Revolutionary War Soldiers Series: Remembering Edward Byram

Editor's note: This year, the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial, its 250th anniversary. The semiquincentennial marks the first nationwide celebration of America's birth since the bicentennial in 1976. Of course, America's independence cannot be celebrated without also honoring the efforts of the Revolutionary War soldiers that led to independence. The Waw-wil-a-way Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Southern Ohio Genealogical Society, is presenting a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.

By Betty F. Crum and Pat Young
Waw-wil-a-way Chapter Daughters 
of the American Revolution, 250 Project

Private Edward Byram was born June 13, 1742 in Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., Mass. He died Aug. 25, 1824 in Greenfield. He is buried at Rocky Springs Cemetery. 

Pvt. Byram served in the Pennsylvania Militia under Capt. James Leech.
     
In the early years before the Revolution, he and his family were living in New Jersey. He moved to a place near Pittsburgh, where he served in the Pennsylvania Militia. Here on April 7, 1779, he and his daughter were captured by Indians and taken by the British to Fort Niagara where they were held prisoners for two years. 

In the spring of 1781, Washington arranged for an exchange of prisoners. Byram was placed in charge of 200 men, women and children who had been brought in by the Indians. He guided them safely through the wilderness from Crown Point to the nearest Continental Headquarters. 

Byram and his daughter then walked 300 miles to their old home in New Jersey and later connected with his wife in Pittsburgh. He and his grown children had come to Highland County  by 1820.
     
Edward Byram is the son of Ebenezer Byram (born 1716, died 1762) and his wife Abigail Alden.  

Abigail is the great-granddaughter of Mayflower passengers, John and Priscilla Alden.