Prior to finding old John Rathbone in deed records and the 1800 census of Buncombe County NC (which a part of became Yancey Co later on), I found him in southwestern Virginia - Montgomery County. His name was on county tax lists and on a militia group list for the Elk Creek District (the later indicating service sometime during the American Revolution, 1775-1783). I also found that a tract of land was surveyed for him (perhaps as pay for Rev. service). I didn't find papers that he took possession of that land or that he sold it; however he must have done so and used the proceeds to purchase land in NC. What does your research indicate?

According to census records, the first males to appear as heads of household who could have been sons of old John were Andrew Rathbone and Purnel Rathbone. Which one did your grandfather descend from?