1797 - Wm Smeathers follows a well defined buffalo trail to Ohio Rr banks and build's his Yellowbanks cabin the following Feb moves there. Stephen Statler is Sheriff of Co. He is bro to Wm's future son in law, Geo Statler who m Elizabeth Smeathers. Stephen Statler jr m Rev. Ignacious Pigman's dau Rhoda Pigman. Oddly, Wm Smeathers meets up w/Elizabeth Beall, future wife of his bro Jas at this time from Va when she lived at the Smyth Settlement & it was attacked by Indians. Wm found her & returned her to Smyth's. Elizabeth Beall was sister in law to Ely Beall.[which means she was md to one of Ely's brothers ??] so Smeathers is her 2nd husband. Anyone know of this? I am thinking it probably was bef Smyth county in 1840. I looked around for some info but didnt come up with much. Did find this. The origins of Smyth County, Virginia may be traced back to the era of colonial exploration and the courage and curiosity of a pioneer named Stephen Holston. It was Holston’s "corn right claim" that led to the river near this claim gaining his name. The Holston River became the source of commerce, transportation, and community for the region. The first documentary history of the area’s settlement dates back to a land grant in the name of King George II to Colonel James Patton. Patton and his son in law Colonel John Buchanan began to survey this land grant in expeditions that carried them through what would become Smyth County. It was Patton who led Buchanan, Charles Campbell, and others in what came to be called the Expedition of 1748. During this notable venture into the wilderness to the head of the Holston River, Patton selected the site for what eventually became the town of Chilhowie. The first cabins built in Smyth County belonged to the men of the Expedition and their guides or associates including Charles Sinclair, Stephen Holston, James Patton, and Samuel Stalnaker. Colonel Alexander Smyth (1765-April 17. 1830). Smyth was born off the coast of Ireland. His father became the Episcopal rector of Botetourt County, Virginia. Smyth became a lawyer in Abingdon, Virginia and also served in the War of 1812 in the disastrous Niagara Campaign. He boasted that his men would "conquer or die!" In spite of numerous military setbacks, he served in both the House of Delegates and in Congress. Smyth County was named in his honor. The first official census taken after the formation of Smyth County occurred in 1840. I don't know if Col Smyth and Smyth Settlement relate or not. any info is appreciated, thanks kindly