Byars Family

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]

Books and Articles

Nathan Byars article from Bridges to the Past

An article about Nathan Byars appeared in the "Bridges to the Past" column of the Forest City This Week newspaper on July 14, 1971. It was reprinted as part of the book Bridges to the Past⁶ by Roy Brooks and Mrs. Ernest Newton. The information in the article is attributed to a Mrs. C.M. Moser of Shelby, N.C. The article includes details from Nathan Byars' pension application. It indicates he purchased land that included the Cowpens battlefield, and he was buried 1/2 mile from the Cowpens battle monument. The article also includes the following listing of the "known children of Nathan Byars and Drucilla (Harrelson) Byars". No sources are provided for the information on his children:

Martha (b. Dec 31, 1774) married Abner Womack
George (b. about 1773)
Nancy (b. 1776) married Thaddeus Dudley Walker
Nathan (Jr.) (b. about 1770)
John (b. 1777) married Mary Ann "Passer" Logan, daughter of John and Pamey Collins Logan [Note: Yes, these are the correct spellings as listed in this article]
Harrell (b. 1781) married Jane (?)
Elizabeth, married (1st) Daniel Watkins and (2nd), Enoch Anderson
Robert (b. 1786)
Joseph
Drury
Deliah (b. 1785) (died 1860) married Robert Martin (1783-1865)
Jackson, known to be by Nathan's second wife Delphy (Logan) Byars

Nathan Byars article from Warren County (TN) Genealogical Association Bulletin

An article about Nathan Byars appeared in the Warren County Genealogical Association Bulletin in the Fall of 2000.³⁷ The article is attributed to Marjorie Stewart Tucker. It includes substantial information about Nathan Byars and his two wives Drucilla Harralson and Delphy Logan. It goes into some detail on Nathan's pension application and Drucilla's request for a divorce. However the article doesn't provide any indication of Nathan's parents and doesn't attempt to enumerate all his children. Some points from the article are as follows:

Indicates Nathan took the State Oath of Allegiance on May 22, 1778 according to the Acts of the Assembly passed at New Bern the November 15, 1777. He was among 77 persons in the Island Creek District (Granville County) doing so. Also taking the oath was a William Byars who the article indicates may have been a brother to Nathan. At the end of the article the following source is referenced which may be the source of the information on the Oath of Allegiance: State Records of North Carolina, Vol 22, pp. 174-5, 1907.
Identifies a daughter Elizabeth who married Daniel Watkins, Sr.
Indicates he had land transactions in Granville, Caswell, Rutherford, and Spartanburg Counties. It includes the statement that "On Apr 13, 1802 he sold lands secured by title bond and gave possession to Arthur Clark the whole of 8 plantations containing 1,250 acres". The source for this piece of information is not indicated.
Includes details of his marriage and divorce of Drucilla Harralson, as well as his subsequent marriage to Delphy Logan. Regarding his divorce from Drucilla, it quotes papers from the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, the Burke County Court of Equity, and The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal (Vol III, No. 1, Feb. 1977, pp. 43-45).
Indicates that Drucilla's son-in-law, Thaddeus Dudley Walker, helped her get some money from Nathan. Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 25, page 174 is quoted. Drucilla received 50 pounds as a result of an execution issuing from the Superior Court of Burke County.
References a photo of Nathan Byars' cabin taken April 14, 1978. The cabin was on the grounds of the Cowpens National Battlefield but has since been torn down.
Includes details of his purchase of the Cowpens Battlefield property as well as his subsequent loss of the land when it was seized to pay his debts.

Nathan Byars information from Haralson Book

The book "Haralson - Harrelson Family History and Lineage"²⁰ by Danny K. Haralson lists the following children of Nathan Byars and Drucilla (Drucetta) Haralson. No source for this information is indicated.

Nathan Byars
Drucilla Jane Byars
Martha Byars
John Byars
Harrel Byars
Elizabeth Byars
Nancy Byars
George Byars
Robert Byars
Andrew Byars ?

Nathan Byars article from Madison County (AR) Musings

An article by Bobbie Byars Lynch entitled "The Great First Lady of Arkansas"³⁶ appeared in the Winter 2002 issue of Madison County (AR) Musings. It details how Celia Alta Faubus, the wife of Gov. Orval Faubus, was descended from Nathan and Drucilla Byars' daughter Martha who married Abner Womack, son of Thomas and Louvisa Rice Womack. It indicates Martha was born 31 December 1774 in Virginia and died in 1820 in Warren County, TN. The author indicates she descends from Nathan and Drucilla's son Harrell who was born in 1781 in NC. The following children of Nathan and Drucilla are listed:

Drucilla Jane Byars Womack
Nathan Byars, Jr.
George Byars
Martha Byars Womack
Elizabeth Byars Watkins
Nancy Byars Walker
John Byars
Harrell Byars, Sr.
Joseph Byars
Robert Byars

The article indicates that Nathan divorced Drucilla and married a second time to Delphia Logan on 2 January 1800. They had two children, Delila Byars, born 1802, married Robert Martin; and Jackson Byars, born 1815 at Cowpens, SC, married "a girl named Tabitha". [Note: A statment from Joshua Richards found in Nathan Byars pension file indicates that the marriage date of Nathan and Delphia was 8 October, 1819.]

Nathan Byars information in the Cowpens National Battlefield Study

In July 1974, Edwin C. Bearss prepared a publication on behalf of the National Park Service entitled Historic Grounds and Resource Study, Cowpens National Battlefield, South Carolina ². It includes information on the land that Nathan Byars owned which had previously been the site of the Revolutionary War battle of Cowpens, and would later become part of the Cowpens National Battlefield. The publication also includes some information on the Byars-Ezell Cemetery where Nathan Byars was buried. As of 2012, this publication could be accessed at the following web address: http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/cowp/cowp.pdf.

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.

George Byars article from Granville County Queries

An article by Gail Shepard Tomlinson entitled "Three Generations of Descendants of George Byars of Granville County, N.C."⁵⁶ appeared in the Nov 1997 issue of Granville County Queries. It is two page article that details the descendants of George Byars, b. Circa 1748, d. 1785 at Granville Co, NC. Some points from the article are as follows:

George Byars' will in Granville Co., 1785 mentioned wife Mary, son Nicholas, daughter Barbara, and two minors of unproven relationship: Christina Hoofman and George Glymph.
George Byars was possibly related to James Henry Byars / Peggy Gentry family of Louisa County, Va, but a connection has not been proven.
Tax payers or head of households in Granville Co. prior to 1800 include William Byars, who was an attorney, Guillaume Byars, James Byars (d. 1799), and Anderson Byars, who is back and forth from Granville Co., to Mecklenburg Co., Va, just across the state line.
Many of the descendants of these families moved west into Williamson, Henry, and Weakley Counties in Tennessee in the 1828-1835 period. William Byars the attorney, who died in 1831, also has a long list of descendants who moved into Tennessee, some living along side George's descendants in Henry and Weakley Counties.
Most of the descendants of George Byars listed in the article are shown as having died in Henry Co., TN.

Byars Family History by Nell Byars Thaten

Here are some notes from the book "Byars Family History"⁵⁴ by Nell Byars Thaten:

Earliest known ancestor is Jonas Byars (b. circa 1718) who married Frances Collins. Some references call him James. They had at least two children named William Byars (who married Elizabeth Bedford) and Henrietta Byars (who married Joel Blackwell).
William Byars birth date is unknown although he was married before the Revolutionary War. He died in the fall of 1819 in Spartanburg County, SC according to estate papers on file in the South Carolina Archives.
Elizabeth Bedford Byars died in Chickasaw County, Mississippi in 1847. It is not known when she moved to Mississippi, but some family members think it may have been only a few months before she died.
The children of William and Elizabeth Byars were:
1. Robert Byars
2. Rebekah Byars
3. Seth Byars
4. Lydia Byars
5. Nancy Byars
6. Joe Byars
7. Jonas Byars, b.1790 in SC, married Sarah Davis (daughter of Benjamin Davis), moved to Alabama
8. James Byars, b.1794 in SC, married Mary F. Richards before 1818, moved to Georgia
9. Susie Byars
10. Eunice Byars
11. Joab Byars, b.1807 in SC, married Henrietta Arnold, died in Calhoun Co. Miss. in 1884
The book includes significant details of the families of William and Elizabeth's children Jonas, James, and Joab.
The book includes a map that illustrates the Byars family migration as follows:
1. Lancaster County, VA (arrived 1653)
2. Lousia County, VA
3. Hanover County, VA
4. Franklin County, NC (early 1700's)
5. Rutherford County, NC
6. Spartanburg County, SC (arrived before Rev. War, left 1818)
7. Butts County, GA (arrived 1819, left 1842)
8. Tuscaloosa County, AL (migrated across 1842)
9. Calhoun County, MS (arrived 1843, left 1892)
10. Collin County, TX (arrived 1892, left 1920)
11. Childress County, TX (arrived 1920, left 1976)

Byars Family article from Hanover County Historical Society Bulletin

An article entitled "The Byars Family of Hanover County"⁸ appeared in the Nov. 1985 issue of the Hanover County (VA) Historical Society Bulletin. It describes four different James Byars who were all educators. Here are some notes from this article:

The Byars name is first found in Hanover County in 1708 when John Byers' land was processioned.
In 1734 a John Byars of St. Martin's Parish deeded 200 acres "unto my loving son", John Byars.
In 1736 a James Byers made purchases form the store of Thomas Partridge, including one spelling book.
A James Byarss land was processioned in 1771 and in 1779.
James Byars (the first) of Hanover was the first known educator in what was to be a long line of educational instructors. His wife's name is unknown.
James Byars (the second) was a planter and also a teacher. He married Elizabeth Anne Matthews. They both died in Hanover in 1823 a few days apart. He was past 80 years of age and she was a few years younger.
James Byars (the third) was born in Hanover March 27, 1784 and died in Columbus, Texas July 30, 1863 at the home of his son Dr. William Minor Byars. He married in 1815 Lucy Thornton Minor, daughter of William Minor. He was a teacher and a planter. She was born Nov 7, 1794 and died Mar 30, 1870 at her son's home (James Byars, Jr.) in Covington, Tenn.
James Byars, Jr. (the fourth) was born Feb 1819 in Hanover and died in Covington, Tenn, April 20, 1901. He married Mary Jane Hungerford Vincent (1832-1907).
The article includes other details of these four James Byars that I have not listed here.

Byars Family article by Thurlo V. Byers

An article entitled "Byers Family History Told on Grave Stones"¹⁰ by Thurlo V. Byers appeared in the Dec. 1993 issue of the York County Genealogical and Historical Society Quarterly. It details information found on the David and William Byers family grave stones at the Beersheba Cemetery in York County, SC.

William Byers was born in 1687 in Cornwallshire, England. He married Eliza Cox about 1708 in Exeter, Devonshire, England. Sometime between 1716 and 1721 the family moved to Milltown, Cavan Shire, Province of Ulster in Ireland. It appears they came to America about 1734. Eliza Cox Byers died in 1741 in Oxford, East Nottingham Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania.
In 1742, William with some of the family, moved to Augusta Co, Virginia and lived on Whistle Creek Road. He died there the same year.
William and Eliza (Cox) Byers had eleven children:
1. Agnes, m. Robert Black
2. Betsy, m. William Bryson
3. Martha, m. William Bynum
4. Sarah, m. Samuel Porter
5. Jeany, m. John Allison
6. Jane, m. Tedford Sykes
7. Edward, b.1708, m. Margaret White
8. Robert, b.1714, m. Margaret Smith
9. James, b.1718, m. Mary Sykes
10. David, b.1721, m.1st Margaret (Peg) Carson, m.2nd Sarah Sleven-Carson
11. (Capt.) William, b.1735, m. Betsy Walton
The article includes other details of the grave stones.

Captain William Byers article by Elmer O. Parker

An article entitled "Captain William Byers"³⁸ by Elmer O. Parker appeared in the Sep 2000 issue of the Chester District Genealogical Society Bulletin. Some details from the article are as follows:

William Byers was born about 1730 apparently in eastern Pennsylvania and may have been a grandson of William Byers to whom 200 acres were surveyed in Chester (now Delaware) County on January 17, 1683/4.
In 1762, William's older brother David and sister Sarah (wife of Samuel Porter) were residing in York (now Adams) County near present Gettysburg. David's wife was Margaret Carson.
David migrated to South Carolina and bought land on Turkey Creek in present York County in 1764 (he is shown on the deed as being from York County, Pennsylvania).
William had removed earlier to the Shenandoah Valley and settled in Augusta (now Rockbridge) County Virginia. Here in the vicinity of Natural Bridge on Cedar Creek in the forks of the James River, 335 acres were surveyed for him in 1755.
William married Elizabeth Walton and after the birth of their first three children moved about 1765 to what is now York County, SC and settled on the headwaters of Bullocks Creek.
In 1775, William went to Charles Town and registered 1370 acres for himself, and 790 for his brother David.
The article includes details of his Revolutionary War service.
Following the war he moved down Bullocks Creek to the vicinity of the present village of Sharon.
He was an elder in the Beersheba Presbyterian Meeting House in 1785 and for many years afterward.
In 1797 he deeded by gift his home to his son William, Jr.
The date of his death has been lost but it appears to have been in 1799.
The article indicates that William and Elizabeth moved from VA to NC after the birth of their first three children, but the only child named in the article is William, Jr.

Another Captain William Byers article by Elmer O. Parker

An article entitled "Captain William Byers of the Revolution"³⁹ by Elmer Oris Parker appeared in the March 1985 issue of the Chester District Genealogical Society Bulletin. This article is consistent in many of the details listed in Elmer O. Parker's later article published in 2000 (see above). One significant difference is that it indicates that William Byers was born about 1730 "in north of Ireland" rather than eastern Pennsylvania. It also details his children as follows:

Edward (5 Dec 1761-13 Mar 1832), married (1) May 4, 1786, Martha "Patsy" Alexander (1767-11 Sept 1794), daughter of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Alexander; married (2) Aug 16, 1796, Elizabeth, "Petsy" Byars (1776-8 Oct 1803), daughter of William Byers (1747-1837), and married (3) May 10, 1804, Mrs. Mary "Polly" (Smith) Chambers (6 Oct 1773-3 June 1849), widow of James Chambers (1771-28 June 1803).
Nancy "Ann" Agnes (1763-20 May 1818), married 1783, Maj. Adam Meek (1760-1807).
William, Jr. (9 Apr 1765-24 Aug 1816), married (1), Catharine Hope (1776-1815), and (2), Sarah, surname unknown.
Lorena (29 Jan 1767-31 Jan 1837), married 1784, Capt. Thomas Woods (1758-1834); moved in 1804 to Christian County, Kentucky, and in 1816 to Dallas County, Alabama.
Elizabeth (15 Sept 1769-21 July 1852), married 1788, Ephraim McLean (1768-1813), son of Col. Charles McLean, who lived next to Captain Byers in 1767, but later moved to vicinity of Crowder's Mountain in Lincoln County, N.C., and in 1796 to Logan County Kentucky. Ephraim, first ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Elizabeth were the parents of John McLean (1791-1830), first U.S. Congressman from Illinois and U.S. Senator; Dr. William Byers McLean (1792-1846) for who McLeansboro Illinois was named; and Finis Ewing McLean (1806-1881), U.S. Congressman from Kentucky.
Susan (12 Mar 1771-3 Apr 1844), married January 21, 1790, Capt. James Meek (1758-1819), brother of Adam Meek.
David (3 Oct 1774-16 Aug 1862), married August 27, 1795, Mary Gordon (1779-1867), daughter of Henry Gordon, and step-daughter of John McCaw.

William Buys article by James L. Reid

An article entitled "Last Will and Testament of William Buy"⁴⁹ by Dr. James L. Reid appeared in the August 2003 issue of Upper South Carolina Genealogy and History. It describes the last will and testament of William Buys. Some details from the article are as follows:

The will of William Buys of Spartanburg County, SC was dated 5 February 1799.
Wife's name was Sarah.
Sons were John Buise, Abraham Buise, Jonathan Buise, lijah (sic) Buise, Elisah Buise, Noah Buise, Enoch Buise, and David Buise.
Daughter lida (sic)
Grandson Johnathan Buise
Executors named were his sons John Buise and Abraham Buise.
Will proven in Spartanburg County court by Wm Thompson on 2 Sept 1800. Abraham Buys was qualified as the executor at that time.
Robert Byars applied for letters of administration for the estate of William Byars on 8 September 1819 in Spartanburg District, SC. The article goes on to give details of the appraisal and sale of William Byars' estate. Among those who purchased items from the estate were Elizabeth Byars, Robert Byars, James Byars, and Joseph Byars. The article suggests that the estate of William Buys who died in 1799 or 1800 wasn't settled until 1819 (possibly when his wife died) at which time he was referenced as William Byars. But it doesn't address the possibility that the William Buys who died in 1799/1800 was a different person than the William Byars whose estate was settled in 1819. [See the information from the Dorthy Eubanks Hays article below which identifies these as two different men.]

Byars information from Louisa County, VA history book

The book "History of Louisa County, Virginia"²¹ by Malcolm H. Harris, includes the following Byars references:

Capt. Byars is listed among Revolutionary soldiers from Louisa County. (p.63)
"The petition of John Byers to the General Assembly says: that on the 17th of June last he marched a company of militia from the county of Louisa consisting of fifty men and after he arrived at Hillsborough in the State of North Carolina he had his horse taken and saddle taken from him into public service by Thomas Wash, forage master to General Stevens' Brigade and General Gates, which said seizure took place on the 16th day of August the day of the defeat of General Gates, etc. Concluding the petition is a certificate signed by Thomas Wash, chief forage master, and John Lumsden, assistant forage master. Also attached are affidavits from William Mallory and John Hancock that the horse was worth fifteen hundred pounds of current Virginia money, signed in the presence of Waddy Thompson, justice. The petition was dated 1781." (p.67)
John Byars is listed as a private among soldiers in the War of 1812 from Louisa County. (p.72)
Wm. Byer Jr on tithe list for 1771. (p.170)
James Byars on tithe list for 1771. (p.171)
Marriage bond between George Byars and Rebecca Lewis, December 10, 1793. (p.261)
Marriage bond between Sherrad Matthews and Jane (Jean) Byars, January 6, 1779. (p.263 & 279)
Marriage bond between John Grady and Catherine Byars, October 1, 1797. (p.271)
Marriage bond between James Byars and Louisa Smith, December 19, 1782. (p.276)
Marriage bond between Nathaniel Harris and Martha Byers, May 29, 1788. (p.278)
John Byars listed as "Sub-Sherriff" of Louisa County, 1771-1772. (p.442)

Moses Byers article by William C. Byers

An article entitled "The Parents of Moses Byers"¹¹ by William C. Byers appeared in the Spring 1994 issue of the Upper Cumberland Researcher. The article presents evidence that Moses Byers born 1790 in NC was the illegitimate son of Margaret "Peggy" Byers (daughter of William Byers, Sr. of York County, SC) and Moses Bumgarner of Lincoln County, NC.

Phillip Harrison Byars article by Billy Joe Byars

An article entitle "Family Bible Record of Phillip Harrison Byars"⁹ by Billy Joe Byars appeared in the May 2001 issue of Upper South Carolina Genealogy and History. The article presents a family Bible record from the files of the Cherokee County Public Library, Gaffney, SC. P.H. Byars and Sarah Cooper were married 2 June 1839. Lists 10 children born between 1840 and 1860.

Article about the Will of David Byers

An article entitled "Will of David Byers"⁵⁸ appeared in the Aug 2000 issue of Upper South Carolina Genealogy and History.

Will of David Byers of York County, South Carolina, dated 2 Jan 1794.
Wife: Sarah.
Daughters: Marget [Byers?], Jeane Porter, and Ann Harris
Sons: Samuel Byers, and William Byers.
Stepson: John Carson
Executors: William Byers, John McCaw, and Samuel Watson
Witnesses: Jas Templeton, John Watson, and Saml Watson
Appraisement Bill: 30 October 1794, appraised by Hugh Berry, Francis Adams, and John Watson.
Estate included Negro man June, Negro woman Cherry, Negro boy Sampson, and Negro boy Primis.
Will recorded 27 March 1795.

Article about various William Byars/Byers by Dorthy Eubanks Hays

An article entitled "William Byars/Byers of the Revolutionary War Period"²⁵ appeared in the April 1985 issue of Upper South Carolina Genealogy and history. This article details seven different William Byars/Byers. Below I have summarized the first five which were from the York, Spartanburg, SC, and Rutherford, NC area.

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):

Robert Byars, born ca. 1786
Rev. Seth Byars, born ca. 1796, married Martha "Patsy" Ray, daughter of Frederick and Nancy Ray.
Lydia Byars
Nancy Byars
Joseph Byars
Jonas Bedford Byars, born 1790 SC, went to Blount Co. Ala. 1818, married Sarah Davis.
James Byars, born 1794 SC, married Mary F. Richards, dau. of Rev Joshua Richards, died 1865 Calhoun co. Miss.
Susie Byars
Eunice Byars
Joab Byars, born 11 Aug. 1807 SC, married 10 Aug 1829, Spartanburg District SC to Henrietta Arendale (Arnold/Arunell).
Jacob Byars
(Elizabeth Byars)
(Charlotte Byars)

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):

John Byars
Abraham Byars
Jonathan Byars
Eliuah Byars
Elisha Byars
Noah Byars
Enoch Byars
David Byars
Lida Byars, dau.
Jonathan Byars, grandson

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:

Edward Byers, born 5 Dec. 1761 Augusta Co., Va, died 13 March 1832, York Co., SC. Married 1st: Martha Alexander, 2nd: Elizabeth Byers (1st cousin), 3rd: Mary (Polly Smith) Chambers.
Nancy Byers, born 1763, Va., died 20 May 1818, York Co. SC. Married major Adam Meek.
William Byers, Jr., born 9 April 1765, Va., died 24 Aug. 1816. Married Sarah Hope.
Lorena Byers, born 29 Jan. 1767, York Co., SC, died 21 July 1837, Dallas Co. Ala. Married Capt. Thomas Wood.
Elizabeth Byers, born 15 Sept. 1769, York Co., SC, died 21 July 1852, Logan, Co., Ky. Married Rev. Ephraim McLean.
Susannah Byers, born 12 March 1771, York Co., SC, died 3 April 1844, York Co., SC. Married Capt. James Meek, brother of Maj. Adam Meek.
David Byers, born 3 Oct. 1774, York Co., SC, died 16 Aug 1862, York Co., SC. Married Mary Gordon.

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:

Samuel Byers, born ca. 1770
Margaret Byers, born ca. 1772. Married ? Watson.
Williamson Byers, born ca. 1776. Married Martha Adams.
David Byers, born 3 March 1778. Married Elizabeth C. ?.
Elizabeth Byers, born 1780. Married Edward Byers (1st cousin, see III above).
William Byers, Jr., born 1783, died 2 March 1851, Williamson Co., Tn. Married 1st: Keziah ?, Married 2nd: Sussanah Golden.
Sarah Byers, born 25 Oct. 1784. Married William Smith.
Edward Byers, born 1787. Married Jane Henry. Died 3 Nov 1851, Pike Co., Mo.
James Byers, born 3 March 1788. Married Elizabeth ?.

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:

George K. Byers, born ca. 1760-70 NC. Died 1843, Butts Co., GA. Married Anna Blackwell, dau. of Joel Blackwell.
Stripling Byers, born 1768. Died 1836. Married Elizabeth ?. [Note: A Wm Byas served as a chain bearer in a land grant survey for Thomas Striplin in Orange County, NC dated 9 April 1763.]
Elizabeth Byers, born ca. 1774. married 9 May 1795 to John Kelly.
James Byers, born ca. 1770-80. Died Jefferson Co., Ala. Married Elizabeth Walker, dau. of Thaddeus D. and Nancy (Byars) Walker. Nancy was dau. of Nathan Byars, Sr.
Sarah Byers. Married Rev. George Kelly.
Charles Byers.

Doggett Family article with information about William Byars

An article entitled "Notes on the Doggett Family" appeared in the Forest City This Week (Forest City, NC) newspaper on August 4, 1971. It was reprinted as part of the book Bridges to the Past⁷ by Roy Brooks and Mrs. Ernest Newton. The information in the article is attributed to a Mr. Harold W. Robbins of Winston-Salem (NC). The article includes information on the family of William Byars who married Sarah Ann Doggett:

Busrod Doggett, progenitor of the pioneer Byars, Dogett, and Suttle families of Rutherford County, was born and reared in Lancaster County, Va. He married Nancy Ann Stripling (Stribbling), daughter of Joel and Mary Stripling, and moved to what later became Culpepper County, Virginia, where he died in 1791. His will names nine children: Molly, George, Benjamin, Sarah Ann, Richard, Elizabeth, Nancy, Susannah, and Joel. All four sons served in the Revolution and two were killed.
Molly Doggett, elder daughter of Bushrod, married Joseph Suttle in Fauquier County, Virginia about 1754. Around 1768, she and Joseph moved to Orange County, N.C., where they were joined by other related families, including that of her sister, Sarah Ann who married William Byars.
Before the Revolution, the Suttle and Byars families moved westward across N.C. to old Tryon (Rutherford) County, where they settled on Broad River at Floyd's Creek. There they were later joined by George Doggett, brother of Molly and Sarah Ann.
During the Revolution, both Joseph Suttle and William Byars died, leaving Molly and Sarah Ann with large families to rear alone. Later in life, the sisters remarried; Molly to Isaiah Blackwell and Sarah Ann to Joel Blackwell.
Sarah Ann (Doggett) Byars - Blackwell died August 12, 1823. Estate proceedings disclose the names of seven of her children by William Byars: Nancy Ann (who married her first cousin George Suttle), James (who married Elizabeth Walker), Sarah (wife of Rev. George Kelly), Elizabeth (who married John Kelly), Stripling, George, and Charles. The article does not indicate where Sarah Ann died or where the estate proceedings can be found.

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.

William Buis information in the book on the Squire Simmons Family

In 1986, Dorthy Geneva Simmons Skelton published the book The Squire Simmons Family, 1746-1986 ⁵². The first chapter of the book contains significant information on William Buis and his brother Thomas Buis who were associated with William Ledford and William Simmons.

William and Thomas Buis were in Augusta County, Virginia in the 1740s and moved to Rowan County, North Carolina in the 1750s.
Thomas Buis left a will in Rowan County in 1759 in which he named his brother William and William's son Thomas. Skelton indicates Thomas Buis' widow was named Ann and they left no children.
William Buis left a will in Rowan County in 1763 in which he named his children John, Grizella, Susannah, Ann, Thomas, and Rebeckah.
William Buis' widow was identified as Rebecca when his will was proven in the minutes of the Rowan County Court in 1763. Skelton indicates that Rebecca later married William Simmons.

Revolutionary War Pension Applications

Nathan Byars, S.C., W.6223, B.L.Wt.30.601.160.55

The pension application of Nathan & Delphy Byars⁵⁵ of N.C. contains 142 pages (as it exists on footnote.com). I haven't looked at all the pages of this pension file and there may well be important genealogical information that I haven't summarized below.

Nathan Byars primary application made 31 Dec 1844 in Spartanburgh District, SC (pages 5 to 8):
- At the time of the application Nathan Byars indicated he was "aged about 95 years".
- Served from Caswell County, NC and was stationed principally in Hillsborough, NC.
- States that he was born in Granville County, NC. He didn't know the date of his birth but indicated that "my Father told me I was a small by at Braddock's Defeat" which was July 9, 1755.
- States that after living in Caswell County, "I then lived several years in Rutherford County N.C., & since that time I have (& now do) live in Spartanburgh District, South Carolina".
Pension file includes a statement by Delphy Byars from 29 December 1853 (page 9):
- Delphy Byars was "aged 74 years" and a resident of Spartanburgh District, SC.
- States that she was the widow of Nathan Byars and that he died 18 August 1846.
- States that she was not married to Nathan prior to 2 Jan 1800.
- Seeking the benefits of the act approved 3 Feb 1853.
Pension file includes another statement by Delphy Byars from 20 June 1855 (page 13):
- Delphy Byars was "aged 76 years" and a resident of Spartanburg District, SC.
- States that her name was Delphy Logan before she was married and that she was married to Nathan Byars and that she was the second wife of Nathan Byars.
- Seeking bounty land under act approved 3 March 1855.
- Robert Martin and John Martin signed supporting statement (page 14):
Pension file includes statement by Jackson Byers from 10 August 1852 (page 17):
- Jackson Byers states that he is a resident of Spartanburg District and is the son of Nathan Byers deceased also of Spartanburg District.
- States that Nathan Byers died 18 August 1846 leaving a widow Delphy Byers who is still living
- States that the record of Delphy Byers marriage to Nathan Byers "has been in his possession many years and that it is in the hand writing of Joshua Richard, who is deceased, the clergyman and was a resident of Spartanburg District in his life time".
Pension file includes marriage record from Joshua Richards as follows (page 19):
- "October the 8, 1819, I Doo Certify to all to whom it may concern that Nathan Byars Sen personally appeared before me and the nuptials of marriage was [?] by me between him self and Delpha Logan, given under my hand, Joshua Richards".
Pension file includes statement from Nathan Byars from 10 Sept 1845 with additional details of his service (page 26).
Pension file includes statement from Patsy Childers from 15 Sept 1845 indicating she was acquainted with Nathan Byars in Caswell County, NC (page 27).
Pension file includes statement from Richard Scruggs from 20 Sept 1845 indicating he was acquainted with Nathan Byars in Caswell County, NC (page 27).
Pension file includes statement from Capt. John Martin from 1 Jan 1845 indicating he was has known Nathan Byars for the last 35 years (page 53).
Pension file includes statement from Sarah Wadkins from 1 Jan 1845 indicating she was raised in North Carolina until she was twelve or fourteen years old and that she lived near Nathan Byars. She indicates Nathan Byars "was in the army with his brother in North Carolina" (page 53).
Pension file includes a letter from Will F. Franke of Birmingham, Alabama to the Veterans's Administration dated 28 June 1937. He indicates he is the great-great-grandson of Elizabeth Byars, daughter of Nathan Byars, who married Daniel Watkins, and of his son John Byars who married Passie Logan. Daniel Watkins, Jr., son of Elizabeth Byars, married his first cousin Drucilla Byars, daughter of John Byars and wife Passie Logan. John Byars moved to Jefferson County Alabama in 1820. Daniel Watkins, Jr. moved there in 1818. Elizabeth Byars after the death of her first husband in 1800, married one Enoch Anderson and removed from North Carolina to Warren County, Tennessee, settling at McMinnville. (page 137)
Pension file includes a letter from A.D. Hillar (Veteran's Administration) to Will F. Franke dated 20 July 1937. This letter is in reply to Will Franke's letter of 28 June 1837. It includes a good summary of facts from Nathan Byars pension file. One additional point it includes that I haven't listed above is that "Delphy Byars was living in 1868 about sixteen miles north of Spartanburg Court House, South Carolina."
Pension file includes a letter from R.E. Martin of Texarkana, Ark.-Tex. to the Veteran's Administration dated 24 March 1935. He requests the war record of his great-grandfather Hiram Colbert who served in the Seminole War and in the War with Mexico, and of his great-grandfather Nathan Byars who served in the Revolutionary War. (page 138)
Pension file includes a letter from A.D. Hillar (Veteran's Administration) to Will F. Franke of Birmingham, Alabama dated 23 August 1937. The letter is in response to Franke's request for information on the service of Nathan Byars and John Logan. The reply is that information has already been furnished to Franke on Nathan Byars, and that there is no record of service rendered by John Logan. (page 140)
Pension file includes a letter from A.D. Hillar (Veteran's Administration) to R.E. Martin of Texarkana, Arkansas-Texas dated May 10, 1935. This letter is in response to Martin's request for information on Hiram Colbert and Nathan Byars. The request for Hiram Colbert was forwarded to a different department. A summary of Nathan Byars application was provided with the same general text as the later response to Will Franke on 28 June 1837. (pages 141-142)

James Byers, S.C., R.1569

The pension application of James and Sarah Byers of S.C. contains 31 pages (as it exists on footnote.com).

James Byers primary application made 29 Sep 1832 in Spartanburgh District, SC:
- States that he was born in Granville County on 22 Oct 1761, and that he was 71 years of age at the time of the application.
- Lived in Spartanburgh District when he entered service in Sep 1780 and "have resided there ever since".
- Received pension of $96 per year.
Pension file includes a statement from Isaiah Byars from 13 June 1853:
- Isaiah Byars indicates he was a resident of Pickens County, Alabama and son of James Byars, who was on the pension roll of SC, and his wife Sarah Byars.
- States that James Byars died at his residence in Spartanburg District, SC.
- States that Sarah Byars moved to Pickens County, Alabama after the death of her husband, and that she died at the residence of Isaiah Byars in Pickens County, Alabama on our about 1 Jan 1838.
- Isaiah Byars appoints Catherine Byars (wife of John Byars) of Spartanburg District, SC as his agent to ask, demand and receive from the Government of the United States the pension due him as son and heir of Sarah Byars deceased, wife of James Byars deceased.
Pension file includes statement by Catherine Byars from 13 Oct 1853:
- Catherine Byars indicated she was a resident of Spartanburgh District and widow of John Byars deceased.
- By virtue of a power of attorney from Isaiah Byars of Pickens County, Alabama, Catherine Byars appointed John Anderson of Burke County, No. Car. her attorney and agent to prosecute the claim of Sarah Byars deceased widow of James Byars deceased.
Pension file includes a second statement by Catherine Byars from 25 August 1854:
- Catherine Byars, aged about 53, a resident of Spartanburg District indicates she is the daughter-in-law of James Byars deceased who was a pensioner of the United States on the South Carolina pension roll.
- She states that James Byars died on 1 Jan 1835 in Spartanburg District, and Sarah his wife died in Pickens County Alabama on 1 Jan 1838.
- She indicates that James and Sarah Byars were married several years before the year 1794.
- She indicates she is the same Catherine Byars named in the power of attorney from Isaiah Byars from 13 June 1853.
Pension file includes statement by Robert Byars from 13 Oct 1853:
- Robert Byars indicated he was a resident of Spartanburg District who was "aged sixty eight years last March".
- States that James Byars deceased, who was on the pension roll of SC, was his uncle.
- States that he knew his uncle James from his childhood.
- His uncle James and his wife Sarah moved from Spartanburg District to Chester District (SC) in 1794 or 1795 and returned to Spartanburg District in 1802 or 1803.
- At the time they moved to Chester District, his uncle James and wife Sarah had the following children: Polly, Betsy, Amy, Franky, and John. When they returned to Spartanburg District they had had the following additional children: Reubin, Sally, and Susan. Isaiah was born after they returned to Spartanburg District.
- His uncle James then remained in Spartanburg District until he died.
- After James death, his wife Sarah moved to Pickens County, Alabama where she died.
- His uncle James married Sarah Pigg, daughter of Edward Pigg.
- [Note: Is the "Polly" mentioned above the "Polly Bias" who is listed with Drury Logan in the 19 Nov 1805 marriage bond from Lincoln County, NC?]
- [Note: In 1734 and 1744, a William Logan is listed in the court records of Spotsylvania County, VA in connection with a Charles Filkes Pigg. I have seen claims that Charles Filkes Pigg of Spotsylvania County had a son named Edward Pigg who moved to South Carolina. Is this the same Edward Pigg who was father of James' wife Sarah?]
Pension file includes statement by Capt Michael Gaffney from 22 June 1854:
- Michael Gaffney indicates he was acquainted with James Byars and his wife Sarah as far back as the year 1804 and that about that time one or more of their daughters were employed by him as nurses in his family and that the girls were of the age of about 10 or 12 years.
- Michael Gaffney indicates that James Byars was a tenant of his up to his death and was acquainted with him and his wife and family for 30 years.
- [Note: This Michael Gaffney is probably the Michael Gaffney after which the town of Gaffney, South Carolina was named. The History of Gaffney web site includes information about him. Michael Gaffney had ties to the Logan family. He married Elizabeth Logan who was sister of John Randolph Logan, and granddaughter of the William Logan who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Logan Street in Gaffney was named after his wife. John Randolph Logan participated in the survey that established the town of Gaffney. "The Journal of Michael Gaffney" exists in various libraries, but I haven't seen it. See this web site for some information on his home.]
Pension file includes a statement from Dr. J.G. Gaffney from 6 Oct 1853:
- He states that James Byars died 1 Jan 1835 and his wife Sarah died in Pickens County, Alabama on 1 Jan 1838. He also states that he is satisfied that Isaiah Byars of Pickens, Ala. is the only living child of James and Sarah Byars.

William Byers, S.C., S.3112

The pension application of William Byers of S.C. contains 20 pages (as it exists on footnote.com).

William Byers primary application made 12 Oct 1832 in Williamson County, TN:
- William Byers at that time was "aged 85 years" and a resident of Williamson County, TN.
- States he was born on 6 April 1747 in York County Pennsylvania and moved from there with his father (not named) in 1765 to "what is now called York District, South Carolina".
- Served in Revolutionary War under Capt. Wm Byers, Sr., his uncle.
- In October 1816 he moved from York District, SC to Williamson County, TN.
This pension file includes two letters from a Rev. Travis M Byars of Birmingham, Alabama dated 4 Sep 1937 and 28 Jan 1938. The 1938 letter is on the same letterhead (Will F. Franke & Company) that Will Franke used in requesting information on Nathan Byars, so they must have been connected in some way. In the 1937 letter he requests the Revolutionary War record of his grandfather Jonas Byars who was born in 1790 and was the youngest of seven sons of William Byars and his wife Elizabeth Bedford. He gives some details of the families of William and Jonas Byars. In the 1838 letter he requests the Revolutionary War record of William Byars who was probably born in Granville Co. NC, served there during the Revolution, moved to Rutherford Co, NC after the war, and later moved to Spartanburg, SC where his grandfather Jonas Byars was born in 1890 (the letter states 1890, but he must have meant 1790). He gives some additional details of the family of Jonas Byars.
The Veterans administration responded to Rev. Travis Byars' letters on 25 October 1837 and on 29 March 1838. They indicated that they had no record of a Jonas Byars serving in the Revolutionary War and that he could not have served in that war if he was born in 1790. And they provide details of the pension of William Byers described above who was born in 1747 in PA and served from York District, SC (however this appears to be a different William Byers than the one that Rev. Travis Byars was interested in).

Census Records

1790 Census

Granville County, NC: William Byars
Iredell, NC: James Biars, Joseph Biars
Rutherford County, NC: Nathan Bias, Jno Byers
Lincoln County, NC: Jno Byers
Rowan County, NC: William Byers
Spartanburg, SC: Wm Bias
York, SC: Dd Byers, Sml Byers, Wm Byers, Wm Byers

1800 Census

Granville County, NC: Nicholas Byars, William Byars, Gulemus Byers
Iredell County, NC: James Byars, Joseph Byars
Rutherford County, NC: Samuel Byars, George Byas, James Byas, John Byas (2), Nathan Byas, Robert Byas, Stripling Byas
Spartanburg County, SC: James Byas (2), Joseph Byas, Nathan Byas, Thomas Byas, Wm Byas, Elijah Byes, Elisha Byes
York District, SC: David Byers (x2), Edward Byers, William Byers (2), Williamson Byers

1810 Census

Granville County, NC: Nickolas Byars, Wm Byars
Person County, NC: Jno Bias, John Bias
Rutherford County, NC: David Byars (4), George Byars, James Byars, Nathan Byars, Robert Byars, Shipling Byars
Buncombe County, NC: Joseph Byers, Samuel Byers, William Byers
Iredell County, NC: Joseph Byers, Robert Byers (2)
Lincoln County, NC: Y Byers
Mecklenburg County, NC: Thos Byers
Pendleton County, SC: Polly Byars
Edgefield County, SC: John Byass
Spartanburg County, SC: Joseph Byers, Thomas Byers, William Byers
York County, SC: David Byers, Edward Byers, James Byers, Saml Byers, Wm Byers (3), Yunt Byers

Granville County, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, NC Records

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, SC Records

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]

A Few Harralson Family Records

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

Annie Bias and Joseph Logan

Joseph Logan was a Baptist preacher who was born c.1740 in Virginia, lived for a time in North and South Carolina, and eventually settled in Kentucky where he died in 1812. He is said to have married an "Annie Bias". When and where Joseph Logan met Annie Bias is unknown. The parents and siblings of Annie Bias are also unknown.

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)

Sources:

"Battleground Burial Sites", The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, SC, January 17, 1981, Supplement on the 200th Anniversary of The Battle of Cowpens, p.13.
Bearss, Edwin C., Historic Grounds and Resource Study, Cowpens National Battlefield, South Carolina, Denver Service Center, Historic Preservation Team, National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado, July 1974.
Bennett, William D., Orange County Records, Volume III, Deed Book 3, Abstracts, Privately published, Raleigh, NC, 1990.
Bennett, William D., Orange County Records, Volume VIII, Deed Book 5, Abstracts, Privately published, Raleigh, NC, 1991.
Bennett, William Dobb, Orange County Records, Volume XII, Inventories and Accounts of Sales, 1758-1785, Privately published, Raleigh, NC, 1994.
Brooks, Roy, and Mrs. Ernest Newton, "Nathan Byars Owned Cowpens National Battleground Land", Bridges to the Past, Genealogical Socieity of Old Tryon County, Forest City, NC, 1992, Vol 1, p.135-6.
Brooks, Roy, and Mrs. Ernest Newton, "Notes on the Doggett Family", Bridges to the Past, Genealogical Socieity of Old Tryon County, Forest City, NC, 1992, Vol 1, p.140-1.
"The Byars Family of Hanover County", Hanover County Historical Society Bulletin, Hanover, VA, No. 33, Nov 1985, p.2-3.
Byars, Billy Joe, "Family Bible Record of Phillip Harrison Byars", Upper South Carolina Genealogy and History, Spartanburg, SC, Vol 15, No 2, May 2001, p.56-7.
Byars, Thurlo V., "Byers Family History Told on Grave Stones", York County Genealogical and Historical Society Quarterly, Rock Hill, SC, Vol 5, No 3, Dec 1993, p.5-6.
Byers, William C., "The Parents of Moses Byers", Upper Cumberland Researcher, Cookville TN, Spring 1994, p.9-11.
Bynum, Curtis, Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina, 1929, Reprinted by Southern Historical Press, Greenville, SC, 1982 & 1991.
Caswell County, North Carolina Tax Lists, 1777, 1780, & 1784, T.L.C. Genealogy, Miami Beach, FL, 1990.
Clark, Walter, The State Records of North Carolina, Nash Brothers, Goldsboro, N.C., 1907.
Davis, Caroline Heath, Rutherford County, North Carolina Abstracts of Deeds, 1773-1795, Rutherfordton, NC, 1973.
Dodson, Marian Chiarito, Will Book 0, 1752-1773, Halifax County, Virginia.
Gwynn, Hargett Gwynn, Abstracts of the Wills and Estate Records of Granville County, North Carolina, 1746-1808, Rocky Mount, N.C., 1973.
Gwynn, Zae Hargett, Abstracts of the Early Deeds of Granville County North Carolina, 1746-1765, The Reprint Company, Spartanburg, SC, 1993.
Hamrick, Von B., "Bushrod Doggett", Bulletin of The Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, Vol. XL, No. 1, February, 2012, p.31-32.
Haralson, Danny K., Haralson - Harrelson Family History and Lineage, p.27.
Harris, Malcolm H., History of Louisa County, Virginia, The Dietz Press, Richmond VA, 1936.
Haun, Weynette Parks, Hillsborough District, North Carolina, Superior Court Minutes, 1768-1791, Book I, Durham, NC, 1993.
Haun, Weynette Parks, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1752-1761, Book I, Durham, NC, 1991.
Haun, Weynette Parks, Orange County, North Carolina, Court Minutes, 1762-1766, Book II, Durham, NC, 1992.
Hays, Dorthy Eubanks, "William Byars/Byers of the Revolutionary War Period", Upper South Carolina Genealogy and History, Spartanburg, SC, Vol 3, No 2, Apr 1985, p.35-40.
Hoffman, Margaret M., The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Volume Two, ISBN: 0-937761-02-8, 1987.
Hoffman, Margaret M., The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763, Abstracts of Miscellaneous Land Office Records, Volume Four, ISBN: 0-937761-04-4, 1993.
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