GGWC John Byars

Biography:

John Byars was born Mar 16, 1734 in Hanover County, Virginia to James Byars and Peggy Gentry. They had been in Virginia for at least 2 generations.

John married Elizabeth Thomasson Dec 21, 1754 in Louisa County, Virginia. Her parents were George Thomasson and Mary Pollard. George was a patriot supporter and had sons that fought in the war.

Before the war John had served as Sub-Sheriff in Louisa Co. a prominent citizen.

John became a captain of the Louisa County militia commanding 50 militiamen. He was called into service to join Horatio Gates at Hillsborough in NC. In June 1780 while gathering the militia he had a Will written out in case he did not return to protect his family and unborn child. When he arrived at Hillsborough the commissary officer of the continental army took his horse for one of their officers leaving him on foot. He marched with his company of 50 men to Camden where on August 16, 1780 Gates was defeated and John returned with his men to Louisa County. On returning home he sent a bill to the congress for his horse for $1500.00, which was the value of the continental currency verses gold of silver at the time.

John passed away in Nov 22, 1782 and his Will was probated on February 11, 1782. According to his Will he and Elizabeth had 13 children, James, John. Fleming, George, Mary Smith, William, Jane Matthews, Sally, Martha, Anna, Jemima, Betsy, Rebecca.

At the end of war Elizabeth, his wife and some of the children moved to Washington County VA and became leaders in the community having land, property and livestock.

John Byars Sr

Birth: 16 Mar 1734 / Hanover / VA

State of Service: VA

Spouse: Elizabeth Thomasson

SAR Patriot #: P-126850 DAR #: A017972

Death: 23 Nov 1781 / Louisa / VA

Qualifying Service: Captain / Patriotic Service

Children: James, John. Fleming, George, Mary Smith, William, Jane Matthews, Sally, Martha, Anna, Jemima, Betsy, Rebecca

Patriotic Service Description: MILITIA, PROVIDED SUPPLIES

Sources:

GWATHMEY, HIST REG OF VA IN REV, P 118; ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 2, P 621

SAR Patriot Index Edition III (CD: PP2210, Progeny Publ., 2002) plus data to 20