Finding Your Folks: The family of James and Hannah Byram

This will probably turn into another series since there is much on this family to be learned. I was disappointed to find that although many people have this family in their tree, few have any documentation or sources. The family is fairly well documented in Coweta County and I thought I’d dig into some of that documentation.

In some instances, I’m going to combine some of the information that can be proved with that which has not been proved, but only to provide leads. You know me ... if I can’t put my money where my mouth is, I don’t say it.

Earlier this week I went to the courthouse and copied the entire will and estate settlement of James Byram. He died in 1858 at the age of 76 and left quite a big family and large estate (about 50 pages worth). He and Hannah are both buried in Cedar Creek Cemetery (it also has other names) in northern Coweta County near Palmetto. Executors were James A. Byram, John F. Byram and Upton W. Byram.

The Byrams came to Georgia from Mecklenburg County, N.C. between 1831 and 1833. James had married Hannah Williamson there in 1808 and they had many children who came to Georgia with them.

In 1810, they had one daughter, probably born about 1810. In 1820, they had five daughters and no sons. In 1830, they had seven daughters and two sons. All these are from Mecklenburg censuses.

In 1840, they are found in Coweta County with three boys and three girls — the children were starting to leave the nest. By 1850, only Jane, still unmarried at 23, John F. (who would marry Mary E. Tidwell within the decade), and Andrew J. were still at home. Also living with the Byrams was their three-year-old grandson, James Mellon.

James must have been a special child because in addition to receiving the same inheritance given to his siblings (money), James received a bed and furniture from his grandfather’s estate.

It is said (but not proved) that James’ brother, Beverley Byram, also came to Georgia and settled in Pike County. There was a Beverley Byram there but I have no proof that he was James’ brother, just hearsay.

It was very enlightening to read the will after having read only an abstract. It was much easier to figure out which grandchildren belonged to which (deceased) child.

The children of James and Hannah Byram that we know, or can figure out through the will, are:

Susan (who married Robert. R. Robinson), Hannah Permelia (who married Benjamin Tidwell of Coweta and Carroll County), Nancy Camilla (who married John J. Tidwell), Upton W. (who married Finetta Attaway, maiden name said to be Gorham but no one offers proof), James A. (who married Sarah Dyer), Rebecca (who married Robert C. Mellon), Amy (who married John R. Brock), Jane A. or Jean, called by both names in the will (may not have married), Martha C. (who married William J. Cook), John F. (who married Mary Eunice Tidwell), and Andrew J. (who married Susan E. Phillips.

Others say Ann Lisa, Carolyn, Turner and James F. Byram were children of James and Hannah too. I do not know the source of their information.

Susan Byram, Nancy Camilla Byram and Rebecca Byram all preceded their father in death but their children received inheritances.

Susan’s children named in the will included James Robinson, Hannah P. (Robinson) Hogan and Frances (Robinson) Williamson.

Nancy Camilla’s child was, of course, James Tidwell. Annual returns show J.A.J. Tidwell receiving $100, precisely the amount willed to James Byram’s grandson, James Tidwell. At first I thought this was James Tidwell’s father, John, but then I realized that James was born in 1836 and would have been old enough to claim his own inheritance.

Rebecca Byram’s children included John Mellon, Lenora Mellon, Hannah L. Mellon, Ann Mellon, Zenas Mellon, and James E. Mellon.

It was amusing to note that John and Amy Byram Brock contested the will, saying that James was not of sound mind that that his sons unduly influenced him.

The sons argued that their father was certainly of sound mind and they had not tried to influence him. The court bought their version.

The will showed that James owned land in both Coweta and Campbell County (now South Fulton County) — land lots 110 and 80 in the original 8th Dist. of Coweta and land lot 109 in the original 8th Dist. of Coweta, now the 8th Dist. of Campbell. He also owned land lot 247 in the 5th Dist. of Coweta and land lot 111 in the original 8th Dist. of Coweta. These lands all went to the boys, except that Jane was allowed to remain in her home — maybe that’s what Amy was complaining about.

James also didn’t have much faith in the business skills of his youngest son, Andrew, because this line was added as Item 17, after the will had been signed and witnessed:

“I will that U.W. Byram, James A. Byram, and John F. Byram attend to the business of Andrew J. Byram in as good manner as they possibly can.”

In the next few weeks we’ll explore these families and try to get them straightened out and proved beyond a doubt if we can.

If you are descended from any of these Byrams or can contribute information (preferably documented), please let us hear from you.

Stories about your ancestors who lived in the south metro Atlanta area are most welcome. Send them to The Citizen, P.O. Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214, or e-mail jkilgore@thecitizen.com or JodieK444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!