Jim Blane wrote: I've been trying to figure out what happened with my 3ggf, John Dyson (1763-1829) between the time his father died in 1776 (Frederick County, MD) and his appearance as clerk of court in Wilkes County GA in the 1790s (perhaps he was Clerk a bit later). This chase has led me to Rowan County, where John's uncle, the Rev. Hatch Dent (of Charles County, MD) had some influence, leading a resettlement of some Marylanders. John Dyson's mother was Hatch Dent's sister Esther, who may or may not have died before 1776 - she wasn't mentioned in her husband's will. Does any of you have any evidence that could support presence of these Dysons in Rowan county? ***** >From "Abstracts of Deed books 15-19 of Rowna County North Carolina 1797-1807" by James W. Kluttz, p. 49: #826, p. 645, Bk. 16; 6 Dec 1798. Hatch Dent Sr. of Charles Co., MD, to thomas Carson of Rowan, for £450, two tracts on the N side of the Yadkin R......(description of land)... Wit: Alexr McPherson, Walter Dyson, Elias Barber, Jonathan Barber. [Following certificate is added] "Maryland charles County CSS 6 Decemr 1798. Be it remembered that on this day came Hatch Dent Senr party to the within instrument of writing before us two Justices of the peace and Acknowledged the same to be his act and Deed and the land & its appurtenances to be the right title property & estate of Thomas Carson therein named and his heirs forever according to the true intent and meaning of said instrument of Writing and the Act of Assembly in Such cases made & provided-at the same time JUDITH DENT wife to the said Hatch Dent Senr after being privately examined by us relinquished her right of Dower in & to the aforesaid land and its appurtenances and Acknowledged that She did the same freely & willingly without being induced thereto through fear or from the threats or ill wage of her said husband. Alexr McPherson. Walter Dyson." On 11 Dec 1798, John Barnes, Clerk of charles County Ct certified that McPherson and Dyson were Justices of the Peace of charles Co. MD. The foregoing certificates were deemed sufficient probate and the deed was registered at May Ct 1799. #3004. p. 367. 8 Sep 1804 (Deed Book 19): samuel Tenneson to Basil Dyson for $380, 200 A on Little Crk of South Yadkin R adj Christopher Brandon and Joshua Bennett. Wit: Daniel Webb, Zapanah Harbert. Prvd by Webb at Aug Ct 1805. There are also other Dysons mentioned and married in Rowan. A Walter, a Barton etc...Jo