Individual Page

    Person Info
  • Name: Thomas BYERS
  • Sex: M
  • Birth: 7 Sep 1757 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania b
  • Death: 30 Aug 1825 in East Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania d
  • Burial: Byers Burial Ground, East Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania u


  • Parents:
  • Father:
  • Samuel BYERS Birth: 1719 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania Death: Apr 1796 in Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  • Mother:
  • Jane WHITE Birth: 1727 in Northern Ireland or Pennsylvania Death: Nov 1801 in Washington Co, Pennsylvania

Family:
Marriage:
  • Margaret SHANNON on 18 Sep 1783 at Strabane Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania .m1
  • Margaret SHANNON Birth: 30 Mar 1765 in Sadsbury Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania Death: 4 Aug 1829 in East Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
Children:
  1. Samuel BYERS Birth: 10 Jul 1784 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 26 Jan 1785 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  2. John MD BYERS Birth: 22 Jul 1786 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 29 Jul 1871 in Batesville, Arkansas
  3. Sarah BYERS Birth: 25 Mar 1788 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 16 Mar 1880 in Ripley, Brown Co, Ohio
  4. Thomas BYERS Birth: 22 Apr 1790 in East Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 8 Sep 1863 in Washington, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  5. Jane BYERS Birth: 3 Apr 1792 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 6 Nov 1874 in Washington, Pennsylvania
  6. Margaret BYERS Birth: 7 Feb 1794 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: May 1867 in West Alexander, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  7. Nancy BYERS Birth: 9 Jan 1796 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 25 Aug 1796 in Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  8. Anne BYERS Birth: 25 Jun 1797 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 26 Aug 1887 in West Alexander, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
  9. James BYERS Birth: 20 Jun 1799 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 18 Oct 1874 in Wayne Co, Iowa
  10. Nancy BYERS Birth: 21 Feb 1802 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 8 May 1871 in Belmont Co, Ohio
  11. Rachel BYERS Birth: 28 Jun 1804 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 5 Oct 1834 in Sidney, Ohio
  12. Samuel BYERS Birth: 15 Jul 1806 in East Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 13 May 1840 in Sidney, Shelby Co, Ohio
  13. William BYERS Birth: 8 Mar 1808 in Finley Township, Washington Co, Pennsylvania Death: 4 Jun 1877 in Butler, Butler Co, Pennsylvania

Bibliography
  1. Census 1790, Pennsylvania, Washington Co, p29. M637-9. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/005157141 image 113. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: 1790 PA Washington 29].
  2. Census 1800, Pennsylvania, Washington Co, Finley, p01. M32-44. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/004440910 image 060. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: 1800 PA Washington Finley 01].
  3. Census 1810, Pennsylvania, Washington Co, Finley, p01. M252-57. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/005157106 image 105. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: 1810 PA Washington Finley 1].
  4. Census 1820, Pennsylvania, Washington Co, Finley, p02. M33-113. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/005156943 image 410. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: 1820 PA Washington FInley 02].
  5. Beers, J. H., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, PA, J.H. Beers Co, Chicago, 1893, reprinted by Polyanthos, Inc, New Orleans, LA, 1976. Available at https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008651804. Available at http://archive.org/details/commemorativebio03jhbe Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p[0-9-]*].
  6. Bell, Raymond Martin, One Hundred One Family Outlines. Coralville, Iowa: author, 1997. Citizens Library 929.2 Bel. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Bell 101Fam p[0-9]*].
  7. Bell, Raymond Martin, The BYERS Family of Washington County, Pennsylvania, Washington, PA, 1987, LDS Film#1320702#7. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/526675. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p[0-9]*].
  8. Bell, Raymond Martin, BYERS, Keyhole XXIII,3 (July 1995). p101-103 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Bell BYERS-95 p10[1-3]].
  9. Bell, Raymond Martin, Indian Attacks on Five Neighboring Families, Gaither, Hawkins, Hupp, Miller, Peak, in Keyhole, XVII,1 January 89, p10-12. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Bell IndianAttacks].
  10. Bell, Raymond Martin, SHANNON of Washington County PA, Keyhole XVIII,2 April 1990, p77-80. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Bell SHANNON].
  11. Borkowski, Helen, The Byers Burial Ground, Keyhole XIX,1 Jan 1991, pp24-28. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Borkowski ByersBurialGround p[0-9]*].
  12. Boss, Lula Reed, Descendants of Thomas Byers, in Kentucky Ancestor, vol 8, no 4, April 1973. Sutro F450.K4. Available at http://kentuckyancestors.org/kentucky-ancestors-print-archive-goes-digital/ vol 8 No 4, available at http://kyhistory.com/cdm/singleitem/collection/p16602coll3/id/181/rec/188. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Boss BYERS p[0-9]*].
  13. Bracken, Henry B, William BRACKEN of New Castle Co Delaware, Nashville, TN: author, 1982. LDS Film#1033982 item#14. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/13711. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: BrackenHB BRACKEN p[0-9]*].
  14. Craig, Marion Stark, The American Ancestry of Marion Stark Craig, Supplement #3, 1991, LDS Film#1697645 item#4. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p[0-9]*].
  15. Craig, Marion Stark, The American Ancestry of Marion Stark Craig, Supplement #4, 1991, LDS Film#1697645 item#3. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #[0-9A]*].
  16. Craig, Marion Stark, My BYERS-BONAR-SHANNON And Allied Families, 1976, LDS Film#1036519 item#3. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Craig BYERS p[0-9]*].
  17. Crumrine, History of Washington County. Philadelphia: Everts, 1882. Available at http://archive.org/details/historyofwashing00crum Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Crumrine WashingtonCoPA p[0-9]*].
  18. DAR Lineage, Miss Juanita Lenore WYLIE #121199 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #121199].
  19. DAR Lineage, Miss Anita F BRITT #154028 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #154028].
  20. DAR Lineage, Miss Helen M WISE #154913 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #154913].
  21. DAR Lineage, Miss E Marie SMITH #156687 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #156687].
  22. DAR Application 563918, Tice, Alice Tomlinson Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #563918].
  23. DAR Application 664455, Beohm, Marilyn Jane Broell Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #664455].
  24. DAR Lineage, Miss Florella WYLIE #95620 Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR #95620].
  25. Daughters of the American Revolution, Graves of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution. Washington: NSDAR, 1978. M-LH 929.1 DAR Loc Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR Grave Sites].
  26. Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Patriot Index - 2004 Edition. Washington: The Society, 2004. DAR Special Index. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: DAR Patriot Index].
  27. Dedman, Louise Shannon, Dedman (Shannon) Genealogy, date unk. 15 legal size pages. Available through Jimmy Kerr (jimmyk01 at sbcglobal dot net) Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Dedman SHANNON p[0-9]*].
  28. Eagleson, Andrew S, BYERS Family History, 1908, LDS Film #1320634#5 1988. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/456946. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Eagleson BYERS p[0-9-ab]*].
  29. Pennsylvania Archives. Entire PA Archives available at http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/003912969. S6V2 available at https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101077282745. Also Microfiche PS263. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: PA Archives s6 v2 p[0-9]*].
  30. Shannon, Dexal, SHANNON 1571-1990. unpublished notebook, dated Dec 1990. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/778102. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: ShannonD SHANNON p[0-9]*].
  31. Tylor, Alma Martin, Byers Family Data, in Kentucky Genealogical Records compiled by Mrs M. H. Dunn, Genealogical Records Chairman, Kentucky Society DAR, Series 1 vol 296 1966. DAR KY GRC 1966 S1 V296. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Taylor BYERS p[0-9]*].
  32. Truan, Van, Descendants of Thomas Byers, private email, 10/18/2000. Author address renegade dot royal at juno dot com Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Van Truan 10/18/2000].
  33. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 1W, 1811-1813, LDS Film#0862518. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/007901591 image 22. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1W-30].
  34. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 1X, 1812-1815, LDS Film#0862519. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/007895276 image 146. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1X-260].
  35. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2E, 1820-1822, LDS Film#0862526. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008084639 images 251-2. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2E-429].
  36. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2L, 1827-1832, LDS Film#0862531#1. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008036098 images 93-4. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2L-170].
  37. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2O, 1829-1833, LDS Film#0862532#2. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008084641 image 271. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-38].
  38. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2O, 1829-1833, LDS Film#0862532#2. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008084641 image 271. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-39].
  39. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2O, 1829-1833, LDS Film#0862532#2. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008084641 image 272. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-40].
  40. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2P, 1831-1835, LDS Film#0862533#1. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008036099 images 216-7. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-384].
  41. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 2P, 1831-1835, LDS Film#0862533#1. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008036099 image 217. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-385].
  42. Washington County Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds, Deed books 1781-1886. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1971, Book 3N, 1853-1854, LDS Film#0863604#2. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008084674 images 518-9. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 3N-329].
  43. Washington County Pennsylvania Register of Wills, Will Books 1781-1872. SLC: GeneSocUT, 1972. Book 4, 1814-1832, Film#863625#2. Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/005537969 images 365-7. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Wills 4-125].

Sources for birth and parent Information
date:
[Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p804, Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p1, Bell BYERS-95 p101, Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Boss BYERS p192, Craig BYERS p13, Craig BYERS p15, Craig BYERS p16, Craig BYERS p69, Craig BYERS p70, DAR #563918, DAR #664455, DAR Patriot Index, Eagleson BYERS p3, ShannonD SHANNON p32, Taylor BYERS p24, Van Truan 10/18/2000]
1757 [Ref: Bell SHANNON, DAR #121199, DAR #154028, DAR #154913, DAR #156687, DAR #95620, Taylor BYERS p23]
d 1825 age 68 [Ref: Boss BYERS p193],
place:
[Ref: Bell 101Fam p7, Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, DAR #154028, DAR #156687, DAR #563918, DAR #664455]
Chester Co, Pennsylvania, or Northern Ireland [Ref: ShannonD SHANNON p32]
Chester Co? [Ref: Craig BYERS p69]
Northern Ireland or Chester County [Ref: Craig BYERS p70]
Pennsylvania [Ref: DAR Patriot Index],
parents:
[Ref: Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p1, Bell BYERS-95 p101, Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, Craig BYERS p69, Craig BYERS p70, Eagleson BYERS p3, ShannonD SHANNON p32, Taylor BYERS p23],
father:
[Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233]
Sources with Inaccurate birth and parent Information
place:
East Finley Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania [Ref: Boss BYERS p192]
Ireland [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p804]
Northern Ireland [Ref: Craig BYERS p15]
Washington Co, Pennsylvania [Ref: DAR #121199, DAR #95620],
note:
Samuel BYERS (father of Thomas BYERS) born in Chester Co, PA, "where the connection had resided for generations" [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233]
Sources for death Information
date:
[Ref: Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p8, Bell BYERS-95 p101, Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Boss BYERS p192, Boss BYERS p193, Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, Craig BYERS p13, Craig BYERS p21, Craig BYERS p69, Craig BYERS p70, DAR #563918, DAR #664455, DAR Patriot Index, Eagleson BYERS p3, Eagleson BYERS p58, ShannonD SHANNON p32, Taylor BYERS p23]
1825 [Ref: Bell SHANNON, DAR #121199, DAR #154028, DAR #95620],
place:
[Ref: Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p9, Boss BYERS p192, Craig BYERS p70]
Washington Co Pennsylvania [Ref: Craig BYERS p21]
Washington Co, Pennsylvania [Ref: Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, DAR #121199, DAR #154028, DAR #563918, DAR #664455, DAR #95620, DAR Patriot Index]
Sources with Inaccurate death Information
date:
3 Aug 1825 [Ref: Van Truan 10/18/2000]
Sources for burial Information
place:
[Ref: Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Boss BYERS p193, Craig BYERS p70, Taylor BYERS p23]
Claysville [Ref: DAR Grave Sites]
East Finley Twp [Ref: Eagleson BYERS p3]
Sources with Information about marriage to Margaret SHANNON
date:
[Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p804, Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p8, Bell BYERS-95 p101, Bell SHANNON, Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Boss BYERS p192, Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p77&80, Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p80, Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, Craig BYERS p13, Craig BYERS p15, Craig BYERS p16, Craig BYERS p66, Craig BYERS p69, Craig BYERS p70, DAR #563918, DAR #664455, Eagleson BYERS p3, Eagleson BYERS p64, ShannonD SHANNON p32, Taylor BYERS p24, Van Truan 10/18/2000]
1783 [Ref: DAR #121199, DAR #154028, DAR #154913, DAR #156687, DAR #95620],
place:
[Ref: Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p9, Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p77, Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p80, Craig AmAncestrySupp3 p81]
Washington Co [Ref: Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34]
Washington Co? [Ref: Craig BYERS p70],
names:
[Ref: BrackenHB BRACKEN p89, DAR Patriot Index, Dedman SHANNON p3]
Thomas BYERS & Margaret ___ [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2L-170, WashingtonCoPA Wills 4-125],
child:
[Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233, Beers WashingtonCoPA p804, Bell 101Fam p7, Bell BYERS-87 p10, Bell BYERS-87 p9, Bell BYERS-95 p101, Bell BYERS-95 p102, Bell BYERS-95 p103, Bell SHANNON, Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Borkowski ByersBurialGround p26, Boss BYERS p192, Craig AmAncestrySupp4 #34, Craig BYERS p15, Craig BYERS p16, Craig BYERS p17, Craig BYERS p70, Craig BYERS p71, Craig BYERS p72, DAR #121199, DAR #154028, DAR #154913, DAR #156687, DAR #563918, DAR #664455, DAR #95620, Eagleson BYERS p10, Eagleson BYERS p13, Eagleson BYERS p22, Eagleson BYERS p35, Eagleson BYERS p38, Eagleson BYERS p46, Eagleson BYERS p4, Eagleson BYERS p58, Eagleson BYERS p59, Eagleson BYERS p5, Eagleson BYERS p60, Eagleson BYERS p61, Van Truan 10/18/2000]
Sources with Inaccurate marriage information
child:
Mary BYERS (#4874) 1784-1872; Nancy BYERS (#4876) 1795-1868 [Ref: Van Truan 10/18/2000]
Research Notes:
family record of Thomas BYERS is contained in the family bible of David STEWART, who married the Jean the second daughter [Ref: Borkowski ByersBurialGround p24]

... [father] born in Chester County, PA, where the connection had resided for generations [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233]

Born in Ireland, and came to this country in early life [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p804]

1777: Came to East Finley Township, age of 20; left only for one year in Strabane Township and is listed in the 1783 tax list [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p1]

Oct 1777: Took Oath of allegiance to the State of Virginia. The oath was administered by a neighbor, Thomas Waller, and was required of all white males age 16 and over. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p2]

1778: Listed as a private in militia company of Captain James Buchanan, a neighbor. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p2]

During the Revolutionary War, served as a Private in Captain George Sharp's Company, Third Battalion, Washington County Militia, under Lieutenant Colonel David Williamson. [Ref: Craig BYERS p18, PA Archives s6 v2 p258, PA Archives s6 v2 p93]

Served as private in Captain George Sharp's company, 3rd battalion, Washington County, Pennsylvania militia. [Ref: DAR #563918, DAR #664455, DAR #95620]

Private in PA [Ref: DAR Patriot Index]

Sep 14 1779: Thomas Byers was a witness to the Last Will and Testament of a person named Van Eman, in Ohio County, Virginia [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p2]

Sep 28 1781: James and Thomas Byers are listed in the Washington County Militia in a company commanded by Captain George Sharp of Strabane Township. [Ref: Craig BYERS p18]

1781: private in Captain George Sharp's Company, Third Battalion, Washington County Militia, David Williams, Colonel [Ref: Boss BYERS p192]

1781: taxed in Donegal Township, Washington County. Pennsylvania Arhives, Third Series, vol 12, page 726, shows that Samuel Byers and Thomas Byers were taxed in Donegal Township, Washington County [Ref: Craig BYERS p18]

The first tax list of Washington County, dated 1782 but made up the previous fall, lists Thomas Byers with 150 acres, 1 horse, and 2 cows in Donegal Township [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p4]

1781-2: involved in Indian attacks; text of full story below [Ref: Bell IndianAttacks]

Mar-Jun 1782: Participated in the campaign against Gnaddenhutten and Sandusky. In the first, he was under Colonel David Williamson; in the second, under Colonel William Crawford. Ebenezer says he was also with Crawford. Unfortunately, on the Plains of Sandusky, the Indians defeated the Americans and captured Colonel Crawford. Before burning him at the stake, he was horribly tortured. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p3]

c1783: settled on farm [Ref: Eagleson BYERS p58]

1783: after marriage, settled on a farm in Finley Tpwnship (was then Donegal Twp) [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p804, Craig BYERS p15]

1783: Tax list for Donegal Township, Washington County, shows Thomas with 200 acres but no horses or cows. This indicates they were non-residents of the township. For 1783 they appear in Strabane Township - Thomas unmarried. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p4]

Thomas with his wife was most courageous in battling with danger in their new home in East Finley, because of the attacks of Indians. [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233]

Tradition says Thomas took his wife and children to her mother's in Strabane Township on at least one occasion. Sarah (nee Reid) Shannon, Margaret's mother, later lived with Thomas and Margaret. Another time, Thomas' family fled to Dickerson's fort, three miles to the east. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p4]

1786: took up land called "Stone Coal" [Ref: Taylor BYERS p23]

1784-88, James and Thomas appear yearly in tax lists of Donegal, Washington County, and from 1789 in Finley Township (now East Finley). Finley was set off from Donegal in 1788. [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p4]

1784: Taxed in Donegal [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1785: Taxed in Donegal: 100 acres, 2 horses, 1 cow [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1786: Taxed in Donegal: 100 acres, 2 horses, 2 cows [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

Mar 16 1786: took warrant for land in East Finley Twp, resurveyed 20 Oct 1829, and patent issued 12 Dec 1829, for 350 acres and 41 perches of land [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-39, WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-40]

1786: James and his brother, Thomas, took up land in Washington County, PA, though they had already been there for several years. They called the tract "Stone Coal." The Horn Papers, vol 3, plot 63, show: Tract 1: 404 acres 117 perches, from a warrant dated 16 March 1786, resurvey by order of the Board of Property dated 20 October 1820, and patented 12 December 1829 to Thomas Byers, Executor in Trust, and James Byers. Tract 2: 251 acres 43 perches from a warrant dated 29 December 1796, resurveyed by order of the Board of Property, dated 20 October 1829 and patented 13 March 1830 to Thomas Byers, Executor in Trust, and james Byers. (Thomas Byers died 1825; the Thomas, Executor in Trust, is his son) [Ref: Craig BYERS p12]

James and Thomas got warrants in 1786 and in 1796 for 605 [sic. likely should be 655] acres in what is now East Finley Township of Washington County [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p4]

Land records show Warrant Mar 16 1786, survey Apr 27 1786, for 404 acres [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p12]

1787: Taxed in Donegal: 130 acres, 2 horses, 2 cows [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1788: Taxed in Donegal: 100 acres, 2 horses, 2 cows [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1789: Taxed in Finley: 200 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1790 census of Washington County, page 256, shows 1 white male over 16, 2 males under 16, 2 white females, 1 slave [WTM: it seems the number of females should have been 3, Mary age 6, Sarah age 2, and wife Margaret] [Ref: 1790 PA Washington 29, Craig BYERS p18]

1791: Taxed in Finley: 200 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 slave [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1792: Taxed in Finley: 200 acres, 2 horses, 4 cows [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

1793: Taxed in Finley: 200 acres, 2 horses, 1 cow [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p14]

Dec 29 1796: took warrant for land in East Finley Twp, resurveyed 20 Oct 1829, and patent issued 18 Mar 1830, for 344 acres and 45 perches of land [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-39, WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-40]

Dec 29 1796: Land Warrant, following death of father, adjoining their 1786 grant [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p7]

Dec 29 1796: Land records show Warrant for 251 acres [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p12]

1798: the Federal Direct Tax (window tax) gives this information for Finley Township, Washington County: Thomas Byers, house worth $82, 200 acres. In all of Finley Township in 1798 there was no house worth as much as $100 [Ref: Bell BYERS-87 p5]

1800 census of Finley Township, Washington County, page 1, shows White Males: 1 under age 10, 2 age 10 but under 16, 1 age 26 but under 45; White Females: 3 under age 10, 1 age 10 but under 16, 1 age 26 but under 45, 1 age 45 and upwards [Ref: 1800 PA Washington Finley 01]

1800 census, living in Washington County, 1 male under age 10, 2 10-16, 1 26-45, 3 females under age 10, 1 10-16, 1 26-45, 1 45&up. The oldest female is his mother-in-law, Sarah Reid Shannon, widow of John Shannon. [Ref: Craig BYERS p19]

1810 Census of Washington County, 2 white males under age 10, 1 10-16, 1 45&up, 2 white females under age 10, 1 10-16, 2 16-26, and 1 45&up [Ref: Craig BYERS p20]

1810 Census of Finley Township, Washington County, page 709, shows White Males: 2 under age 10, 1 age 10 but under 16, 1 age 16 but under 26, 1 age 45 and upwards; White Females: 2 under age 10, 1 age 10 but under 16, 2 age 16 but under 26, and 1 age 45 and upwards. [Ref: 1810 PA Washington Finley 1]

May 13 1811: purchased from Samuel Byers 19 1/4 acres of land on Buffalo Creek in Washington County, for $77 [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1W-30]

elder in West Alexander Presbyterian Church from 1812 to 1825 [Ref: Borkowski ByersBurialGround p25, Eagleson BYERS p4, Taylor BYERS p24]

Elder in the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander, from 1812 to his death in 1825. What is now West Alexander was first known as Three Ridges. "Old Red Stone" was the first Presbyterian Church estalished west of the Allegheny Mountains. [Ref: Craig BYERS p18]

Jan 9 1813: purchased from Henry and Jean McDonough, 247 acres and 85 perches of land in Donegal Township, on the waters of Middle Wheeling Creek, for $1467 [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1X-260]

Apr 5 1818: sold to Dr John Byers, for $200, receiving a bond for $500, a tract of land in Donegal Twp. Bond was never paid, and land reverted back to Thomas Byers Sr [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-38]

Apr 26 1819: purchased from Joseph Haridon 123 acres and 49 perches of land in Donegal Township. noted in [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2L-170]

1820 Census of Finley Township, Washington County, page 2, shows White Males: 2 under age 10, 3 age 10 but under 16, 1 age 16 but under 26, and 1 age 45 and upwards (five engaged in agriculture); White Females: 1 age 10 but under 16, 1 age 16 but under 26, and 1 age 45 and upwards. [Ref: 1820 PA Washington FInley 02, Craig BYERS p21]

The three young males in the 1820 census record were children of Dr. John Byers, whose wife died in 1817. [Ref: Craig BYERS p20]

Oct 1 1821: bought from Dr John Byers for $700, 118 acres and 90 perches of land in Donegal Twp on Middle Wheeling Creek [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2E-429]

signed his Will on August 29 1825. It was proved in Washington County on September 12 1825, and recorded in Will Book 4. In it are mentioned Wife, Margaret; Sons-in-law Adam Wylie, David Stuart, John McDonald, Andrew Yates, John Brice, and Hugh Wilson; Sons Dr. John Byers, Thomas Byers, James Byers, Samuel Byers, and William Byers; Daughters Sarah Wylie, Jane Stewart, Margaret McDonald, Anne Yates, Nancy Brice, and Rachel Wilson. Executors: Wife, Margaret, and son, Thomas. Witnesses: Thomas Hoge and James Byers. [Ref: Craig BYERS p23]

Vigorous farmer and a prominent businessman. He was a bright example of Christian piety. In 1813 he was installed an elder in the Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, which office he filled with great acceptance, being called the peacemaker of the Session [Ref: Beers WashingtonCoPA p233]

will dated 29 Aug 1825, proved 12 Sep 1825. Mentions wife Margaret; son-in-law Dr Adam Wylie; son-in-law David Stuart; son-in-law John McDonald; son-in-law Andrew Yates; son-in-law John Brice; son-in-law Hugh Wilson; son Dr John Byers, second son Thomas, son James, son Samuel, son William; daughters Sarah Wylie, Jane Stewart, Marg McDonald, Anna Yates, Nancy Brice, Rachel Wilson; Executors wife Margaret and son Thomas [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Wills 4-125]

the farm on which Thomas BYERS raised his large family is now owned by William WORRALL near whose residence stood the BYERS home, where some of the remains of the house may yet be seen. This and the land on which the burial ground is located are parts of a tract of land named "Stone Coal" in the original patent, and on the southwestern form of Buffalo Creek. [Ref: Eagleson BYERS p5]

Mar 7 1828: Executors of will (wife Margaret and son Thomas) made deed to son Samuel Byers for 123 acres and 49 perches of land in Donegal Township; land which was purchased from Joseph Haridon on Apr 26 1819 [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2L-170]

Jun 19 1830: Thomas Byers Jr, as Executor of will of Thomas Byers Sr, exchanged release deeds with James Byers, James Byers releasing his claim to 344 acres and 45 perches of land in East Finley Township (originally patented to James Byers and Thomas Byers Sr on 18 Mar 1830 from a warrant 29 Dec 1796 and resurveyed 20 Oct 1829) and heirs of Thomas Byers Sr releasing their claim to 350 acres and 41 perches of land in East Finley Township (originally patented to James Byers and Thomas Byers Sr on 12 Dec 1829 from a warrant 16 Mar 1786 and resurveyed 20 Oct 1829) [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-39, WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-40]

Jun 19 1830: Executor of will (son Thomas) sold to William Byers a tract of land in Donegal Twp, originally sold to Dr John Byers for $200 (paid by bond for $500) but bond never paid [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-38]

Aug 28 1832: Executor of will (son Thomas) sold to John McDonald three tracts of land, (first two combined) 344 acres and 45 perches, conveyed by James Byers on 19 Jun 1830, and (third) 19 1/4 acres, conveyed by Samuel Byers on 18 May 1811, for $2684.73 [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-384]

Mar 21 1833: Executor of will (son Thomas) sold to John McDonald 19 1/4 acres of land in East Finley Township on Buffalo Creek, conveyed by Samuel Byers on 13 May 1811, for $196.97 [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-385]

Tombstone is a large flat double stone, inscribed "In memory of Thomas Byers Sen. who departed this life the 30th day of August A.D. 1825, aged 67 years. An affectionate husband, a tender parent, a useful citizen, a sincere friend, and an exemplary Christian. For many years he filled with great respectability the office of ruling elder in the congregation of Three Ridges. From the Church militant below he has been translated to the Church triumphant in heaven to dwell forever with his ___ and his God." followed by a bible verse, and "Margaret Byers relick of Thomas Byers departed this life August 4th A.D. 1829 in the 63(?) year of her age. She was a loving companion, tender parent, sincere friend and an exemplary Christian" [Ref: Borkowski ByersBurialGround p28]

---------- Donegal was one of the thirteen original townships of Washington County laid out in 1781, the year the County was erected out of part of Westmoreland County. The first reduction of the large area of Donegal was made by the erection of Finley Township from it on May 6 1788. On December 24 1828, East Finley and West Finley Townships were made out of the residual of "Old" Finley, which had given territory to other townships. [Ref: Craig BYERS p13]

During the Revolution Western Washington County, PA, was often attacked by Indians. This is the story of five neighbors whose experiences are centered on two days: Saturday Aug 25 1781 and Sunday March 31 1782. In 1774-75 these families (likely from Maryland) settled on the upper part of the Dutch Fork of Buffalo Creek - a few miles west and northwest of present Claysville.
Jacob Miller, John Hupp, Edward Gaither, Thomas Peak, William Hawkins. Map in [Keyhole XVII,1 Jan 89, p10] shows the five farms. All names were on the tax list in 1778 for Ohio County, (West) Virginia - now Donegal Township, Washington County. Each got a Virginia certificate for land in 1780 or 1781. These certificates entitled them to Pennsylvania land grants.
On the evening of August 24 1781, Jacob Miller Jr, Francis Hupp, brother of John, and Jacob Fisher, on a scouting expedition, were invited to spend the night at the cabin of Jonathan Link on Middle Wheeling Creek, just east of the present state line. Link's family had gone to Wheeling for safety. The men were unaware that Inians would surround the cabin in the night. The next morning Fisher and Hupp were shot as they stepped out of the cabin. Link and Miller were taken captive.
The Indians then headed northeast toward Dutch Fork to attack the cabins there. William Hawkins was visiting at the cabin of Thomas Peak. Hawkins and Presley Peak, son of Thomas, were taken captive. The Indians then divided into two groups. One went up the creek toward the Hawkins cabin, the other down toward the Gaither cabin. At the Hawkins cabin they captured Elizabeth, the Hawkins daughter, who was ill in bed. The mother and three younger children had heard the shots at Peak's and had fled into thick hazel bushes. The Indians passed within a few feet of them, but did not find them.
The party going down the creek expected to surprise the Gaither family, but the Gaithers, about to be seated for dinner, hearing the shots at Peak;s, fled north to the fort at Millers. They probably warned the Hupps to join them. The Indians ate the dinner at Gaither's and left after burning the cabin. John Cain lived here 100 years later. See map. The Indians killed Link and Hawkins, not liking his red hair. Miller escaped the first night by chewing his thongs. Elizabeth Hawkins must have been released after the War, for she married David Gibson. Presley Peak was released at Quebec November 2 1782. Collections of the Vermont Historical Society, II 357 (1871). What a story he must have told, when he returned home.
At the time of the 1782 attack the settlers were gathered in the Miller fort, because of Indian alarms. The Indians had been aroused by the killing a few weeks before by Washington County men of 100 Moravian Indians at Gnaddenhutten, Ohio. Indians surrounded the fort during the night. The next morning, Easter Sunday March 31 1782, they killed John Hupp and Jacob Miller Sr, who had gone out to look for a lost colt. In the fort were Mrs. Hupp, Mrs. Miller, Mathias Ault, stepfather of John Hupp, Edward Gaither, and their families. Jacob Miller Jr and others had gone to Rice's fort for any news of Indians. On hearing the shots at Miller's, Jacob Jr, Jacob Rowe, brother of Ann Hupp, and Philip Hupp, brother of John returned to help defend the fort. The Indians finally left.
Many of the stories of these times have been lost, but the accounts of these two events were related by John Hupp Jr (1780-1864) and publisted in Creigh's History of Washington County. An account of the 1781 event was given by Lydia Cruger (1766-1867) to Lyman Draper. Draper Papers 2S153-4, Madison, Wisconsin. The Hawkins, Hupp, and Miller families continued to live on their farms. Edward Gaither sold his land in 1806. There is no further record. Thomas Peak sold his farm and all his possessions in 1789. [Ref: Bell IndianAttacks]

Washington Co PA deeds 1W-30, dated 13 May 1811:
This Indenture made this thirteenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and eleven by and between Samuel Byers and Agnes Byers his wife of the one part and Thomas Byers of the other part all of the County of Washington and State of Pennsylvania, Witnesseth that the said Samuel Byers and Agness Byers his wife as aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of seventy seven dollars current money to them in hand paid by the said Thomas Byers the receipt and payment whereof is hereby acknowledged hath this day sold aliened and confirmed and by these presents do sell alien and confirm to the said Thomas Byers his heirs executors administrators or assigns forever one certain tract of land lying and being in the County of Washington and State of Pennsylvania on waters of Buffalo Creek and bounded as follows, beginning at a white oak on north side of the branch of said Buffalo Creek, thence south 46 west 14:7 to a maple, thence south 62 west 21 perches to a post on said Thomas Byers line thence with said line south 60 west 98 perches to a dogwood north 47 east 29 perches to a white oak thence north 50 west 26 perches to a white oak thence north 61 west 16 perches to white oak thence north 50 west 48 pole to the beginning containing nineteen acres and one fourth To have and To Hold the aforesaid tract of land with all the appurtenances to him the said Thomas Byers his heirs and assigns forever and the said Samuel Byers and Agnes Byers his wife doth hereby agree to warrant and defend the rights and title of the said land from themselves and their heirs and from any person or persons whatsoever claiming by from or under them the said Samuel Byers and Agness Byers his wife and from all manner of persons forever that may hereafter claim the said tract of land unto the said Thomas Byers his heirs executors administrators and assigns forever. In Testimony whereof the said Samuel Byers and Agness Byers have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year above written. N.B. the above described lot of ground is a part of a tract of land granted to the said Samuel Byers by patent dated the twenty second day of March one thousand eight hundred and eleven this note made before signing. Samuel Byers. Angess Byers.
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, Saml England, Moses Elliot.
Washington County. Be it remembered that on the 13th day of May 1811 before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace for said County came the within named Samuel Byers and Agness his wife and acknowledged the within indenture to be their act and deed and desired the same should be recorded as such; the said Agness being first examined by me separate and apart from her said husband and the contents of the said Indenture made known to her did acknowledge that she executed the same voluntarily and of her own free will and accord without any force threats or compulsion from any person whatsoever.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Samuel England.
Recorded and compared with original, the 30th day of July, Anno Domini, 1811. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1W-30]

Washington Co PA Deeds 1X-260, dated 9 Jan 1813:
This Indenture made the ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen by and between Henry McDonough Esquire and Jean his wife of the County of Washington and State of Pennsylvania of the one part, and Thomas Byers of the County and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnesseth that the said Henry McDonough for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand four hundred and sixty seven dollars to him In hand paid by the said Thomas Byers before the sealing of these presents, the receipt whereof he the said Henry McDonough hereby acknowledges himself fully and entirely satisfied, hath granted, bargained, and sold, enfeoffed released and confirmed, and by these presents does grant, bargain and sell, enfeoff release and confirm, unto the said Thomas Byers a certain tract and messuage of land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Thomas Byers situate on the waters of Middle Wheeling in County aforesaid, Beginning at white oak thence by land of John M Pherron north thirty eight degrees east one hundred and thirty one perches to white oak, thence by land of Charles Mayes south forty three and three fourth degrees east one hundred and ninety one perches to a Jack oak stump, south fifty four degrees east one hundred and ninety one perches to a Jack oak stump south fifty four degrees east seventy one perches, south thirty two degrees east fourteen perches to a stone, thence by lands of James Armstrong south thirty degrees east sixty four perches to a post, thence by land of Daniel M Donald south forty two and three fourths degrees west one hundred and five tenths perches to a small hickory thence by land of Strong and James Little north forty two and three fourth degrees west two hundred and thirty perches to a white oak south seventy nine degrees west thirty two perches to a dogwood, thence by land of the heirs of James Slaters north thirty two degrees west sixty nine and four tenth perches to the place of beginning, containing two hundred and forty seven acres and eighty five perches strict measure, it is part of two tracts of land, one of which was surveyed for the said Henry McDonough in pursuance of the orders of the Board of property of the 15th of September 1784 and 7th of March last, for whom a warrant of acceptance issued, and patent granted to the said Henry McDonough dated the twenty eighth day of February 1786, and Enrolled in the Rolls of the State aforesaid in Patent Book No 6 page 70, and the other tract of land was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant granted to the said Henry McDonough the first day of March 1786 and a patent issued the seventh of September 1786 and Inrolled in Office aforesaid in patent book No 6 page 447, To Have and To Hold the within described tract and messuage of land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Thomas Byers and to the only proper use and behoof of the said Thomas Byers and his heirs and assigns forever, and the said Henry McDonough and Jean his wife do hereby covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Byers that they the said Henry McDonough and Jean his wife their heirs Executors and Administrators the within described tract of land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Thomas Byers his heirs and assigns shall and will warrant and forever defend against all persons and claims whatsoever. In Testimony whereof the said Henry McDonough and Jean his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. Henry McDonough. Jean McDonough.
Signed and Sealed in presence of E. Jenkins. Joseph McDonough.
Received the day and year first within written the sum of one thousand four hundred and sixty seven dollars in full of the consideration money therein mentioned. I say Received. Henry McDonough.
Washington County SS. Be it remembered that on the day and year first within written appeared personally before me Eleazer Jenkins one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County Henry McDonough Esqr and Jean his wife, parties within mentioned, and acknowledged the within and above Deed Poll as and for the act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned, and desired that it might become a matter of record. And she the said Jean being by me separate and apart from her husband examined, declared that she acted in the premises without the least coercion or compulsion of her husband. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid. E. Jenkins.
Recorded and compared with original, the 15th day of March, Anno Domini 1813. Isaac Kerr, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 1X-260]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2E-429, dated 1 Oct 1821:
This Indenture made this first of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty one Between Dr. John Byers of Washington County and State of Pennsylvania of the one part and Thomas Byers [Senior in heading] of the County and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnesseth that the said John Byers in and for the consideration of the sum of Seven hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said Thomas Byers at or before the sealing and delivery hereof the receipt I do hereby acknowledge and do forever acquit and discharge the said Thomas Byers his Executors and administrators, and by these presents do grant bargain sell alien enfeoff release and confirm unto the said Thomas Byers his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situate on the waters of Middle Wheeling in Washington County, bounded as follows, viz, Beginning at a black oak in John Houck's line thence North eighty four West eighty and 1/5 perches to a white oak thence South seventy one west twenty four perches to a dogwood thence North seven and one fourth West One hundred and 1/5 perches to a post thence North four and 1/4 East forty nine perches to a white oak thence North thirty one and 3/4 East sixty eight perches to a post in John Simmons line thence South sixty six and one fourth East forty nine perches to a black oak thence South one degree West ninety eight perches to a white oak thence South forty six degrees East one hundred and three perches to a post at the beginning, Containing one hundred and eighteen acres and ninety perches strict measure, together with all and singular the buildings woods water courses rights liberties privileges hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, To Have and to hold the said described tract of land with its appurtenances unto the said Thomas Byers his heirs and assigns forever and the said John Byers doth hereby bind himself his heirs executors and administrators by these presents to warrant and forever defend the said described tract of land with the hereditaments to the said Thomas Byers his heirs and assigns forever in the full and peaceable possession of the said described herediatments and premises against the lawful claim of all persons whatsoever. In Witness whereof the said John Byers hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written. John Byers.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of James Ashbrook. John Wilson.
Received on the day of the date of the within Indenture the full consideration money therein mentioned. John Byers.
Washington County SS. Personally came before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County John Byers and acknowledged that he executed the within Indenture for the special purpose therein mentioned and desired the same to be entered of record as such. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of October A.D. 1821. John Wilson.
Recorded and Compared with Original October 4th, 1821. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2E-429]

Washington Co PA Wills 4-125:
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Byers, of Finley township, Washington County and State of Pennsylvania, possessing the use of my reason, blessed be God for that mercy, but being in a low state of health, and knowing not when it may please God, in whose hands my life & breath, and all things are to remove me by death, do make and constitute this my last will and testament. Imprimis, After committing my soul to him who formed it "in a good hope through grace", that through his mercy in Christ it will dwell with him for ever, I direct that my body may be committed to its kindred earth, in a plain, decent, and Christian like manner. Item, I direct, that all my debts and funeral expences be paid out of what money
I may have in hand at the time of my death. Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Margaret, the plantation on which I now dwell, during her natural life, and all the furniture, and personal property in the house and in the plantation, together with the horses, cattle other stock, for her sole use and behoof, to be disposed of by her in whatever manner she may chuse, excepting the reservations, hereafter mentioned. Item, After the death of my aforesaid wife, Margaret, I direct my executors, afterwards to be named in this my last Will and testament, and who are hereby authorised and empowered to do the same, to sell for the highest price, that can be procured, the aforesaid plantation, in which I now live, and to divide the proceeds thereof, as follows, viz: To my son-in-law Doct Adam Wylie, I bequeath the one sixth of the aforesaid proceeds after deducting the sum of two hundred dollars, being the amount of what I have already given to him; and in case of his death before that of my wife, the aforesaid on sixth part of the proceeds of said farm is to be divided amongst his widow and children, share and share alike, to my sin-in-law David Stuart, I also bequeath the one sixth part of the proceeds of the before mentioned farm, after deducting the sum of two hundred dollars, which I have already given him, and in case of his death before the death of my wife, the said one sixth part is to be divided between his widow and children, share and share alike to my sin-in-law John McDonald, I also bequeath the one sixth part of the proceeds of said plantation, after deducting the sum of one hundred dollars, which I have already paid him, and in case of his death before that of my wife the aforesaid one sixth part is to be divided among his widow and children share and share alike. To my sin-in-law Andrew Yates, I also bequeath the one sixth part of the proceeds of the aforesaid plantation, after deducting the sum of one hundred dollars, which I have already paid him, and in case of his death before that of my wife then the aforesaid sixth part to be divided among his widow and children, share and share alike. To my sin-in-law John Brice, I also bequeath the one sixth part of the proceeds of the aforesaid plantation, after deducting one hundred dollars, which I have already paid him, and in case of his death before that of my wife, then the aforesaid sixth part is to be divided among his widow and children, share and share alike. To my sin-in-law Hugh Wilson, I also bequeath the one sixth part of the proceeds of the aforesaid plantation without any deduction, as I have not given any money to him as yet, and in case of his death before that of my wife then the aforesaid one sixth part to be divided between his widow and children, share and share alike. Item, I hereby direct my execrs hereafter to be mentioned to give up to my son Doct John Byers a bond for twenty two dollars, which I hold on him without requiring payment thereof. I also direct my execrs to transfer to my said son Dr Jnr Byers a judgment in my favor against Danl McTirath, which judgment is entered on the Prothonoterys docket, in order to enable him to balance a debt, which he owes to the said McIlrath, and as I many years ago conveyed to my said son Dr Jno Byers, a plantation, the aforesaid bequests I consider as all I can justly do for him. Item, I bequeath to my second son Thomas, one hundred and fifty acres of the plantation on which he now resides, with all the buildings, this farm contains two hundred and forty seven and one half acres, and is still undivided. I direct my executors to have it divided, and a line run along the ridge, nearly from east to west, so as to give him the said Thomas one hundred and fifty acres, for which I authorise and empower my executors herein named to make him the said Thomas a good and sufficient title, in fee simple. Item, I bequeath to my son James in addition to one hundred dollars which I have already given him the sum of four hundred dollars, to be paid to him by my executors, when the money shall be made out of bonds, and notes due me. Item, to my son Samuel I bequeath that farm or tract of land which I purchased from the Revd Joseph Stevenson, situate near to the town of West Alexander, containing one hundred and twenty three acres, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, And I hereby authorise and empower my executors to make to him the said Samuel a good and sufficient title in fee simple for said farm. I also give to the said Samuel a horse, saddle and bridle, a plough and geere (this is reserved from the personal property bequeathed to my wife, in the beginning of this my last Will and testament). Item, To my son William I bequeath that farm or tract of land on which Samuel Craig now lives, and situate near to the town of West Alexander, containing one hundred and seventeen acres, more or less, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, and I hereby authorise and empower my executors, hereafter to be named, to make to the said William a good and sufficient title for the aforesaid farm or tract of land. I also give to the said William a horse, saddle and bridle, plough and geers (these are reserved from the personal property bequeathed to my wife, in the foregoing part of my will). Item, I hereby authorize and empower my hereafter named executors, to sell as soon as it can be conveniently done, the remaining part of the plantation on which my son Thomas now resides, containing ninety seven and one half acres, and to convey the same, to the purchaser, or purchasers, and I hereby direct that the proceeds arising from the sale of this piece of land be divided amongst my daughters Sarah Wylie, Jane Stewart, Marg McDonald, Anna Yates, Nancy Brice, and Rachel Wilson equally, share and share alike. Item, Whatever of my personal estate has not been disposed of in the foregoing bequests, arising from debts due me, or judgements, bonds or notes when received, together with the proceeds of fifty one shares of stock, which I own in the bank of Washington, I hereby direct to be divided equally among my wife Margaret, my son Thomas, James, Samuel and William and my daughters Jane, Margaret, Sarah, Ann, Nancy, and Rachel, or their heirs to be divided share and share alike. I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Margaret, and my son Thomas, as executors of this my last Will and testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-ninth day of Augst Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty five. P.S. Before signing, I hereby authorise and empower my executors aforesaid to convey those parts of my real estate, which they are authorised to sell, in the foregoing Will and to make a good and sufficient title for such in fee simple. Thomas Byers.
Signed and sealed in presence of Thomas Hoge. James Byers.
Washington County SS: Be it remembered that on the 12th day of Sept A.D. 1825, before me Robert Colmery, Register for the probate of Wills, and granting letters of Administration in and for said County, came Thomas Hoge and James Byers, the subscribing witnesses to the within last Will and testament of Thomas Byers decd who being sworn according to law, sayeth that they were present, and did see the testator thereof, sign this will and did hear him publish pronounce and declare the same as and for his last Will and testament. That at the time of his so doing, he was of sound and disposing mind, memory, and understanding, to the best of their knowledge, observations and belief. Thomas Hoge, James Byers.
And sworn to and subscribed before me, R. Colmery, Register.
Sept 12th, 1826. Letters testamentary, with copy of the Will and probate annexed issued to Margaret Byers and Thomas Byers executors within named, who on same day were duly sworn. Samuel Cunningham, Dp. Regr. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Wills 4-125]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2L-170, dated Mar 7 1828:
This Indenture made this seventh day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty eight between Margaret Byers Executrix and Thomas Byers Executor of the last will and testament of Thomas Byers late of Finley Township Washington County Pennsylvania deceased of the one part and Samuel Byers son of the said Thomas Byers deceased of the other part, Witnesseth that Whereas the said Thomas Byers decd did by his said last Will and Testament devise and bequeath unto the said Samuel Byers one hundred twenty three acres and forty nine perches of land strict measure situate in Donegal Township in said County being party of a tract of land granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted to John McMier(?) by patent bearing date March 7 1814, Beginning at a dead white oak on a line of the adjoining lands of Samuel Yates decd and with said line North forty four degrees and three fourths West One hundred and forty eight poles to a dead white oak thence North thirty two and one half degrees East seventy four poles to a stone, thence South fifty four and three fourth degrees East fifty seven poles to a Stone, North forty eight and one fourth degrees East three poles and six tenths to a stone, South fifty one and three fourth degrees East seventeen poles and five links to a hickory stump, North twenty seven and a half degrees East nineteen poles and two links to a white oak stump, South seventy six and one fourth degrees East sixty seven poles to a stone in the Charles Mayer line, thence north twenty four degrees west ninety five poles and seven links to a forked white oak, thence South thirty eight and one half degrees West seventy three poles to the beginning, and authorized and required the said Margaret and Thomas Byers to make to the said Samuel Byers a deed of conveyance for the said described piece of land in consequence of which they do by these presents quit claim enfeoff release convey and confirm unto the said Samuel Byers and his heirs the said piece of land and which was conveyed to the said Thomas Byers deceased by Joseph Haridon by deed dated on the 26th of April 1819 and will appear at large by recourse to the record in the Office for recording deeds etc in said County of Washington, Together with all and singular the buildings improvements woods ways waters water courses rights liberties privileges hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereto belonging and appertaining and the reversions and remainders rents issues and profits thereof and also all the estate right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever intended in them the said Executors by the said Will and Testament in law or in equity or otherwise howsoever of in and to the same, To have and to hold the said described piece of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said Samuel Byers and his heirs and assigns and to the only proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Samuel Byers and his heirs and assigns forever, And the said Executors do under the said will(?) do thereby covenant promise and agree to and with the said Samuel Byers and his heirs and assigns by these presents that they the said Executors the said described piece of land and appurtenances hereby granted unto the said Samuel Byers and his heirs and assigns against the other heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased, and against all and every other person or persons whomsoever claiming or to claim the same shall and will warrant and forever defend under the authority of the said last Will and Testament of the said Thomas Byers deceased. In Witness whereof they have hereto set their hands and seals the day and year first above wirtten. Margaret (X) Byers. Thomas Byers.
Sealed and delivered in presence of David Frazier, John Clark.
Washington County SS. Before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County residing and being in the Township of Finley personally came Margaret and Thomas Byers Executors mentioned in the foregoing deed and acknowledged it to be their act and deed and desired it to be recorded as such. In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal on the date of the above Indenture.
David Frazier.
Recorded and Compared with the Original, March 19th, 1828. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2L-170]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2O-38, dated 19 Jun 1830:
This Indenture made this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty between Thomas Byers executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers late of Finley Township in Washington County Pennsylvania deceased, and William Byers one of the heirs of said Thomas Byers deceased, each of said County, Witnesseth that Whereas Dr John Byers late of said County did execute a personal bond of five hundred dollars for the payment of two hundred dollars within two years from the date of said bond and a mortgage which were executed on the fifth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen for and in consideration of a certain tract of land herein after described which said payment of two hundred dollars was secured to the said Thomas Byers deceased by said Mortgage duly executed by said John Byers which will appear on record in the proper office for recording deeds in said County, recourse thereto being had, And in consideration of said payment of two hundred dollars not being made, nor any title ever having been made since to the said John Byers, the right and title to said land has become reinvested in the said Thomas Byers deceased who by his last will and testament did direct the said Thomas Byers executor in trust for the said William Byers and the other heirs of said Thomas deceased to make a title to the said William Byers for said land, For which reason and consideration the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust etc hath by these presents granted, aliened, enfeoffed, released, and confirmed, and by these presents doth grant alien enfeoff release and confirm to the said William Byers and to his heirs and assigns All that said tract of land situate in Donegall Township in said County adjoining lands of John Craig, William Pattersons heirs Simon Montague and others on the waters of Middle Wheeling Creek, Together with all and singular the buildings improvements woods ways waters water courses, rights liberties, privileges, hereditamanets and appurtenances to the said hereby granted land and premises belonging or appertaining and the reversions and remainders rents issues and profits thereof, and also all the estate right, title, interest, property claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Thomas Byers executor in trust for the heirs of said Thomas Byers deceased in law or equity or otherwise howsoever of in or to the same, To Have and to hold the same tract of land containing one hundred and seventeen acres more or less as above mentioned or intended so to be, with the appurtenances unto the said William Byers his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said William Byers and his heirs and assigns forever, And the said Thomas Byers executor in trust for the other said heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased and their heirs, the said described piece of land hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the said William Byers and his heirs and assigns against him the said Executor in trust for said heirs and their heirs, and against any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under them or any of them shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof he the said Executor in trust for said heirs has hereto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Thomas Byers, Executor in trust.
Witness present: Thomas Frazier, David Frazier.
Washington County, SS. Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, personally came Thomas Byers Executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers deceased and acknowledged the above Indenture to be his act and deed and desired that the same might be recorded as such. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal on the date of the above Indenture. David Frazier.
Recorded and Compared with the Original, August 30th, A.D. 1830. W. Hoge, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-38]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2O-39, dated 19 Jun 1830:
To All People to whom these presents shall come, James Byers of East Finley Township in Washington County Pennsylvania sends greetings. Know ye that the said James Byers, for and in consideration of one hundred dollars to hi in hand paid by Thomas Byers surviving executor of Thomas Byers late of said Township deceased in trust for the heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased, hath remised, released, and forever quit claimed, and by these presents doth for him and his heirs remise, release, and forever quit claim unto said Thomas Byers executor of said Thomas Byers deceased, in trust for the heirs aforesaid and to their heirs and assigns forever, All the estate right title interest claim and demand whatsoever of him the said James Byers of in or to all that messuage or tract of land situate in the township aforesaid granted by the Commonwealth by Patent dated the 18th of March 1830 to the said James Byers and Thomas Byers executor in trust for said heirs in pursuance of a warrant dated 29 December 1796 and resurveyed by order of the Board of Property dated the 20 of October 1829 adjoining lands of Samuel England Laurance Coffield James Peden and others, Bounded as follows, Beginning at a stone thence by land of the heirs of Samuel Byers and Thomas Byers south sixty degrees east two hundred and four perches to a dogwood, thence by land of Samuel England south forty eight and a half degrees west one hundred and fifty five perches to a hickory, thence by lands of Laurence Coffield south seventy degrees west one hundred and forty three perches to a black oak, thence by lands of said Coffield and James Pedor, north seventy four degrees west ninety three perches to a beech, north twenty five degrees west one hundred three perches and five tenths to a white oak, thence by lands of the said James Byers north fifty seven and a fourth degrees east two hundred and forty six perches to the beginning, Containing three hundred and forty four acres and forty five perches strict measure be the same more or less, To Have and to hold the said messuage and tract of land above mentioned unto the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for the said heirs and the said heirs and their heirs and assigns forever so that neither he the said James Byers nor his heirs nor any person or persons for him or his heirs or in his or their names or right shall or may by any ways or means whatsoever at any time hereafter claim challenge or demand any estate right title or interest of in or to the said messuage or tract of land and premises, or any part thereof, but from all and every action and actions, estate right title interest claim and demand of in and to the said premises or any part or parcel thereof they and every of them shall be forever barred by these presents, And the said James Byers and his heirs the said messuage lands hereditaments and premises with the appurtenances to the said Thomas Byers Executor etc in trust for said heirs and to the said heirs and their heirs and assigns against him the said James Byers and his heirs shall and will Warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said James Byers hath hereto set his hand and seal this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. James Byers.
Witnesses present. David Frazier, Thomas Frazier.
Received on the date hereof the sum of one hundred dollars the above consideration money in full of Thomas Byers Executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers deceased. James Byers.
Washington County, SS. Personally before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County came James Byers the releasor in the foregoing Indenture and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed and desired that it might be recorded as such. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal the date of the above Indenture. David Frazier.
Recorded and compared with the Original August 30th, A.D. 1830. W Hoge, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-39]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2O-40, 19 Jun 1830:
To All People to whom these presents shall come, Thomas Byers surviving Executor of the last Will and Testament of Thomas Byers, late of East Finley township in Washington County, deceased, sends greetings. Know ye that the said Thomas Byers Executor, in trust for the heirs of the said Thomas Byers, deceased, in pursuance of his last Will aforesaid, and in consideration of one hundred dollars being also a like sum of consideration mentioned in a deed of release in reciprocity for this release, by James Byers to the said Executor in trust for said heirs and to the said Executor in trust for said heirs by the said James Byers at or before the ensealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath remised, released, and forever quit claimed and by these presents doth for himself and the said heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased remise, release, and forever quit claim unto the said James Byers and his heris and assigns forever, All the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of him, the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for said heirs, of in and to a certain messuage or tract of land situate in the township aforesaid, granted by the Commonwealth by patent dated the 12th of December 1829, to the said James Byers, and Thomas Byers Executor in trust for said heirs in pursuance of a warrant dated the 16th of March 1786 granted to James and Thomas Byers deceased and resurveyed by an order of the board of Property dated Oct 20, 1829, and bounded as follows, Beginning at a stone, thence by land of said heirs, south fifty seven and fourth degrees west two hundred and forty six perches to a white oak, thence by lands of James Peden, north eleven degrees east ninety eight perches to a black oak, north thirty degrees west seventy perches to a post in a new road thence by land of Jacob Morris north nineteen degrees west one hundred and forty two perches to a post, thence by land of Hugh Morrow north eighty nine degrees east ninety two perches and five tenths to a chesnut, thence north eighty six and three fourth degrees east (by lands of Mitchels heirs) one hundred and sixteen perches to a dead black oak, north sixty three and three fourths degrees east one hundred and one perches to a dead walnut, thence by the lands of the heirs of Samuel Byers, south six degrees and a fourth one hundred and sixty perches to a post, south thirteen and a half degrees west fifty two perches to the place of beginning, Containing three hundred and fifty acres and forty one perches strict measure be the same more or less, To Have and to hold the said described messuage and tract of land above mentioned unto the said James Byers and his heirs and assigns forever, so that neither he the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for said heirs, nor the said heirs, nor the heirs of either of them, nor any other person or persons for them or their heirs or in his or their names, or right shall or may by any way or means whatsoever at any time hereafter claim, challenge, or demand any estate right title or interest of in or to the said messuage or tract of land and premises, or any part thereof, but from all and every action and actions estate right title interest claim and demand of in and to the same premises or any part or parcel thereof they and every of them shall be forever barred by these presents, And the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for the said heirs, and their heirs the said messuage lands hereditaments, premises and appurtenances to the said James Byers and his heirs and assigns against him the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for said heirs and their heirs shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said Thomas Byers Exr in trust for said heirs hath hereto set his hand and seal this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. Thomas Byers, Executor in trust.
Witnesses present: Thomas Frazier, David Frazier.
Received on the date of the above the consideration therein mentioned in full. Thomas Byers.
Washington County, SS. Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for said county personally came Thomas Byers executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers deceased, and acknowledged the foregoing release deed to be his act and deed and desired that same may be recorded as such. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal the date of said release. David Frazier.
Recorded and compared with the original, August 20th, A.D. 1830. R. Hoge, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2O-40]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2P-384, dated 28 Aug 1832:
This Indenture made this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two between Thomas Byers, Executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers late of East Finley Township in Washington County Pennsylvania, deceased, of the first part and John McDonald of the County aforesaid of the second part, Witnesseth that the said Thomas Byers, executor in trust for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand six hundred and eighty four dollars and seventy three cents to him in hand paid in trust for said heirs by the said John McDonald, being also one of said heirs) at or before the ensealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath hereby sold aliened enfoeffed released and confirmed to the said John McDonald his heirs and assigns forever, three several parcels or lots of land the two larger of which are together bounded as follows, Beginning at a stone thence by the lands of the heirs of Samuel Byers deceased and South sixty degrees East two hundred and four perches to a dogwood thence by land of Samuel England South forty eight and a fourth degrees West one hundred and fifty five perches to a hickory, thence by land of Lawrence Coffield South sixty seven degrees West one hundred and forty three perches to a black oak, thence by land of James Pedisa North seventy four degrees west ninety three perches to a post, thence North twenty five degrees West one hundred and three perches to a white oak, thence by land of James Byers north fifty seven degrees and one fourth east two hundred and forty six perches to the beginning, Containing three hundred and forty four acres and forty five perches strict measure, be the same more or less, being the same land conveyed by James Byers to the said Thomas Byers executor in trust etc, by release deed dated June 19, 1830, the third lot above mentioned adjoining the former described land is bounded as follows, Beginning at a white oak on the north side of a branch of Buffalo Creek thence South forty six degrees west fourteen perches and 3/10 to a maple, south sixty two degrees west twenty eight and five tenths perches to a post, thence by the land already mentioned, south sixty degrees east ninety eight perches and 9/10 to a dogwood, north forty seven degrees east twenty nine perches to a white oak, thence north fifty degrees west twenty six perches to a white oak, north sixty one degrees west sixteen perches to a white oak, and north fifty degrees west forty eight perches to the beginning, Containing nineteen acres and one fourth be the same, more or less, being the same lot of land conveyed by Samuel Byers to Thomas Byers decd by deed dated May 18, 1811 each of which deeds are record in the office of recording in Washington County aforesaid, To Have and to hold the aforesaid lots of land with all the appurtenances to him the said John McDonald his heirs and assigns forever, And the said Thomas Byers surviving executor in trust does warrant and forever defend the said land against the legal claim of all persons claiming by from or under the said heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased or any of them forever by these presents. In Testimony whereof the said Thomas Byers Executor in trust for the said heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased has hereto set his hand and seal the date first above written. Thomas Byers.
Washington County, SS. Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally came Thomas Byers surviving executor in trust for the heirs of Thomas Byers deceased and acknowledged the foregoing indenture to be his act and deed and desired that the same be recorded as such. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal August 28, 1832. David Frazier.
Recorded and compared with Original, March 11, A.D. 1833. W. Hoge, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-384]

Washington Co PA Deeds 2P-385, dated 21 Mar 1833:
This Indenture made this twenty first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three between Thomas Byers, surviving executor of Thomas Byers late of East Finley township in Washington County, Deceased, of the one part and John McDonald of the other part, all of Washington County, Pennsylvania, Witnesseth that the said Thomas Byers executor of the Thomas Byers, deceased, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and ninety six dollars and ninety seven cents to him in hand paid by the said John McDonald receipt of which is hereby acknowledged hath sold and conveyed and doth hereby sell release convey and confirm by virtue of and according to the last will and testament of the said Thomas Byers deceased unto the said John McDonald his heirs and assigns forever, A certain lot of land lying and being in said East Finley Township and County aforesaid on the Waters of Buffalo Creek, bounded as follows, Beginning at a white oak on the north side of said stream, thence south forty six degrees west fourteen perches and 9/10 a maple, south sixty two degrees west 28 perches 10 links to a post on other lands of Thomas Byers, deceased, thence with his line south 60 degrees east 98 perches to a dogwood, north 47 degrees east 24 perches to a white oak, thence north 50 degrees west 26 perches to a white oak, thence north 61 degrees west 16 perches to a white oak, thence north 50 degrees west 48 perches to the place of beginning, Containing nineteen acres and one fourth, be the same more or less, being the same lot of land which was conveyed by Samuel Byers and wife to the said Thomas Byers decd by deed dated the 13th of May 1811 in the County records book H(?) pages 30 and 31 will evidence, To Have and to hold the said described lot of land with all the appurtenances to him the said John McDonald, vesting in him his heirs and assigns all the right title interest property claim and demand of them the said Thomas Byers deceased and his heirs as fully as by law and the last will and testament of the said Thomas Byers decd the said Thomas Byers executor etc can or should do, releasing and quit claiming, all interest and demand of the heirs of the said Thomas Byers deceased of in or to said lot of land to the said John McDonald and his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony whereof he hath hereto set his hand and seal this date first above written. Thomas Byers.
Attest: David Frazier, Andrew Frazier.
Washington County, SS. Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally came Thomas Byers executors of the last will and Testament of Thomas Byers, deceased, and acknowledged the same [sic] to be his act and deed and desired that the same might be recorded. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal March 1st 1833. David Frazier.
Recorded and Compared with Original, March 11th, A.D. 1833. R. Hoge, Recorder. [Ref: WashingtonCoPA Deeds 2P-385]



Pedigree of Thomas BYERS
                   /-----Thomas BYERS
          /-----James BYERS
 /-----Samuel BYERS
Thomas BYERS
|         /-----Thomas WHITE
 \-----Jane WHITE
          \-----Ann (WHITE)



Descendants of Thomas BYERS

2nd generation


3rd generation


4th generation


5th generation