“The Origin and Genealogy of the Yeargan Family: As Far As Heard From Up to This Date, 1890” is an early genealogy by Leonidas Hilary Yeargan and Hilary H. L. Yeargan. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by the Publishing House of the M. E. Church, South, in 1891, this manuscript offers an account of the Yeargan family lineage as best the authors could research at the time. The authors, second cousins and great-grandsons of Rev. Andrew Yeargan, dedicated their efforts to preserving the family history, starting with Rev. Andrew Yeargan’s arrival from Wales around 1735 and his subsequent settlement in Virginia.
Rev. Andrew Yeargan ministered in the Roanoke and James River Valley, married Ony Bowles, and together they raised ten sons and one daughter. The book traces the descendants of these children, who spread across various regions and contributed to the family’s expansion. The sons’ lives and progeny are documented, with particular attention to their settlements and familial connections:
- Andrew Yeargan settled in South Carolina, raising two children whose identities remain unknown.
- John Yeargan resided in Newbury County, SC, and had two sons, John and Wiley.
- Samuel Yeargan initially settled in Newbury County, SC, then moved to Franklin County, GA, and had at least one daughter, Sallie.
- Benjamin Yeargan married Sarah Morgan, had four children, and adopted the spelling “Yeargain.”
- Jarratt F. Yeargan married Amelia Patterson and had eight children.
- Edward Yeargan settled in Anderson County, SC, where he and his wife died from lightning; they raised a large family.
- James Yeargan died a bachelor at his brother Devereaux’s house in Greenville County, SC.
- Devereaux Yeargan married and had five sons.
- Bartlett Yeargan married and had five sons, with descendants spelling their name as “Yeargin.”
- Williams Yeargan married a Miss Bennett and had four sons; his descendants lived in Illinois.
- Sarah Yeargan married Burrell Hudson and raised a large family.
By the early 19th century, Rev. Andrew and Ony Bowles were living with their son Devereaux in Greenville, South Carolina, where they were eventually buried. The primary aim of this manuscript was to document and connect the descendants of Rev. Andrew’s ten sons, grouping them into family units as they dispersed. Although some descendants remained unknown at the time of publication, the manuscript remains a valuable resource for understanding the Yeargan family’s roots and legacy.
Pictures from the Book
Source
Yeargan, Leonidas Hilary and Yeargan, Hilary H. L. The origin and genealogy of the Yeargan family: as far as heard from up to this date, 1890. Nashville, TN: Publishing House of the M. E. Church, South. 1891.
