Sgt. John C. Beard, born in 1835, was my great-grandfather's first cousin. His father was William L. Beard and my great-grandfather's father was William's brother Robert C. Beard. Both lived in Northern Mecklenburg County near Huntersville. Quite a few of the Beards are buried in Gilead ARP Church. James Frances Marion Beard is in grave #126. I look forward to reading the book.