The Bilyeu Family

Four possible brothers of unknown parentage are the progenitors of the Bilyeu families of Missouri. They have been identified as John Bilyeu born 1775 who died in Miller County Missouri in 1853; William born ca. 1795 who died in Linn County, Oregon 1878; Andrew Bilyeu who lived in Sangamon County, Illinois and Isaac Bilyeu who probably died in Carroll County, Arkansas. Some, or perhaps all, of the group were in Sangamon County, Illinois in the 1830s.[1]

Sangamon Co. Illinois 1830 Census

p. 143 Isaac Bilyeu 1 male 5-10, [John W.] 1 male 20-30, [Jacob] 1 male 50-60; 1 female 5-10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 40-50. He was between Jacob Miller, Henry Clinkingbeard and Isaac Workman. 

p. 143 Peter Bilyeu with 2 males 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 50-60; 2 females under 5, 2 females 5-10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 20-30 1 female 40-50. He was next door to David Workman.

p. 144 James Bilyeu with 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 2 male 10-15, 1 male 40-50; 1 female 15-20, 1 female 30-40

John S. Bilyeu 1 male 20-30, 1 female 20-30

Benjamin Workman

Oliver Bilyeu 1 male 10-15, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 30-40; 2 females 10-15, 2 females 15-20

William Bilyeu 2 males 5-10, 1 male 30-40; 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 30-40.

George Coker

p. 144 Andrew Bilyeu 1 male 5-10, [Simon Peter] 1 male 10-15, [John R.] 1 male 20-30, [Isaac? should be 18] 1 female under 5, [Lydia] 1 female 5-10, [Elizabeth] 1 female 15-20, [??] 1 female 40-50.

Miller County, Missouri.

   There were a number of men by the name of Bilyeu in 1840 in Miller County. The first, on p. 109, was in Glaze Twp: John W. Bilyeu who had 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 30-40; 1 female under 5 1 female 20-30. He was next door to Isaac Bilyeu who had 1 male 10-15, 1 male 60-70; 1 female 50-60 and owned 21 slaves.

   A few doors away on p. 110 was: Andrew Bilyeu with 1 male 15-20, 1 male 40-50; 2 females 5-10, 1 female 40-50. He was living next door to Jacob Workman. Two doors away was Isaac Bilyeu with 1 male 5-10, 1 male 20-30, 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 20-30. This may be the man who is buried in Jackson Cemetery.

   Four households away was George Coker, then Susan Workman, then Jacob Bilyeu with 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 2 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40; 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 30-40. Three households away was Hannah Workman. Two more households and then four men named Bilyeu: William (40-50), George W. (20-30), John BORN (20-30), and Solomon (20-30).

On p. 111 is another group in Richwoods Township:

Isaac Bilyeu with 2 males under 5, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 40-50; 2 females 5-10. {no wife}

Next door is Thomas Lake, then Cornelius Roberts, then Woodford Jones, then Cornelius Bilyeu (male 20-30), Peter Bilyeu with 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40, 2 females under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 15-20 and 1 female 30-40. His neighbors were David Henderson, Thomas Davis, John M. Davis and George Long.

On p. 112 in Richwoods Township next door to Isaac Workman was John Bilyeu with 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 15-20 and 2 males 60-70; 3 females 10-15, 1 female 30-40.

Isaac M. Bilyeu was enumerated in 1850 in Miller County next to Thompson Davis. Isaac was in Household #341, age 52, born Kentucky, John, age 21 born IL, Diadama, age 20, born Illinois, Rebecca, age 19 born IL, Thomas, age 17 born IL and Budy, age 14 born IL [migration ca. 1836]

JOHN BILYEU born ca. 1775 and died in Miller county Missouri in 21 January 1853 near Bray's Mill in Big Richwoods Township, Miller County, Missouri.[2] Said to have married (1) 20 Aug. 1795 in Hardin County, Kentucky, Sarah McGrew; married (2) about 1820 married Rachel Carr, who was the mother of the two youngest children. She was born ca. 1806 as she was 62 years old when she applied for a pension in 1868.

   He is said to have fought during the Creek war with Andrew Jackson and served in the First Regiment of Bradley's Tennessee Volunteers.[3] John Bilyeu was listed on the 1830 census in McDonough Co. Illinois. He was enumerated just three houses from William Osborn, Larkin's father. John, p. 92, as John Belyen with 2 males under 5 [Isaac’s son John?, Andrew J. or Larkin?], 1 male 5-10 [Joseph], 1 male 10-15 {Cornelius?}, 1 male 20-30 {Isaac?}, 1 male 50-60 [John]; 4 females under 5 {Lydia? Susan?}, 2 females 5-10 {Sarah? Mary?}, 2 females 20-30 {Rachel and Delia? or Isaac’s new wife?}. He was living next door to one Absalom Carr, a young man of 20-20 who may be Rachel's brother, or other relative.

   John Bilyeu is said to have settled in the Big Richwoods area northeast of Iberia. John was listed as head of household in Miller county in 1840 and listed on p. 112 in Richwoods Township  He was lislted between Isaac Workman and Larkin J. Osbourn. With him were 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 60-70; 3 females 10-15, 1 female 30-40. This suggests that Rachel was a second wife due to the discrepancy in their ages and the presence of two small boys. John was living in Miller Co. #315 in 1850 age 75, born in Maryland; Rachel age 40 born Kentucky and Andrew age 15 born MO and Larkin age 12 born MO.

   Since John only mentioned his minor children in his will, it seems likely whatever distribution he planned to make for the elder children had already been accomplished. On 31 Jan. 1844 John Bilyeu and his wife Rachel of Miller sold to Cornelius Bilyeu of same for $150.00 the NE of SE S30-T39-R12 and NW of SW of S29-T39-R12 containing 80 acres.[4]   On 14 December 1850 John Bilyeu appeared before Haman Dyer, J.P. in Miller county and stated that he was intimately acquainted with William Bilyeu who was applying for bounty land for his service in the Creek War in 1812.[5]

   John Bilyeu, being low in health, left a will dated 18 December 1852 in which he bequeathed all his remaining estate to his wife, Rachel during her lifetime as long as she remained a widow. After her death or remarriage the estate was to do to the two minor boys, Andrew Jackson Bilyeu and Larkin Bilyeu. Executors were to be Joseph Bilyeu and Joseph Johnson.  The witnesses were John Brockman and Hugh Snelling. The will was proved in December of 1853.[6]

   Rachel depended upon her youngest son to support and after his death, she became destitute. In her pension application on 29 February 1868 she stated that her husband left her only 40 acres of land in Miller County which Larkin had worked for her. He was her sole support and since his death she was dependent upon charity. Larkin had left only two yoke of oxen and a horse which he left his mother, but she had been forced to sell them. She had not rented the land in Miller County in small parcels and was living in Laclede County. She was enrolled at $8.00 per month. There is no indication when the payment stopped.[7]

Children of John and Rachel Bilyeu:[8]

     i.    James Bilyeu born 5 March 1796 m. Eunice Alexon (Allison?); lived in Indiana

     ii.   ?Isaac M. born ca. 1798 in Kentucky; possibly the Isaac M. Bilyeu was enumerated in 1850 in Miller County next to Thompson Davis. (40-13 area) Isaac was in Household #341, age 52, born Kentucky, John, age 21 born IL, Diadama, age 20, born Illinois, Rebecca, age 19 born IL, Thomas, age 17 born IL and Budy, age 14 born IL [migration ca. 1836]  The son of John who remained in Miller Co. lived on Cattail fork of Dog Creek. (newspaper) That land would be in Section 24-26 or 35-36 of 40-14. That is the land that Andrew sold to Isaac!

    iii.  Didamia Bilyeu born ca. 1800 m. 21 Jan. 1821 (unknown location) John Denny; they lived in Indiana.

    iv.   Peter Bilyeu born 29 September 1802 in Tennessee, or Kentucky the son of John Bilyeu. He died 21 July 1877 in Salem, Oregon and is buried at Bilyeu Den Cemetery, Linn County, Oregon. His wife, Jane Coker was born 4 December 1801 and d. 9 April 1878, also in Oregon. [or at least her tombstone is there.] According to his divorce petition, they were married in Overton County, Tennessee on 18 March 1821.[9] One of their daughters, Didama Ruth was born in Christian County, Illinois in 1827. Peter's father, John Bilyeu was said to have served in the War of 1812 while in Overton County Tennessee. 

Peter and Jane sold the 80 acre tract in this study to Mordicai Lane on 21 January 1839.[10] Peter left Missouri between the last sale of his land in 1848 and his arrival in Oregon about 1850/51. He may have returned to Illinois with his son, John L. for some reason and John was married there in 1848. Peter's Oregon Land Donation claim was located in Marion County and included what is now the west edge of Stayton. He was listed there in the census of 1860 and 1870.

Peter had been involved rather unsuccessfully in land speculation in Missouri and it was for this reason that he decided to try for a new fortune in the far west. However, he ran into difficult again with the enterprise for at least one reason. His wife showed no interest in following him to Oregon and apparently moved with a daughter to Iowa about 1852. Peter was finally forced to go the Oregon Territorial Assembly in 1858 and request a divorce so that he could sell land that he had accumulated. He told the assembly that he had made financial arrangements for his wife to join him in Oregon and that William Bilyeu of Linn county stated December 28, 1858 that he had offered to bring her to Oregon when he made his trip in 1852, but she had refused to make the trip. Peter was willing to accept liability for his wife's further support, but requested that the bonds of matrimony be dissolved. His petition was supported by William Bilyeu. John Bilyeu also supported his father's application stating that he had tried to persuade his mother to come with him in the spring of 1852, but she again had refused and in the fall of 1853 moved to Iowa. He stated in 1858, that was the last he had heard from her.[11] These testimonies were further supported by William and Dianna Bilyeu of Lane County who testified on December 28 1858 that they tried to bring Jane Bilyeu and the two children to Oregon and that Peter had offered to pay for the passage, but Jane refused.[12]

                    Even though the divorce was granted, Jane may have finally decided to make the trip as a tombstone is erected next to Peter in the in Bilyeu Den Cemetery in Linn County, Oregon. She may have arrived after Peter's death to join her children.

                    His death notice reads, ”Old Pioneer Gone — Peter Bilyeu died at his residence on Front street yesterday. He was about seventy-four years old. His death was quite sudden and unlooked for, though he had been unwell for some time. Rumors on the street ar the effect that he took a dose of liniment by mistake, but that such a mistake was made is not certain. He had been troubled with rheumatism and a disease of the kidneys. He has many relatives living about Scio in Linn County.”[13]

                    Their children are listed in Hake's publication as:[14]

        a.       Nancy Bilyeu born Jan. 1822 d. 1 October 1849 m. 17 April 1843, in Miller County, John Dyer.

        b.       John "Long John" L. Bilyeu born 23 July 1824 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 18 December 1892 in Oregon. m. 9 March 1848 in Sangamon County, Illinois Nancy Workman.[15] His death notice gives his birth date and place saying that his parents moved to Indiana and then to Illnois when he was a small child.  It also stated he, his wife and their two small children crossed the plains to Oregon in 1853.  He raised a family of nine sons and five daughters.  He was survived by his wife, seven sons and three daughters.[16]

        c.       George Bilyeu born 11 Feborn 1826 d. 18 March 1901 near Scio, Linn County, Oregon. He never married

        d.       Didama Ruth Bilyeu born 20 Septmeber 1828 Overton County, Tennessee d. 1912 in Christian county, Illinois m. 18 Jan. 1846, Miller County, John Kinder.  His family history is give in Hake, p. 91-92.

        e.       Delia Jane Bilyeu born ca 1830 m. (1) August of 1855 in Marion Co. Iowa Littleton Topping (2) 7 June 1877 in Linn Co. Oregon Richard Mayo. (3) James Shahan.

         f.       Sarah Bilyeu born 22 Aug. 1833 d. 17 April 1907 in Prairetown, Christian County, Illinois m. (1) Isaac Barnes (2) [James W. Myers - living Christian County, Illinois 1878 according to her father's probate record.

                    The 1835 Tax list of Sangamon County shows that Peter Bilyeu owned two pieces of property.  One was 80 acres in the W½ of 13-14-7 which he had purchased 24 November 1827 from Abel Friend.  At the same time from the same person he had purchased E½ of NE¼ of 24-17-1.

                    On 5 December 1838, Isaac Clark and Mary, his wife, sold to Peter Bilyeu, all of Miller County, Missouri for $150.00 SE¼ of NE¼ 31-40-12 40 acres. Wit: Miller Wilson and John Wilson.[17] He was a volunteer for the state militia in 1839 and served as Lieutenant. He was also elected justice of the peace.[18]  In 1840, Peter Bilyeu was enumerated in Miller County p. 111 near Isaac Bilyeu and Cornelius Bilyeu with 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40; 2 females under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 15-0 and 1 female 30-40. 

                    On 20 Feb 1840 Peter and Jane of Miller County sold to William Reed for $250 SW of NW 28-39-23 on Big Tavern Creek and NE¼ of SE¼ 20-39-12 lying on the east side of Tavern Creek. Wit: Andrew J. Reed, Evan L. Short.[19] On 4 Sept. 1840 Peter Bilyeu and his wife Jane of Miller sold to Elijah Dyer for $200 SE of NE 31-40-12 containing 40 acres. Jane signed with mark.  Wit: Obey D. Dyer and David Vanlaningham.  On 3 March 1848, Peter Bilyeu and his wife, Jane of Miller sold to Reuben Smith of Cole for $300 W½ of SW¼ 11-39-14 containing 80 acres. Wit: Milton Davies and John W. Davis.

    iv.   Delila Bilyeu born ca. 1804 m. Larkin Osborn, believed to be a brother of Joseph's wife, Anna. They lived in McDonough Co. Illinois and moved to Oregon in the 1870s.

      v.  John Bilyeu born ca. 1806 m. Mary Tyler; lived in Indiana

    vi. William Bilyeu born ca. 1809 m. Mary McClark. She was born 1815 in Kentucky. Their children were born in Indiana until 1849 when they moved to Miller Co. where they remained.

   vii.  Cornelius Bilyeu born ca. 1815 in Tennessee d. 1856 in Miller county.  m. in Miller County on 16 Sept. 1838 Eliza Jane McClain. (2) Malinda Melton.

  viii.  Sarah Bilyeu born ca. 1818 m. 26 Dec. 1838, in Miller County, Daniel McLaughlin (both of Richwoods Township  They moved to Oregon.

    ix.  Susan Bilyeu m. [-?-] Carmack

      x. Lydia Bilyeu born ca. 1820 m. 4 February 1841, in Miller county, Samuel Parrick; they moved to Illinois.

    xi.  Joseph Bilyeu born ca. 1822 near Cumberland Tennessee.[20] d. 29 May 1902 in Albany, Oregon. He was the Executor of John's will. m. in Miller county, 23 September 1842 Ann Osbourn. d. 29 May 1902 in Oregon. Anna was said to have been born in Sangamon County, Illinois in 1825, the daughter of William Osborne who died in that state.  Anna died 23 June (probably) 1899. bur. Miller Cemetery, Linn County, Oregon. Said to be the parents of ten children; two of whom were named Larkin. Joseph and Ann sold most of their holdings in Miller Co. in 1855.

  xiii.   Mary (Polly) Bilyeu born ca. 1824 in Overton County, Tennessee m. 12 Nov. 1843, in Miller county, William H. Melton.

  xiv. Andrew Jackson Bilyeu born ca. 1836 m. 10 March 1853, in Miller county Minerva Melton. He was living in Crawford County, Missouri in 1870.

   xv. Larkin Bilyeu born ca. 1838 Miller County d. 25 December 1861 in Rolla, Missouri of measles. His mother applied for a pension after Larkin's death during Civil War service. He enlisted 23 November 1861 in Co. D of 24th Missouri Infantry and died at the Regimental Hospital. He was never mustered in. William and Polly Melton of Miller county supported the application and stated they helped to bury Larkin.

ISAAC BILYEU

   The second eldest of the group appears to have been Isaac Bilyeu born 1779/1780 in either Virginia, Maryland or Pennsylvania (possibly in the contested area - the census gives both places of birth). Isaac died about 1865 probably in the home of his son, Stephen Bilyeu in Carroll County, Arkansas. He is said to have been buried at the Big Indian Creek in Carroll County.[21]  He probably married Mary Ann Workman.

   Isaac was a resident of Overton County, Tennessee as his son, John W. was born there in 1809. Isaac is said to have had brothers, John and William (1795-1878). All three are said to have served in Bradley's 1st Regt. of Tennessee during the campaign against the Creek Indians in the War of 1812.[22]

   In 1820, Isaac Bilyeu was enumerated in Overton Co. Tennessee p. 9 with 1 male 10-16, 1 male 16-18, 1 male 16-26, 1 male 26-45; 4 females under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 26-45.  About 1825, the family moved to Kentucky, but stayed there only a short time before moving north to Sangamon County, Illinois. Three of the brothers remained there for only a short time, although Andrew remained. The others moved to Miller county, Missouri about 1830. At that time, Miller was part of early Crawford County.

   In 1830, Isaac Bilyeu was living in Sangamon county, Illinois, and listed on p. 143 with 1 male 5-10, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 50-60; 1 female 5-10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 40-50. He was listed between Jacob Miller, Henry Clinkingbeard and Isaac Workman.

   By 1840, he had moved to Missouri, where he was living in Miller county, Missouri p. 109 in [Dry] Glaze Township with 1 male 10-15, 1 male 60-70; 1 female 50-60 and owned 21 slaves.[23]

   In 1850, Isaac was living in Taney County, Missouri, another county which has experienced a major loss of records due to fire. The census taker, showing an unforgivable attribute of laziness used only initials to enumerate the individuals in the household.  Isaac Bilyeu was in household #197 as age 70 years, born in Virginia M.A. (Mary Ann), female, age 65, born Maryland, S.(T.) (Stephen?) age 23 born Kentucky, F. (Fanny), age 20 born Missouri, S.E., (Sarah) age 3, born Missouri and A.J., (Isaac?) age 2 born Missouri. His worth was $300. (It seems likely the latter two entries were grandchildren, probably children of his son, Stephen.) The area in which they were living became Stone County in 1851.

   In 1860, they were living in Carroll Co. Arkansas in Prairie Township p. 775 #611 #591  Stephen Bilieu, age 34, farmer born Kentucky $1200 $505, Fanny M. age 30 born Missouri, Sarah E., age 13 born Arkansas, Isaac A., age 11 born Arkansas, Mary Ann, age 9 born Missouri, John S., age 7 born Arkansas, Barbara, age 2 born Arkansas, Margaret, age 1/12 born Arkansas, Isaac Bilieu age 80 born Pennsylvania, #612 Isaac Bilieu Jr., age 22 farmer -- $100 born Missouri, Sarah E., age 17 born Alabama.

Children of Isaac and Mary Ann (Workman?) Bilyeu:

       i. Jacob Bilyeu born ca. 1803 in Tennessee d. ca. 1852 in Carroll County, Arkansas and buried near his parents at Big Indian Creek near Urbanette (no headstones);  m. Catharine Elizabeth Williams.[24]   Said to be head of household in Sangamon county in 1830  p. 652 with 3 males under 5, 1 male 20-30, 1 female 20-30.  He was living in Glaze Township, Miller county in 1840 and in Taney County, Missouri #205. His age is given as 47 and birth place as Tennessee.  His wife's parents are listed next to them.                                According to tradition, Catharine lived some with her relatiaves in Taney County; her children were “scattered” among relatives.

     ii.  John Witten[25] Bilyeu born 14 March 1809 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 2 March 1898 in Spokane, Christian County, Missouri;[26] m. in Crawford County, Missouri 27 July 1832, Sarah Frances Harp. She was born ca. 1810 in Tennessee and died 20 August 1880 in Christian County, Missouri.[27]  In 1840, he was enumerated in Miller county on p. 109, in Glaze Twp: John W. Bilyeu who had 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 30-40; 1 female under 5 1 female 20-30.

    iii.  Mary Ann who married John Davis. They moved to Taney County.

    iv. _ possibly Lydia Bilyeu m. in Crawford County, Missouri 15 Dec. 1831 Solomon Bilyeu.

      v.   Elizabeth Louise Bilyeu born ca. 1813 m. Henry C. Clinkenbeard. Settled in Pulaski County in 1835 southwest of Iberia.

    vi.   (Diannah?) Bilyeu born ca. 1815 m. Crawford County, Missouri 19 Jan. 1832 James Brumley.

   vii.  Margaret Ann (Peggy) Bilyeu born 1821 in Tennessee m. 21 October 1838 in Carroll County, Arkansas. Martin F. Melton.[28]  He was born 10 December 1817 in Indiana, son of Reuben and Allie (McAdams) Melton.

  viii.   _ ?Rachel Bilyeu, married in Crawford County, Missouri 13 Sept. 1832 Charles Finley.

    ix.  Stephen Bilyeu born ca. 1824/25 in Kentucky m. ca. 1846 Fannie Baker, daughter of Aaron Baker.

WILLIAM BILYEU born 17 March 1795 in Kentucky; d. 25 June 1879 in Linn County, Oregon. m. 30 December 1816 in Overton Co. Tennessee Dianna Coker.[29] She was born 7 January 1801 in Kentucky and d. 9 March 1877 in Linn County, Oregon.[30]

   On 22 February 1843, William Bilyeu and wife Dianah (her mark) sold to Joseph Winn, of Miller, $700 the NE fractional ¼ of Lots 1 & 2 containing 80 acres and Sec 3 of 39-14 containing 160 acres.  No witnesses were listed.[31]  On 21 May 1845 William and Diana Bilyeu of Miller sold to William Kinder of Cole Co. 40 acres in 21-39-12.[32]. The land was located in Richwoods Township but in the northeast corner rather than near Iberia where Peter and Isaac lived. On 28 February 1852 William and Dianna Bilyeu sold to Joseph Bileyu of same county for $500 W of NE 20-39-12 containing 80 acres.

   He was a miller by trade and while in central Missouri found a suitable site for a grist mill by the Big Tavern Creek. He returned for a short time to Tennessee, but was back in Missouri by 1835 in Big Richwoods township. The mill was situated where the Big Tavern water course is now crossed by Highway 42, north east of Iberia. The mill race can still be seen. 

   William applied for bounty land on 14 December 1850 stating that he was fifty-five ears old and gave his service in the War with the Creek Indians. His affidavit was supported by John Bilyeu.  He received the allotted 80 acres. On 23 April 1861, William Bilyeu appeared in Linn County, Oregon stating he was 66 years old and that he served as a private in Captain Kennedy's Company of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers in the Seminole and Creek Indian Wars. He stated that he volunteered at Monroe, Overton County, Tennessee on the 1 October of 1812 and served for three months before being honorably discharged at Huntsville, Alabama on 20 December 1812. He made his declaration for the purpose of receiving bounty land.  He stated that he had received 40 acres in 1851, and that he cannot return it.  He received 120 acres additional land.

   Concluding he had a good thing going, William Bilyeu returned to the Linn County Court on 20 June 1871 and applied for a pension for the service stated above.  He was living in Linn county, Oregon and that his wife's name before their marriage was Diannah Coker.  He received $8.00 per month from the Oregon City Agency. There was no indication of when he was dropped from the rolls.

Children of William and Dianna (Coker) Bilyeu:[33]

       i.    Lydia Bilyeu born 10 March 1818 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 14 April 1844 in Miller county, Missouri; married in 5 August 1835 in Macoupin County, Illinois, William Kinder. He was born 22 June 1816 in Kentucky d. 20 April 1896. He married (2) her sister, Julia Ann.  They were living next door to her father in Miller county in 1840.

     ii.   Nancy Bilyeu born 27 January 1819 in Overton County, Tennessee She d. 6 February 1901 in Clackamas County, Oregon. m. 2 October 1838 in Miller County, Missouri, John Smathers. He was reportedly killed on a hunting expedition in the Kinderhook [Camden] county area 1841.[34] She m. (2) Sept. 1842 William R.[ichmond] McCubbin. He was born 18 May 1815 in Green County, Kentucky. d. 9 February 1889 in Oregon and buried Lower Logan Cemetery. They moved to Oregon.

    iii.  George W. Bilyeu born 9 March 1820 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 6 February 1899 in Linn County, Oregon. bur. Franklin Butte Cemetery m. 24 July 1839 Hester Jane Reed. She was born 26 February 1821 in Crawford County, Missouri and d. 12 June 1903 in Linn Co. Oregon.

    iv.  John Martin Van Buren Bilyeu born 22 February 1822 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 25 October 1903 in Linn Co. Oregon. m. 20 February 1844 in Pulaski County, Missouri Hannah Jane Wassom. He was known as “Little John.”

      v.   Julia Ann Bilyeu born 10 June 1821 in Overton County, Tennessee m. 27 May 1845, her sister's widower, William Kinder. They moved to Oregon and received a DLC in Douglas County, Oregon.

    vi.  Hubbard Bilyeu born 8 October 1825 in Overton County, Tennessee d. 24 May 1908. bur. Old Mitchell Cemetery, Wheeler, Linn County, Oregon.  m. 9 Jan 1850 Mary Ann [-?-]

   vii. Lucinda Bilyeu born 16 March 1828 in Overton County, Tennesee d. 29 July 1904 in Linn County, Oregon. m. 19 August 1847 in Miller County, Missouri John Bryant. He received Oregon Donatiob Land Claim #4370.

  viii. Andrew Jackson Bilyeu born 7 February 1830 in Sangamon County, Illinois ) d. 19 October 1896 in Linn County, Oregon. bur. Bilyeu Den Cemetery. m. 5 Aug. 1855 in Linn County, Oregon Sarah A. Terry.

    ix.  William Bilyeu, Jr. born 15 January 1832 in Tennessee ? d. 26 November 1907 in Linn County, Oregon bur. Franklin Butte Cemetery m. 15 April 1858 in Linn County Sarah Catherine Turner.

      x. Rhoda Bilyeu born 1834 Tennessee ? d. 10 December 1913 in Bull Run, Clackamas County, Oregon bur. Cliff Side Cemetery m. 8 September 1853 George BORN Thomas.

    xi.  Peter Bilyeu born 5 Aug. 1837 in Miller County, Missouri d. 18 October 1901 in Linn County, Oregon. bur. Bilyeu Den Cemetery m. 17 November 1859 Elizabeth Brenner d/o Peter Brenner.

   xii.   Martin V. Bilyeu born March 1842 in Miller county, Missouri d. 7 October 1911 m. 31 Aug. 1862 in Linn County, Oregon Rebecca Massey.

ANDREW BILYEU was born about 1792 possibly in Maryland. m. Hardin County Kentucky: Minister's return: Andrew Bilyeu and Miss Anny Lemmons 27 Sept. 1812. Andrew Bilyeu and George Coker bound 21 Sept. 1812 for marriage between Bilyeu and Miss Anny Lemon. Anna born 9 Aug. 1787;d. 7 Aug. 1874 bur. Jackson Cemetery.

   They settled near present day Ulman where he first served as Justice of the Peace in Crawford County Co., later in Glaze Township in Miller County. 

   Andrew may have accompanied his brothers to Miller County and then returned to Illinois.  There is an Andrew Bilyeu who was head of household in Miller Co. in 1840 and listed on p. 110 in Glaze Township He had 1 male 15-20, [Simon Peter?] 1 male 40-50; 2 females 5-10, 1 female 40-50. In this neighborhood and on the same page was James Brumley and next door (said to have married Diannah Bilyeu). On the other side of Andrew was Jacob Workman and then Isaac Bilyeu, a male 20-30. (son of Andrew?) George had a large household and was 60-70 years old. With him was a female 40-50 and one 90-100 years old!

   On 31 October 1840, Andrew Bilyeu and his wife Anna sold to Emly Golden for $970.00 the NW¼ 10-39-14 containing 160 acres in Miller Co.[35]  Anna signed with X.  Wit: William Tinsley, Simon P. Bilyeu and Caroline Watson. 

   On 17 Sept. 1844, Andrew Bilyeu and his wife, Anna sold to Isaac Bilyeu for $500 the E½ of SW¼ of 10-39-14 containing 80 acres and the NW of NE of 15-39-14 containing 40 acres and the NE¼ of NW¼ of 24-40-14 containing 40 acres. No wit. (A, p. 330).  On 15 Sept. 1844 Andrew Bilyeu and his wife Anna of Miller sold to John G. Hunt of Camden for $100 SE of SW of 11-39-14 containing 40 acres.[36]

Possible children of Andrew:

       i.  Isaac Bilyeu born 12 December 1812 d. 19 Jan. 1892 bur. Jackson Cemetery, in Glaize Township, Miller County in 3-39-14. With him was Mary w/o Isaac born 3 July 1813 d. 9 December 1875. Was this the Isaac Bilyeu who married 2 Nov. 1831 Polly Bilyeu in Sangamon County.[37] Two others with this surname are buried in Jackson Cemetery. bur. same cemetery: Matilda BORNS. born 14 January 1826 and d. 2 April 1882.

   On 9 Nov. 1844 Isaac Bilyeu and Polly sold to Henry Hudson, all of Miller for $100 NE¼ of NW¼ 24-40-14 containing 40 acres.  Both signed with X. (A, p. 365)  This one of the parcels sold to Isaac by Andrew just two months earlier.

On 2 January 1852 Isaac and Polly Bilyeu of Miller sold to John BORN Harrison of Laclede and Daniel Cummin of Miller co. $400 E of SW of 10-39-14 and NW of NE of 15-39-14 containing 120 acres. {B:215}

     ii.  John R. Bilyeu born 1818  d. before February of 1862 when Robert M Wyrick and Andrew Bilyeu were granted administration.  Elizabeth [-?-]. She d. 1875 On 27 Sept. 1846 John R. Bilyeu and his wife Elizabeth sold to Alexander Calvin, all of Miller 40 acres in 9-39-14.[38]  He lived in Little Richwoods area.

    iii. Simon Peter Bilyeu born 1820; m. Mary [-?-] who died in 1844 m. (2) 5 April 1854 Matilda Smith. He witnessed Andrew's sale in 1840.  Simon P. Bilyeu and his wife Mary also sold to Emly Golden 6 acres 3-39-14 that S.P. bought from the U.S. government.  Wit: Andrew Bilyeu and Caroline Watson and William Tinsley.[39]

On 15 Sept. 1844 Simon Peter Bilyeu and his wife, Mary (x) for $300 sold to Willis Wilson 74 acres and SW¼ of Sec. 3 in Township 39-14.[40]  He then moved to Camden County where he died in the early 1860s.

    iv.   Lydia Bilyeu born ca. 1825 in Kentucky.  She m. 27 November 1842 Felix Grundy Hale. He was the s/o Pleasant and Susannah Hale.[41]

      v. Elizabeth (Betsy) Bilyeu born ca. 1828 in Illinois m. 12 March 1846 Alexander Colvin. During the 1850's they lived in Richardson County, Nebraska but returned to Miller County before the Civil War.

    vi.  ?Benjamin Bilyeu - living 1843 in Miller Co. and sued with John R., Andrew, S.P. for trespass.

   A few doors away was Jacob Bilyeu who was between 30-40 and then a group of three men: William Bilyeu 40-50, George W. who was 20-30, John B. between20-30 and Solomon Bilyeu 20-30. These last three men would seem to be connected to William.

Miller County Marriages Before 1850:  Andrew Bilyeu m. 27 May 1844 Susan Bilyeu

Sangamon County, Illinois Marriages: p. 21 Lydia Bilyeu p. 21 m. 19 May 1831 Thomas J. Strain.

The History of Sangamon County Illinois gives the following information: Andrew Bilyeu was born in Tennessee, was a member of the Christian Church and died in 1846. His wife was Susan [sic] Bilyeu born November 26 1801 in Tennessee. After the death of her first husband, she married William Workman. Sarah Bilyeu was born in Kentucky Nov. 26 1801 and was a member of the Dunkard Church. She was the mother of eleven children by William Workman, two of whom were Peter and Isaac. [p. 949] Not likely since she would have been about 47 years old when she married William Workman!

The Bond Co. Illinois Bilyeu family of Joseph, John, Isaac S. and Garrett do not match the ages of the family later in Missouri.

Overton County, Tennssee Deed Abstracts

Deed book C p. 53 17 June 1811 John Smith of Warren Co. Tn to Cornelius Bilyeu of Overton $250.00 100 acres on Ashburn Creek Wit: BORN Totten and J.K. Turney.

C p. 27 25 Aug. 1811 John Sevier of Knox Co. sold to James Bilyeu of Overton land on Iron Creek containing 100 acres. Wit: C. Huffman, Jo H. Windle, Oliver Bilyeu.

p. 849 Oct. 1812 Cornelius Bilyeu sold to Benjamin Workman  51 acres on Ashburn Creek adjoining Bilyeu. John and Isaac Bilyeu were witnesses and signed with X.

D: 303 3 October 1811 John Bilyeu sold to Peter Bilyeu both of Overton a parcel containing 55 acres on Ashburn Creek. Wit: Andrew Bilyeu and Cornelius Bilyeu X.

p. 303 3 Oct. 1811 John Sevier of Knox to Peter Bilyeu for $50.00 sold 50 acres on Ashburn's Creek Wit: Jno H. Windle, Andrew Bilyeu and James Bilyeu. Sugar tree.. thence south 25W, 45 poles to a beech; then south 35E 140 poles to a stake then north 88E 58 poles to a stake then north, 12W 65 poles to a stake on his former line thence with his former line to place of beginning.

Deed Book L p. 52 15 sept. 18?8 Susannah Bilyeu sold to Jesse Bilyeu all her interest in the real estate of Andrew Bilyeu  $16.00 dower interest in tract on Flat Creek

Deed Book L p. 285 For $150.00 Jesse Bilyeu sold to Cyrus Bilyeu a tract of land on Flat Creek known as #7 in the partition of Jesse Masters, deceased. containing 106 acres. 15 Sept. 1848.

Deed Book I p. 65 29 June 1838 Joseph Looper, Sameul Workman, James A. Workman, Rebecca Workman, Andrew Bilyeu, James Bilyeu, Jess Bilyeu, Cirres Bilyeu, Samuel, James A. & Rebecca Workman and Andrew and James Bilyeu and Jesse Bilyeu petition to sell land. Pleasant Armstong became the purchaser as highest bidder for $1000.

1820 Overton County, Tennessee p. ?

Peter Bilyeu 2 males under 10, 1 male 16-26, 1 male 26-45, 1 male over 45; 2 females 101-6, 2 females 16-26, 1 female 26-45, 1 female over 45.