William Byars is my GGGrandfather through his son, James Riley Byars.
At first glance, I would have thought so, even at 51 years of age when the Civil war began BUT in checking the muster rolls for SC, only one William Byars ever join the War from SC. There is a second individual with the same name living in Gowdyville, SC who would have only been 29 at the time the war started.
In the 1860 SC census, he is listed in the 5th Regiment (current Oconee County) in SC with wife and children. After researching, I found that this regiment was made up of 'retired' riflemen and was organized in the early part of the 1860's. If he was here, protecting the homefront, I doubt he was also issued into the actual fighting army groups of the Civil War.
Also, in checking pensions, there was never any issued for our William Byars in Pickens District.
Hope this helps-- almost 13 years later. :/
God Bless!