You are looking for the third William Byrd, born 1728 and committed suicide in January 1777.  You'll find a biography in the Dictionary of Virginia Biography, volume 2, pages 470-472. The materials for the Byrd v. Byrd case (1838) are in the U.S. Circuit Court, Virginia District, Ended Cases (restored, Box 26), here at the Library of Virginia.

Sara 


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Sara B. Bearss
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Senior Editor, Dictionary of Virginia Biography
The Library of Virginia
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Friends don't let friends split infinitives.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Finkelman
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 4:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-HIST] help with sorting out a William Byrd

I am trying to sort out who is the William Byrd who had a sons named Thomas, Otway, and Charles (and I think John).   His estate is litigated in Byrd v. Byrd and the case is heard by Chief Justice Marshall while riding circuit.  
 
Can someone tell me which WIlliam Byrd this is and when he died?  (I think he died in the 1770s but I cannot be sure).  Thanks.  

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Paul Finkelman
President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law Albany Law School 80 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208

518-445-3386 (p)
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