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William Colyar^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]}
1754 - 1819

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• Birth	1754	Greenbriar Co., Virginia   [2, 3, 5, 7, 8]
  Gender	Male
  Died	1819	Pulaski county kentucky   [5, 9]
  Person ID	I1029	John Colyer family of Somerset Ky
  Last Modified	26 May 2017

  
  

  Father	John Collier,   b. 28 Feb 1706/07, king & queen county va ,   d. 1759, Colliers Creek, Augusta VA
  Mother	Elizabeth Meredith,   b. BET. 1709 - 1711, Hanover , Virginia
  Married	1739	Hanover , Virginia
  Family ID	F462	Group Sheet

  
  

  Family	Agnus "Nancy" Ann St. Clair,   b. ABT. 1760, Scotland ,   d. ABT. 1839, Pulaski county kentucky
  Married	30 Aug 1777	Henry Co., Virginia   [2, 3, 5, 10, 11]
  Children	> 1. John Colyer,   b. 20 Aug 1781, Henry County, VA ,   d. 18 Aug 1851, Ruth, Ky (reported somewhere from Typhoid fever)   2. Arthur St.Clair Colyer,   b. 1789   3. Nancy Colyer,   b. 1782 > 4. Dorcas (Colyar, Collyar) Colyer,   b. 20 Mar 1785, Washington Co., Tennessee ,   d. 1 Jun 1843, Cooper Co., Missouri > 5. Ursula Colyer,   b. ABT. 1785,   d. 1843 > 6. William Colyar,   b. 24 Feb 1780, per Janis Ragar of Sedalia MO 7/29/1998 ,   d. 17 Apr 1850 > 7. Alexander Colyar,   b. ABT. 1790, Tennessee ,   d. 1856, Franklin Co., Tennessee
  Family ID	F256	Group Sheet

  
  

• Photos		Nolichucky River Nolichucky River in Washington county Tennessee where Bumpass Creek empties into the river. It is at this site that William Colyar settled and owned a lead mine. He owned 550 acres here spanning both sides of the river. Status: Located
  		Patrick Henry historic sign Shows that Patrick Henry, who was namesake of Henry County Virginia, lived on Leatherwood Creek in Henry county, where John Colliar/Colyer received land grant in 1780 for 336 acres.

  
  

  Documents		1790 Tax Lists of Washington county TN 1790 Tax Lists of Washington county TN showing William Colyar Status: Located
  		deed of land Agnus Sinclair 1794 Thanks to Mrs. Alice Collier Gala of Louisville Kentucky for forwarding this copy of a transfer deed of land found in Washington County VA Abingdon VA where Agnus Sinclair and William Colyar (husband) whereby they sell land in Sinclair bottoms Virginia Nancy Ann Agnus Colyar inherited from her father Charles Sinclair. Deed shows name as "Sinclair" although other spelling found of her name was St. Clair as evidenced by their son and grandson named Arthur St. Clair Colyar. Status: Located
  		Callaway Family.pdf 1925 by Mrs. A.E. Hart The Callaway Family.pdf by Mrs. A.E. Hart. This document is from microfilm in LDS library of research done about 1925. In this excerpt of this work, is information on Colyer family in Virginia. In particular references and information on William Colyar of Washington County Tennessee. Status: Located
  		Calloway family work by Mrs. A.E. Hart updated 1934 Here is an updated version of the Calloway family work by Mrs. A.E. Hart concerning the Colyer family that was done in 1934 and much more information. In particular more references and information on William Colyar of Washington County Tennessee. This work claims that William Colyar took the oath of allegiance with his brothers John, Thomas and Charles in Henry County VA in 1777. Status: Located
  		William Colyar John Colyer Virginia research It looks as if several researchers draw on the Calloway document and here (in pdf format) is researchers papers found in Basset Virginia historical library speaking of Collier’s of Henry County VA which also show William going to TN and a brother to John Colyer who married Grizzilda Taylor. Status: Located
  		William Colyar related Power Attorney Alexander Colyar I had searched for gravesite of William Colyar and his wife, Nancy Ann in east Tennessee. It is reported that he died in 1819. However, a power of attorney made by Alexander Colyar of Winchester TN (Father of Arthur St. Claire Colyer) appointing his son, George Thompson Colyer, as power of attorney recorded in Pulaski County Ky, (here in faster loading djvu format) shows that William and his wife Nancy lived in Pulaski County KY at the time of their death The power of attorney in 1839 (year of Nancy Agnes Ann’s death) was to collect Alexander’s share of estate. Since only son I know of in Pulaski County Ky is John Colyer, I suppose that William and Nancy, must have moved to live with John Colyer of Pulaski County Ky so John could care for them in their elder years. This is supported by the 1830 U.S. Census that shows a female age 60-70 years old living with John. John’s mother Agnes Nancy Ann St. Clair Colyar would have been 70 years old in 1830. His father, William, died in 1819 but his mother did not die until 1839. The elderly lady living in the household would not be John mother-in-law, Mrs. Purvis, as both of John’s parents-in-law were living at the time with Old Mr. Purvis not dying until 1840 or so and Old Mrs. Purvis not until 1852. This indicates that perhaps John Colyer was the closest son capable of financially being able to care for his parents in later years. The power of attorney indicates that both William and Nancy Colyar died in Pulaski County KY. My guess is that they may be buried in some of the unmarked graves in the Jugornot region of Pulaski County as this is where John Colyer had property at Buck Creek on the Cumberland River before moving to the Pittman Creek property in Ruth Kentucky area in 1842. Status: Located
  		William Colyar related power attorney Alexander Colyar Power of Attorney Status: Located
  		William Colyar deed John Sevier Here is copy of deed where John Sevier, Jr. in 1800 purchases 3100 acres that includes the land originally granted to William Colyar. Within this deed, it says that the transfer includes the lead mines, known as Colyar Mines that was on the property. It spells out several tracts of land on north and south of Nolichucky River formerly owned by William Colyar. Status: Located
  		William Colyar / Dorcas Colyar deed Deed copied from courthouse in Jonesboro TN, of Dorcas Colyar Calvert transferring property she inherited from her father William Colyar on the Nolichucky River. She transfers 63 acres being one fifth of the property owned by William Colyar at his death per this deed. The deed is dated in 1820. Status: Located
  		oath of allegiance The Calloway work claims that William Colyar took the oath of allegiance with his brothers John, Thomas and Charles in Henry County VA in 1777. You can see the Virginia Historic Journal listing of Henry County VA Oaths of Allegiance August 30, 1777 where the Collier men sign oath here is pdf format Status: Located
  		Colyer references in east TN--related to William Colyar The connection as the Callaway Family work makes of William Colyar of Washington County Tn to father John Collier of 1707 has not been supported by proof by me. I have various raw research on Collier in Virginia and list most recent work here. Sorting out all the Colyar, Colyer and Colliers (really same fold many times as names spelled both ways on same documents at times) in Washington County and the John Colyers in particular is difficult. Here is research on John Colyers referred to Callaway Family work and also possible related Colyers in Carter and Unicoi Counties TN that both once were Washington County Tn. Status: Located
  		Collier deed Henry County Virginia You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this format in your browser. This is thought to be possibly father of William Colyar Status: Located
  		Collier deed in Henry County Virginia pdf thought to be possibly father of William Colyer or brother Status: Located
  		John Colyar as Jonesborough TN stealing A John Colyar that may be related to William Colyar who lived with his brothers Richard and Charles in Jonesborough area Status: Located
  		John Colyar of Washington County sentenced to 20 lashes a John Colyar sentenced to 20 lashes for horse theif. This Colyar related to William Colyar...as William's Brother Charles, puts up bond for appeal along with Jacob Brown. Status: Located
  		Ruth Brown paid paid $25 a year for keeping child of John Colyer Washington County Court of Pleas Quarter Sessions abstracts WP project—TN State Archives Library Nashville: the first page ref is to WP project extract, the (p-) reference is to original court Ruth Brown paid paid $25 a yar for keeping child of John Colyer for 3 months p.288 ( p569) Status: Located
  		John Collyer (Colyear on 1840 Franklin Cty IN census) pension possible relation to William Colyar John Collyer who his pension record says is born in 1757 in Cumberland County VA. This John Collyer lives per his pension record in Washington County TN for 2 years. However as seen below, the convict John Colyer was in Washington County area for more than 2 years. Also suggesting connection however to the family of Colliers in Henry county and thus Charles Colyer below is fact that pension record says this John Colyer enlisted first in Pittsylvania VA which was once part of Henry County VA where a Charles, William and John Colyer sign Oath of Allegiance. This John Collyer may be the one who is accused of horse thief, tried and sentenced to 20 lashes. The conviction is evidently appealed to superior court and bail bond for such appeal is put up by a Charles Colyer and Jacob Brown. This John Colyer was a constable in Washington County and had to resign as a result of his conviction. An inconsistency here in the records is that The John Collyer of pension app born 1757 says he lived in Washington County TN 2 years. But the court records of Washington County TN give evidence of the John Collier accused thief of being a constable around 1784 and a court conviction with 20 lashes happening around 1788 resulting in said John Collier having to resign as a Constable. It should be noted that Jacob Brown was the name of the man who was one of the very first settlers of the Jonesboro area. It is reported that he in about 1772 acquired by lease/purchase something like 30,000 acres in the area that he then began selling off to settlers. Also note that in 1795, the court awards a Mary Brown money for keeping a child of John Colyer for three months. Also note that John Brown lived very close to William Colyar--neighbors. Also history Wilkes county NC : History The county was formed in 1777 from parts of Surry County and Washington District (now Washington County, Tennessee). The first session of the county court was held in John Brown's house near what is today Brown's Ford. The act creating the county became effective on February 15, 1778, and the county celebrates its anniversary as February 15. In 1799 the northern and western parts of Wilkes County became Ashe County. In 1841 parts of Wilkes County and Burke County were combined to form Caldwell County. In 1847 another part of Wilkes County was combined with parts of Caldwell County and Iredell County to become Alexander County. In 1849 additional parts of Wilkes County and Caldwell County were combined with parts of Ashe County and Yancey County to form Watauga County. Numerous boundary adjustments were made thereafter, but none resulted in new counties. Status: Located
  		John Colyer Washington County TN deed In this deed, John Colyer of Pulaski County KY, transfers land he inherited from his father William Colyar of Washington Co. TN back to his two brothers, William Jr, and Alexander who stayed in TN Status: Located
  		John Wesley Colyer in Confederate Military History As possible evidence of William Colyar being a soldier in the Revolutionary War, see the write up of his grandson, John Wesley Colyer of Pulaski County Ky, in the 1987 edition of "Confederate Military History". John Wesley Colyer was the son of John Colyer born 1781 who was son of William Colyar. The Confederate Military History says that John Colyer born 1781 and was of Revolutionary ancestry. John Colyer born 1781’s mother was Angus Nancy St. Clair, daughter of Charles St. Clair. Since Charles St. Clair died in 1768, it was not him that had Revolutionary War connection. So it could be John’s father, William Colyar born 1754, died 1819. Status: Located
  		John Colyer deed to brother Alexander In this deed, John Colyer of Pulaski County KY, transfers land he inherited from his father William Colyar of Washington Co. TN back to his two brothers, William Jr, and Alexander who stayed in TN Status: Located
  		William Colyar - Washington County TN history History of Washington County, TN--this is an excerpt from a book put together by the Johnson City, TN historical society. It was edited by two women, one of which was Ms. Dessie Simmons. The other I am sorry I cannot remember. It is the most thorough treatment of history of this region I have found. Outstanding! On the last page of this extract, it tells of William Colyar and his lead mine where bullets used in battle of King's Mountain. Status: Located
  		Washington county Tennessee History of early Tennessee and Washington county summary. Status: Located
  		William Collier who was a hunter and trapper Extract of book by Lyman Chalkley on Scottish settlements of Virginia mentioning a William Collier who was a hunter and trapper. Mentions the Col. Christian campaign against Cherokee Indians. Status: Located
  		William Colyar of Washington County TN estate settlement. Status: Located
  		William Colyar estate Handwritten settlement of William Colyar Estate of Washington County TN (born abt. 1754) from Jonesboro TN courthouse Status: Located
  		William Colyar / Dorcas Colyar research Miscellaneous papers received from another Colyer (Janis Ragar) who in 1998 lived in Missouri and descended from Dorcas Colyar, daughter of William Colyar. Status: Located
  		William Colyar early Tennessee History This is copied pages from book found in Tn State archives library in 1990's that is on Tennesseans prior to 1800. Several references are made to William Colyar and his son who was a justice of the peace in Washington County. It has typewritten extract of settlement of William Colyar estate. Also my handwritten notes of other references in this book I did not copy. Status: Located
  		William Colyar Tennessee deeds Various deeds of William Colyar of Washington County TN provided by the most helpful Mrs. Dessie Simmons of Johnson City TN Status: Located
  		Charles St. Clair , father to William Colyar wife Information from book "History of Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, Washington County, 1777-1870" by Lewis Preston Summers (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1966): talking about Charles Sinclair, the father of Agnus Nancy Ann St. Clair Colyar who was married to William Colyar. Note reference to the Col. Christian campaign in this document and also the Scottish Virginia settlements document below mentioning a William Collier. Charles St. Clair (Sinclair) reportedly was part of a major exploration of the Mississippi along with a man named Johan Peter Saling---a neighbor. These men were gone on a three year trip starting in about 1742, captured by the French near New Orleans. Status: Located
  		William Colyar lead mines Here is another write up on the lead mines and history from the Washington County Historical Assoc. by John Nash Status: Located
  		Jacob Brown biography Biography of Jacob Brown, a early settler and neighbor to William Colyar in Washington County Tennessee. His wife / ex-wife was paid by court for keeping a child John Colyer Status: Located
  		William Colyar/Collier North Carolina Land Grants Extract of book of North Carolina Land Grants in TN that lists grants to William Collier as early as 1783 and provides possible hints at connection to Mr. Gann who is said to have married a daughter of William Collier of 1724. Status: Located
  		William Colyar's East Tennessee Here is a book concerning the travails facing the pioneers of what was to become east Tennessee and the other regions. In particular, there are interesting sections on the Wautuga area and John Sevier that makes an interesting read. It is The Conquest of the Old Southwest: The Romantic Story of the Early Pioneers into Virginia, The Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky 1740-1790, by Archibald Henderson Status: Located
  		Charles Colyer mention in Andre Michaux’s Travels in the Tennessee Country Andrew Michaux’s Travels in the Tennessee Country contain reference to him in March 1796 arriving at Charles Collier’s 10 miles from Jonesborough. A footnote to this comment states that this Charles Collier was of the family from which descended Col. Arthur St. Clair Colyar. Status: Located
  		A.S. Colyar obits Here are several newspaper accounts in Nashville TN 12/7/1907, the day A.S. Colyar died. One newspaper account in The Tennessean references his grandfather Colyar(William) involved in the Battle of King's Mountain. Status: Located
  		William Colyar John Colyer Virginia research It looks as if several researchers draw on the Calloway document and here (in djvu smaller format) is researchers papers found in Basset Virginia historical library speaking of Collier’s of Henry County VA which also show William going to TN and a brother to John Colyer who married Grizzilda Taylor. You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . Status: Located
  		Charles Colyer handwritten revolutionary war pension applicaton Note that Charles had no proof of service like muster rolls, since his service was back-woods protection against indians. Likely just like William Colyar who also signed oath of allegience with Charles in Henry County Virginia. Pension app says he served under Captain James Shelton. During the Revolutionary War most of the Pittsylvania Sheltons were in active official or military service, against Indians, Tories and the British. James Shelton and Eliphas Shelton were militia Captains in Henry County. 2 ___________________________ NOTES: 1 - Original petition in Va. State Library. 1 - Henings Statutes Vol. 7, p. 201. 2 - James, Va. Mag. 9-417; 11-90; 14-81; Eliphaz, Va. Mag. 9-263.
  		colliar deed land grant 1779 336 acres Henry County VA to John Colliar by Thomas Jefferson, possibly John Colyer born 1744 who signs oath of alligience in Henry County. This document referred to in work by Mrs. A. E Hart in 1925-1934
  		William Collier/Colyar listed as soldier in 6th regimental line Virginia You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . This is book which on about page 91 shows William Collier as soldier in 6th regimental line of Virginia for continental army. See item 66. His captain , Garland, is later reported as living in 1806 in Henry County VA.
  		William Colyar/Collier listed in Virginian's in American Revolution You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . This is book shows William Collier as soldier in 6th regimental line of Virginia for continental army. His captain , Garland, is later reported as living in 1806 in Henry County VA.
  		Map of possible William Colyar father John Colliar migration Map shows possible location of father of William Colyar, John Colliar first shows up near Lexington VA. Later a John Collier thought to be related to William, likely brother John born 1744 , shows up in Henry county VA with 336 acres. Map shows where William meets his wife, Nancy Ann St Clair, then settles on Nolichucky river in TN.
  		John Colliar and William Colyar migration Article, see page 2, discussing migration habits of the time that may tie in to location of John Colliar in Lexington VA, then sons in Henry County VA, then down the "indian trail" to eventually, William settling further toward cumberland gap in modern day Erwin TN
  		Lincoln County Kentucky (predecessor to Pulaski, Rockcastle etc counties) tax records from 1790-1810 era Shows Collier,Colliar,Colyer,Colyar
  		Charles Colyer, Jr. newspaper article from grandson Mount Vernon Signal newspaper 09/15/1911 letter from grandson about Charles Colyer. Shows that Charles Colyer Sr. along with all his brothers, including William Colyar, were participants in the Revolutionary War.
  		Greasy Cove map Shows where Greasy cove in Tennessee is where Charles Colyer Sr. had house and relation to Bumpus Cove where brother William Colyar lived. Shows near current Erwin TN. Shows that others migrated from St. Clair Bottoms VA to this TN area like William Colyar and his wife Agnes Ann St. Clair
  		Augusta County VA descendants, Ky Historical Society 1918 Supplemental book from orginal sources listing notable persons descended from Augusta County VA roots, shows Arthur St. Clair Colyar, who as nephew of John Colyer of Pulaski County Ky. It is believed John Colyer's father William originated from Henry County VA, which was once part of Augusta County VA.
  		Confederate Veteran publication 1910 Daughter of Confederacy Write up on John Wesley Colyer, son of John Colyer of 1781. Says that John Colyer 1781 was of Revolutionary ancestry. That could only be his father, William Colyar since John Colyer 1781's mother would not have been in Revolution and her father was dead before Revolution.
  		Colyer log house on Nolichucky river, mentioned Courier Journal newspaper May 18, 1913 Louisville Courier Journal newspaper mentions Colyer log house still standing....not sure whose house, since William Colyer house burned well before the civil war according to A.S.Colyer biographical. Could be a son's place, like John Colyer, William Colyar jr. etc.
  		John Sevier diary Shows John Sevier knew and dined with William Colyar (pg 169). See yellow highlights in pdf. Alternatively , download pdf and search "Collier". Shows John Sevier, who was neighbor to William Colyar on the Nolichucky River TN, traded with and knew William Colyar.
  		Bluford Colyer 1810 Pulaski County Prop tax records Shows that eldest son of John Colyer(born 1781) was named BLUFORD, not BUFORD. Wonder if this is another Bluford, since indications are that Bluford son of John was only born in 1807. Bluford son of John, had a son named Bluford Kirtley Colyer.....Ms. Bray in area in 2005 also knew of "Blufie" Colyer. Also shows Charles Colyer, brother to William Colyar, on Brush Creek. Also may show William Colyar at bottom.
  		William Colyar North Carolina Land Grant 1779 On Nolachucky River Washington County TN near Jonesborough. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Brown_Grant_Deeds for history of land transactions at the time in the area.
  		William Colyar 1780 North Carolina Land Grant On Nolachucky River Washington County TN near Jonesborough
  		William Colyar 1783 North Carolina Land Grant On Nolachucky River Washington County TN near Jonesborough

  
  

• Notes

  Some researchers have expounded on this William Colyar's full name as "William J.P. Colyar" . This researcher suspects this is misguided having been pulled from references in certain court documents in Washington County TN referring to William Colyar of 1754's son, William Colyar. William Colyar Jr. , who lived in Washington County TN was a justice of the peace there. Some documents refer to him as William Colyar JP.......I think referring to his office and this may have been misinterpreted and attributed to his father as his name. THE A.E. HART BOOK THE "RICHARD CALLOWAY FAMILY" IN SPEAKING OF JOHN COLLIER OF 1742 WHO WAS MARRIED TO GRIZZELDA TAYLOR, SAID THAT JOHN OF 1742'S FATHER WAS A JOHN COLLIER A PROSPEROUS PLANTER. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN JOHN COLLIER OF 1707. IT SAYS THAT JOHN OF 1707 HAD MANY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, ONE OF WHICH WAS A WILLIAM (THIS WOULD BE WILLIAM OF 1754) MOVED TO TENNESSEE AND WAS LOST TO ALL KNOWLEDGE OF THE KINDRED. THIS IS THE ONLY INDICATION OF WHO WAS WILLIAM OF 1754'S FATHER I HAVE FOUND. HOWEVER IT IS BORN OUT BY THE SEVERAL INDICATORS. FIRST THE QUESTION OF WHY WOULD JOHN OF 1707'S WILL NOT INCLUDE THIS CHILD WILLIAM IF HE WAS IN FACT A CHILD. THE REASON WAS THAT JOHN OF 1707'S WILL WAS DRAWN IN 1746 BEFORE WILLIAM OF 1754 WAS BORN, AS WAS THE CASE OF ANOTHER DOCUMENTED CHILD OF JOHN OF 1707---MARY....WHO THE VIRGINIA COUSINS BOOK SAYS WAS BORN IN 1756. NOTE THAT THIS JOHN OF 1707 DIED IN 1759. IF IN FACT WILLIAM COLYAR'S FATHER WAS JOHN COLLIER OF 1707, IT MAKES SINCE THAT WILLIAM MAY HAVE LEFT AND GONE TO TENNESSEE LOSING ALL CONTACT WITH HIS VIRGINIA COLLIER RELATIVES, FOR HE WOULD HAVE BEEN BUT 5 YEARS OLD WHEN HIS FATHER DIED AND BUT 10 WHEN HIS MOTHER DIED. WILLIAM COLYER from Dean Hunter Lexington Ky gedcom: WILLIAM COLYER of Greenbriar County, Virginia was living in Montgomery County, Virginia in the neighborhood of Roanoke, married a woman named St.Clair and had several sons, among them JOHN COLYER. Some of these sons of William Colyer were killed by Indians on the frontier of Virginia and in Kentucky. From a letter from Dr. Welby Colyer (a son of St.Clair Colyer) of Garrett, Ill., 1937, who died in 1940; Delia Colyer Powers, his sister, said that Dr. Welby Colyer had two daughters. A letter from Dr. Dr. Welby Colyer was found in a library in Salisbury, N. C. said that a Mrs. Bales in Pennington Gap, Virginia, said that William Colyer married a St.Clair woman and said that it was on file in Abbington. . . Stella Colyer said that she checked and was told that the records don't go back that far. Mrs. Bales said that when CHARLES COLYER died, that a Mrs. William Colyer was one heir. She also said that St. Clair lived in St.Clair's Bottoms, near Powell Valley, Virginia. WILLIAM COLYER owned land in Washington County, Tennessee. (Washington County, Tenn., Deeds, Vol. 17, pg. 210, Oct. 18, 1821) JOHN COLYER of Pulaski County, Kentucky to Alexander Colyer of Washington County, Tenn., . ..a11 of my share in the estate of WILLIAM COLYER, deed., my father, to the three tracts of land in Washington County, Tennessee,on the south side of the Nolachucky River. -- This must have been JOHN'S brother, who stayed in Tennessee. Vol. 19, pg. 38, Washington Co., Deeds, April 9, 1827, . ..John Calvert and his wife Dorcas, (formerly Dorcas Colyer of Copper County, Missouri, convey land from the estate of her father WILLIAM COLYER, Sr. . I late of Washington County, Tenn. JOHN, Alexander, William and Dorcas are children of William Colyer. Stella Colyer Early tax records show a WILLIAM COLYER was living on the Nolachucky River in 1790, owned land and was paying a pole. so he was under 50. All free white men at that time between 21 and 50 had to pay a white poll." ____-________---__-__ List of taxables for years 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1797, 1798, 1799, and 1801 list WILLIAM COLYER, on the Nolachucky River, in Washington County, Tennessee.3 _____-_________-____-- WILLIAM COLYER was a Justice of the Peace in Washington County, Tenn. in 1821. 1 . Letter from Stella Colyer to Gail Myers, April 23, 1973. 2 From Mrs. Wallace Tilden, Johnson City, Tenn. 3 . Mary H. McCowen, WASHINGTON CO. TENN. RECORDS, vol. 1, 1964 ABOVE INFO FROM GEDCOM OF CREATED BY DEAN HUNTER OF LEXINGTON KY. __________________________________________________________________________________ email from Clark Sinclair at University of Texas at Austin sinclair@tenet.edu dated 7/22/1998 refers to a deed book 2 page 506 entry wherein Agnes St. Clair sells her inherited share of St. Clair Bottom. This may be Washington Co. TN or Augusta Co. VA deed book __________________________________________________________________________________ Washington County Historical Association http://www.uriel.com/history/ironwork.htm Embreeville Ironworks In July 1820?a few months before Elihu's death?the Embree brothers bought a mine, forge, and 260 acres of land on the Nolichucky River in Washington County, near the mouth of Bumpass Cove. Bumpass Cove, which is about 10 miles from Greasy Cove, seems to have been named after one Isaac Bumpass who lived in Washington County before 1770. However, he does not seem actually to have owned the land. The name is sometimes spelled Bumpres, Bumphers, and Bumbers [23]. Mining in Bumpass Cove started in the 1770s in a mine owned by William Colyer. Lead from the mines is reported to have been used to make bullets for the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. The ore was said to be so rich that it could be smelted over an open wood fire and molded into bullets [24]. In 1791 Colyer sold the property, which then consisted of 550 acres of land, to Louis Newhouse and Andrew Leuthold for £400. This and adjacent land, totaling 3,100 acres was sold in 1800 to John Sevier, Jr.?the son of General John Sevier?for $3,000. In 1812 they sold it to William P. Chester who, in turn, sold it to the Embrees in 1820 for $4,500 [25]. However, Chester excluded from this sale 200 acres, which apparently included a lead, mine. ______________________________________________________________________ Re: Military record: Ms. Janis Ragar indicated that she had info that William was a private in the 6th Virginia Regiment under Capt. Samuel Hopkins. Per Richard Curtis search of 6th Virginia Regiment microfilm service records from National Archives copy in TN state library and archives, no William Collier/Colyer/Colyar appears 8/15/98. In Revolutionary War Records of Mecklenburg County Virginia by Katherine B. Elliott published by Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 43 refers to a William Collier b 1753 Enlisted in Meck. Co. for 2 years under Capt. Samuel Hopkins. Re-inlisted for three years in Company of Horse under Col. Thomas Bland. Pen. S-39334. White's Abstracts of Rev. War Pension Files Vol I page 713 shows a William Collier, S39334, VA Line, appl 20 Jul 1818 Mecklenburg Cty VA aged 58 & had lived there at enl. I looked at copy of this pension extract in TN state library and archives 8/15/98 and noted that his man was crippled from war and had no family. Says he testified he was 61 6/19/1820 and after serving with Hopkins re-enlisted with company of horse in regiment of Col. Thomas Bland for 3 years. Says he is rough carpenter, without family and incapable of supporting himself from age and effects of wound received through his knee during war. Was placed on pension roll 7/20/1818 Cert # 12731 was issued 7/22/1819. There for these records do not show direct war service of William Colyar of Washington County TN Property: Per Dessie Simmons Johnson city TN from book North Carolina land grants in TN 1778-1791 by Goldien Burgner pub. Southern Historical: page 78 : 1788 grant of 130 acres North side of Nolichucky River Washington co. TN page 33 grant # 882: 1789 200 acres on Bumpus creek on southside of Nolichucky. 200 acres both sides of Nolichucky river page 34: 1790 150 acres in Bumpus cove/creek. page 137 grant 462 to a William Collier in 1782 640 acres on south side of Red River in what is now Davidson County TN?? this one not verified as connected to William Colyer of Washington Co. TN Per Dessie Simmons 8/8/98; many people who got these grants served in the Revolution but none of the North Carolina grants were for war service as in other states. She said that North Carolina grants were all paid for at the rate of about 50 schillinngs per 100 acres. She said that even John Sevier had to pay for his land. This is confirmed by deeds I have copies of supporting the land grants above that show that William Colyar paid for the land in these grants. See imaged article on Arthur St. Clair Colyar of article in Tennessean newspaper in 1907, stating that his grandfather (William) fought in the battle of King's mountain. I have not found William in any of the official lisings of soldiers at that battle, however following info from the National Park Service website for OverMountain Victory National Historic Trails at http://www.nps.gov/ovvi/troops.htm states that "The Patriot commanders did not keep or report official rosters of their men engaged against Ferguson at Kings Mountain. Dr. Lyman Draper's King's Mountain and its Heroes, combined with pension applications filed by veterans and theri survivors well after the battle, are the main sources of information about the army. Per email from Pat Ross who works for the Bassett Virginia Historical library in Henry County VA, she stated per review of records there these folks are recorded as having take the Oath of Allegiance in Henry County VA: "Thomas Collier, William Collier, Charles Collier, Jesse Collier...no other spellings were listed. No date was given. The heading was "Citizens of Henry County who took the Oath of Allegiance" and it stated "The General Assembly of Virginia, when The United States was in its infancy, passed an Act to oblige all free male inhabitants of the State above sixteen years of age to give assurance of allegiance to the same. The following is a list of those who took the oath from the original record among the files in the Clerk's Office. At the time some were away fighting Indians, others hunting, and there were a few who refused to take the oath." " See the PDF documents section of this site referenced off the home page that says this Charles Colyer is of same family as A.S. Colyar descended. This is stated in Andrew Michaux?s Travels in the Tennessee Country contain reference to him in March 1796 arriving at Charles Collier?s 10 miles from Jonesborough. A footnote to this comment states that this Charles Collier was of the family from which descended Col. Arthur St. Clair Colyar. You can see the Michaux's book in PDF section. This connects this Charles Colyer/Colyar to William Colyar of Washington Cty TN. Therefore, since Charles' pension file shows he was from Henry County VA, (see PDF section of site) it follows that the William Colyar showing up in Henry County VA signing an oath of allegience there with Charles in 1777 (see PDF section fo site) is brother to Charles. Thus it seems that the Colyer/Colyar/Coliar of Henry County VA is in fact the family of William Colyar of Washington County TN. The only land records I could find in Henry County VA is for a John Colliar on Leatherwood Creek off Smith River in Henry county VA. I believe this to be either brother or Father to William Colyar. http://www.roanetn.com/Holland_early.htm A List of the Company of Militia Under the Command of Capt. Joseph Martin in PITTSYLVANIA CO.VA 1774 Joseph Martin, Captain; John Cunningham, Lieutenant, David Chadwell, Ensign, William Cox and John Turner, Sergeants, Robert Perryman, Clerk Benja Dillion, Carter Dillion, Henry Dillion, Edmd Lyne, Michael Barker, John Barker, Mordicai Hoard, Henry Bradbury, Robert Searcy, John Witt(en)?, John Stamps, WILLIAM HOLLAND, THOS HOLLAND, James Short, James Spencer, John Walker, Henry Tate, Nathl Tate, Edmond Graves, Joseph Baker, John Palphrey, Humphry Posey, John Noe Senr, John Barker, Joel Barker, Chars Barker, Josiah Cox, Prier Noe, James Godard, William Dotson, Alex Jarves, Wm. Collyer, Jos Laurence, Chas Foster, John Turner Geo Reaves, Daniel Smith, Josiah Turner, Wm Turner, Josh Byrd, Richd Baker, Wm Mullins Senr, William Mullins Junr, John Mullins, Ambrose Mullis, Wm Standly Sr, Wm Standly Jur, Richd Standly, John Standly, Saml Packwood, Baine Carter, Pleasant Duke, Charles Dunkan, Wm Reed, John Goin, Richd Colliar, William Bays The majority of information shown on these pages (other than individual contributors as noted), comes from the writings of Snyder E. Roberts, and his wife, Pauline Halburnt Roberts. The most frequently-quoted book is his Roots of Roane County, TN - 1792- , published in 1981. Also his first book, Roberts Families of Roane County, TN, published in 1969-now out of print. (Reprints of Roots available from Oliver Springs Historical Society) http://www.victorianvilla.com/sims-mitchell/local/clement/mc/abb/06.htm Note above that William Collyer in Joseph Martin Militia Company Pittsylvania County VA 1774. Henry county was formed out of Pittsylvania County VA in 1775-1776. In "General Joseph Martin, of Virginia, An Unsung Hero of the Virginia Frontier" found in The Filson Club History Quarterly Vol 10 Louisville KY April 1936 No. 2 ; it says that Joseph Martin retired to his property on Leatherwood Creek ( SAME AS JOHN COLLIAR ABOVE). Volume II of Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlment in Virginia--Augusta County Original Court Records 1745-1800 by Lyman CHalkley. Pub. by Mary S. Lockwood, 1912......states in VOl II page 76 Judgements. Simon Eli vs. Robert and William Davis and Alexr. Wiley--O.S. 36; N.S. 12-- Bill 27th Oct 1800. In 1771 William McGhee (McGaughey) made a settlment in the Turkey Cove in Powell's Valley in the present Lee County, and obtained a certificate from the Commissioners in 1779, etc. William Collier deposes that in the winter and spring preceding Christian's campaign he remained at the campt of Thomas Lovelady. William was a hunter and trapper. the Indians became troublesome and the people had to leave. From website of Jean Colyer Grumbling: this Power of Attorney of son Alexander Colyar (son of William) which states that William Colyar and wife Nancy may have been living in Pulaski County Kentucky at the date of their death : Power of Attorney dated February 26, 1839 reads as follows: Know all men by thesse present that I, alexander Colyear of the County of Franklin and State of Tennessee hereby nominate, constitue and appoint my son, George T. Colyer of said county and state, my true and lawfull Attorney in fact for me and in my name to do and attend to all business I have any interest in in the state of Kentucky and more particularly to ask for, receive from and receipt for all money coming to me from the estate of my deceased Father, William Colyear late of the County of Pulaski and state of Kentucky or from the estate of my deceased mother, Nancy Colyear of said county and state and my said Attorney is also hereby authorized to bring suit or suits as he may think proper for the recovery of the same or to compromise the same in such way as he may think best and to give such receipts in my name as may be necessary hereby satisfying and confirming all the acts of my said Attorney may do in pursuance of this poser the same as if I was present and done the same myself. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of February 1839. Alexander Colyear (his mark) ? State of Tennessee Franklin County I, John R. Paterick(?)an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforsaid hereby certify that Alexander Colyear personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the within power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose therein expressed. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of February, 1839. John R. Patrick Justice of the Peace State of Tennessee Franklin County I, William W. Brazelton, clerk of the County Court of said County certify that John R. Patrick is and was at the time of making the above (unreadable) an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned, legally qualified as such and entitled to (unreadable) and credit in all of his official acts. In Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office, the 26th day of February, A.D.1839 William W. Brazelton, Clerk State of Tennessee Franklin County I, Wallis Estill (?) Jr., chariman and presiding magistrate of the county court of said county certify that William W. Brazelton whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate is and was Clerk of said county of the time of signing the same and that his attestation is in due form of Law and sealed with the county seal. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of February A.D. 1839. W. Estill Jr. Chairman of Franklin County Court (followed by another certification by Will Fawcett! Copy of Power of Attorney, now on file with Jean Colyer Grumbling.POA located in Book 10, Page 147. "Tennessee" by Moore, pg. 102 Richard Curtis note: based on info in this power of attorney, it appears that William Colyar and his wife Nancy had gone to live with their son John Colyer living in Pulaski County in the region of Buck Creek and Cumberland River in Jugornot Hollow. It appears that William died and Nancy died there. John had deeds to about 150 acres at least in that area. He sold it to his first born son, Bluford Colyer in 1842 after having moved up Pittman creek to Ruth. My guess is that I suspect that this power of attorney that Alexander, John's brother, filed in 1839 coincided with the death of his mother Nancy Ann St. Claire Colyar. William is reported to have died 20 years earlier in 1819. Ancestry.com reports in the Tennessee Census of 1810's that in 1814, Wm Colyar Sr. and Wm Colyar Jr. and Alexander Colyer are still living in Washington County TN. It must be some time after this and before 1819 William Colyar Sr. moves to Kentucky with son John in Pulaski County. They had likely gone to live with their most financially secure son, John....who like his father William had amassed land along a river likely in search of mineral rights. Not finding much, John was farming instead in this very mountainous region. The only flat tillable land in the area was the jugornot Hollow off what is now highway 769 leading to Buck Creek boat dock. John's other brother Alexander had migrated from East TN to Franklin County TN (winchester) and was farming on leased land. His house had burned down on the Nolichucky river in Jonesboro TN area so migrated to Winchester TN. Since he had no deeded land in area....it appears he was not financially successful. The other son of William ( William Jr.) had become a justice of the peace in Jonesboro and was not a large land owner. So it appears John was the largest land owner by pioneering property and obtaining first deeds along the cumberland river in Pulaski county KY. The Newrivernotes.com shows an extract of the 1782 personal property tax records for Washington County in Col. Arthur Campbell's precinct and shows a William 'Coller' (which I suspect is really Collier) with 1 tithe and 5 horses Presumed older brother to William = Captain Thomas Collier who signed oath of allegience in 1777 in Henry County VA: A HISTORY OF KENTUCKY AND KENTUCKIANS, BY E. POLK JOHNSON, LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY VOL. III, PAGE 1621 PUBLISHED 1912 FOUND IN HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY: "Captain Thomas Collier was a son of John Collier, )r., and Sarah Collier, his cousin and wife. John,Jr..was the son of John Collier, Sr., and a Miss Gaines, his second wife. John Collier, Sr., was the son of Charles and Mary Collier, and Charles Collier was born in Eng land about 1660. and resided in King and Queen county, Virginia." Greene County, TN Deed book 2 page 172-173. 20 May 1792 William Colyar and Ann his wife sold to William Scruggs 130 acres of land lying below Andrew Leepers on the north side of Nolichuckey River.




• Sources

  [S05128] janis Ragar Sedaila MO. Janis Ragar Sedaila MO. said that William Colyar had a brother named John per her info from Mike Colyer in 1988 who is from Wyoming. And that William's father was named William. Per Janis Ragar, William Colyar of Washington Co. TN joined militia in Henry Co. Virginia 8/30/1777; Also per Mrs. AE Hart 1934 work of Richard Calloway Family See also book on Richard Calloway Family by Ms. A. E. Hart 1925 wherein she speaks of a son named William that went to TN and never heard from again. [S05088] Collierj.ftw--Tim Jeffries, Cincinnati OH, Tim Jeffries, Cincinnatti OH. Date of Import: Aug 6, 1998 [S14494] Alice Colyer Gala. Date of Import: Sep 19, 1998 [S05128] janis Ragar Sedaila MO. Janis Ragar Sedaila MO. said that William Colyar had a brother named John per her info from Mike Colyer in 1988 who is from Wyoming. And that William's father was named William. Per Janis Ragar, William Colyar of Washington Co. TN joined militia in Henry Co. Virginia 8/30/1777 [S27813] ColyerV2.FTW. Date of Import: Sep 30, 1998 [S31970] StClaire.FTW. Date of Import: Nov 22, 2000 [S05088] Collierj.ftw--Tim Jeffries, Cincinnati OH, Tim Jeffries, Cincinnatti OH. Leroy Collier: "Some Collier Families: Descendants of Robert Collier and Isabella Doddington 1453-1990" (Second Edition), compiled by Leroy and Mildred Collier, 1644 Smallhouse Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104. [S01729] Leroy Collier - correspondence. [S19942] Power of Attorney on file Pulaski Cty Ky by Alexander Colyar. Brenda Schwall of Chattanooga TN- 3/96. [S01694] Brenda Schwall - 3/96, correspondence.