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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]
  	The information about William Colyar being from Greenbriar County VA is doubtful. It appears that this information came from Dr. Welby Colyer. His letter on this site under his name has several facts that have been shown to be in error 100 years after its writing. It is possible that early William Colyar's family moved from Greenbriar to Henry County VA , where more connecting documents are found. However, it appears the family was in the area of Henry County VA for some time.
  Gender	Male
  Buried	1819	projected to be buried in Colyer family cemetery also known as Stewart-Colyer cemetery (on findagrave.com) on Hwy 769 at Ponderosa Dr, Somerset KY
  Died	Jun 1819	Pulaski county kentucky   [5, 9]
  Person ID	I1029	John Colyer family of Somerset Ky
  Last Modified	15 Apr 2026

  
  

  Father	Richard Colyar,   b. Bef 1723, Charles County Maryland, based on age 21 majority ,   d. Abt 1785, Henry County, VA
  Relationship	birth
  Mother	Rebecca unknown
  Relationship	birth
  Family ID	F8123	Group Sheet

  
  

  Family	Agnus "Nancy" Ann St. Clair,   b. ABT. 1760,   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.
  		1784 William Colyar log house Nolichucky River This photo appeared in the Nashville newspaper The Democrat on May 19, 1912, in an article on Arthur St. Clair Colyar reminiscences. Article says the puncheon (split wood) floors were attached with 1 inch locust pegs and that Alexander Colyar born in this house 1790, as well as A.S. Colyar in 1818. It would have been the cabin where John Colyer and other children of William Colyar grew up.
  		Colyer family cemetery Jugornot region Pulaski County KY This photo by the Pulaski County Cemetery board taken about 2016 when it was not overgrown. It is believed based on trace of John Colyer land grants to this location and evidence via Power of Attorney and estate law suits noted under John Colyer, that this is is the burial location of William Colyar, his wife Nancy Ann Agnus St. Clair Colyar, and John's first wife, who died about 1815. It is thought that the rock wall enclosure are the first graves that contain these. Most of the graves in the entire cemetery are only marked by crude stones with no engraving.

  
  

  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. My research 100 years later with more modern tools now available of online deeds and wills, makes a different conclusion. My conclusion is that they descended from a Richard Colyar who came through the community of Belle Haven on the Potomac River near current Washington DC below Alexandria above George Washington's home after having migrated across the river from Maryland. Status: Located
  		Callaway 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. Her work also implicates that there are other brothers to these of James and Richard. I have doubts. See that James and Richard do not sign Henry County VA oath of allegience. Most family researchers follow Mrs. Hart's conclusions in her Colloway Family writing, that this Colyer family descended from a John Collier who may have had Borto Bello Plantation from a Charles Collier. My research 100 years later with more modern tools now available of online deeds and wills, makes a different conclusion. My conclusion is that they descended from a Richard Colyar who came through the community of Belle Haven on the Potomac River near current Washington DC below Alexandria above George Washington's home after having migrated across the river from Maryland. 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
  		1839 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. Although evidence shows that Nancy Ann was living in Pulaski County, the evidence for William having lived in Pulaski County is limited to the Alexander Colyar power of attorney. The opposing evidence is that William Colyar estate is probated in Washington County TN. It is possible he was visiting son John when he died. There is record of litigation over William's estate in Pulaski county between John Colyer and brothers Alexander and William Jr. Another theory is that upon the death of John Colyer first wife in 1815-16, he is left with 5 small children in the Kentucky wilderness of Pulaski County, and that his mother, Nancy St. Clair Colyar comes to Ky to help along with William Colyar Sr. The last record of William Colyar Sr. in Washington County TN court records found is about 1816. Alexander Colyar may have had a drinking problem, evidenced by main purchase from his father's estate being a still, and his son, Arthur St. Clair Colyar, walking miles at age 9 to join the temperence union. He is sued by John Colyer in 1823 for mismanaging and taking money from William Colyar Sr. estate. Thus 15 years later this power attorney seeking money and showing possible conflict with John. Status: Located
  		1839 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
  		1827 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. Note that no men (supposed brothers by per Mrs. Hart) named James or Richard sign oaths there. See https://sinclairpioneers.wordpress.com/charles-of-sinclair-bottom/ "In 1776, William Preston expressed concern about a number of Loyalists along the New River in Montgomery County. In October, the Virginia Assembly passed laws defining treason for those advocating for the British King and Parliament. “All sorts of subversive plotting, rumor-mongering and ordinary grumbling thus came within the purview of the courts.” [Wilson, Great Valley Patriots, p. 121.] In May 1777, the Virginia Assembly passed a law requiring an oath of allegiance from all adult males in the state. The penalty for not doing so was loss of the right to vote or hold office or serve on juries. In October an added penalty was double taxation. In 1779, a Loyalist plot to capture the Lead Mines near Fort Chiswell was broken up." 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. Given the life-long close association between John 1744 and brother Charles (they lived next to each other in Pulaski and Rockcastle County KY per deeds), this is likely to be John 1744. John of 1744 has a brother named Charles, who is documented to be in the horse trading business via a Pulaski County KY lawsuit with Andrew Jackson. The lawsuit concerned a purchase of land in Pulaski County Ky from Jackson's deceased brother in law that was to be paid with horses. Status: Located
  		1795 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 year for keeping child of John Colyer for 3 months p.288 ( p569). Since John Colyar 1744 was largely an invalid from war wounds, it is reported his wife had to work to support family. Circumstantial evidence like this lends support to this child belonging to John Colyar 1744. 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 Jacob 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 Jacob 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. As of 2024, research indicates most all this page references, including the trapper, relate to Augusta County John Collier family that migrated to Garrard County KY and Richmond KY that at this point are not believed related to the Pulaski County KY Colyer family. Status: Located
  		1825 William Colyar of Washington County TN estate settlement. Originally William Colyar Jr. and his little brother Alexander Colyar are the joint administrators of the estate. In 1823, John Colyer and John Lashbrook, other heirs file lawsuit against administrators for mismanagement. William Jr., who was a lawyer, justice of the peace and state prosecutor, must have left the details to little brother Alexander who according to the lawsuit keeps all the earnings from 8 slaves for himself. Here, William Jr. steps in and says he will be good for it and removed Alexander from being an administrator. Later we will see there is a possibility Alexander had a drinking problem since the most valuable thing he takes from estate is a whiskey still and barrels etc. 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. It is believed that this Charles Colyer was brother to William Colyar born 1754. William Colyar born 1754 had son named Alexander, whose son was 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 enlisted in Henry County VA and served under Captain James Shelton. Note that he says he was born in Fauquier County VA....although not formed until 1759...was also the home of General Simon Kenton, an associate of Daniel Boone at Boonesboro. 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 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. The newspaper article was written by "DT Chestnut" and you will find his grave near Corbin KY here https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91703584/david_t-chesnut
  		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 be his father, William Colyar since John Colyer 1781's mother would not have been in Revolution and her father was dead before Revolution. It is possible the reference was to John Wesley Colyer's mother ancestry...since Lydia Purvis father was documented revolutionary pensioner.
  		Colyer log house on Nolichucky river, mentioned Courier Journal newspaper May 18, 1913 Louisville Courier Journal newspaper mentions Colyer log house still standing....see 1912 Nashville The Democrat paper identifies as William Colyar cabin. Well before the civil war according to A.S.Colyer biographical, his father's cabin (Alexander) burned.
  		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. This Bluford Colyer is only found on the 1810 property tax records. None found before or after. Note on Pointer creek.
  		1779 William Colyar North Carolina Land Grant 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. This grant on current day Bumpus cove on Nolichucky River near Erwin TN.
  		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. Note that this was pursuant to a land warrant originally issued to Richard Caswell who was a Governor of NC. A close friend of Richard Caswell and a NC cabinet member with Richard Caswell named Glasgow issued the land pursuant to the assigned warrant. see 1806 power of attorney filed by one of three sons of Richard Caswell, that was filed in Sullivan County TN in 1806, directs a law suit against Glasgow to recover the value of similar land granted to William's brother Charles Colyer in limestone cove, that the power of attorney claims was illegal. Years after Richard Caswell death, his estate is trying to recover assigned land warrants. See the 1806 power of attorney under Charles Colyer born 1757.
  		Annals Southwest Virginia: Charles St. Clair children sale land Here are excerpts of court records whereby most of the children after having inherited Sinclair Bottom , some 996 acres, sell it to various parties after death of Charles St. Clair. Notice mention of Thomas Walker on pages with in same area (guardian of Thomas Jefferson). Note that there is a possible mention of William Colyar selling in 1786 land on the Middle Fork of the Holston River. If he was living here as a long hunter, it explains his nearby location to the St Clairs Sinclairs and thereby marrying Charles daughter Nancy. William Colyar first deed on Nolochucky river near modern day Erwin TN is in 1788. May also explain by tombstone of John Colyer, son of William, says he was born in 1781 in Virginia. However, later examination of the deed indicates it was in fact William Collie not William Collier.
  		1770 Virginia County map
  		1755 Virginia county map
  		Virginia records research re possible William Colyar origin Also possible family members Henry County VA etc.
  		1776 William Colyar : on Frederick County Maryland census age 44 Interesting that name is spelled same as was prevalent of known relatives of William Colyar or 1754. Also, location around Washington DC is closer to known disclosures of birth places of Revolutionary pension apps of Charles Colyer of 1757 of Fauquier County VA...also close to D.C. Possible alternative father to William/Charles/John Colyar/Colyer of Pulaski County KY.
  		1779 William Colyar North Carolina Land warrant Thanks to Ms. Margaret Dent Wagner for finding and supplying this further document concerning the 1779 land warrant assigned to William Colyar and and further assigned by him to Leuthold & Newhouse.
  		1819 William Colyar estate: Washington County TN inventory This is the initial estate inventory filed for William Colyar Sr. Note that similar to KY in later law, the inventory only includes personal property. It does not include land or slaves.
  		1820 William Colyar estate sale: Washington County TN Shows the sale of personal property (not land or slaves) and who purchased. Note that son Alexander Colyar's largest purchase is the whiskey still and barrels. He is sued by other heirs for mismanagement of estate and removed as an administrator. See his famous son, Arthur St. Clair Colyar, where his biography states at a very early age after moving as a young boy to Winchester TN with father Alexander, Arthur walks miles to joint a temperance organization and he was a tea totaler. This is possible indicator of his disdain for whiskey by observing his father.
  		Richard Colyer gospel minister source docs Pulaski County KY research from extracts (not found to be always accurate per 2024 searches) showing various Colyer families. This researcher has found that the Augusta County VA Colliers moved to Lincoln County KY and Garrard County KY and Madison County KY. These are not believed to be related to the Pulaski County KY Colyer(Colyar) family, who based on 2024 research are believed to have migrated from Maryland to Virginia, to TN to KY.
  		1814 William Colyar sale deed 47.5 acre Nolichucky Washington County TN, sale of 1/2 of TN land grant on Nolichucky. This could indicate timing of possile move to Pulaski County KY with son John, where William Colyar wife found on 1830 census.
  		1814 William Colyar sale deed Washington county tn nolichucky second half of 95 acre tn land grant on nolichucky river sold. Washington County TN, sale of 1/2 of TN land grant on Nolichucky. This could indicate timing of possile move to Pulaski County KY with son John, where William Colyar wife found on 1830 census.
  		1791 Richard Colyar to William Colyar bill sale bill of sale index found in miscellaneous record of Washington County TN. Show that a Richard Colyar is BROTHER to William Colyar. I suspect this Richard Colyar is son of Richard Colyar, a grandson mentioned in will of William Colyar in Charles County MD 1748. From review of available Washington County TN tax records, I do not find Richard Colyar, so this slave bill of sale may have been for benefit of William living Washington County TN. See Richard Colyar tax records in Henry County VA. I have been unable to find the actual court record of this bill of sale.
  	1791 William Colyar Washington County TN tax record ledger
  	1790 William Colyar Washington County TN tax record ledger
  	1814 Washington County TN tax: William Colyar etc.
  	1817 William Colyar Sr and Jr lawsuit vs Pearcy debtor Washington County TN Mr. Pearcy or Piercy may have moved to Buncombe North Carolina based on 1820 William Colyar estate inventory filed in Buncombe North Carolina. See the 1820 Buncombe inventory filing document.
  	1827 William Colyar Sr estate report As transcribed during 1930's wpa project. Found at Washington County TN court docs. Shows a deficit in the estate and that Alexander Colyar is removed as administrator and solely William Colyar will admininister hereafter.
  	1827 William Colyar estate report Volume 00 estate inventories Washington County TN. Shows a deficit in the estate and that Alexander Colyar is removed as administrator and solely William Colyar will admininister hereafter.
  	1844-1848 Pulaski County KY lawsuit re William Colyar estate This with the power of attorney filed by Alexander Colyar, indicates that after Nancy Ann Agnes St Clair Colyar, wife of William Colyer, died in 1839, there is litigation between brothers over estate of their father, William, who died in 1819. This with power of attorney by Alexander Colyar of TN, indicates that William and wife were living in Pulaski County KY when they died. Thought to be living with John Colyer Sr in Jugornot area since 1830 census is believed to show Nancy Ann Agnus St Clair Colyer living with John. The estate admnistrator and son William Colyar Jr is a lawyer in Jonesboro TN. He must have thought there was standing in KY to sue there over his father, William's estate. Why ? It lends credence to the idea that William Sr. was living in Pulaski County KY at the time of death. Though most of his personal and real property were still in Jonesboro area, and there were multiple lawsuits there in Washington County TN over his estate also in 1820s.
  	1823 John Colyer lawsuit against father estate admins: Shows William Colyar died in June 1819 John Colyer files suit which he wins in Washington County TN against administrators of his father's estate, William Colyar Sr. It says for years his brothers Alexander Colyar and William Colyar Jr. have kept the money from 8 slaves. The lawsuit forces the sale of 100 acres that was owned by father William Colyar. Further, in 1827, Alexander is removed as an admin and his brother William Jr. takes over and promises to make good on the missing money. About this time, Alexander moves to Winchester TN pretty much pennyless.
  	1791 Washington county TN deed: William Colyar to Newhouse 550ac This may be selling the lead mines in 1791. After William Colyar owned the mining property, it is developed as iron mines by Embree's and others.
  	1816 Washington County TN court: William Colyar Sr. and Jr This is one of last references to William Colyar Sr. found in court records. A theory is that shortly after, he goes with wife Nancy to Pulaski County KY to help son John who has become a widower, care for his 5 young children.
  	1811 Washington County TN: William Colyar sells a slave
  	1826 Washington County TN foreclosure deed William Colyar Sr estate lawsuit by John Colyer and others against estate, results in 100 acres being sold to pay bills. famous emancipationist quakers Embree on south.
  	1822 Washington County TN: lawsuit by Lashbrooks for Wm Colyar estate distribution See John Colyer 1823 Washington cty tn lawsuit for the same and judgement against administrator Alex Colyar.
  	1829 Washington Cty TN lawsuit by Wm and Alex Colyer vs. John Calvert Administrators of William Colyar Sr. estate in lawsuit with heir and brother in law John Calvert. All the heirs sue over estate admin by Wm and Alex Colyar.
  	1912 Nashville newspaper on A.S. Colyar reminiscenses: Wm Colyar log cabin Shows photo of log cabin build 1784 by William Colyar. article states it was still standing in 1912 and trying to be preserved.
  	1823 Washington County TN court: William Colyar estate lawsuit In April 1823, John Colyer and brother in law John Lashbrook win a default judgement against brother-estate administrators William Colyar Jr and Alexander Colyar to distribute father William Colyar's estate slaves etc. The administrators do not show up for court so a default win to John Colyer and John Lashbrook is awarded.
  	1823 Washington County TN court: William Colyer Sr estate slaves divided As a result of the default judgement against the administrators of the William Colyar Sr. estate, James Sevier and Jacob Brown commissioners are ordered to seize the slaves and divide them to heirs
  	1906 Nashville Banner: autobiography A.S. Colyar Letter to daughter, tells of his father Alexander and Grandfather William Colyar.
  	1907 Johnson City TN newspaper re Colyar cabin on Nolichucky
  	1803 Buncombe County NC: William Colyar and John Colyer Shows power of attorney to William Colyar for Edward Johnson, husband of Deborah. Research by Lynne Sinclar shows this Deborah to be an undiscovered daughter of Charles St. Clair and sister to William Colyar wife, Nancy Ann St. Clair. Also shows a deed recorded in court signed by John Colyer with Deborah Johnson.
  	1803 Buncombe County NC deed, William Colyar to Lambert Clayton Shows bordering land of Johnson Family. See Charles St. Clair and Catherine St. Clair his daughter, for links to Lynne Sinclair research on possible additional St. Clair daughter, Deborah, who married an Edward Johnson.
  	1795 Buncombe County NC court deposition of Alexander St. Clair Alexander testifies concerning a deed from William Colyar (presumably his brother-in-law) to Sewthold sale of lead mines and protection from any lawsuit by General John Sevier. The mines were sold by Sewthold to John Sevier Jr. This shows relationship between Alexander St. Clair of Buncombe County NC at the time, and William Colyar. Thanks to Lynne Sinclair for this item.
  	1796 Buncombe County NC depositon of William Colyer concerning deeds witnessed by General John Sevier in connection with mining property sold to Newthold et al. Deed guarantees lost in fire.
  	1820 Buncombe County NC North Carolina, estate inventory William Colyer William Colyar Jr. as administrator of estate, filed inventory of property evidently in Buncombe County NC. Main item in Buncombe NC inventory is debt from a Mr. Pearcy or Piercy. See 1817 Washington County TN lawsuit court record of judgement by William Colyar against Mr. Pearcy.
  	Map and Washington County TN archivist article on John Sevier Shows location of first John Sevier TN property on Nolichucky River and it relative location to William Colyar property.
  	1796 Washington County TN tax list: Colyar and Sevier Shows William Colyar and 1st TN governor, John Sevier. Also listed are Embree and Brown family.
  	1781 William Colyar Washington County TN tax list This misspelled name is believed to William Colyar born 1754. It is reported by Washington County TN historians that he operated lead mines in Bumpass Cove of Nolichucky River. That the mine was used for bullets in the Battle of Kings Mountain 1782. First evidence of land grants in this era to William Colyar. Also see William Pruitt in this list. He married a sister of William's wife, Nancy Ann St. Clair, who was named Catherine St. Clair. They came to Nashville as orginal settler.
  	1787 Washington County TN tax lists William Colyar believed to be misspelled name of William Colyar
  	1788 Washington County TN tax list William Colyar and brothers believed to be misspelled names of William, Charles and John Colyar
  	1790 Washington County TN tax list William Colyar
  	1815 Washington County Tax records William Colyar William Colyar Sr, William Colyar Jr, Alexander Colyar
  	1819 Washington County TN property tax William Colyar shows William Colyar Sr, William Colyar Jr, and Alexander Colyar
  	1821 Washington County TN tax records: William Colyar estate William Colyar Sr. estate, William Colyar Jr., Alexander Colyar and an unknown Leonard Colyar
  	1823 Washington County TN tax records William Colyar estate William Colyar Sr. estate, William Colyar Jr, Alexander Colyar and unknown Leonard Colyar
  	1794 Washington County VA deed Agnus St Clair Colyar updated better copy of deed where Nancy Agnus St. Clair Colyar and husband William Colyar, transfer land in St. Clair bottom VA that she inherited from father Charles St Clair.
  	1883 Clarksville TN Democrat newspaper re: William Colyar house story references William Colyar Sr., Alexander Colyar, Arthur St. Clair Colyar (A.S. Colyar), Col. George Sherrill, Dr. Isaac Taylor, Governor Albert Marks. Lastly, at the end of the article, it says that William Colyar was in the Battle of King's Mountain, therefore revolutionary soldier.
  	1827 Washington County TN newspaper ad Colyar foreclosure result of heirs lawsuit re estate of William Colyar Sr. , John Lashbrook married to William Colyar daughter, Ursula Colyar/Colyer, had filed lawsuit to force sale of remaining land to pay money taken by Alexander Colyar (presumably from evidence). Lashbrook sues like John Colyer of Pulaski County KY did over the matter.
  	1828 Washington County TN deed 200acre Alexander Colyar to Isaac Taylor See 1883 Clarksville TN newspaper article wherein stated that Dr. Taylor made the William Colyar log home his home and died there. This deed references William Colyar Sr. deceased on property lines. Also references land to John Calvert and Dorcas Colyar Cavert, as well as William Colyar Jr.
  	1796 deed Walter King to William Colyar 100ac Washington County TN south side of Nolichucky river
  	1796 deed John England to William Colyar 172ac Washington County TN south side Nolichucky river
  	1814 sale deed William Colyar to David Moore 47.5ac Washington County TN on nolichucky river
  	1814 sale deed William Colyar to Arnold Green 47.5ac Washington County TN south side Nolichucky river
  	1792 Greene County TN deed William and Ann Colyar to Scruggs land on Nolichucky River
  	1790s-1805 Buncombe County NC William Colyar This excellent research by Lynne Sinclair documents a significant enmeshment between William Colyar, son John and William Colyar in-law brothers/sister in the area of Buncombe County NC during this era. It seems to reveal that the St. Clair's and William Colyar were involved in land speculation in Buncombe County NC. It shows nearby Pendleton district of South Carolina 1790 census records of brother in law Alexander St. Clair. The records show John Colyer, son of William Colyar, located in Buncombe County NC working with his father. William's other sons, appear to remain on the Nolichucky River in Washington County TN. Was John Colyer a sort of favored son ? 1839 Pulaski County KY power of attorney shows William and his wife, Nancy, moved to Pulaski County Ky.
  	1811 East TN land grant assigned Salts to William Colyar Land in Washington County TN on Nolichucky river

  
  

• Notes

  Based on continuing research as of 2024, it is now believed that the father of William Colyar, was a Richard Colyar from Frederick County MD. This Richard is believed to migrate to Pittsylvania County VA which part later became Henry County VA. Richard Colyar has a land survey in Pittsylvania county VA in 1766 and appears on personal property tax ledgers of Henry County VA until 1784. 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. 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 Abingdon. . . 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 is Washington County VA. __________________________________________________________________________________ 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 their 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 camp 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 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 is possible that William was also in Pulaski County KY, but since his estate was probated in Washington County TN, it seems he may have died there and perhaps his wife afterward moved to Pulaski County KY. It appears that 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. Nancy Agnes Ann 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. 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: It is thought that another Thomas Collier not directly related to the Colyer's that moved to Pulaski County KY, was a decorated Rev. War hero and received large land grant in Western KY. 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. Another possible father of William Colyar 1754 is William Colyar 1732 from Montgomery County MD. However, This William a son of a William, had another son named Richard that is the likely candidate as being father of William. It appears that this Richard, migrated to Pittsylvania County VA in 1766 and was there until about 1784. It is also noteworthy that this Richard also had an apparent son named Richard which ties into the Willliam Colyar grandson as stated in his will below.: http://fzsaunders.com/allison.html Thomas ALLISON and Barbara BURCH had children: 1. Charles ALLISON15 b. ca. 1720;15 m. Barbara19 MOORE;17 living 179541 2. John ALLISON20 m. Elizabeth;21 died between 12 Aug. and 10 Dec. 1793 Montgomery Co., MD21 3. Thomas ALLISON23 m. Sarah;22 d. between 16 Feb. and 16 June 1774 Frederick Co., MD;22 left 5 shillings each to "brothers" [not named] and residue to wife; his widow secondly married Zachariah THOMPSON24 4. Benjamin ALLISON25 m. Mary;26 d. ca. 1810 Burke Co., NC27 5. Richard ALLISON18,28 m. Sarah35 CHESHIRE;29 he d. between 5 Apr. and 5 Sep. 1808 Bullitt Co., KY30 After the death of her husband Thomas ALLISON, his widow Barbara secondly married William COLLIER/COLYAR.14 In his will (not dated) William COLYAR stated his son William was to be free at 18 to possess his land, and that he shall allow his mother her living on the land.31 Child of William COLLYAR and Barbara BURCH: 1. William COLLYAR b. ca. 1732 (sic, age 44 in 1776 census);32 m. Sarah34 RAY33 5 Aug. 1754;33 d. between 4 Jan. 1792 and 15 Jan. 1794 Montgomery Co., MD34 footnote source: 14. Thomas Allenson inventory, MD inventories 17:349-350. Liber 27, folio 69 9 July 1748 COLYAR, WILLAM, dweller of Prince George's Co., planter. To sun William, who shall be free at 18 & allow his mother her living on the land, all my land, & if he d. s. p., to grdson Richard; one part of the land was taken out of Dan, another of Stub Hill, & one of 50a out of Elders Delight. To dau. Mary, 5-yrs. rent of Dann. To sun Richard, 5 sh. Witn: John Leech, Elener Leech, Francis Abston 8 Aug. 1749, sworn to by all 3 witn. in presence of Wm. Collyar, son to testator. https://sinclairpioneers.wordpress.com/the-children-of-charles-and-ann-sinclair/ court record transcription found in The Ridge Runners, volume 9, no. 1, August 1977, pp. 194-195, accessed via FamilySearch.org. Buncombe Co., NC, April session 1795, The deposition of Alexander St. Clair, and William Chambers, ordered to be recorded at length as follows Viz., State of No. Carolina, Buncombe County: This day came Alexander St. Clair before me, and being duely sworn saith, that he saw a bond in possession of William Colyer, against Doctor Sewthold and Mathew Adkinson, to stand between him in any suit or suits, that might be brought by General Seveir, Charles Robison or any other person or persons, respecting the mines and the lands including the mines, which the said Sewthold & Adkinson bought from the said Colyer, and a number of other papers to the use of sd. Sworn to before this 21st day of April 1795. Alexander St. Clair State of No. Carolina, Buncombe County: This day came Wm. Chambers and made that on the 21st day of January the dwelling house of James Chambers was burnt and William Colyer sent a small trunk, with William Chambers, and said deponant put it in his trunk, and has reason to believe was burnt with the rest of the goods in the house. Sworn and subscribed before this 26th day of January 1795. https://sinclairpioneers.wordpress.com/buncombe-county-n-c-records/ Deeds, Buncombe Co., N.C. v. G-H 1814-1815, v. 1-2 1789-1800. FamilySearch IGN 7551934. Image 676 of 1058. 20 April 1796, James Davidson and Edward Jonson witnesses for a deed between David Miller of Rutherford Co. and Joseph Henry for his son John Henry of Buncombe Co. Image 162 of 1058. Pages 304-305 of vol. G. Indenture 9 Jan 1813 between James Patton and Andrew Erwin of Aphill, NC and Benjamin Ellison of same county. For $1200 paid to Patton and Erwin. 250 acres to Ellison on both sides of Benjamin Davidsons River as granted by N.C. to Weightstill Avery by grant no. 580 dated 24 Dec. 1798 and by him conveyed to Edward Johnson and conveyed by Wm Colyer as attorney in fact and Deborah Johnson as wife of said Edward Johnson to Patton and Erwin on 14 April 1803. Mentions Benjamin Davidson's line, Turkey creek. Deed recorded in court session Jan. 1815.




• 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.