Bird/Byrd Researchers: Question: Was Elizabeth Sparkman, Richard Byrd’s only wife? It is widely believed that Elizabeth Sparkman married Richard Byrd on 30 July 1785, and they had the following children as listed in Richard’s will, proven Nov. Term 1818. Richard Byrd's Will, dated 12 Nov. 1807. Children: George Byrd Richard Byrd John Byrd Edward Byrd Bright Byrd Redding Byrd Elizabeth Allen Benjamin Byrd, deceased; Widow: Zilpha; and Grandson: Benjamin I believe that I descend from Richard Byrd through his son, Benjamin, who was deceased by 1803 (see document #1) I believe that son, Benjamin, deceased, had the following children: Benjamin Byrd*, grandson, in will dated 12 Nov. 1807. William Byrd* Pearsis/Pearcy* Ann/ Nancy* *See documents #2 and #3 It should be noted that according to "The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy" by Val D. Greenwood, that Ann is a nickname for Nancy. I suspect that Richard was possibly married prior to 1785 for the following reasons. (1) Richard at 33 years, a bit old for a first marriage. (2) The oldest that Benjamin (deceased by 1803) could be is 18 years. (3)18 seems too young to have married Zilpha and had 4 children. (4) From census, I believe that Benjamin and Zilpha’s son, Benjamin was born in 1798 and their son, William, was born in 1801. This would mean that Benjamin and Zilpha had to be married by 1798, making Benjamin a very young groom at 13 years of age. ********** Document #1 The following document was found in the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was filed under Duplin County Estates 035.508.13 - 1752-1930 - Brush to Byrd. The particular file was Byrd, Benjamin 1803. This may Certify to the honorable Court of Duplin that my husband Benjamin Byrd has lately Deceased Intestate leaving no will & I the widow of the sd Dec'd have given up my right of administration to John Hufham Zilpah Byrd Administration on the Estate of Benjamin Bird To John Huffam 2000 Dollars Zilpah Byrd To John Hufham Resignation of Administration July Term 1803 Granted ********** Document #2 Tuesday, 22 October 1805 Zilpha Byrd is appointed Guardian to her four children: Pearsis Byrd, Benjamin Byrd, Ann Byrd & William Byrd & has given Bond of L500; for the whole ordered she take their Estates into possession. ********** Document #3 Duplin Deeds, Book 4A pg 82. Zilpha Byrd of Duplin Co. to her loving children Pearcy, Benjamin, Nancy & William Byrd of same, 11 Mar. 1807, for "love good will & affection" a negro boy named Charles. Wit: John Hufham, Elizabeth Cummings. Jan. Ct. 1810.