James Dillard (abt. 1728 - abt. 1795)

Born about 1728 in Essex, Virginia, British Colonial America

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1795 at about age 67 in Fairfield, South Carolina, United States

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Biography

James was born about 1728-1730. He was the son of Thomas Dillard and Winifred Nalle North. He died after 1791 n Camden District, Fairfield Co., South Carolina. He served as a Captain of Militia in the French and Indian Wars. He also served in the Henry County, Virginia Militia during the revolutionary war and fought at Guilford Courthouse with Greene. They Migrate to SC around 1780.
The children of James and Prescilla are not listed anywhere with sourcing, though there is a speculative list.^[1]

1. John Dillard - married Sarah Stovall
2. Thomas Dillard - married Ruth Goad in Henry County, Virginia
3. George Dillard
4. Nancy Dillard - married William Hogan
5. Joseph Dillard - married Priscilla Wilkins in Richmond County, Georgia
6. William Dillard - married Eliza
7. Edmond Dillard.

Name:: James Dillard.

Surname: Dillard.

Given Name: James.

Sex: M.

Birth: ABT 1729 in , Essex Co., Virginia.

Death: AFT 1791 in Camden District, Fairfield Co., South Carolina.^[2][3][4]

^[5][6][7][8]

James Dillard

United States Census, 1790

Name James Dillard

Event Type Census

Event Date 1790

Event Place Fairfield, South Carolina, United States

Page 159^[9]

James' Timeline

1. Birth: (1a,3,4,5) s/o Thomas DILLARD/Winifred NALLE. Abt 1729. Essex Co., VA.
2. Marriage to Priscilla __: ^{[citation needed]}
3. 1762 Had wife Priscilla in 1762 deed. (5)
4. 1752, 17 Oct: James DILLARD bought 664 acres of land, Culpeper Co., VA.
5. Followed his father from Culpeper Co., VA to Halifax Co., VA.
6. 1752: Thomas DILLARD Sr., James DILLARD, Edward DILLARD and Thomas DILLARD Jr. patented about 5,000 acres in Halifax Co., VA along Staunton River and Straightstone Creek. [NOTE: This also claimed for James DILLARD s/o James who m. Lucy WISE.]
7. 1754, 15 Aug: Began serving as under sheriff, Halifax Co., VA.
8. 1756: Sheriff of Halifax Co., VA.
9. 1756, 20 May: Named Captain of Militia to protect the frontiers. He held ranks of both Lt. and Capt. of milita. Halifax Co. had more Indian troubles than any other VA county except western Augusta. (5) Served in the French and Indian War.
10. 1756, 30 Nov: James DILLARD became a Vestryman. For a number of years, Thomas DILLARD Sr., Thomas DILLARD Jr., and James DILLARD were vestrymen in Antrim Parish at the same time.
11. 1758: A James DILLARD patented 269 acres in New Kent and James City Co., VA. [NOTE: Same James? See notes under James, perhaps s/o the immigrant George, who had children baptized in New Kent Co. in the early 1700s.]
12. 1760: Beginning in 1760, James DILLARD sued and was sued for debt.
13. 1762, 21 Feb: James DILLARD and wife Priscilla sold land in Culpeper Co., VA, purchased in 1752.
14. 1774, 4 May: Thomas DILLARD of Pittsylvania Co., VA made his will. Left to son James DILLARD negroes and land on Straightstone Creek. (1a,3) He named two sons Thomas Jr. and James.
15. 1775, May: In Pittsylvania Co., VA Court, James DILLARD, "having profanely sworn," was fined 10 shillings.
16. 1776: Henry Co., VA was created from Pittsylvania Co., VA.
17. James DILLARD was a militia captain in Henry Co., VA during the Revolutionary War.
18. 1778, Jun: In the case of Pittsylvania Co. against James DILLARD, he "not appearing (altho solemnly called," was fined 5 shillings and costs for being drunk.
19. 1787, 28 Jun: William HOGAN of Chester Co., SC deeded to James DILLARD 160 acres.
20. 1790: James DILLARD was living in Camden District, Fairfield Co., SC. In household were 3 males over 16, 1 male under 16, 5 females.
21. 1791, 31 Dec: James DILLARD and Percilla his wife of Fairfield Co., SC sold to John FOOTS of Chester Co., SC, 160 acres purchased in 1787. Death: (5) Aft. 1791. Fairfield Co., SC.

Family

Will of Thomas Dillard^[10]
Written: 4 May 1774
Proved: 23 June 1774
Pittsylvania County, Colony of Virginia
Son: James Dillard during his life the following negroes: Tamer, Hanady(?), and their increase and Jefrey and Fanny, children of Sarah. After decease of James Dillard I give unto Thomas Dillard, son of James, the said mentioned negroes, Fanny and Ben and other negroes lent to James Dillard. After his decease, they and their increase to be equally divided between the children of said James Dillard.
After my decease I demand that the residue of household of furniture and stock to be equally divided between my two sons, James and Thomas Dillard Jr, in trust under the following purvisions:
I appoint said Thomas Dillard Jr, brother of said James, his trustee and do demand that Thomas Dillard Jr by actual deed denoothen(?)
The profits from crops of the aforesaid negroes and cattle shall be applied for the use and advantage of the said James Dillard and his family.
Son: James Dillard - My tract of land on Straight Stone Creek.
Whereas I have sold to James Martin, of Bedford County, two tracts of land lying in the said county-when paid to my executor it is to be conveyed by deed to said martin or his assigns.
Son: Thomas Dillard Jr, and his heirs, the land and plantation whereon I now live and also the following negroes and their increase: Will, Sarah, and her children, Robbin, Ben, Nan, Judy and her child, Sara, with all the remainder of my estate, not before mentioned.
Witnesses: Thomas Vaughan, John Dillard and Elizabeth Dillard
Executor: son, Thomas Dillard Jr

Executor's Bond - Estate of Thomas Dillard 23 June 1774
Pittsylvania County, Colony of Virginia
Thomas Dillard appointed as Executor. Robert Williams and James Callaway were surety.

Excerpt from My Reid and Harrison families in North America from their arrival to present : with special section on the Eells, Loss, Smiths of New York ^[11]

The best research separating the Capt. James Dillards. THE DILLARDS OF NORTH AMERICA. Credit for much of the material used in this chapter must be given to Dorothy Dillard Hughes, Dr. Howard Vance Jones, John M. Dillard, President of the Dillard Association, and other dedicated Dillard researchers who performed a majority of the research. Much of their findings are posted on the Dillard Web Sites at: The Dillard Family Association

"I felt it my duty to verify the factual representa­tions in this chapter from other researchers by double-checking each source they used. I have done that and have footnoted them where I felt it appropriate. I might add that I found no errors in their work, but I did find a few minor discrepancies due to difficulties encountered in reading the poor penmanship of census takers, court clerks, and others. In fact, the research was so good, especially the work of Dorothy Dillard Hughes that I filed a supplemental application with the Sons of the American Revolution based upon my relation to James Dillard, Sr. who served admirably in the American Revolution. The Board of Genealogists at the SAR approved that application June 9, 2005. As you know from the Introduction, the Board of Genealogists of the SAR applies strict standards to all applications, new and supplemental. The documentation must he from a primary source, and be verifiable. Other than that, I have simply combined the work of others and edited it into a present­able (I think) story. I hope you enjoy reading about my Dillard family of North America.

The first recorded Dillard in my family in North America was George Dillard. Some early accounts claimed, without documentation, that George was horn in 1634 in Wiltshire, England. George Dillard first appeared in North America May 22, 1650 when he was listed as one of 107 headrights (see Exhibit # 16, pages 108, 109, and 110) for whom a transportation receipt was turned in at the Virginia Land Patent Office in New Kent County, Virginia by Captain Moore Fantleroy". The Captain received 50 acres of land for each Headright for a total of 5,350 acres. Under the Headright system, every immigrant entering the colony, or the person paying his passage, was entitled to fifty acres of land. Thus, George Dillard came to the colony of Virginia as an indentured servant, meaning an­other party paid for his passage. The indentured servant was indebted to the person paying his pas­sage until the debt was paid. Depending upon George Dillard's age. craftsmanship, and other factors, he might have worked as long as seven years to repay the debt. Several other records of George Dillard exist in New Kent County and in King and Queen County (one county), Virginia between May 1650 and 1704. For example, he patented 250 acres of land November 29, 1665 in New Kent County adjoining land where he was then living". The implication here is strong that during those fifteen years George had repaid his own transportation debt and had bought land of his own. He was also financially able to pay the passage for five other passengers. New Kent County at that time was a large tract of land stretching westward from the Chesapeake Bay. King and Queen County was formed from New Kent in 1691. George was still in King and Queen County in 1691 when William Collins and Timothy Corners patented 620 acres of land next to his plantation"".

Sometime before 1679, he took a wife, but her name was not found in any record. He and his wife sold 76 acres of land In New Kent County to John Lane by deed of trust September 20, 1679. On April 20,1694, George Dillard patented 139 acres of land in King and Queen County next to William Collins. In Stratton Major Parish September 2, 1675, George and eleven other local men served on a jury to determine if the land of a man who died without heirs should escheat to the King . George Dillard was on the 1704 Quit Rent Roll as owner of 325 acres in King and Queen County. Quit Rent was a tax or fee due the crown seven years after a piece of land was patented. The fee was one shillings per 50 acres. Other Dillards from King and Queen County who paid Quit Rent were Thomas Dillard with 175 acres. Nicholas Dilliard (Dillard) with 150 acres, and Edward Dilliard (Dillard) with 150 acres. The name George Dillard continued in King and Queen County parish records. However, it is possible that he accompanied his four sons, Thomas, George, Edward, and John Dillard to Culpeper County. An aging father often moved with sons and families to new land".

My Dillards were soon well established in Culpeper County, Virginia. Of the four sons of George Dillard, I am concerned in this chapter with my ancestor, Thomas Dillard, Sr. He was born between 1700 and 1704 and died in 1774. Thomas Dillard married Winifred Nalle North, daughter of Martin Nalle, of Essex County, Virginia. Thomas was executor of Martin Nalle's will". Thomas Dillard was the first of the four Dillard brothers to secure land in Orange County, Virginia in the year 1735. The Assembly "exempted all who acquired land in Orange County by January 1735 from paying county and parish levies for the next three years." Another Dillard brother, George, also acquired land in Culpeper County in 1735. Brothers Edward (died in Pittsylvania County in 1779), and John (died after 1794) acquired their land in Culpeper County at a latter date.

Thomas Dillard, Sr. was a reader at the Little Fork Church. By 1750 he had sold his Culpeper County land, and by 1752 had settled in newly created Halifax County. There, from the beginning as a Justice or the Peace and vestryman of Antrim Parish Church, he helped to set up county govern­ment, saw about locating roads and aided in building a courthouse and a church. Overall, he helped llic frontier county become a place where people could live and make a living. When Pittsylvania County was created out of Halifax County in 1767, Thomas Dillard, Sr., continued us a vestryman but in Camden Parish, where he was also a reader, and was appointed Coroner.

Thomas Dillard, Sr. died in Pittsylvania County, Virginia in 1774 (see Exhibit # 17, page 111). His will was written May 4, 1774 and proved June 23, 1774. He named his two sons, James and Thomas Dillard, Jr., as his heirs. He left property to both. Thomas Dillard, Jr. was his executor and the trustee of James. The reason for naming Thomas Jr. as a trustee for James becomes obvious as one reviews and studies more and more county records. It was done to protect James's property, and to see that James's sons (Thomas was the only son named) inherited it after their father died. Thomas's will provided that James should receive the land on Stone's Creek and half the household furniture and livestock. During his lifetime he was to receive several slaves. James's son, Thomas Dillard, was to receive some slaves after his death. Other slaves were to he divided among "James's other children," who were not named. Both James and Thomas Dillard, Jr. appear in numerous other Culpeper, Halifax and Pittsylvania County records.

I descended from the aforementioned James Dillard. His early life in Culpeper. Halifax. Pittsylvania, and Henry counties was well documented. He was probably born in 1730 in Essex County, Virginia. In 1735 he moved with his parents to Orange County. Virginia. He was in Culpeper, Pittsylvania. Halifax, Orange, and Henry Counties, Virginia until about 1787 when he moved to Chester and then Fairfield Counties in South Carolina. He died there between 1791 and 1800. His wife was Priscilla Pettuses, who died after 1791 probably in South Carolina.

It is important to note here that there was at least one other James Dillard living in South Carolina at the same time and in the same general area as my James. He is NOT my James and care must be taken NOT to confuse them. This is not easy for they are cousins, knew many of the same people, and traveled in the same social set. That James Dillard also had a distinguished Revolutionary War military career and served in the War of 1812. He was also a noted politician. I have omitted many sources for James because it was not clear to which James Dillard the source referred.

The first record of my James was in November 1752 when he secured a 664 acre land grant in the Northern Neck section of Culpeper County, lie did not sell that land until 1762 (sec Exhibit # 18, page 112| after he had been living in Halifax County Tor about ten years- At that time the Culpeper Court had to send a commission of three men to Halifax County to secure Priscilla Dillard's release of her dower right to one third of her husband's real estate. This proved that Priscilla and James were living in Halifax County at that time. His father, Thomas Dillard. Sr., was also living in Halifax County, and was a Justice of the Peace and vestryman there from its creation in 1752. Thomas was awarded a contract to repair the local prisons.

James also appeared in the county court records of Halifax County. He had a particularly interesting relationship with a David Caldwell. There were several suits between those two adversaries. Most were dismissed and/or settled out of court. The same court records showed many bounties paid to locals for killing wolves—an indication that Halifax County in 1752 was real frontier. Like his father and brother, James bought and sold land, and was plaintiff or defendant in a number of court cases. I have included only a few of the many records of James Dillard in this chapter. James served as a vestryman of Antrim Parish, Halifax County as did his father, Thomas Dillard, Sr. and his brother, Thomas Dillard, Jr. All three were vestrymen from the time the county was formed through 1766 (see Exhibit # 19, pages 113 and 114). James's father and brother were both Justices of the Peace, but nut James.

James was a Captain of Militia in the French & Indian War. James Dillard was the only Dillard who actually served any length of lime in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). James lived in Halifax County at that time. Two entries on widely separate dales (see below) in Hening's Statutes and in Kegley's book, "Virginia Frontier", and in The Packet, show that he was an officer-at least once a captain and once a lieutenant-in 1756,1757, and 1758 (see below).

Pay: to James Dillard as a lieutenant and a party of militia under his command of said county (Halifax), as per muster roll [and] Pay to Captain James Dillard and a company of militia under command of said James Dillard, as by master roll.

The fact that the two references were widely separated shows that they referred to disbursements for different forays, and not to two different people. Only one James Dillard was found in Halifax County records during those years, and only one was in the records as fighting in the French and Indian War. There is no reason the Lieutenant and the Captain had to be two persons. During that war volunteers were often stationed in forts, but in Halifax County the militia was called out when there was Indian trouble. When the particular disturbance was over, the militia went home. That James Dillard was a Captain of militia in that war is also shown in this record from Halifax County. Virginia, court records for May 20,1756, pp. 127-128.

"Ordered That in Pursuant of an Act of Assembly entitled an Act for raising the sum of Twenty five Thousand Pounds for the better Protection of the Inhabitants of the Frontiers of this Colony and for other purposes therein mentioned. That they summon Captain James Dillard to the next Court to show Cause if any he hath why he did not appear at the counsel of War held here yesterday, [p. 128] Ordered that James Dillard forthwith wait for his Honor the Governor at the Charge of this County with several Depositions concerning Certain Injuries Committed on the Back Inhabitants of this County by a Partied of Indians, Supposed to be of the Cherokee Nation"'. [and]

"Three new companies of rangers were provided for, bul Capt. Dillard was to be kept until the Virginia Regiment was completed to 1000 men, then this was to be divided into detachments to go on the frontier"'.

Kegley also reported in his book that they were to go under seven captains, one of whom was James Dillard, twenty lieutenants and ten ensigns. Their concern this time was the defense of the frontier inhabitants during the summer of 1757. Kegley's source was a May 1757 letter from Governor Robert Dinwiddie to Colonel Read (not mine) of Halifax County. At that time, Halifax County extended all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and had more Indian problems than any other county, except maybe far western Augusta County beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains.

<b/>The American Revolution began in April 1775 in far away Massachusetts. James was still a Captain in the local Militia but that did not protect him from further legal action. Two court cases in Pittsylania County went against James. He was fined 10 shillings in the May Court, 1775 "having profanely sworn." In a June 1778 court case entitled "County against James Dillard", "[he] not appearing (altho solemnly called)" was fined 5 shillings and costs for being drunk". The circumstances of those cases after Thomas, Sr. died makes one wonder if perhaps James's father had him named vestryman to keep an eye on him, or if some of the later justices resented the earlier preferential treatment shown James. That was clearly the reason that Thomas, Sr. made Thomas. Jr. the trustee for James. At the first court session of Pittsylvania County, James and others were ordered to view a road". Locating roads in a new county was one of the necessary first orders of business. James Dillard paid tax on February 20,1780 in Henry County (formed from Pittsylvania and Patrick Counties 1776-77). One of James's son, John Dillard, was quite prominent in Henry and later in Franklin County (created from Bedford, Henry, and Patrick Counties 1785)".

James' military career continued with active service in the American Revolution, making him, as far as I know, the only Dillard who served in both (he French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Not much is known about his military service during the Revolution except that he was a Captain in the Henry County Militia. As a Captain of Militia, he was obligated to do his military duty. Militia units were used primarily for "Homeland Defense", and seldom served outside their local area and/or state. Being on the frontier, the Henry County Militia was always vigilant for Indian attacks and the marauding raids of (he Tories. The only documented engagement for James and his militia unit I have found was the Battle of Guilford Court House. Guilford County, North Carolina March 15, 1781. Orders to his commanding officer. Major George Waller, in preparation fur that engagement (see Exhibit ft 20, pages 115 and 116) reads as follows:

"Henry County, VA.

You are forthwith required to march the militia under your command from this county to Hillsborough, North Carolina, or to any post where General Stevens may he with the men under his command, observing to avoid a surprise by the enemy, by the best route to be found. Given under my hand this 11th day of March 1781.

Abraham Penn, Col. H. C.

General Order for Major George Waller101"*

In the same order the names of the militia units ordered to the assistance of General Greene were listed. James Dillard's Company appeared on the list. His company roster was as follows:

James Dillard's Co.: William Fee, Jesse Witt, James Roberts, John Atkins, John Taylor, William Roberts, Augustin Sims, Kartell Reynolds, Morris Humphreys, Joseph Sewell, Josiah Smith, John Depriest, Thomas Hamhleton.

The battle of Guilford Court House and James' role in that crucial battle is explained in more detail in my next book. Briefly, it can be said that the battle was a British victory, BUT, because of continued patriot pressure, General Cornwallis had to withdraw immediately after the battle to Wilmington, North Carolina by way of Fayetteville, to seek the protection of the British fleet. The American commander, General Nathaniel Greene, pursued Cornwallis all the way and was spoiling for a rematch. As far as can be determined. Captain Dillard and the Henry County Militia returned to their homes after the Battle of Guilford Court House to resume their "Homeland Security" duties.

After passing through Fayetteville, General Greene decided to break off his pursuit of Cornwallis and moved south to relieve the forts there under British control at Ninety-Six, Eutaw Springs and Monks Corner. Cornwallis eventually decided to move north from Wilmington into Virginia. We all know what happen there later that year at Yorktown.

After the Revolution, James legal problems continued. He was still in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. In one instant in a court case dated July 17,1782 "In Trespass on the Case", William Elliott, as plaintiff, sued James Dillard defendant. The record showed that "The plaintiff failing to present this Suit on the Motion of the defense by his Attorney it is considered by the Court that the said plaintiff be Nonsuit, and that he pay into the defendant five shillings damages (pursuant to the act of Assembly in that case made and provided) and the costs by him about his defense in this behalf expended"- The last-found Virginia record of James Dillard occurred in the August 20,1782 session of the Pittsylvania court. In two cases that month, James Dillard sued William Young "In Trespass, assault and battery" and "In Trespass in the case" respectively. The record showed that in both instances "By consent this suit is dismissed each party paying his own costs""".

On June 11, 1780, James and Priscilla Dillard of Henry County sold to Owen West for 30011 pounds, 240 acres on the "north fork of Great Straitstone Creek, beginning on the north side of said Straitstone Creek a little west of the old mill path that leads from William Collins's to Thomas Dillard old mill... Edward Hubbard, all lands deeded to me by Hubbard in Halifax or Pittsylvania. Patent granted to Thomas Dillard". Witnesses were Benjamin Dillard, Thomas Dillard, John Collins. John Buckley, and William Ward. James recorded the deed on June 20, 1780". Lucile R. Johnson, who noted that James Dillard inherited this land from his father, discovered this information. (Note: Thomas Dillard d. 13 June 1774 in Pittsylvania County left land on Straightstone Creek to sons James and Thomas.)

At that point, James and Priscilla moved to South Carolina. They can be found in upstate South Carolina by June 28, 1787. On that date, James bought land there via two deeds recorded in the Chester County, South Carolina deed book. In the first, a deed of lease and release, dated June 28, 1787. William Hogan of Chester County, South Carolina, sold 160 acres "part of a tract of 200 acres lying on south side of Sandy River" to James Dillard for " 100 lbs. " The deed was signed by William Hogan and witnessed by T. (?) Lewis, William Mall, and James Dillard, Jr. [pp. 291. 293]. The deed of lease for the same land was for 10 shillings. The deed of lease and release, in which the seller "leases" the land for a nominal sum, here 10 shillings, and then sells the land for the agreed price. "100 lbs.," took the place of an old common law requirement that the seller and buyer had to he physically on the land when it was sold. After the agreed price was paid, in a ceremony known as "livery and seizin." the seller picked up a clod and gave it to the buyer. That represented delivery and acceptance of the land. The James Dillard, Jr. who witnessed the transaction has not been identified. Locals often used "Jr." to identify rather than as part of one's actual name or title"".

James Dillard was enumerated in the census records of 1790 for Camden District, Fairfield County, South Carolina.

On December 31,1791, James Dillard and wife Percilla Dillard, of Fairfield County, sold the same 160 acres, "part of a tract lying on south side of Sandy River [for] 75 lbs. sterling" to John Foots, of Chester County. The deed was signed by James Dillard and Percilla Dillard and witnessed by Nathan Jaggers and William Foots. It was "attested bef. Rich Taliaferro, Clk Chester Co. by William Poole April 13. 1792". The sum of 75 pounds sterling, which was "hard money," may have been worth more than the "100 lbs." of ordinary money, that James Dillard paid for the land.

James was still in Fairfield County, South Carolina in late 1793 because on November 16th of that year, he and James Dillard, Junior sold a slave to James Davis also of Fairfield County". James Dillard probably died in Fairfield County, South Carolina sometime before 1800, as he does not appear in the census records for that year. No probate records have been found.

<b/>The children of James and Priscilla Dillard are the subject of much conjecture and speculation. Most Dillard researchers agree that the following were their children: (I) John Dillard - married Sarah Stovall, (2) Thomas Dillard - married Ruth Goad in Henry County, Virginia, (3) George Dillard, (4) Nancy Dillard - married William Hogan, (5) Joseph Dillard - married Priscilla Wilkins in Richmond County, Georgia, (6) William Dillard - married Rli/a, and (7) Edmond Dillard.

I descended from Joseph Dillard, son of James Dillard. For proof of this father/son connection I have relied almost exclusively upon the research and conclusions of Dorothy Dillard Hughes as presented in her excellent paper on the Dillards of Culpeper County entitled "Joseph Dillard, His Children, and Probable Dillard Ancestors". I quote from her paper herein: "So were James and Priscilla Dillard parents of Joseph Dillard, whose wife was Priscilla Wilkins? No official record exists to prove the relationship. Since no will of James Dillard has been found and he probably died intestate between 1791 and 1800. having disposed of bis land before be died, no list of his children is in records. The evidence that Joseph was probably James's son hinges on indirect evidence of geography and chronology, that is, of place and time, and on naming patterns. Joseph lived in upstate South Carolina and across the Savannah River in Richmond County, Georgia, at the time when he could have been a son of James, who also lived in South Carolina. He named his oldest son James. A popular naming pattern was to name the oldest son after either the father or the paternal grandfather, in this case after a probable grandfather. Another telling point is that Lucile R. Johnson and I found Wilkins records in Pittsylvania County, where James's family was prominent. Kin and neighbors moved together. Additionally, Joseph does not fit into any other South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, or Virginia Dillard family of the time. These are the only states in which DILLARDS were listed in the 1790 censuses or substitutes. Also, since no researcher has found evidence that nullifies the relationship, James Dillard seems to be the likeliest father for Joseph Dillard."

Dorothy's arguments were convincing enough to persuade the Genealogy Committee of the Sons of the American Revolution that James was the father of Joseph and both are my 5th and 4th great grandfathers respectively.

My cousin. Dr. James L. Reid, has also done much research on Joseph Dillard. In a letter to Dorothy dated October 31,1995, Dr. Reid wrote: " I have made my first and only sighting of Joseph Dillard at an event that occurred during his lifetime. He was a buyer at the estate sale of one John Kirby of Union County, South Carolina 22 Sept 1808." John Kirby is an ancestor of Dr. Reid. Dr. Reid also found Joseph Dillard in Richmond County, Georgia in Captain Scale's tax district, on a list labeled "A List of Defaulters in Richmond County." L. Harris, R. T. T. T. C signed the list. Richmond County is just across the Savannah River from Edgefield County, South Carolina. Joseph was also found in the Augusta Chronicle for Saturday, September 9,1797.

From the 1903 interview of Nancy Bryant Brown, I know that Joseph. Priscilla, and their family moved to Spartanburg County, South Carolina to escape the raids of the Tories. It is possible that the Joseph Dill listed in the 1800 census of Spartanburg County is my Joseph. That Joseph Dill had in his household two males under the age of 10, one between the ages of 10 &16, and one between the ages of 26 & 45, two females under the age of 10 years, one between the ages of 10 & 16, and one between the ages of 26 &45. The birth date for Joseph as being between 1755 and 1774 fits. The story of how Dr. Reid discovered our connection to Joseph Dillard is very interesting. For years a connection to the Dillards was suspected because of the vast number of Dillards in the area and the many Reid. Dillard, and Bryant intermarriages. The first clue to making a solid connection was the middle name of Samuel Wilkins Reid. Sam was the oldest son of James William Reid and Lucretia Dillard. With this bit of information. Dr. Reid surmised that the maiden name of Lucretia Dillard might have been Wilkins. From that point, Dr. Reid discovered the estate papers of Samuel Wilkins. Samuel Wilkins died intestate in Spartanburg County December 10, 1851 at the advanced age of 108. He outlived his son and one daughter. Since he died without a will and owned property, his heirs had to be found to make a proper distribution of his property. His son, James Wilkins had married, moved out of the State and after many years of searching, could not be found. His daughter, Pricilla Dillard, the wife of Joseph Dillard, had died. His other daughter, Polly Hacker, was still alive and living in the area. What all this comes down to is that the living heirs of Samuel C. Wilkins in 1851 was his wife, Susan Wilkins. (heir daughter, Polly Hacker, and the children of Pricilla Dillard, wife of my Joseph Dillard. Those children were located. Among the children of Joseph and Pricilla was Lucretia Reid, the wife of James William Reid.

On March 7, the first "Final Settlement" determined that Susan Wilkins was to have one half of her husband's estate and the other half was to be divided by three, a third for each child of Samuel Wilkins. Each of the children received $665.27. Since James Wilkins and his family could not be located, his portion was to be divided equally between Polly Hacker and Priscilla Wilkins Dillard. This division became a part of the "Final Settlement" on 4 May 1857". Since Priscilla Wilkins Dillard was already dead, her children received her share. That, plus the research done by Dorothy Dillard Hughes, proved the connection between Lucretia Dillard, Joseph Dillard, her father, and hence to James Dillard.

"Be fruitful and multiply.” Joseph and Priscilla Wilkins Dillard and their children seem to have taken seriously this biblical injunction. Joseph and Priscilla had ten children. All have known descendants except one, Nancy Dillard, the oldest daughter, who married Isaac Rogers and died before 1851 without children. Jemima Dillard married James Briant and had twelve children. James Dillard had nine children by his first wife, Sarah, and five by a second wife, Frances Quinn, whom he married September 23, 1845. lie had no children by a third wife, Pheribe Hafley- whom he married October 10. 1864. Harcaneous Dillard and Nancy Brian! had seven children. Pherbia or Phereby Dillard and Rando [ph] Barnett had thirteen children and Dorcas Dillard. who married Johnston Briant, had ten. Delilah Dillard married William F. Briant and they had eleven children. Samuel Dillard married Elizabeth Reid (daughter of Thomas Reid and Judith Bryant) had fourteen children. Lucretia Ann Dillard married James Reid and had six children. Josiah Dillard married Cynthia Hammett and had eleven children. This brings the number of known grandchildren of Joseph and Priscilla Dillard to ninety-eight.

As previously mentioned, Lucretia Dillard married James William Reid in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. James was a long hunter. Long Hunters were backwoodsmen who made their living hunting and trapping wild game. They were often away from home for months a! a lime. James was the son of Thomas Reid and the grandson of William Reid. William Reid died in Spartanburg County, South Carolina in 1793. A more detailed account of the Reids in North America can he found in the introduction to his book and in Chapter One. I am enclosing a "Descendant Chart" of George Dillard to Larry E. Reid as Exhibit # 21, page 117. This chart is a visual record of my Dillard connection. Anyone interested will be able to plot his or her own relation to the Dillards of North America by locating a common ancestor in the chart.

Dillard Time Line

1. 1634 - Approximate dale George Dillard horn in Wiltshire, England.
2. 1650, May 22 - George Dillard arrived in New Kent County, Virginia.
3. 1700-1704 - Thomas Dillard Horn.
4. 1704 - George Dillard died.
5. 1730 - James Dillard born in Essex County, Virginia.
6. 1750 - James moved to Halifax County, Virginia.
7. 1754 - 1763 - James in Frcneh and Indian War.
8. 1760 - Joseph Dillard horn in Halifax County, Virginia.
9. 1774 - Thomas Dillard died in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
10. 1781, March 15 - James in the Battle of Guilford Court House.
11. 1787, June 28 - James bought land in Chester County, South Carolina.
12. 1787 - James moved with his family to Chester County, South Carolina.
13. 1790 - James in Federal Census for Fairfield County, South Carolina.
14. 1800 - James Dillard died probably in Fairfield County, South Carolina.
15. 1801, May 15 - Lucretia Dillard born Spartanburg County, South Carolina to Joseph Dillard and Priscilla Wilkins.
16. 1823 - Lucretia Dillard married James William Reid late in this year.
17. 1824, March 24 - Samuel Wilkins Reid born in North Carolina.

This concludes the story of my Dillard family in North America. I have shown how the Reids and Dillards are related and tried to offer some details about the lives of those early Dillards.

Research Notes

The Dillard Annuals stated that further research into the Reid book is needed as it has has some inaccuracies when compared to more recent research.

• The tax list of 1819 Washington County, Tn listed a Martha Dillard.^{[citation needed]}

• A son of James, also Thomas, married Ruth Goad, first cousin to Gen. John Sevier, first governor of Tenn.

• Capt. Charles Hutchings married Elizabeth, dau of Thomas Dillard, (Jr. ?) and they too went to East Tn.

• I have a file on the Virginia Dillards which I can e-mail to anyone who requests it from me BY E-MAIL. - Ken

Genealogy.com

Sources

1. ↑ My Reid and Harrison Families in North America from Their Arrival to Present: With Special Section on the Eells, Loss, Smiths of New York, p. 27, Larry E. Reid, Jan 1, 2006 - Connecticut
2. ↑ ID: I59251, UID: 1881694D723E8A4B9740DDD0513C42A9D09A : "Hutchins, Harvey, Martin, Thomas," by Linda Deckert :2183778 Rootsweb database, 29 Jul 2002. Cites: (a) "Dillard Annual," Vol. 2 (Jan 1993) p.8.
3. ↑ "Back to Old Virginia with Dillard, Daniel and Kin," comp. by Carlton M. Dillard (Baltimore, Gateway Press, 1993) p.150. FHL 929.273 D581di. Cites: (a) Dorothy Dillard Hughes, Lubbock, TX, citing Patent Bk 33:530.
4. ↑ "Dillards of Culpeper County, Virginia and Related Families of South Carolina," by Dorothy Dillard Hughes, "Dillard Annual," Vol. 5 (Jan 1998) p.23-26.citing (a) 1790 census, Camden District, Fairfield Co., SC. (b)John C. Dillard, Bessemer, AL, citing Chester Co., SC Deeds.(c) "Gwinnett County Families, 1818-1968," by Alice S. McCable (Gwinnett Historical Soc. ) p.154-160.(d) Howard Jones
5. ↑ "Historical Southern Families," by John Bennett Boddie (Clearfield Co., Redwood City, CA, 1960; rpt. Genealogical Pub. Co., Baltimore, 1967) Vol. 5, p.9.
6. ↑ "Descendants of George Dillard as prepared by Dorothy Dillard Hughes"
7. ↑ Dillard Annual, 27 Apr 2005).
8. ↑ "Many Branches of My Family Tree From Washington County, Ohio & Beyond," by Debra (Noland) Nitsche (http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com, diamonddeb database, 26 Aug 2008). Cites (a) "Pittsylvania County, Virginia History," by Maud Carter Clement (1929).
9. ↑ "United States Census, 1790," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHKN-7RB : accessed 13 April 2017), James Dillard, Fairfield, South Carolina, United States; citing p. 159, NARA microfilm publication M637, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 11; FHL microfilm 568,151.
10. ↑ Deed books, 1767-1901 (with wills 1767-1820) ; indexes to deeds, 1767-1934: "Deed books, 1767-1901 (with wills 1767-1820) ; indexes to deeds, 1767-1934"
    Catalog: Deed books, 1767-1901 (with wills 1767-1820) ; indexes to deeds, 1767-1934 Deeds and wills book, v. 5, 1778 (1777)-1780 (1781).
    Film number: 007646006 > image 215 of 283
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9PX-G9N3-K (accessed 15 May 2022)
11. ↑ Reid, Larry E. 2006. My Reid and Harrison families in North America from their arrival to present: with special section on the Eells, Loss, Smiths of New York. Collierville, TN: InstantPublishers.

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