Col. William S. Ryburn1

b. 11 July 1825, d. 22 January 1900
FatherPatrick Ryburn2 b. 19 May 1790, d. 2 Oct 1845
MotherJane Stewart3,4 b. abt 1792, d. 12 Mar 1874
Birth11 Jul 1825 Col. William S. Ryburn was born on 11 Jul 1825 near Graham's Bridge in Washington County, Virginia, where his father was born before him.1,5,6 
Childhood William grew up in Washington County, Virginia, the second son and fourth child in a family of 7 children. 
Marriagecirca 1848 He married first Rebecca Jane McCall, daughter of William McCall and Elizabeth Logan, circa 1848.7 
Cens-185010 Sep 1850  By 1850, the first census year that recorded the names of everyone in the household, William was the head of his own family, which also included his wife Rebecca and their first child, one year old Patrick.8 
  William's widowed mother and unmarried sisters were enumerated in the adjacent household. Since William's father had left him his share of the Ryburn family lands on his mother's death, but stipulated that William was to live with and care for his mother while she was living, it is likely they were all living on the same farm.2 
Cens-186031 Jul 1860 Ten years later when the census was again enumerated the same situation existed, with William's mother and sisters again listed as the adjacent household. However, William and Rebecca's family now included two sons and two daughters. A third son, named William for his father, was born in 1851 and died of dystentery in 1854. A fourth son, Samuel, would be born 3 weeks after the census taker's visit.9 
Cens-1860- Agric The 1860 census also included a slave and an agricultural schedule. William does not appear to have owned slaves, but additional information about his farm can be gleamed from the agricultural data. He owned 80 acres, sixty of which was improved. This was not a large farm for the area. William reported the value of his farm as $2,200, less than the $3,000 in real estate holdings he reported on the population schedule (did he own land beside his farm?). He owned $1,000 in livestock, including 9 horses (a large number in relationship to the size of the farm), 4 cows, 5 cattle, 8 sheep and 16 swine. The farm produced 70 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of Indian corn, 150 bushels of oats, 20 pounds of wool, 10 bushels of Irish potatoes, 200 pounds of butter, 10 tons of hay, 50 pounds of flax and 20 pounds of maple sugar.10 
Cens-187017 Aug 1870 The 1870 census was more specific as to the part of the county where each family was living. William and Rebecca were enumerated in the Glade Spring District with John 16, Mary 14, Elizabeth 12, Samuel 10 and Sarah 5. Sarah had been named in memory of an older sister Sarah, who was born in 1862 and died in 1863. William reported that he owned land valued at $6,000 and personal property worth $2,000.11,12 
Cens-188021 Jun 1880  The 1880 census listed them in the Holston District of the county. This does not necessarily reflect a move, but more likely a "redistricting" since "Holston" was not one of the district labels in 1870.13 
 William appears to have been a man held in high regard by his friends and neighbors. His name appears as executor or administrator on several probate records and he apparently also served as the county sheriff at some point. The Bristol News, in its 20 July 1880 edition, stated, "Col. W.S. Ryburn, who made one of the best sheriffs this county ever had is in town."14 
  William also appears to have served as colonel of the 70th Regiment of the Washington County militia. In June 1863 this notice appeared in a local newspaper: "The male persons residing in the bounds of the 2nd Battalion of the 70th Regiment Virginia Militia, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, are ordered to assemble at Jeptha N. Logan's on Sat., the 27th day of June at 2 o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of organizing the company, and electing officers for the same. By order of Wm S. Ryburn, Lt. Col. Comdg. 70th Regt. V.M."15 
Religion The family worshiped at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church in Meadowview where William erected markers in the church cemetery in memory of several family members, including his wife Rebecca, who died in 1886.16 
Will30 Jun 1886 William wrote a very detailed will in June 1886, shortly after Rebecca's death. In it he noted that he had written an earlier will and codicil, dated 27 Feb. 1885 and Sept. 19, 1885, in which he had left ample provision for his wife Rebecca whose wise counsel he had valued. He noted that Rebecca had died on April 23, 1886, causing him to revoke the earlier will and write another. William commented that his estate would leave his children well provided for but he expressed "the hope that my children and heirs will esteem the untarnished name of my dear wife, their mother, as of more worth to them than the earthly goods I shall bequeath them. Never forget the good name of your mother and cherish her memory" .

William named and provided for his children John D.G. Ryburn, Samuel L. Ryburn, Patrick Ryburn, Sarah E.M.M. Ryburn and Mary Mc, the wife of Leander Ramsey. He also provided for his grandson, William R. Carmack, son of his deceased daughter Elizabeth J. Carmack. William's inheritance was to be held by William's executors and in no way was to be available to Elizabeth's husband, James Carmack

William appointed his three sons as his executors with no security required. In December, 1898, following the death of his son Samuel, William added a codicil granting Samuel's share to his three sons. He added a few specific bequests, and decreased the amount of cash gifted to his grandson William Carmack.17 
Marriage9 Oct 1890 He married second Mary Ellen Hutton, daughter of Samuel C. Hutton and Isabella Hutton, on 9 Oct 1890 in Washington County, Virginia.3 
10 Oct 1890 He was 65 and she was 54. 
  Mary Ellen died less than two years later. 
Death22 Jan 1900 William died on 22 Jan 1900 at age 74.1 
Burial He was buried in the Ryburn family section in Rock Spring Cemetery, Washington County, Virginia.1 
Will-Recd26 Feb 1900 William's will was recorded on 26 Feb 1900 in Washington County.17 
Probate Recd22 Mar 1901  Two sets of settlement papers were filed for William's estate. The first, dated March 11, 1901 listed payments to: Mary McRamsey $235, Patrick Ryburn $135 and $100, Mary M. Mitchell $100 (Mary Ryburn Ramsey marr T.H. Mitchell in Nov. 1900), Mrs. P.E. Ryburn as guardian $100, Sarah Snodgrass $135 and $100, and J.D.G. Ryburn $167.02.18 
Probate Recd26 May 1902 Additional papers were filed on 26 May 1902. They listed equal payments of $113. 28 to: Sarah Snodgrass, Patrick Ryburn, Mary Mc Mitchell and P.E. Ryburn, guardian. J.D.G. Ryburn received $81.26.19 

Related Links and Images:

William's will
William's headstone; second view with first wife, Rebecca's, stone
Other interments in Rock Spring Cemetery
The 1850 Washington Co., Virginia census listed William as the head of household number 1138. Follow the link to see who lived nearby.

Family

Rebecca Jane McCall b. 31 Mar 1827, d. 23 Apr 1886
Children
ChartsDescendants of William Ryburn and Mary (?)
Last Edited22 Oct 2013

Citations

  1. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 210. Col. Wm S. Ryburn, 11 Jul 1825-22 Jan 1900.
  2. [S701] Patrick Ryburn will (1845), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 10: 23. The will was dated 29 Sept. 1845 and recordrd in court 27 Oct. 1845. John Ryburn was named executor with William Graham and Robert Keys witnesses.
  3. [S123] William R. Wheeler, Washington Co., VA Marriage Licenses 1881-1890, p. 54, 94. William S. Ryburn, 65 widow, b. & resid Washington Co. VA, farmer, s/o Patrick & Jane Ryburn AND Mary E. Hutton, 54, sgl, b. & resid WCV, d/o Samuel C. & Isabella Hutton; 9 Oct. 1890.
  4. [S537] Hutton Family Data, authored by Dr. J. B. Hutton. William Ryburn was the first cousin, once removed, of J.B. Hutton.
  5. [S1209] Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks, Washington County Survey forms, copies held by the Historical Society of Washington County, Abingdon, Virginia. Vol 5: entry 95-308, dated 12/10/1992, completed by Vivian Coletti. The house is referenced as the "Ryburn Homestead" and was owned at the time by William Leonard. Ms Coletti interviewed Mrs. W.T. Ryburn and her daughter whose Ryburn ancestors originally owned the farm; in 1992 Mrs Ryburn lived in an adjacent home. Ms Coletti's notes from her interview include: "John Ryburn.... born in Washington Co. VA near Graham's Bridge, where his father, grandfather, and great grandfather were born. John died of a heart attack in 1953."
  6. [S16] Graham's Bridge is near the junction of rt 709 and 803 in Washington County, approx. 4 miles south of Meadowview and approx. 2 miles west of Rock Spring Church and Cemetery. The bridge is very near the home described in the historical survey as the "Ryburn homestead".
  7. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 210. Mrs. Rebecca Jane Ryburn, w/o Col. Wm S. Ryburn, 31 Mar 1827-23 Apr 1886. Roger Ryburn, who located Rebecca's stone, reports that it also says, "erected by her husband" and "daughter of Wm. V. D. McCall."
  8. [S367] Wm S. Ryburn household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., District 67, p. 146 (stamped), dwelling 1138, family 1138, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jan. 2005, image 157 of 289. Enumeration includes: Wm S. Ryburn, 24, farmer, value land: $1,200; Rebecca J. 23; Patrick, 1; all b. VA.
  9. [S234] William S. Ryburn household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Western district, p. 148 (script), dwelling 1098, family 1054, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jan. 2005, image 150 of 361. Enumeration includes: William S. Ryburn, 35, farmer, land value: $3,000, pers prop: $1,500; Rebecca, 33, Hkeeper; Patrick 10; John 6; Mary 4; Elizabeth; 2; all b. VA.
  10. [S1311] William S. Ryburn landowner, 1860 U.S. census, Washington Co., Virginia, agricultural sched., Lodi Post Office, p. 13, line 3.
  11. [S635] William Ryburn household, 1870 U.S. cens, Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Glade Spring district, p. 55b (stamped), dwelling 33, family 33, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jan. 2005, image 4 of 49. Enumeration includes: Wm S. Ryburn, 45, farmer, value land $6,000, pers. prop $2,500; Rebecca J. 43, keeping house; John D.G., 16, laborer; Mary Mc, 14; Elizabeth J. 12; (cont. next page) Samuel 10; Sarah 5; all b. VA.
  12. [S16] Jane Ryburn (William's mother) and his sisters Catherine and Sarah have not been located yet on the 1870 census. It is possible they were overlooked by the census taker.
  13. [S163] W.S. Ryburn household, 1880 U.S. Cens., Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Holston district, ED 100, p. 4D, dwelling 28, family 28. Jan. 2005, image 4 of 54. Enumeration includes: W.S. Ryburn, 54, farmer; Rebecca J., wife, 53; John D.G., son, 26; Mary Mac, dau, 23; E.J., dau, 21; Samuel L., son, 19; Sarah E.M.M., dau, 15; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.
  14. [S1202] "Personals, Bristol News, 20 July 1880", Holston Pastfinder, Volume 16, Number 61: 17.
  15. [S2806] "Attention", Abingdon Virginian, 19 June 1863, page 3; digital image, The Library of Congress, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/newspapers/: viewed Nov. 2011). Notice to assemble posted by Wm S. Ryburn, Lt. Col. Comdg 70th Reb. V.M. See also from the same source: "To the Public", Abingdon Virginian, 17 Apr. 1863, p. 3.
  16. [S1204] Records of Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 98-99 (C). A Register of Communicants includes an undated entry for the admission of William Ryburn. He is also buried in the church cemetery.
  17. [S853] William S. Ryburn will and codicil (recorded 1900), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 26: 296. William's will, which replaced a previous one, was dated 30 June, 1886. He added a codicil on 17 Dec. 1898. Both were recorded in court on 26 Feb. 1900. J.D.G. Ryburn and W.J. Snodgrass took the oath of executor without security, as directed by the will.
  18. [S828] Wm S. Ryburn settlement (recorded 1901), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 27: 38. J. D. G. Ryburn & W.J. Snodgrass, executors.
  19. [S828] William S. Ryburn settlement (1902), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 27: 118.
  20. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 216. William M. Ryburn. (3y 14d), died 9 Sept 1854 of dysentery; parents Wm S. & Rebecca Ryburn.
  21. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 210. Sarah C. Ryburn, Inf. d/o Wm. S. & R. J. Ryburn, d. 16 Jul 1863, age 1y 3m 27d.