HOMES' line.
Wts: SAML. HENDERSON, RICHD. COLEMAN, JAMES BYARS. Wife
relinquishes dower right.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.43)18
2526, pg.18, WILLIAM PERSON, 27 April 1754, 412 acres in Granville
County on the W side of Cattail Branch, joining BUMPASS line and the sd
Branch, Signed: WILLIAM PERSON, Wit: JAS PAINE, JOHN MARTIN, surveyed
14 November 1753, Sworn Chain Carriers: JAMES PAINE, JOHN BYESS, DAN WELDON Surveyor.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Volume Two, p.131)26
3274, WILLIAM HOWLET warrant dated 29 April 1754 to SHERWOOD HAYWOOD to
survey 640 acres in Granville County, joining JOHN BIRD and both sides
of Michaels Creek entered 5 (?) March 1754, Signed: FRAS CORBIN. Back of
document reads: "In the Name of ROBT MITCHEL by Assignment Grant 25 August 1760.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Miscellaneous Land Office Records, Volume Four, p.294)27
3104, THOMAS KING plat dated 11 December 1754, 225 acres in Granville
County on both side of Michell Creek, joining MICHELL MOREY, Sworn Chain Carrier:
MATHEW MCKINNE, JOHN BYAS, SHERD HAYWOOD Dep Sur.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Miscellaneous Land Office Records, Volume Four, p.279)27
Deed Book C, p.334-335, Nov. 3, 1757: NATHANIEL HENDERSON and wife
PATIENCE to JAMES BYARS of Hanover Co., Va. for 40 pds.
400 acres on both sides of Michael Creek and on Island
Creek. Wts: WM. SIMS.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.92)18
[Note: This web page indicates that this
abstract is in error and should reference "Michael's Crook of Island Creek".]
1332, pg.311, JOHN BYUS, 27 November 1760, 640 acres in Granville County
on both sides of Tar River, Signed: JOHN BYUS, Wits: (names not given)
examined by: THOS JONES and WILL HURST and EDWARD HENDERSON, surveyed
10 (?) November 1752, Sworn Chain Carriers: WILLIAM BYUS, JOHN BYUS,
DAN WELDON Surveyor.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Volume Two, p.5)26
1918, pg.440, ROBERT MITCHEL, 25 August 1760, 252 acres in Granville
County in the Parish of St John on both sides of Michales Creek,
joining JOHN BIRD and NATHANIEL HENDERSON, Signed: ROBERT MITCHEL,
Wits: WILLIAM TAYLOR, PHIL HAWKINS, examined by: THOS JONES and WILL HURST,
surveyed 23 September 175-, Sworn Chain Carriers: JOHN BYAS, WILLIAM BYAS,
SHER HAYWOOD D Sur, Plat reads "...land Surveyed for WILLIAM HOWLET".
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Volume Two, p.63)26
Deed Book D, p.288-289, Aug. 12, 1761: JOHN BYARS and wife ANN to
NATHANIEL HENDERSON for 60 pds. 640 acres on both sides
of Tarr River in Granville Co., N.C. Wits: WILLIAM SIMS,
JOHN POPE.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.153)18
2647, THOMAS DOSWELL warrant dated 11 November 1761 to THOMAS PERSON to
survey 700 acres in Granville County, joining DOSWELLs own line -
Including the Vacant Land between DOSWELL and JOS BYAS Signed: DAN WELDON
Returned, executed 30 (sic) March 1762. Back of document reads "Granted
1 (sic) March 1762.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Miscellaneous Land Office Records, Volume Four, p.237-8)27
Deed Book F, p.222-223, Feb. 8, 1762: STEPHEN TERRY of Hanover,
St. martin's Parish, Va. to JAMES TERRY for 1 shl.
paid by JAMES and ROWLAND TERRY, his sons, a deed of
gift of 400 acres which STEPHEN TERRY bought of RICHARD HARRIS
and divided between my sons. Wts: JOHN DOSWELL,
WILLIAM BYAN, THOMAS DOSWELL.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.228-9)18
2180, pg.39, THOMAS STRIPLIN, 9 April 1763, 689 acres in Orange County
on the S Fork of Tar River, Signed: (grant is unsigned), Wits:
(names not given), examined by: THO BLOUNT, surveyed 9 April 1763 (sic),
Sworn Chain Carriers: JNO BAWPAS, WM BYAS, W CHURTON Surveyor.
(Source: Hoffman, The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Volume Two, p.92)26
Deed Book F, p.536-537, July 5, 1763: HENRY JONES to JOHN CAMPBELL
of Bertie co., N.C. for 80 pds., 680 acres, including
part of Meadow of Tar River at Byass' line.
Wts: AUGUSTINE BATE, JAMES BOYD, HENRY MCCULLOCH.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.258)18
Deed Book G, p.200-201, July 28, 1761: Grant to HENRY JONES for
680 acres on Byar's corner line.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.272)18
(More detailed abstract found in: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1763-1766, p.37)44
[Note: The following is another abstract of the land transaction listed immediately above:]
Deed Book G, 158, p.200-201: JOHN EARL of Granville to HENRY JONES of Granville Co, NC 28 July 1761, for 10
Shillings Sterling money and the Rent Covenants & c, all that tract or parcel of land lying in
County of Granville; Beginning at a White Oak BYARS' corner ... along BYARS' line ...
containing the whole of 680 acroes of
land, yielding and paying & c yearly and every year & c unto the said JOHN EARL GRANVILLE his
heirs or assigns the yearly
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1763-1766, p.37)44
Deed Book G, p.271, July 11, 1763: H.MCCULLOCH to FRANCIS FOULKS
for 12 pds., 200 acres on GEORGE BYERS' line
wherein he lives on MILLER's line. Wts: PHIL AMBROSE,
ROBERT RAINEY.
(Source: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, p.282)18
Deed Book H, 73, p.276: HENRY MCCULLOH [residence not given] to GEORGE BYAR, planter & c, of Granville Co,
NC, 3 September in the 2nd year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third of Great
Britain for 16 pounds 5 shillings & 2 pence Virginia money, all that parcel of land being part of
the tract ... beginning at GEORGE MILLER's corner ... containing in the whole 271 acres of land.
HENRY MCCULLOH by JNO CAMPBELL & H.E. MCCULLOH. Wit: [none]. Halifax 10th Sept 1764.
Acknowledged by HENRY EUSTACE MCCULLOH. MONTFOR EELBECK AJ. Registers SML BENTON PR.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.16)45
Deed Book H, 420, p.68-69: PHILEMON HAWKINS and DILLE his wife of Beaut [sic] co, NC? to RICHARD HARRIS of
Granville co, NC 7 August 1765 for 50 pound current money of Virginia, one certain tract or
parcel of land lying in Granville County and on both sides of a branch of Grassey Creek called
Spewmarrow, containing 332 acres; ... BENJAMIN HENDRICK's line ... FAGIN's corner ... SMITH's line ...
PHILEMON HAWKINS, DILLE HAWKINS. Wit: WILLIAM GRAVES, WILLIAM BYARS. Granville
County August Court 1765. Acknowledged by PHIL HAWKINS. DILLE his wife examined in
private by ROBERT HARRIS, ESq, relinquished her right to dower.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1763-1766, p.87)44
Deed Book H, 80, p.286-287: THOMAS LANIER of Granville Co, NC to ROBERT LANIER of same 10 April 1767 for
15 pounds proc money, all that tract or parcel of land lying in the county of Granville & on both
sides of the Lick Branch; Beginning at a White Oak DAVENPORT's corner ... thence running by DAVIS's line ...
thence by UPSHAW's line ... including by estimation 600 acres, be the
same more or less. THOMAS LANIER. Wit: WILLIAM BYARS. Granville County May Court 1765.
Acknowledged by THOMAS LANIER. SML BENTON CC. Registers SML BENTON PR.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.17)45
Deed Book H, 177, p.429-430: RICHARD HARRIS & PRISCILLA his wife of Granville Co, NC to JOSEPH GLOVER of
same, 3 August 1768, for 80 pounds Current money of Virginia, one certain tract or parcel of land,
containing 670 acres & on the East side of Little Island Creek; Beginning at a Poplar on Goss' Branch
in JOHN TAYLOR's line ... RICHARD HARRIS, PRISCILLA HARRIS. Wit: WILLIAM BYARS, RICHD HARGROVES.
Granville County August Court 1768. Acknowledged by RICHARD HARRIS previous
to which PRISCILLA his wife was privately examined by REUBEN SEARCY, Esqr, (appointed by the
Court for that purpose) who reported that she relinquished her right of dower. Test SAML BENTON CC.
Truly Registered SAML BENTON PR.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.36)45
Deed Book I, 274, p.11-12: JOHN WINKLER, Silver Smith, in Granville Co, NC to GEORGE BYER in the province
aforesaid, for 45 pounds current money, one certain tract piece or parcel of land, containing
200 acres as may more fully appear by deed from CHANCEY TOWNSEND to ANDREW HAMPTON
and from him to the said GEORGE BYER and from him to WILLIAM PATTERSON; ... JOHN WINCKLER.
Wit: FREDERICK BECK. Granville County, October Court 1769.
Proved by FREDERICK BECK. Test SML BENTON CC. Truly Registers SML BENTON PR.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.57)45
Deed Book I, 365, p.150-151: GEORGE BYARS of Granville Co, NC to JOHN ROSS [residence not stated], [blank]
January 1761, for 65 pounds proclamation money, all that tract or parcel of land containing by
estimation 200 acres as may more fully appear by deed from CHANCEY TOWNSHEND to ANDREW HAMPTON
and from him to the said GEORGE BOYERS; ... GEORGE (y) BYARS. Wit: JESSE BENTON.
Granville county January Court 1771.
Acknowledged by GEORGE BYARS, at the same time MARY, the wife of said GEORGE,
relinquished her right of dower before HADEN PRYOR, Esqr. Test ISAC EDWARDS CC. Truly
Registered JESEE BENTON Register.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.76-7)45
WILLIAM BYARS, Ensign, is included on the list of Granville County Malitia from 1771. He is
listed in the Company commanded by Capt. JOHN WALKER.
(Source: Clark, State Records of North Carolina, Vol. XXII, p.166)14
Deed Book I, 366, p.151-153: GEORGE BYARS of Granville Co, NC to THOMAS YATES of ORANGE Co, NC, 2
October 1770, for 137 pounds 10 shillings proclamation money, two certain tracts or parcels
of land lying on the North side of the Ledge of Rock Creek, on which said parcels of land
he said GEORGE BYARS purchased of GEORGE MILLER by a deed of conveyance from said MILLER
to said BOYERS bearing the date 19th day of September 1770, and the other tract the said GEORGE BOYERS
purchased of a certain HENRY MCCULLOH by deed bearing date 3rd of September, 1759;
Beginning at GEORGE MILLER's corner ... containing 271 acres of land more or less. Also the courses
afsd MILLER's tract ... to GEORGE MILLER's other line ... containing 200 acres more or less, in all 471 acres more or less.
GEORGE (y) BOYERS, MARY (x) BOYERS. Wit: RICHARD D. COOKE, JOHN ROSS, JAMES BULLOCK.
Granville County January Court 1771. Acknowledged by GEORGE BOYERS, at the same time
MARY, the said wife of said GEORGE, relinquished her right of dower before HADEN PRYOR, Esqr.
Test ISAAC EDWARDS CC. Truly Registers JESSE BENTON Register.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.77)45
Deed Book I, 386, p.184-185: JAMES BYARS of Louisa Co, Virginia to ROWLAND TERRY of Granville Co, NC, 23
April 1771, for 75 pounds current money of Virginia, one certain tract or parcel of land lying in
the county of Granville, containing by estimation 200 acres more or less; Beginning on a Red
Oak DAVIS' line ... JAMES BYARS. Wit: JO TAYLOR, WM BYARS, JAMES HENDERSON. Granville May
County Court 1771. Proved by WILLIAM BYARS. Test ISAAC EDWARDS CC. Registered JESSE BENTON Register.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1766-1772, p.81)45
Deed Book K, 156, p.132-134: To GEORGE ALSTON of Granville Co, NC from JOHN ROSS, planter, of aforesaid 18 March 1773, for 40 pounds 17 shillings & 3 pence half penny Proclamation money of North Carolina ... all that tract or parcel of land ... containing in the whole 200 acres ... being a tract of land conveyed by GEORGE BYERS to the said JOHN ROSS by deed bearing date January 1771 & registered in the Register's office of Granville County in book I, folio 150 & 151. JOHN ROSS. Wit: ROBERT BELL, THOMAS CRITCHER. Granville County November Court 1774. Prov'd by the oath of ROBERT BELL. REUBEN SEARCY CC. (Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1772-1778, p.33)46
Deed Book K, 191, p.172-173: To JOHN PENN of King & Queen Co, Virginia from JAMES HUNT and SARAH his
wife and JOHN HUNT and FRANCES his wife of Granville Co, NC 17 December 1772, for 1200
pounds current money of Virginia, all the land belonging to the said JAMES HUNT & JOHN HUNT
lying in Granville County, on both sides of Great Island Creek, containing by estimation 1602
acres ... [ bordering JOHN PENN, WILLIAM BYAR, ROWLAND TERRY, ABSOLOM DAVIS,
VICKORY, LEWIS COLLINS, JOSEPH TAYLOR, SHERWOOD HAYWOOD, JAMES HENDERSON ] ...
JAMES HUNT, SARAH HUNT, JOHN HUNT, FRANCES HUNT. Wit: M. MNUT, JNO TAYLOR, SAML HOPKINS JUNR,
WM TAYLOR, GEORGE GOBER. Granville County May Court 1774. Acknowledged by JAMES HUNT & JOHN HUNT,
previous to which SARAH wife of the said JAMES HUNT and FRANCES wife of the said JOHN HUNT were
privately examined by THOMAS PERSON, Esqr, and relinquished their Right of Dower. Reuben Search CC.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1772-1778, p.40)46
Deed Book K, 281, p.264-265: ABSALEM DAVIS of Granville Co, NC to ROWLAND TERRY of aforesaid, 11 March
1775, for 22 pounds current money, a certain tract piece or parcel of land lying on the East
side of Michael's Creek, containing by estimation 100 acres more or less ... [ bordering
ROWLAND TERRY, JOHN PENN, ROBERT LANIER ] ... ABSALOM DAVIS. Wit: WILLIAM BYARS, RICHD DAVIS,
CHARLES DAVIS. Granville County May Court 7775. Prov'd by the oath of WILLIAM BYARS.
REUBEN SEARCY CC.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1772-1778, p.58)46
Deed Book L, 342, p.68-69: JOHN ROSS of Granville Co, NC to SOLOMON STEATION of the same county,
1 January 1776, for 100 pounds proclamation money, a certain piece or parcel of land ...
... crossing the Trading Road ... in all 200 acres, be it more or less, being a tract of land
conveyed by GEORGE BYERS to the said JOHN ROSS bearing date January 1771 and registered
in Granville County in Book I, Folio 150 & 151 to him the said SOLOMON TEATON. JOHN ROSS.
Wit: ROBERT BELL, GEORGE LANE MOORE. Granville County February Court 1777. Prov'd by the oath
of ROBERT BELL. REUBEN SEARCY CC.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1772-1778, p.71)46
Deed Book L, 460, p.211-212: ROWLAND TERRY & HENRETTA his wife of Granville Co, NC to JOSEPH WINSTON of
Surry Co, NC, 26 January 1778, for 200 pounds current money of Virginia, one certain tract
or parcel of land on the North side of Little Nutbush Creek containing 200 acres ...
[ bordering JOSEPH WINSTON, JAMES TERRY ] ... ROWLAND TERRY, HENRETTA (X) TERRY. Wit:
THOS SATTERWHITE, JOHN WALKER, WILLIAM BYARS, R. WILLIAMS, Jurat.
Granville County February Court 1778. Proved by oath of ROBERT WILLIAMS.
REUBEN SEARCY CC.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Deeds, 1772-1778, p.94)46
GEORGE BYARS is listed among those who took the Oath of Allegiance to the State in the Dutch
District of Granville County, North Carolina in 1778.
(Source: Clark, State Records of North Carolina, Vol. XXII, p.171)14
NATHAN BYERS and WILLIAM BYARS are listed among those who took the Oath of Allegiance to the State in the Island Creek
District of Granville County, North Carolina on May 22nd, 1778.
(Source: Clark, State Records of North Carolina, Vol. XXII, p.174-175)14
Granville County Will Book 1, 282-283, Sept. 14, 1779: AUGUSTIN DAVIS to JOHN GOBER
for 400 pds., 520 acres whereon he lives; a dispute
with SOLOMON WALKER as to the 640 acre tract, entry No. 137 entered
with MEMUCAN HUNT, and I agreed to
give up 120 acres to WALKER and since I, DAVIS, am moving
to South Carolina and will not be here to execute deed, etc.,
WILLIAM BYARS is constituted attorney to do so.
Wts: JAMES BYARS, ROWLAND TERRY, GULIELIMUS BYARS.
(Sources: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Wills and Estate Records of Granville County, North Carolina, 1746-1808, p.72-3)17
Granville County Will Book ?, 426-427, Jan 5, 1785, Feb. Court 1785: GEORGE BYARS
wills to son NICHOLAS BYARS all my land, a colt and a gun;
to daughter BARBERY BYARS, spinning whell, feather bed, 2 cows; to
CHRISTINA HOVEMAN when married, a feather bed and a cow; to GEORGE GLIMPH at age 12,
a horse; to wife MARY BYARS, 4 negroes and rest of my household furniture,
tools, livestock, a gun and, at
her death, divided to NICHOLAS BYARS and BARERY BYARS.
Exrs: wife MARY BYARS and JOSEPH LANDISS.
Wits: MICHAEL BOCK, G. CLARK.
(Sources: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Wills and Estate Records of Granville County, North Carolina, 1746-1808, p.98)17
Granville County Will Book 4, 345, proved Aug. Court 1799: Will of JAMES BYARS
(only the latter part of the Will here) says that if either
of his children herein mentioned should die, then estate
divided to surviving children. Exrs: wife SALLY BYARS,
WILLIAM BYARS, WILLIAM BULLOCK. Wts: RUTH GRINAGE, WM. BYARS.
(Sources: Gwynn, Abstracts of the Wills and Estate Records of Granville County, North Carolina, 1746-1808, p.227)17
Granville County Will, 64. JAMES BYARS of Granville County, North Carolina, 15 February 1799.
"Being in a weak & low state of health". Lend to my wife SALLEY BYARS at the payment of my just debts all
my Estate of what kind so ever during her natural life and after her death be equally divided between my four
children BETSEY BYARS, CATEY BYARS, NANCY BYARS, and LUCY BULLOCK BYARS. If either of any of my
children named die before they arrive of lawfull age or marries their part be divided between the surviving
children. My loving wife SALLEY BYARS, WILLIAM BYARS, and WILLIAM BULLOCK Executrix and Executors.
Wit: RUTH (X) GRINAGE, GULIELMUS BYARS, WILLIAM BYARS. Signed JAMES BYARS.
August Court 1799 proven by the oath of WM BYARS. SALLEY BYARS qualified as Executrix.
(Source: Rackley, Granville County North Carolina Original Wills, Volume I, 1749-1810, p.17)47
Granville County Marriage Bonds:
DAVID BYARS & SALLY HALEY, 20 Dec 1826; JOHN HALEY, bm; WM. H. OWEN, wit.
GEORGE BYARS & SALLY FLEMING, 8 Dec 1813; CYRUS DAVIS, bm; J.P. SNEED, wit.
GEORGE BYARS & FRANCIS JOPLIN, 4 May 1819, EDWARD CHAPPEL, bm; S.K. SNEED, wit.
HENRY BYARS & MARTHA BYARS, 5 Nov 1822; CYRUS DAVIS JR., bm.
WILLIAM BYARS & LUCEY NUNN, 26 July 1790; JAS. VAUGHN, bm; H. POTTER, wit.
ALEXANDER BYERS & ELIZABETH BYERS, 16 Feb 1813; WILLIAM BECK bm; THOS. HICKS, wit.
JAMES BYERS & SERAH CAMPBELL, 3 Feb 1789; STEPHEN TERRY, bm; A. HENDERSON, wit.
(Source: Holcomb, Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868, p.49-50)28
Orange County was created in 1752 from portions of Bladen, Granville, and Johnston Counties. Orange County was reduced in size in 1770 when Chatham and Guilford Counties were formed from its southern and western portions. Its size was further reduced in 1777 when Caswell County was formed from its northern portion.
Many of the pre-Revolutionary records of Orange County have been lost. One account I have seen indicated they were lost in 1781 when they were buried in the woods to avoid being captured or destroyed by Cornwallis. Given the significant number of records of the Byars family in Caswell County after it was formed from Orange County in 1777, it is possible there were records of the Byars family in Orange County prior to 1777 that were among those that were lost. [Reminder: Try to determine what records if any exist from Orange County prior to 1777, and look for Orange County information that may be preserved among the colonial and state records for that period.]
Orange County Court Minutes, [310] Jun 1758:
GEORGE FLYNN vs. JOHN BYAS: Petition. This day came JOHN BYAS the Defendant and
Confes't Judgment for one Pound, Seven Shillings and Six pence Virginia Money with
Costs. Judgment £1:7:6, Clerk 1:1:11.
(Source: Haun, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1752-1761, Book I, p.89)23
Orange County Court Minutes, [608-609]-53-54, August Term 1763:
Ordered that the following person, towit: ROBERT BUMPASSS, SAMUEL BUMPASS,
JONAS PARKER, THOMAS STRIPLIN, JOHN BUMPASS, JOHN BRIDGES, GABRIEL DAVEY,
SAMUEL YARBOROUGH, THOMAS KING, JOHN LAWSON, JOHN BYARS, GEORGE FLYNN, JOHN TABOR, JOHN THOMPSON
and JOHNPAYNE, after Qualifying agreeable to Law
lay open a Road the best and most Convenient way from where STRIPLIN's Path turns
out of the old Road to the County line near JOHN PARKS and that JOHN BUMPASS be
Overseer thereof.
(Source: Haun, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1762-1766, Book II, p.21-22)24
Orange County Court Minutes, [703]-148, February Term 1764:
Ordered that ROBERT BUMPASS, JOHN BUMPASS, JONAS PARKER, SAMUEL BUMPAS, GABRIEL DAVIE,
THOMAS KING, JOHN BRIDGES, JOHN BAIN, PETER BLACK JAMES SATTERFIELD, JOHN SATTERFIELD,
GEORGE COLLEY, JOHN TRAP, JOHN THOMPSON, GEORGE FLYNN, WILLIAM JAY,
JAMES BLACKLEY, JOHN THOMAS, SAMUEL YARBOROUGH, JOHN CARRINGTON, SAMUEL FULTON,
THOMAS PEARSONS, and ROBERT PRYOR or any 12 of them, after Qualifying according to
Law, lay open a Road the best and most Convenient way from where STRIPLANDS (sic)
path turns out of the Old Road to the Country line Near JONAS PARKERS, and that
WILLIAM BYARS be appointed overseer thereof and that they report their Proceedings there
of to the next Court.
(Source: Haun, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1762-1766, Book II, p.46)24
Orange County Court Minutes, [805]-248, November Term 1764:
Ordered that a Road be laid out the best and most convenient way to Granville
line near DAVID EMBREYS old place from HUGH BARNETT'S that leads to ROSTERS ferry by
the following Jury towit: ROBERT MCFARLAND JUNR., ROBERT MCFARLAND SENR., WILLIAM HAWKINS,
HUGH BARNETT, WILLIAM CHAMBERS, BURGES HARRELSON, PAUL HARRELSON, WILLIAM BARNETT,
J. HARLEY, JOHN LONG, JOHN DOUGLASS & MOSES WALKER,
and that the same Jury lay out a Norther (sic) Road from that near MAYO'S and
LAWRENCE RAMBO'S to Hico near JOHN PRYOR'S Esqr. and that the following hands assist in
opening the said Roads towit: WILLIAM MILES, THOMAS BARNETT, HENRY WILLICE,
GILES TUCKEY, JAMES CAVANAUGH, BENJN. LONG, EDWARD NASH, ROBERT HARRELSON, ROBERT BARNET,
THOMAS MULLIN, DAVID EMBRE, JOHN TABOR, TIMOTHY TONY, SAMUEL MCMURRY, ROBERT MCFARLAND SENR.,
SILVESTER STOKES, ROBERT MCFARLAND JUNR., SILVESTER STOKES JUNR. MOSES WALKER,
WILLIAM HAWKINS, JOHN HURTLEY, WALTER BUTLER, WILLIAM BARNETT, JOHN LUSK,
JOHN LONG, THOMAS DOUGLAS, JOHN DOUGLASS, JAMES BYASS, JOSIAS OLDAY, JACOB WOMACK,
HUGH BARNETT, PAUL HARELSON, PAUL HAM, BURGAS HARELSON, GARRET GUTTERLY, EDWARD CHAMBERS,
MICHAEL COCKBURN & WILLIAM CHAMBERS JUNR. and that BURGESS HARELSON be appointed
Overseer of that part leading to Granville line.
(Source: Haun, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1762-1766, Book II, p.71)24
Orange County Deed Book 3, p.513, 18 November 1768: HOSEH [HOSEA] TAPLEY of Orange to JOHN
PRYOR of same, thirteen pounds, 100 acres, on North Fork of Flat R.,
begin at BYAS' former cor. ... THOS. CHILD [Granville?] to TAPLEY 14 October 1761;
signed: HOSEA TAPLEY; witness: HOSEA TAPLEY JUNR., SAML VANHOOK JUNR.;
proved January Term 1769 by VANHOOK.
(Source: Bennet, Orange County Records, Volume III, Deed Book 3, Abstracts, p. 100)3
In 1771 a group of residents from the northern part of Orange County, NC petitioned the Governor
of North Carolina to form a new county. Among those signing the petition were
JOHN BYAS, ROBERT BYAS, WILLIAM BYAS, and JOSEPH LOGAN.
A full list of names on this petition is available
here.
(Source: Saunders, The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol IX, pp.89-90)50
Multiple copies of the above petition were circulated.
Another copy dated 1773
includes the names ROBERT BYOS, BURGIS HARRALSON, ELIJA HARRALSON
The book "When the Past Refused to Die, A History of Caswell County, North Carolina, 1777-1977" by William S. Powell
includes a consolidated list of over 300 men who signed the
the various copies of the petition. Included on this list are
JOHN BYAS, ROBERT BYAS, WILLIAM BYAS, ROBERT BYOS,
JOSEPH LOGAN, BURGIS HARRALSON, ELIJA HARRALSON.
(Source: Powell, When the Past Refused to Die, A History of Caswell County, North Carolina, 1777-1977, p.54-57)40
Orange County Deed Book 3, p.359, 23 January 1772: JOHN BYAS of Orange to JOSIAH BLACKWELL
of same, fifty five pounds, 100 acres, on which BYAS now lives which he purchased of
WM. CHAMBERS on Mill Cr., begin at a pine by the Great Road, ... JOHN GUN's line ... Granville to Chambers;
signed: JOHN (X) BYAS; witness: JAS. DOUGLAS, JNO. CHAMBERS; proved January Term 1772 by DOUGLAS.
(Source: Bennet, Orange County Records, Volume III, Deed Book 3, Abstracts, p. 69)3
Inventories & Accounts of Sales, Orange County Court May 1774:
JOHN BYARS, JOHN HAYNES, and THOS. BARNET performed an inventory and appraisal of the estate
of ROBERT DONALDSON decd. 31 October 1770.
(Source: Bennett, Orange County Records, Volume XII, Inventories and Accounts of Sales, 1758-1785, p.145)5
Hillsboro District Superior Court Minutes, Apr 1788, [525]-3:
No. 23, WM. BYARS vs. BENJN. RAGLAND: This cause coming on to be heard on Bill
& Answer, on motion of the Defendants Counsel to dissolve to Injunction, The Court
order that the Defendant take nothing by his Motion but that he have leave to amend
his answer.
(Source: Haun, Hillsborough District, North Carolina, Superior Court Minutes, 1768-1791, Book 1, p.136)22
Hillsboro District Superior Court Minutes, Oct 1790, [559]-36:
No. 17. WILLIAM BYARS vs. BENJAMIN RAGLAND: One Motion of Complainants attorney
Ordered that the Defendant put in his Answer at or before the ensuing term (April 91)
and in case of his failing to do so, that then and in that case the Injuction be
made perpetual.
(Source: Haun, Hillsborough District, North Carolina, Superior Court Minutes, 1768-1791, Book 1, p.144)22
Hillsboro District Superior Court Minutes, Apr 1791, [564]-41:
No. 16. WM. BYARS vs. BENJN. RAGLAND: This cause being in course for hearing
the Court ordered and Decreed that the Injunction be perpetual and the Suit dismissed
at the Cost of the Defendant BENJN. RAGLAND.
(Source: Haun, Hillsborough District, North Carolina, Superior Court Minutes, 1768-1791, Book 1, p.146)22
Orange County Deed Book 5, p.177, 27 December 1791, JEREMIAH SPENCER of King William County, Virginia
to ANN BROWN of King & Queen County, Virginia, pne (?) hundred pounds, 213 acres,
... on Watery Br. joining JOSEPH HUNT's, ... on Rocky Br., ... Third Fork Cr. ...
on ROBERT CAMPBELL's line, ... WILLIAM SHEPPERD's line, ...
signed: JEREMIAH SPENCER; witness: WILLIAM BYARS, DANIEL CARLTON,
WM. NUNN; proved November Term 1792 by CARLTON.
(Source: Bennett, Orange County Records, Volume VIII, Deed Book 5, Abstracts, p.39)4
Caswell County was created in 1777 from the northern portion of Orange County. The eastern portion of Caswell County became Person County in 1791 (much if not all of the Caswell County land referenced below is probably located in present day Person County).
Caswell County Tax List, 1777: NATHAN BYAR listed in Nash District with property valuation of 0 pounds.
(Source: Caswell County, North Carolina Tax Lists, 1777, 1780, & 1784, p.13)13
Deed Book A, Page 211: ISAIAH BLACKWELL of CC to LEWIS BRADDEY of NC, for 120 lbs, 100 A on Hughes Mill
Cr being land BLACKWELL bought of JOHN BYAS on main Trading road adj JOHN GUIN.
29 Jan 1779. Wit: JOSEPH JOHNSTON, NATHAN LOGAN, ROBERT BYAS.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.13)34
Deed Book A, Page 315: NATHAN BYAS of CC to THOMAS & JOHN HARRELSON orphans of EZEKIEL HARALSON decd,
for 26 lbs, 228 A on Adams & Castle Creeks of Hico, tract of land that BURGESS
HARALSON decd willed to daughter DRUSCILLA adj THOMAS HORLEY, ELKANAH HARALSON,
HENRY HORLEY, DOUGLAS' Road, HUGH BARNETT's old line. Also signed by DRUCILLA BYAS.
2 Mar 1780. Acknd.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.19)34
Caswell County Tax List, 1780: NATHAN BYAS listed in Nash District with property valuation of 458 pounds.
(Source: Caswell County, North Carolina Tax Lists, 1777, 1780, & 1784, p.13)13
Deed Book A, Page 544: HENRY COCKBURN of CC to NATHAN BYAS of same, for 130 lbs, 190 A on east side Gents
Cr - including 2 small tracts one made to MICHAEL COCKBURN by MICHAEL DICKSON on
7 Aug 1764,the other from JOHN COCKBURN dated 14 Aug 1775 - adj JOHN JOHNSTON,
JAMES GREGORY. 3 Dec 1781. Wit: H. HARALSON, THOMAS BARNETT.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.29)34
Will Book A, Page 248, June Court 1783: Sale of estate of ELKANAH HARALSON. Sales to HENRY HOWARD,
STEPHEN AUSTIN, JOHN CHAMBERS, PETER ROGERS, BART GRIER,
WILLIAM BREEKEEN, GARROTT GUTTERY, BANJAMIN NEWTON, THOMAS NEELEY,
FRANCES SCOGGIN, JAMES STRINGER, CHARLES ALLEN,
CHARLES TRIM, WILLIAM LINK, JACOB BULL, WILLIAM FULCHER,
JAMES ARCHDEACON, WILLIAM STONE, JAMES WARREN, THOMAS BARNET (HS),
JOHN COOPER, CAPT. JOHN MOORE, WILLIAM HUSTON, JAMES RAINEY,
JACOB DAVIS, JOHN CHAMBERS, WILLIAM CHAMBERS JUN., NATHAN BYAS,
BENJAMIN LONG, SETH MOORE, HENRY HORLEY, JOHN BYAS. By JOHN BARNETT
and HENRY HORLEY, adm.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Will Books, 1777-1814, p.12)35
Will Book B, Page 291, 1789: Settlement estate of EZEKIAL HARALSON. Acct. Paid to ELIJAH HARALSON,
JOHN H. PRYOR, NATHAN BYARS, THOMAS DOUGLASS, DAVID BOYD,
B. RIDLEY, WILLIAM HOWARD for schooling the children,
WM. MCADEN, MOSES WALKER, PAUL HARALSON, EDWARD BUCKLEY.
Approved by A.E. MURPHEY, YANCEY BAILEY.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Will Books, 1777-1814, p.12)35
Deed Book B, Page 281: State of NC - No. 459 - to WILLIAM GUTTERY & JAMES GUTTERY 250 A on Adams Cr adj
NATHAN BYAS, CHARLES ALLEN. 30 Oct 1783.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.50)34
Deed Book B, Page 364: State of NC - No. 481 - to CHARLES ALLEN 360 A on Castle Cr adj NATHAN BYAS,
CHARLES BOSTICK, ROBERT HUSTON, WIDOW BARNETT. 13 Oct 1783.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.54)34
Deed Book B, Page 450: NATHAN BYAS of CC to JOSIAS CHAMBERS of same, for 150 lbs, 190 A e side Gents Cr
a part of tract BYAS purchased of HENRY COCKBURN adj JOHN JOHNSTON, WILLIAM HARDING, JAMES GREGORY.
24 Mar 1784. Wit: H. HARALSON, WM. HENRY HOWARD.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.59)34
Deed Book C, Page 75: DAVID PATERSON of CC to THOMAS BARNETT (son of HUGH), for 50 lbs, 69 A on Gents Cr
adj BURGESS HARRILSON's old line, Garrett's Ridge Pass, NATHAN BYAS, ALLAN LOVE.
20 Feb 1785. Wit: AD MURPHEY, JOSEPH TURNER, REUBIN TAYLOR.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.65)34
Deed Book C, Page 167: NATHAN BYAS of Rutherford Co., NC to WILLIAM ALLEN of CC, for 133 lbs, 300 A on
Storey's Cr adj ALLEN LOVE, WM. CHAMBERS, ELISHA DUEST, JAMES STUART, HENRY HOWARD.
18 Nov 1785. Wit: JOHN ROACH, THOS BARNETT, FRANCES HOWARD.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.70)34
Deed Book D, Page 111, No. 743 - to NATHAN BYAS 267 A on Stories Cr adj ALLEN LOVE, HENRY HOWARD. 10 Nov 1784.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.76)34
Deed Book D, Page 112, No. 722 - to NATHAN BYAS 79 A on Storey's Cre adj JOHN CHAMBERS, WILLM CHAMBERS,
ELISHA DUEAST, JAMES STEWART. 10 Nov 1784.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.76)34
Deed Book E, Page 55: DAVID MORGAN of CC to ANTHONY SAMUEL of same, for 200 lbs, 150 A at mouth of Mill
House Br as it enters Country Line Cr adj JOHN KERSEY, WILLIAM STEPHENS, DAVID HALL,
JACOB PEARSON. 6 May 1786. Wit: ARCHD SAMUEL, ROBERT WILSON, SAMUEL BYAS.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.90)34
Deed Book E, Page 89: NATHAN BYAS of Rutherford Co., NC, to THOMAS BARNET son of HUGH BARNETT of CC, for
40 lbs, 46 A on Stories Cr adj JOHN CHAMBERS, WILLM CHAMBERS, WILLIAM ALLEN.
18 Nov 1785. Wit: WILLIAM ALLEN, FRANCIS HOWARD.
(Source: Kendall, Caswell County, North Carolina, Deed Books, 1777-1817, p.91)34
Mecklenburg County was formed from the western portion of Anson County in 1763. Tryon County was formed from the western portion of Mecklenburg County in 1769.
Deed Book 1, Pp.73-76: 8 & 9 Oct 1762, ANDREW ALLISON, & wf MARGARET of Craven
Co., SC, to WILLIAM DAVISON of Rowan Co., NC (lease s5, release £5, s13)
... 640 A in Anson Co., on N side Indian Camp
Creek, adj. WILLIAM DICKEY's land ... granted to sd. ALLISON 30 Aug 1753 ...
ANDREW ALLISON (Seal), MARGRET ALLISON (Seal), Wit: GEORGE DAVISON, JAMES BYARS.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.3)30
Deed Book 2, Pp.70-72: 9 & 10 Nov 1764, JOHN MCKNIGHT of Rowan Co., Gent., to
DAVID BYERS of York Co., Pa (lease s5, release £60 proc. money) ...
340 A on N side of Broad River, on a fork of Turkey Creek,
above Clarks path ...granted to JOHN MCKNIGHT 30 Aug 1753 ... JOHN MCKNIGHT
(Seal), Wit: JOHN MCCOLLOH, DAVID BYERS, JOHN ARMSTRONG.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.38)30
Deed Book 3, Pp.171-172: 20 Apr 1766, JOHN MACILMURRAY of Meck., to JOHN PATTON
of same, for £100 [later says JAMES PATTON] ... land
on S side Allisons Creek, adj. JOSEPH HARDEN ... 240 A ... JOHN MACKLEMURRY (Seal),
Wit: JNO MCCULLOH, WILLIAM BYERS, JOHN WILLSON.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.79)30
Deed Book 4, Pp.218-221: 19 & 20 Feb 1767, JAMES HARRIS & wf MARY of Meck., to
JAMES BYERS & WILLIAM CURRY Gentn., of same (lease s5, release £ 30)
... 300 A in Mecklenburg County (formerly Anson), on S side of Packolat on a
branch of Fairrist Creek granted to said JAMES HARRIS 10 Nov 1752 ... JAMES HARRIS (Seal),
MARY HARRIS (O) (Seal). Wit: JOHN GRAHAM, THOS. HARRIS, Prov. Oct. term 1767
(This land now in S.C.)
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.103)30
Deed Book 4, Pp.531-532: 6 Oct. 1767, ROBERT MCCASHLAND & wf AGNESS of
Meck., to JAMES BYERS of Rowan Co., for £ 50 proc. money, 220 A
adj. the E side of Catawba River, adj. FRANCES BEATEYS upper
line including a Great Bent or Turn of the River, granted by
patent to sd. MCCASHLAND, 21 Dec 1763 ... ROBT MCCASHLAND (Seal),
AGNESS MCCASHLAND (Seal). Wit: AARON BIGGERSTAFF, HENRY WRIGHT.
Rec. Oct. term 1769.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.121)30
Deed Book 4, Pp.766-767: 7 Dec 1768, JAMES SIMRAL & wf VIOLET of Meck.,
to JENNET IRWIN of Rowan Co., NC for £ 50 proc. money, 200 A
on N side Broad River in McDowel's Creek about half a mile above
HUGH VERRYS survey, including the fork of the Creek,
granted to JAMES SIMRAL, 25 Apr. 1767 ... JAMES SIMRAL (Seal),
VILET SIMRAL. Wit: JOHN CATHY, JAMES BYARES (?). Rec. Oct. term 1768.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.134-5)30
Deed Book 9, Pp.57-59: 21 July 1770, HUGH MCKINGHT or Rowan Co., farmer, to
JAMES MCKNIGHT, farmer, of same, for £ 200 proc. money
... land on E side Cataba River, at mouth of Morrisons Branch,
a grant # 268 by Gov. DOBBS to WILLIAM MORR---, 13 Oct 1756 ...
HUGH MCKNIGHT (Seal), Wit: JOHN KERR, WILLIAM BYERS, STEPHEN POTTS.
Rec. Jan. term 1772.
(Source: Holcomb, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts 1763-1779, p.235)30
Tryon County was formed from Mecklenburg County in 1769 (Mecklenburg was formed from Anson in 1763). Before the NC / SC state line was surveyed in 1772, Tryon County included a significant portion of SC including all or most of the present day counties of York, Chester, Cherokee, Union, Spartanburg, and Greenville. Tryon County was abolished in 1779 when it was split into Lincoln and Rutherford Counties.
Vol.1, P.13: 22 July 1768, CHARLES MCKNIGHT & wf JENNET of Mecklenburg Co., to WILLIAM BYERS
of same, for £ 70 proc. money ... land granted to sd. MCKNIGHT 30 Aug 1763 ...
CHARLES MCKNIGHT (SEAL), JENNET MCKNIGHT (X) (SEAL), Wit: CHARLES MCLAIN, ALEXANDER COULTER,
ABRAHAM CLAMINS. Rec. Apr. term 1769.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.1)31
Vol.1, Pp.43-44: 20 Sept 1768, JOHN WEBB of Orange Co., N.C., planter, to HUGH QUINN of Tryon
Co., for £ 35 proc. money ... 300 A in Tryon Co., on S side Green River and on
N fork White Oak Creek including the forks of sd. creek above BLACKWELLs, granted 24 Oct 1767 ...
JOHN WEBB (SEAL), SARAH WEBB (X) (SEAL), Wit: JAMES CAPSHAW, JAMES BYAS, PETER QUINN.
Rec. July term 1769.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.4)31
[ Note: I have seen claims that (Rev.) John Webb's wife Sarah Byars was from Granville County and was a sister to James and Nathan Byars. ]
Vol.1, Pp.411-412: 18 Feb 1770, MATTHEW PORTER & wf MARY of Tryon Co., to JAMES PORTER of
same, for £ 20 proc. money... 300 A on Turkey Creek adj. DAVID BYERS,
granted 22 Dec 1769... MATTHEW PORTER (SEAL), MARY PORTER (M) (SEAL), Wit: DAVID BYERS,
Jurate; JOHN BRYSON. Rec. Apr. term 1771.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.30)31
Vol.1, Pp.458-459: 18 May 1771, DAVID PORTER & wf JEAN of Tryon Co., to JAMES PORTER of same,
for £ 40 proc. money... land granted to sd. DAVID PORTER, 27 Apr 1771... DAVID PORTER (SEAL),
JANE PORTER (SEAL), Wit: DAVID BYERS, NICHOLAS WALTON, Jurate. Rec. July term 1771.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.33)31
Vol.1, Pp.524-525: 6 Sept 1771, JAS. WRIGHT & WM. WRIGHT of Tryon Co. to WM. BYERS of Tryon
Co., for £ 200 proc. money.... land on waters of Bullocks Creek formerly called
Wrights Creek on N side Broad River, 535 A.... JAMES WRIGHT (SEAL), WILLIAM WRIGHT (SEAL),
Wit: CHARLES MCLEAN, Jurate: WILLIAM HALL. Rec. Jan. term 1772.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.38)31
Vol.1, Pp.571-572: 28 Jan 1772, WILLIAM BYERS of Tryon Co., to DAVID PORTER of same, for £ 100 ...
land on main fork of Bullocks Creek, formerly called Wrights creek, being
1/2 of tract containing 270 A purchased of JAMES & WILLIAM WRIGHT ... WILLIAM BYERS (SEAL),
Wit: CHARLES MCLEAN, WILLIAM SIMS, JOSEPH DICKSON. Rec. Jan. term 1772.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.41)31
Vol.1, Pp.581-582: 24 Mar 1772, ANDREW COWAN of Tryon Co., Waggon Maker, to DAVID PORTER of same,
for £ 50 proc. money ... land on both sides Beaver Dam Creek of Bullocks Creek,
150 A adj. WRIGHTS line ... ANDW. COWAN (SEAL), Wit: EZEK. POLK, WILLIAM BYERS, SAML. WILLSON.
Rec. Jan. term 1772. [probably error, should be April term.]
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.42)31
[Note: This is probably the Ezekiel Polk who was grandfather of President James K. Polk.]
Vol.1, Pp.597-598: North Carolina: 7 Nov 1771, JOHN BROWN late of Rowan Co., yeoman &
FRANCIS MCKORKLE & wf SARAH of same, to JOHN WORK of same, yeoman, for £ 70
proc. money ... 400 A on both sides second Broad River at the mouth of Camp Creek about 2
miles below MOSES MOORE & adj. to MOSES & AARON MOORES ... JOHN BROWN (SEAL), FRANCIS MCCORKEL (SEAL),
SARAH MCKORKEL (SEAL), SARAH MCCORKEL (SEAL), Wit: JAMES BYARES, BENJAMIN MCFARLIN.
Rec. April term 1772.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.43)31
Vol.2, Pp.124-125: 3 Sept 1774, DAVID BYARS of Rowan Co., to MICHAEL MCELRATH of Tryon Co., for
£ 40 ... land on N side Main Broad River, on E side Mountain Creek ... on the
mill branch adj. THOMAS JOHNSTON's land, granted to sd. BYARS 29 Apr 1768 ... DAVID BYARS
(SEAL), Wit: JAMES BYERS, JOSEPH BYARS, MARY MCGUIRE. Rec. Jan. term 1775.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.70)31
Vol.2, Pp.125-126: 3 Sept 1774, JAMES BYERS & wf MARGARET of Rowan Co., to MICHAEL MCELWRATH of
Tryon Co., for £ 50 proc. money ... land on Mill Creek, an East branch of
Mountain Creek adj DAVIS BYARS, granted to JAMES BYERS 18 Apr 1771 ... JAMES BYERS (SEAL),
MARGARET BYERS (SEAL)Wit: DAVID BYARS, JOSEPH BYARS, MARY MCGUIRE. Rec. Jan. term 1775.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.70)31
Vol.2, Pp.171-173: 24 July 1775, THOMAS BEATY, HUGH BEATY & ROBERT ABERNATHY, Exrs. of L.W. & T.
of FRANCIS BEATY, decd, to BENJAMIN COCHRAN for £ 40 proc. money ... 149 A
granted 15 May 1772 adj. HASLEPS corner on W side Cataba ... Wit. FRANCIS BEATTY,
JOSEPH BYERS, AGNESS ARMSTRONG. Rec. July term 1775.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.73)31
Vol.2, Pp.279-281: 26 July 1774, JAMES BYERS of Rowan Co., to ALEXANDER COULTER of Tryon Co.,
for £ 100 proc. money ... 300 A on N side Broad River on Claghorns Creek ...
JAMES BYERS (SEAL), Wit: WILLIAM DAVIDSON, JOSEPH BYERS. Rec. Jan. term 1778.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.81)31
Vol.2, Pp.606-607: 3 May 1782, JOHN WORK of Rowan Co., to WILLIAM KERR & JAMES KERR of same,
for £ 450 ... land in Burke County, on both sides Mountain Creek adj.
ROBERT BINGHAM PERKINS, 336 A granted to THOMAS ANDERSON 10 May 1762, and conveyed to
sd. WORK 22 Feb 1774 ... JOHN WORK (SEAL), Wit: JAS BYERS, JOSEPH BYERS. Rec. Apr. term 1783.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.107)31
April term 1769: Ordered by the Court that DAVID BYERS & JOHN BRANDON serve as Constables in room of
JOHN BLACK and he [sic] swear in before WILLIAM WATSON.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.1)29
April term 1769: DAVID BYERS is listed as juror #17 on the Grand Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.3)29
July term 1769: WY BYARS [?] is listed as juror #8 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.11)29
October term 1769: Ordered that DAVID BYARS serve as Overseer of said Road from the head of Fishing Creek
to MICHAEL MEGARITYS & that he Enter on his Charge accordingly.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.13)29
October term 1769: Ordered that JNO. KENDRICK & JAMES BYARS serve as Constables under HENRY CLARK Esq'r
and that they swear before the said HENRY CLARK.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.16)29
January term 1770: JNO BYARS is listed as juror #11 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.23)29
January term 1770: JNO BYARS is listed as juror #12 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.24)29
January term 1770: JNO BYARS is listed as juror #9 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.24)29
January term 1770: WM BYARS is listed as juror #11 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.24)29
January term 1770: JAMES BYARS listed as juror #11 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.25)29
April term 1770: On appeal of CHARLES MCNIGHT it is Ordered by the court that a Re-praisement had on a
Certain horse taken on ex'n at the suit of ROBT SWANN vs CHARLES MCNIGHT and that JOSEPH HARDIN
& WILLIAM BYARS free holders & WM. WATSON Esqr. be appointed to Revalue the
same according to act of assembly. Ordered that the Sheriff produce the said horse
Tomorrow for the appraisers to Value the same as aforesaid.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.32)29
April term 1770: SAML BYARS is listed as juror #10 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.33)29
April term 1771: A Deed of Sale from MATTHEW PORTER & MARY his wife Dated the 18th day of Feb'y 1771
for 132 acres of land Proved by DAVID BYARS Evidence thereto. Ordered to be Registered.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.60)29
April term 1771: DAVID BYERS is listed as juror #2 and WM BYERS is listed as juror #4 on the Petty Jury.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.66)29
January term 1772: A Deed of Sale from JAMES WRIGHT and WM. WRIGHT to WILLIAM BYERS dated the 6th day
of September 1771 for 535 acres of Land proved by CHARLES MCLEAN Evidence thereto.
Ord'd to be registered.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.83)29
January term 1772: A Deed of Sale from WILLIAM BYERS to DAVID PORTER Dated 28th January 1772 for 277 acres
of Land ack'd in Open Court. Ordered to be Registered.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.84)29
January term 1772: A Deed of Sale from JAMES WRIGHT & WILLIAM WRIGHT to WILLIAM BYERS Dated the 6th day
Septem'r 1771 for 535 acres of Land proved by CHAS MCLEAN Evidence thereto. Ord'd to be Reg'd.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.85)29
April term 1772: A Deed of Sale from JOHN BROWN & FRANCIS MCCORKALL & Wife to JOHN WORK dated the
seventh day of November 1771 for 400 acres of Land proved by JAMES BYARS Evidence thereto.
Ord'd to be Registers.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.96)29
January term 1775: A Deed of Sale from DAVID BYARS to MICHAEL MCELWRATH for 300 acres of Land Dated the
3d Day of Septem'r 1774 proved by JOSEPH BYARS Evidence thereto. Ord'd to be Reg'd.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.148)29
January term 1775: A Deed of Sale from JAMES BYARS & MARGARET hs wife to MICHAEL MCELWRATH for 300 acres
Dated the 3d Day of Septem'r 1774 proved by JOSEPH BYARS Evidence thereto. Ord'd to be Reg'd.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.148)29
July term 1775: A Deed of Sale from THOMAS BEATEY, HUGH BEATEY, & ROBERT ARMSTRONG to BENJAMIN COCHRAN
for 140 acres of Land dated the 24 July 1775 proved in open Court by JOSEPH BYARS. Ord'd to be Registered.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.159)29
January term 1778: A Deed of Sale from JAMES BYARS to ALEXANDER COULTER for 300 acres of Land Dated the
26 July 1774 acknowledged in open Court. Ord'd to be Registered.
(Source: Holcomb, Tryon County, North Carolina, Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779, p.177)29
Rutherford County was created in 1779 from the western portion of Tryon County.
SARAH BYASS was listed in Captain RUSSEL's Company in the 1782 Tax List of Rutherford County, NC.
She was listed with 200 acres of land, 1 negro, 2 horses, 8 cattle, and an assessment of 208.
(Source: http://www.northcarolinagenealogy.net/downloads/1782.txt)
Deed Books A-D, P.77: 17 Oct 1783, MICHAEL MCELWRATH to THOMAS MORRIS, for £ 60 "Hard
money" ... land on E side Mountain Creek adj. DAVID BYERS, 300 A,
granted to sd. BYERS 18 Apr 1771 ... MICHAEL MCELWRATH (SEAL), No wit.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.138)31
Deed Books A-D, P.173: 10 Apr 1783, JAMES WEBB of Rutherford Co., to NATHAN BYERS of
Caswell Co., for £ 150 ... 200 A on N side main Broad River adj.
MCCLANNAHANS ... JAMES WEBB (+) (SEAL), Wit: WILLM HACKINS, JOHN WEBB, WILLIAM COOPER.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.145)31
Deed Books A-D, Pp.175-176: 28 July 1779, ALEXANDER COULTER of Rutherford Co., to
ROBERT SHIPLEY of same, for £ 400 ... 300 A on Cleghorns Creek,
formerly Sheppards Creek, JAMES BYARS pattentee ... ALEXANDER COULTER (SEAL),
Wit: D. DICKEY, RICHARD SINGLETON.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.146)31
Deed Books A-D, Pp.192-193: 10 Sept 1779, JOHN BERRY of Dist. of Ninety Six, S.C. to
JAMES GRAY of N.C., for £ 2000 S.C. money ... land on N side
Broad River on McDonalds Creek, adj. JAMES BYARS ... JOHN BERRY (SEAL), Wit:
RICHARD MCCLURE, ANDREW THOMSON.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.147)31
Deed Books A-D, Pp.214: 15 July 1775, ABRAHAM KIRKENDALL of Tryon Co., to JOHN WEBB of
same, for £ 35 ... land on W side Second Broad River, 300 A ...
ABRAHAM KIRKENDALL (A) (SEAL), Wit: JOHN BYAS (J), ROBERT BYAS.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.149)31
Deed Books A-D, P.228: Grant to ANTHONY DICKEY, 400 A on Mill Creek of Broad River,
adj. his own land, BYERS ... 13 Oct 1783. ALEX MARTIN.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.150)31
Deed Books A-D, Pp.442-443: 6 Jan 1786, THOMAS MORRIS to JOSHUA TYLOR, both of Rutherford
Co., for £ 80 ... land on N side Main Broad River on E side
Mountain Creek, adj. THOMAS JOHNSTON, granted to DAVID BYERS, 29 Apr 1768
... THOMAS MORRIS (SEAL), Wit: MOSES WRIGHT, JAMES JAFFREY.
(Source: Holcomb, Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln, & Rutherford Counties, North Carolina, 1769-1786, p.166)31
Deed Book G, Page 183, No. 753: 20 April 1786, THOMAS MORRIS
to ANTHONY DICKEY for 100 pds. tract of 300 a.
on both sides Mill Creek on E. branch of Mountain
Creek begin. at DAVID BYERS corner, Land orig.
granted to JAMES BYERS 18 April 1779. WM. GRANT,
Sp--? COLEMAN BROWN.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.28)15
Deed Book G, Page 233, No. 801: 25 Sept. 1787, THOMAS WHITESIDES
to GARRET VINZANT, JR., for 25 pds. tract of 60 a.
on both sides First Broad River being part of a
grant to WILLIAM SIMS & MAYDDN BYAR, adj. ROBT. WHITESIDES,
SMITH or VINZANT, BARNETT or OZBORN corner. JOHN SMITH.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.34)15
Deed Book I, Page 379, No. 927: 6 Oct. 1792, JOSEPH BOREN of Ninety-six
Dist., S.C. to JOSEPH CAMP of Rutherford Co. for
100 pds. proc. money of N.C. 222 a. in Rutherford Co.
on branch of CARTIN's Mill Creek and on E. side of
Broad River begin. at a line formerly called JOHN WILSON's
line. Land was first granted to JOSEPH CAMP
by JOSIAH MARTIN, Esq. by pat. dt'd. 15 May 1772
and conveyed by deed to JOSEPH BOWREN and now
from BOWREN to sd. JOSEPH CAMP. Rec. July 10, 1792.
WILLIAM CAMP, WILLIAM B. BYARS-x-.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.52)15
Deed Book J, Page 53, No. 1047: 31 July 1786, STEPHEN SHELTON to
JOHN CARVER for 5 pds. paid by ROBERT BYARS lately
dec'd., 50 a. in Rutherford Co. being part of tract of
400 a. pat. granted to sd. SHELTON. Said 50 a. lies
on N/E of survey join. Beaverdam Creek and First
Broad River. Rec. 3 Aug. 1793. JOEL SHELTON, "CON PACK".
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.70)15
Deed Book J, Page 95, No. 1090: 22 Nov 1791, FREDERICK MORNINGSTAIR
of Spartanburg Dist. S.C. to JONAS BEDFORD for 50 pds.
150 A. originally granted to GEORGE SAYLOR 26 Nov. 1789 and
by deed convy. to FREDERICK MORNINGSTEER. Land on
N. fork Floyd's Creek near BEDFOR & ESHLEY. Rec.
7 Dec. 1793. Signed: FREDERICK MORNINGSTER, ELEZABETH MORNINGSTER.
WILLIAM-x-BYERS.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.76)15
Deed Book K, Page 239, No. 1238: 24 May 1787, ELIZABETH THOMASON
to BUSHROD DOGED (sic) for 35 pds. proc. money of
N.C., 150 a. in the Old Field where JOHN THOMASON
used to live on both sides Rocky Creek of Floyds
Creek. Rec. 5 July 1794. NATHAN BYARS, GEORGE SUTTLE.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.96)15
Deed Book L, Page 328, No. 1326: 18 Oct 1788, THOMAS TOWNSON, planter,
to SARAH BYARS for 30 pds. Virginia money and one Negro
girl, 200 a. on S. side Broad River. Land granted to
JAMES MOOR by Pat. 5 April 1766. JOEL-x-BLACKWELL,
NATHAN BYARS. Rec. 6 Jan. 1795.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.108)15
Deed Book L, Page 333, No. 1330: 20 June 1788, NATHAN BYARS to WILLIAM DOBBINS,
90 a. adj. MRS. CLONAHAN on E. side Broad River
being part of tract of land granted by Gov. WILLIAM TRYON
to JAMES WEBB. The parcel of 90 a. being part
of 4 grants granted to WM. WEBB. Rec. 9 Jan. 1795.
WILLIAM DOBBINS, JAMES DOBBINS.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.109)15
[I failed to copy the page that contains the first part of this deed abstract ... probably deed from Robert Crockett
listed below ... REMINDER: get a copy of page 110 of this source]
... York Co., S.C. to NATHAN BIAIS (sic) for 100 pds.
(no acreage stated) land on N. side Main Broad River.
HENRY McKINNEY, GEORGE-x-SWILL, JAMES-g-GLEMONE.
(Source: Davis, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, p.111)15
[Note: The list of deeds below is taken from the Rutherford County Grantor/Grantee Deed Indexes available on microfilm from the NC State Archives. In a few cases I have also looked at deed books which are also available on microfilm and created my own abstracts which are listed below. And for selected deeds I have transcribed abstracts found in the Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County. Also, the Byars/Byers deeds I have listed below from Rutherford County are only for the years prior to 1850. There are many more Byars/Byers deeds in Rutherford County after 1850.]
From Crockett, Robert to Biais, Nathan, Deed Book J-L, p.344, 1795
From Byars, Nathan to Good, Edward, Deed Book 11-Oct, p.487 & 490, 1799
Deed Book 11, p.487, 20 January 1797, Nathan Biers/Byars of RCNC to Edward Good of same, 60 pounds, 105 acres on
Grog Creek and Sandy Run, part of a grant to James Webb 28 November 1792, conveyed by Webb to Daniel
Shipman Junr. and from Shipman to Nathen Biers. Wit. L. Moore, Harrelson Byars. #873, 25 September 1799.
(Source: Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, November 1996, p.181)
Deed Book 11, p.490, 20 January 1797, Nathan Biars/Byars of RCNC to Edward Good of same, 60 pounds 100 acres on
Chesnut Log Branch of Sandy Run, conveyed from Daniel Shipman to Nathan Biars. Wit. L. Moore,
Harrelson Byars. #874, 26 September 1799.
(Source: Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, November 1996, p.181)
From Byars, Nathan to Blackwell, Joel, Deed Book 15-17, p.125, 1801
From Byers, Nathan to Lee, Edmond, Deed Book 15-17, p.146, 1801
From Haney, Richard to Byers, Nathan, Deed Book 15-17, p.194, 1801
From Byers, John to Black, Joel, Deed Book 18-19, p.72, 1802
From Hunter, Samuel to Byers, Nathen, Deed Book 20-21, p.32, 1803
18 January 1800, PATRICK SANDERS of Spartanburgh Co., S.C. to
NATHEN BYERS of Rutherford Co., for $333, a tract of land originally granted to JOHN TURNER
on October the 19th in the eight year of the independence of te United States,
containing 100 acres on the S. side of Broad River on [? ashworths] Creek ...
PATRICK SANDERS (Seal), Wit: GEORGE CAMP, WM [? ABBOTT JUNR].
Rec. 28 April 1803.
[Note: The Rutherford County deed index indicates this deed was from Samuel Hunter
to Nathen Byers, but the recorded copy of the deed shows that it was actually from Patrick Sanders
to Nathen Byers. The next deed recorded in the deed book was from Samuel Hunter to Warren Metcalf.]
From Byers, Nathan to Byars, Nathan, Deed Book 20-21, p.49, 1803
24 August 1802, NATHAN BYARS of Rutherford Co., to GEORGE BYARS of the same,
for $50, 50 acres on the S. side of Main Broad River, beginning on the river bank at
SARAH BYARS corner, from a patent granted to FRANCES ALEXANDER dated 15 Dec 1799 ...
NATHAN BYARS (SEAL), Wit: GABRIEL [? MARTIN], JOHN BYARS.
Rec. 6 May 1803.
[Note: Again, the Rutherford County deed index is in error as it indicates this deed was to
Nathan Byars when the recorded copy indicates it was to George Byars.]
From Good, Robert to Byers, James, Deed Book 20-21, p.316, 1804
From Byers, Nathan to Hamilton, Joseph, Deed Book 22-23, p.273, 1805
26 November 1804, EDMAND LEA & NATHAN BYARS of Rutherford Co.,
to JOSEPH & NOBLE HAMILTON of the same, for $600, land on the N. side of Main Broad River
adjoining the land of MARTIN MARTIN, containing 48 acres. Another tract of land on the
N. side of [?] Broad River joining the land above described, including the Island Ford
commonly known by the name of the Island Ford Tract, containing 167 acres ...
EDMOND (x) LEA (SEAL), NATHAN BYARS (SEAL), Wit: [? ??? CAMP, ???].
Rec. 29 March 1805.
339. Jan 25, 1806, Nathan Byas enters 100 ac in Rutherford Co on each side of Ashworths Cr and S side of main
Broad R; border: Joseph Turner and "the" speculation line; issued.
Source: Pruitt, Abstracts of Land Entries: Rutherford County, NC, January 1804-April 1826, p.23)42
340. Jan 25, 1806, Nathan Byas enters 40 acres in Rutherford Co on S side of main Broad R; border: "his" Harel Byas
and near "the" speculation line; issued.
Source: Pruitt, Abstracts of Land Entries: Rutherford County, NC, January 1804-April 1826, p.23)42
342. Feb. 12, 1806, Nathan Byars enters 100 ac in Rutherford Co on both sides of main Broad R; border Wm
Dobins and Stephen Philips; issued.
Source: Pruitt, Abstracts of Land Entries: Rutherford County, NC, January 1804-April 1826, p.23)42
343. Feb 12, 1806, Nathan Byars enters 50 ac in Rutherford Co on N side of main Broad R; border: Geo Byars,
Richd Goode, Wm McGouin, & his own line; issued.
Source: Pruitt, Abstracts of Land Entries: Rutherford County, NC, January 1804-April 1826, p.23)42
From Byas, Nathan to Alexander, Francis, Deed Book 22-23, p.514, 1806
From Good, Joseph to Byers, Nathan, Deed Book 24-26, p.55 & 84, 1807
Deed Book 24, p.61, 3 February 1807, Stephen Duponceau & William Tilghman Esqrs., Abraham Kintsing Junr., George
Worral, and Tench Coxe, by Peter Fisher, their attorney, to Enoch Andrews of RCNC, 30 dollars, 100 acres
on Suck Creek, joining Joel Blackwell, Evan Watkins, Daniel Watkins, part of Coxes 6000 acres. Wit. David
Webb, Harrel Byars. #67, 7 September 1807.
(Source: Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, February 2003, p.33)
Deed Book 24, p.84, 16 October 1802, Joseph Goode of RCNC to Nathan Byers of same, £25, 35 acres on the south side of
Main Broad River on Suck Creek. Wit. Jas. Wyle, Horrel Byars. #90, 16 September 1807.
(Source: Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, February 2003, p.35)
From Byers, Nathan to Walker, Thadius, Deed Book 25, p.174, 1810
From Byers, Nathan to Hamilton, Noble, Deed Book 27-28, p.55, 1813
From Byars, Nathan to Clarke, Arthur, Deed Book 29-31, p.285, 1817
From Byars, George to Patterson, David, Deed Book 32-33, p.31, 1819
From Byars, Samuel to Scoggins, Joseph, Deed Book 32-33, p.45, 1819
From Blackwell, Joel & Sarah to Byars, George, Deed Book 32-33, p.91, 1819
From Byars, Nathan to Hamilton, Noble, Deed Book 32-33, p.115, 1819
From Byars, William to Durham, Edmond, Deed Book 37-38, p.299, 1831
From Byars, George to McKinney, James, Deed Book 39-40, p.176, 1834
From Guthery, Jonathan to Byers, John, Deed Book 41-42, p.118, 1835
From Byars, John to Byars, Drury, Deed Book 43, p.463, 1838
From Byars, Nathan to Guthrie, Joseph, Deed Book 43, p.534, 1839
Lincoln County was created in 1779 from the eastern portion of Tryon County.
Drury Logan and Polley Bias; 19 Nov 1803; Bondsman: Abner Massee
(Source: Bynum, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina)12
Joseph Houston (Hueston) and Pagy Byers; 20 Feb 1809; Bonsdman: John x Mattiss,
Witness: Mic Cline
(Source: Bynum, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina)12
Robert x Byars and Jane Houston; 24 Mar 1804; Bondsman: William x Tucker; Witness:
John Dickson
(Source: Bynum, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina)12
Edward Byars and Jane Henry; 27 Feb 1812; Bondsman: Wm J Wilson; Witness: Lwn Henderson
(Source: Bynum, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina)12
Wm x Byers and ------ ------; 8 Jan 1796; Bondsman: Wm x Earwood (Carwood)
(Source: Bynum, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina)12
Burke County was created in 1777 from the western portion of Rowan County.
#161, p.206, 200 acres on BYERSES fork, including improvement by
JOHN BYERS. Entered 14 Aug 178. Warrent ordered.
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1778, Vol 1, p.58)32
#782, p.262, JAMES BYERS, 200 acres on Crooked Creek of Catawba River,
beginning WILLIAM MC CAFFERTYS entry including entry JACOB WOMACK formerly
did live. Entered 3 Sept. 1778. Warrant Ordered.
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1778, Vol 1, p.73)32
[Reminder: This book includes a reference to "James Buyers" on p.156 that I failed to copy.]
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1778, Vol 1, p.156)32
#49, WILLIAM GRAHAM, 250 acres on South fork of Rims Creek "oposite"
to head of Bull Creek including mouth of haw branch and marks and
improvements said to be made by JOHN BYERS, WM. DEAVER and THOMAS LITTLE
for Complement. 10 March 1787. Warrent Issued.
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1779-1790, Vol 2, p.72)33
Patent to JAMES BYERS, April 13, 1771, 300 acres beginning at DAVID BYERS's corner,
conveyed to MICHAEL MUCLEWRATH. Deposition of WM. SIMS on reverse.
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1779-1790, Vol 2, p.103a)33
Bolin, John, Oct. 1785, Adm. Bond: JOHN FORSYTHE, JAMES FORGEY.
Sales to JOHN BYERS, JOHN FORSYTH, ABRAHAM HELTON.
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1779-1790, Vol 2, p.162)33
[Reminder: This book includes a reference to "John Buyors" on p.154b that I failed to copy]
(Source: Huggins, Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1779-1790, Vol 2, p.154b)33
Spartanburg County was created in 1785 from the district of Ninety-Six. Prior to 1772 when the NC / SC state line was surveyed, the area encompassed by present day Spartanburg County was administered as part of Tryon County, NC.
Deed Book F, p.251-252, Jul. 31, 1798: DRURY SCRUGGS (Spartanburgh) to JAMES BLACK
(same); for 11£ 11s sterling sold 85 ac on for of Horse
Cr; border: conditional line between DRURY SCRUGGS to RICHARD HANEY;
part of 655 ac grant Dec. 2, 1793 State's Office to REUBIN WARREN.
Witness WILLIAM MORROW and NATHAN BYARS. Signed DRURY SCRUGGS.
Wit. oath Aug. 18, 1798 WILLIAM MORROW to WM MCDOWELL. Rec. Apr. 15, 1799.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.161)43
Deed Book F, p.273-274, Aug. 24, 1798: MATTHIAS TURNER (Spartanburgh) to JOHN SUTHERLAND
(or SOUTHERLAND) (same); for 50£ sterling
sold 100 ac on Surratt's Cr; border: THOMAS HARRIS. Witness: NATHAN BYARS
and ZACHARIAH BLACKWELL. Signed: MATTHIAS TURNER's mark.
Wit. oath Jan. 10, 1799 NATHAN BYARS to GEOR LAMKIN. Rec. Apr. 21, 1799
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.163)43
Deed Book G, p.116-117, Mar. 1, 1800: JOHN SUTHERLIN (Spartanburgh) to WILLIAM MORROW
(same); for 30£ sterling sold 100 ac; on both
sides of Horse Cr of Broad R; part of 300 ac grant Jan. 1, 1787
States Office to JOSEPH WARREN and sold by NATHANIEL PACACE (or
PERRACE) to JOHN SUTHERLIN. Witness: NATHAN BYARS, JNO BONNER, and
DAVID PARIS. Signed: JOHN SUTHERLIN. Wit. oath May 10, 1800, DAVID PARIS
to GEO LAMKIN. Rec. Nov. 13, 1800.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.195)43
Deed Book I, p.423-424, May 29, 1804: JAMES PHILIPS (Rutherford Co, NC) to REUBIN PHILLIPS
(Spartanburgh); for $50 sold 170 ac on both
sides of Ashworth Cr; border: N-North Carolina line, S-Camp; on lower
end of 300 ac grant to THOMAS THOMSON; survey Sept. 23, 1794 for
THOMAS THOMSON. Witness: JACOB PHILLIPS and NATHAN BYARS. Signed:
JAMES PHILLIPS' mark. Wit. oath Jul. 21, 1804 JACOB PHILLIPS to
JNO RICKMAN. Rec. Oct. 8, 1804.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.276)43
Deed Book K, p.37-38, Sept. 5, 1803: JOHN COOPER (Spartanburgh) to JOHN CHAMPION,
WM HESTER, NATHAN BYARS, and VARDRY CAMP, deacons of Church of Providence;
for $5 sold 4 ac; plat attached. Witness ABISHA CAMP
and JOSEPH CAMP. Signed JOHN COPPER. Wit. oath Mar. 25, 1805
ABISHA CAMP to WILLIAM LANCASTER. Rec. Mar. 25, 1803.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.288)43
Deed Book L, p.337, Dec. 9, 1807: JACOB CROCKER (Spartanburgh) to JOSEPH BYARS
(same); for $300 sold 286 ac; border: Camp, Cherokee Cr,
Watson, Markley, and Green's Cr. Witness: NATHAN BYARS and THOMAS BYARS.
Signed: JACOB CROCKER. Wit. oath Aug. 27, 1808 THOMAS BYARS
to JOHN LIPSCOMB. Rec. Oct 3, 1808.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.377)43
Deed Book O, p.247, Apr.3, 1815: DETITHY MERRIMAN (Bledso Co, Tenn) to BRIANT BONNER
(Spartanburgh); for $100 sold 100 ac on Sarratt's Cr
of Broad R; border: SILAS YARBOROUGH, NATHAN BYARS, path from NATHAN
[I failed to copy the page that contains the last part of this deed abstract ... REMINDER: get a copy of page 508 of this source]
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.507)43
Deed Book P, p.290-291, Nov. 19, 1813: WILLIAM MORRESS (Spartanburgh) to WILSON NESBETT
(same); for $250 sold 573 ac in two parts -- (l)
(ac omitted); border: TURNER and WILSON NESBETT (bought from JAMES HARRISON);
part of grant to JOHN BOMAR; and (2) 79 ac; border;
WILSON NESBETT (bought from JAMES HARRISON, WOFFORD, and TURNER;
23 ac excepted "where Spece's old line runs into (1)"; WILLIAM MORRESS
is to return money if older grant takes the land in 10 years.
Witness: WILLIAM CAMP JR and NATHAN BYARS. Signed: WILLIAM MORRISS.
Wit. oath Jul. 28, 1813 WILLIAM CAMP JR to J CAMP. Rec. Jul. 23, 1817.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.556)43
Deed Book S, p.375, Jan. 14, 1824: JACOB CROCKER (Spartanburgh) to THOMAS THOMAS
(same); for $50 sold 211 ac; border JAMES CROCKER and JEREMIAH MARTIN.
Witness NATHAN BYARS and SHADRICK WEER. Signed:
JACOB CROCKER. Wit. oath Jan. 14, 1824 NATHAN BYARS to JOSEPH CAMP.
Rec. Aug. 2, 1824.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.720)43
Deed Book T, p.135, Oct. 24, 1825: THOMAS THOMAS and NATHAN BYARS to CABRED MCCRAW;
for $131.25 sold 211 ac on waters of Island Cr of Pacolate R;
except what is in BONNER's tract. Witness: JOHN MARTIN and STERLING GORDEN.
Signed: THOMAS THOMAS and NATHAN BYARS. Wit. oath Oct. 24, 1824
JOHN MARTIN to J CAMP. Rec. Nov. 12, 1825. Dower renounced
Oct. 31, 1825 NANCY THOMAS to GEO CAMP.
(Source: Pruitt, Spartanburg County / District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, p.750)43
[NOTE: I have only transcribed selected Byars related deeds from the Pruitt 1785-1827 book. The full list of Byars/Byers given names from the index is as follows: James, James Jr., James Sr., John, Jonas, Jonathan, Joseph, Joshua, Nathan, Robert, Thomas, and William]
Deed Book U, 590, p.487-488, 7 Jan 1828: ASPASIO EARLE [ESPASIO EARLE in one ref.]
(Rutherford County., N.C.) to ROBERT S. SCRUGGS JUNR. (Spartanburgh Dist), for
$130 sold a certain tract of land in Spartanburgh dist on the head branches of
Suck creek. Containing 300 acres more or less as will appear by patent,
bearing date to SAML. EARLE 5 June 1786. Witness: NATHAN BYARS SR.,
CHARLES B. DURHAM. Signed: ASPASIO EARLE. Witness oath by NATHAN BYARS SR.
29 Sept 1828 to GEO. CAMP, J.Q. DOWER relinquished by POLLY (X) EARLE 21 Feb 1829
to WM. S. MORGAN, J.Q. Rec. 7 Mar 1831.
(Source: Vehorn, Spartanburg District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1827-1839, p.127)57
Deed Book V, 735, p.586, 19 Sept 1834: ANTHONY GILMORE (Ga.) do hereby appoint
DANIEL GILMORE my lawful attorney to recover and receive from ELIJAH TURNER,
Executor of the Estate of READICK ARNDEL late of Spartanburgh Dist.
Decd. all my right, title and interest in the said Estate. Witness JOSEPH CAMP,
NATHAN BYARS. Signed ANTHONY GILMORE. Witness oath by NATHAN BYARS
2 Jan 1836 to J. CAMP J.Q. Rec. 4 Jan 1836.
(Source: Vehorn, Spartanburg District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1827-1839, p.315)57
Deed Book W, 13, Page 236-238, 9 Nov 1836: MARY RICHARDS and sons NOAH RICHARDS,
JAMES RICHARDS, JOSHUA RICHARDS, JOSEPH RICHARDS for $200 paid by the
treasurer of the So. Ca. Manufacturing Company, do sell unto WM. WALKER,
HUGH BAILY, S.N. EVINS, JNO. BOMAR JR., SIMPSON BOBO, President
& Directors of said Co., all that tract of land on the waters of Thickaty.
Border; CROCKER, MARKLEY, PRICE, BIV. Containing 269 acres more or less.
Witness FREDERICK PRICE, WILLIS SMITH, E.S.E. CHAMBERS, DRURY BYARS.
Signed: NOAH RICHARDS, JAMES RICHARDS, JOSHUA RICHARDS, JOSEPH RICHARDS,
MARY (x) RICHARDS. Witness oath by WILLIS SMITH that he saw
NOAH RICHARDS, JAMES RICHARDS, JOSHUA RICHARDS, and JOSEPH RICHARDS sign
the deed. Given 10 Feb 1837 to J. CAMP J.Q. Witness oath by DRURY BYARS
that he saw MARY RICHARDS execute the conveyance. Given 10 Feb 1837 to
J. CAMP J.Q. Dower relinquished by HANNA (x) RICHARDS, ELIZABETH (x) RICHARDS
& NANCY (x) RICHARDS, the wives of NOAH RICHARDS, JAMES RICHARDS,
and JOSEPH RICHARDS, 10 Feb 1837 to JOSEPH CAMP J.Q. Rec. 4 Apr 1837.
(Source: Vehorn, Spartanburg District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1827-1839, p.384)57
Deed Book W, 18, Page 243-244, 26 Sept 1836: NATHAN BYARS (Spartanburgh Dist) in
consideration of $109 paid by WILLIAM CLARK Agent for the So. Ca. M. Co.
(same), have sold unto WILLIAM WALKER, SAMUEL N. EVINS, JOHN BOMAR JR.,
HUGH BAILY & SIMPSON BOBO, President and directors, a certain tract of land
in said Dist. on the branches of Turners fork, of Thickaty Creek. Border:
TURNER. By computation 96 acres more or less. Witness JOHN R. RICHARDS,
JOHN BYARS. Signed NATHAN BYARS. Witness oath by JOHN R. RICHARDS
20 Nov 1836 to J. CAMP, J.Q. Dower relinquished by EMELIA (x) BYARS 6 Oct 1836
to JOSEPH CAMP, J.Q. Rec. 5 Apr 1837.
(Source: Vehorn, Spartanburg District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1827-1839, p.384)57
[NOTE: I have only transcribed selected Byars related deeds from the Vehorn 1827-1839 book. The full list of Byars/Byers given names from the index is as follows: Drury, Emelia, John, Joseph, Joshua, Nathan, Nathan Sen., Robert, Thomas, and Wm]
Here are a few Harralson family records that I list here because of their connection to the Byars family through the marriage of Drucilla Harralson to Nathan Byars, Sr.:
"The Haralson family in Caswell is descended from one PETER HARALSON who fled
with his parents from persecution in their native Denmark to Holland. The younger
HARALSON was described as a Danish captain, and he was living in Hanover County,
Virginia, by 1715. His descendant HERNDON HARALSON, born October 12, 1757, became
an officer in Caswell County in 1777 when the county government was formed."
(Source: Powell, When the Past Refused to Die, A History of Caswell County, North Carolina, 1777-1977, p.39)40
Orange County Will Book A, p.152, Will of BURGES HARRILSON. Dated 9 May 1772:
wife: ELIZABETH, gets "her maintenance"
son: EZEKIEL "plantation I purchased of WM. CHAMBERS, SR"
son: ELIJAH, 20 shillings
dau: "ELISHABA HARRILSON the wife of ELKANAH HARRILSON, plantation whereon he now lives"
dau: DRUSILLA HARRILSON
dau: JEMIMA HARRILSON land in Henrico Co., Va. "on Stoney Run which I purchased of JAMES ALLEN (?)"
grandson: "I. HARRILSON, the oldest son of ELIJAH HARRILSON, land I purchased of my brother PAUL
HARRILSON, lying on Stony (or Storey's) Creek"
Executors: EZEKIEL HARRILSON, ELKANAH HARRILSON.
Witnesses: JOE JOHNSON, WILLIAM STONE, JOHN (X) HARRILSON.
(Source: Shields, Abstracts of Wills Recorded in Orange County, North Carolina, 1752-1800, p.28)51
Halifax County Will Book 0, p.193, JOHN HARRELSON, Will:
"..sick in body of sound mind..being penitent & sorry for my sins past most
humbly desiring forgivness for the same.."
To my well beloved wife JANE all my personal estate if in the first place
she raises & pays my four daughters, MARY, JANE, SARAH, AND SUSANNAH the sum
of forty Pounds each to be paid at their coming to the age of twenty one
years. To my son WILLIAM 260 acres of land on n. fork of Colemans Creek
adjoining CHARLES MULLINS being part of the tract of land I live on. To
my son JOHN 260 acres of land on s. fork of Colemans Creek adjoining his
brother WILLIAM. To my son GIDEON 260 acres on n.s. main Coleman adjoining
his brother WILLIAM to extend down to the lower end of the tract. To my
son ALEXANDER all the remainder of land on Black Walnut Creek. To my son
BENJAMIN WARE my land & plantation on s.s. Coleman to him after my wifes
decease.
Exr: my loving wife JANE HARRELSON, WILLIAM STOKES & my brother BURGESS HARRELSON.
WD 9 August 1764, S/ JONN HARRELSON
Wit: JONATHAN GIBSON, WM. LAWSON, PETER (P) HUDSON
WP 21 March 1765. Presented by BURGESS HARRELSON one of the Exrs. & proved
by two of the wit.
Sec: JOHN ROGERS & PETER ROGERS. Reserving the liberty to the other executors
to join in sd probate when they shall think fit.
(Sources; Dodson, Will Book 0, 1752-1773, Halifax County, Virginia, p.30)16
The assumption that Joseph Logan married Annie Bias is supported by the existence of an individual named Bias (or Byars) Logan who is presumed to be their son. He witnessed a deed for his father in Greenville County, SC in 1787, and appears in the 1790 census of Greenville County, SC. In the 1790 census he is listed in a household along with two females and a male under 16 suggesting that he may have had a wife and two children by that time. This makes it likely that he would have been born sometime before 1770 and therefore Joseph and Annie would have been married sometime in the 1760s or perhaps even earlier.
A Joseph Logan first appears in the records of the old Tryon County region along the NC/SC border about 1776. If that's when he arrived in the Tryon County area, then it would seem he must have met Annie Bias at some other location. A Joseph Logan also appears in the records of Halifax County, VA in the 1760s and just across the border in Orange County, NC in 1771. It is possible he met Annie Bias there and migrated with other members of the Byars family to the Tryon County region. Or perhaps there is some other explanation? Please contact me if you have any information that could help solve this mystery.
JOSEPH LOGAN was a native of Virginia. In young manhood, he moved to North Carolina, and
married ANNIE BIAS. Here also he obtained hope in Christ, and was baptized. Not long
after he united with the church, he moved to South Carolina, where he was put into the
ministry, and was, for some years, pastor of a church on Pedee river. The exact time of
his coming to Kentucky is not known, but he aided in gathering Bethlehem, the second
church formed in Allen county. This large old church, located two miles north of Scottsville,
the county seat of Allen, was constituted by JOHN HIGHTOWER, ALEXANDER DEVIN, and JOSEPH LOGAN,
January 31, 1801, and Mr.
LOGAN was immediately chosen its pastor. The church was constituted of eight members-four
males and as many females. It increased to 76 members the first year, and has continued to
be a strong, influential church to the present time.
Mr. LOGAN assisted in gathering several other churches in Allen county, among which were
Trammels Fork and Middle Fork. Few men of his day exercised a more powerful influence
over a congregation than did he. The "jerks" and "falling exercise," were common under
his preaching. "I remember," said an aged citizen, "to have been present at a meeting
on Defeated Branch. HIGHTOWER preached a long sermon, LOGAN followed him with an exhortation
of twenty minutes, during which about twenty persons fell as dead men."
When the faithful old servant of the Cross became too feeble to stand, he would sit on a
chair, or table, and preach Christ to the people, with much love and tenderness. He died
of a cancer on his breast, in October, 1812. Of his descendants, younger LOGAN is an
acceptable preacher among the Antimissionary Baptists in Warren county.
(Source: Spencer, A History of Kentucky Baptists, Chapter 20)53
Greenville County, SC, Deed Book A, 38: Aug. 21, 1787 ROBERT PRICE (Greenville Co) to
Rev. JOSEPH LOGAN (same); for £50 sold 206 ac; granted Apr. 3,
1786 by Gov. WILLIAM MOULTRIE to ROBERT PRINCE on the branches of Harpers Cr and branches of Fountain Cr,
waters of Saluda R. (signed) ROBERT PRINCE; witness RYARS LOGAN & CHARLES BENSON; wit. oath Aug. 20, 1787
acknowledged book A page 99.
(Pruitt, Abstracts of Deeds: Greenville County, SC, Books A, B, & C (1787-1795), p.5)41
1790 U.S. Federal Census, Greenville County, SC lists BIAS LOGAN as head of household with one male
over 16, 1 male under 16, and 2 females.
(Source: Ancestry.com)
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