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JAMES GREER, the progenitor of this
lineage is recorded in Maryland's EARLY SETTLERS BOOK, 18,
Folio:
"James Grear, transported November 2
1675, by Samuel Gibbons, who proved his right unto four
thousand-five hundred acres of land due him for
transporting ninty persons, herein mentioned into the
Province to inhabit. Before me.....Charles Calvert."
The next reference to a James Grear (Greer,
Grayer, Grier, etc.) is :
"June 6, 1687. to all Christian
people, to whom these presents shall come... I, Arthur
Taylor of Gunpowder River, in Baltimore County, Maryland,
Planter, for and in consideration and hereunto especially
moving and do by these presents, give, grant, alein,
enfoff their heirs and assigns, unto James Grear and Ann,
his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, 75 acres of
land being a part of a greater tract of 300 aces
belonging to the said Arthur, and called, Arthur's Choice:,
lying and being situated in Baltimore County, and on the
south side of a branch of the Gunpowder River, called
Bird Run, beginning at a red oak standing on the said
river and running from said oak bounding with ...run...east-north-
east-53 perches by a line into the woods for length 300...
thence by a lined down west-south-west from the end south-
south-east-east-east to line 53 perches.... his Witness:
Signed Arthur x Taylor Samuel Sickelman mark A-- Thompson
"
Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland, R.M.
#H. S. Folio 261
Arthur Taylor was the oldest son of one
John Taylor. (See The Taylors) On August 20, 1683, 300
acres of land known
as Arthur's Choice was surveyed for
Arthur Taylor, same being on ye south side of west branch
of the Gunpowder River, only one of several land holdings
Arthur Taylor had. ( Index: Ann Arundel and Baltimore
Counties Rent Rolls, Vol. 2 Folio 416)
Later transfers which concerned this
portion of Arthur's Choice show the 75 acres owned by
James Grear, and his wife, Ann, came into the possession
of Lawrence Richardson as " custodian for ye Orphans
of James Grear and now in possession of Oliver Harriott ."
Since the plural " Orphans" was used, it is
believed there might have been another son. Torrence
states that perhaps the Joseph who died in Prince George
County, Maryland and had a will dated 8 August 1715. But
a more recent researcher has shown that Joesph was born
before James married Sarah Day.
It is believed then that James Grear died
without a will, and his wife, Ann Grear, married as her
second husband, Lawrence Richardson. She was the wife of
Lawrence Richardson at the time he held in trust the 75
acres of Arthur's Choice" for John, ye orphan, son
of James Greer." She was the wife of Oliver Harriot
at the time he held them in custody, and she was still
living the 14 March 1714 when John and Sarah Day Greer
sold the land to Mark Guisard:
"Be it remembered that on 4 March
1714, came Ann Harriott, mother of said Greer and Sarah,
his wife, both of whom being privately examined by Luke
Raven, Gent., one of the Justices of the City Court of
Baltimore County, acknowledged all their rights of dower
to the within mentioned, bargained and sold land and
improvements on the premises of said Greer, likewise
acknowledged in open court to the act of assembly. Signed
by John Stokes. Book T. R. # A, Folio 333 Transcribed
from Liber 15 Folio 296-7.
In his treatment of Oliver Hariott in
Baltimore County Families, Barnes states he married (1)
by 13 June 1711, Ann, widow of Lawrence Richardson, and
that she died 13 May 1716. They had at least one child,
Richard who married Mary ______. and had at least two
children.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1. Robert Torrence, Unpublished
Manuscript sent by The Maryland Historical Society,"
The Grear Grier Greer Greyer Families "
2. Robert Barnes, Baltimore County
Families, 1659-1759. Genealogical Publishing Company,
1989, pp. 286-281,204.
3. Letter from Glenn Greer, descendant of
Joseph d. 1715.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter II -- SECOND GENERATION
2. JOHN GREER, son of James and Ann
Taylor, was born ca. 1688 according to most researchers.
He was on the 1706 Baltimore County, Maryland, on the
south side of the Gunpowder River.
The deposition given by Ann Harriott in
1714 that she was the mother of John Greer was given when
he sold the 75 acres hel in trust known as "Arthur's
Choice" to Walter Bosley states:
"John Greer of Baltimore, Co., Md.,
planter, has received rent from and sells to Walter
Bosley 75 acres, being a Part of Arthur's Choice, in
Baltimore County on the south side of Gunpowder River,
called Bird's Run........". (The entire description
is exactly as shown in the grant from Arthur Taylor to
James and Ann Greer.)
In August of 1718, John Taylor and John
Rawlins deposed that John Greer was the reputed and
supposed son of Ann and James Greer and had been born in
wedlock. " John Greer testified of having been
informed some fourteen or fifteen years before by his
uncle, John Taylor, then deputy surveyor that the
beginning tree of Heathcoat's cottage was bounded poplar
tree which stood at the head of the first draft above
Nicholas Day's plantation, near to an Indian cabin, and
that at some small distance from where the deponent now
stands(being a bounded poplar standing near the head of a
great drain on the third branch on the north side of the
main falls of the Gunpowder river) there appeared to have
been formerly made an Indian cabin."
In 1738, John Greer deposed that he had
been bitten by a rattle-snake, in the woods about 30
perches above the mouth of Long Green River, and, further,
that he was 50 years old at the time, which places his
birth date at the year, 1688.
Also in Walter Bosley's land commission
on "Bosleys Expectation" 1739, Folio 401, is
found a deposition by John Greer in which he refers to
his "Uncle James Smithers". James Smithers was
the brother of Frances Smithers, second wife of Arthur
Taylor, and was either John Greer's grandmother or
stepgrandmother. (See the Taylors)
Another deposition taken on July 25, 1743,
before the land commission held to determine the bounds
of a tract called "Thomson's Tott", laid for
George Thompson. John Taylor had "lived on the south
side of Gunpowder River near the ferry about 30 years ago
and afterward went to Carolina, and if now living, would
be seventy-eight and had shown the deponent a bounded
black and red oak which this deponent now sheweth us,
fairly bounded by three trees, the aforesaid oak stands
of the east side of a swampy stream descending into
Momigold Run" ( Now Honeygo Run).
John Greer was actively acquiring land from
1718 to 1720 and selling it from 1747 to 1748. Greer's
Park, 100 acres, rent 4 shillings, surveyed to John Greer,
3 February 1718 lying on the Great Falls of Gunpowder
River in Baltimore County, patented to said Greer, March
6 1732. This 100 acres was transferred to Mark Guisard,
April 5, 1748 and Sarah, his wife, did not sign deed.
Also Greer's Improvement, 58 acres, rent
2 shillings, 6 pence was surveyed for John Greer January
4, 1720, lying on the north side of the main falls of the
Gunpowder River. He also transferred this to Mark Guisard
the same date as above.
Still another was Greer's Discovery, 92
acres, rent 0-3-8 1/2, surveyed January 24 1720, lying on
the north side of the Main Falls of Gunpowder River,
Patented to Thomas Greer, and transferred to Mark Guisard
2 March 1747. No wife signed dower. It is assumed then
that Sarah Day Greer died prior to this date. No further
records have been found of John Greer since the 1748 date.
Sarah Day was the daughter of Nicholas
Day I and wife, Sarah Day whose will states that her
daughter, Sarah was the wife of John Greer. (See The Days.)
John Greer and Sarah Day are said in some sources to have
married in St. John's Parish Protestant Church in 1704.
Children:
i. JAMES 3 GREER born ca. 1709 in
Baltimore County, Maryland. He married Elizabeth Wright,
widow in St. John's Parish Episcopal church in Joppa. His
will dated 12 July 1742 and proven 5 August is recorded i
Baltimore,Md.,reads: "being weak...first to my good
friend Henry Adams my best gun for ten years, then to my
son-in-law Abraham Wright....all the rest and residue to
my wife, Elizabeth Greer and her child S suposed to be
with her (if not) then to youngest son, Jacob Wright to
them and theirs forever. wife, Elizabeth, was appointed
executrix. Witnesses: Richard Caswell, William Bond and
Cathrine Adams. Elizabeth may have later married Jacob
Davice 6 February 1754 in St. John's Parish records, p.
193. It is not known if James had a child posthumously.
ii. WILLIAM 3 GREER b. ca. 1710 m. Ann
Fitch. (More later)
iii. MOSES 3 GREER b. ca. 1712; appears
in Baltimore County deeds and made deposition in which he
stated that on 13 Sept 1777, he was now of the county of
Pittsylvania, Va.,...formerly of this county and that
about 45 years ago there he was sent by his father to go
to a large oak and stay until Mr. Snowden, the surveyor
came. He further states that he and his brother, Aquilla,
carried the chains, and Mr. Snowden paid them 10
shillings for doing so. It is recorded in St. John's
Parish Records, p. 208 that Moses Greer married Mary
Bailey. also recorded is that Moses and Mary Greer had a
son, Aquilla b. 9 Sept. 1760. Not proved that it is this
Moses Greer. One source states they also had a son,
Laurence, OR Lowrander,7 June 1757.
iv. JOHN 3 GREER born ca. 1714 on
Gunpowder in Baltimore County, Maryland married Sarah (Elliot?)
and had issue: This John is claimed by some to be the one
who was in North Carolina by 1756.
a. Aquilla Greer born 29 July 1737.
b. John Greer married Elizabeth :
1b. Catherine b. 26 Dec. 1764 m. 31 July 1782,
Thomas Lamdin
2b. Moses Greer b. 21 June 1766.
3b. Aquilla Greer b. 10 July 1768.
4b. John Greer b. 10 July 1768.
Another source gives that John who
married Sarah was summoned by the vestry of St. John's
Parish for unlawful cohabitation with Chloe Jones.
4.
v. AQUILLA 3 GREER born ca. 1716-19;
married Elizabeth whose name has been variously said to
be Lowe, Smith, Haynes or Bandy. Since they married ca.
1739, it seems more logical that she was Elizabeth Lowe.
Two of his brothers married Lowe sisters thought to be
the daughters of William Lowe, Jr. (More later.) Aquilla
Greer is on the 1752 Halifax County, Va. Tithables list.
vi. SARAH 3 GREER, born 16 February 1721;
said to have died young.
vii. ANN 3 GREER born February 16 1721,
twin to above; married John Starke 10 July 1738 in St.John's
Parish Church. John died Franklin County, Va. Children:
a. Mary, born 1739
b. John, born 12 Feb 1741; married Elizabeth Greer,
daughter of Aquilla and Elizabeth Greer
c. Elizabeth, born 1744
d. Joshua, born Dec. 1744
e. Jesse, born 1761.
f. Joel, born 1763; married Jane Jackson
g. William, born 1765; married Elizabeth Webb
h. Jonathan, born 1775; married Jane
i. Joseph, born 3 Feb 1780; married Sarah
Hampton.
viii. BENJAMIN 3 GREER, born 6 January
1727, son of John and Sarah Greer, married 2 January 1745
Rachel Lowe. A Benjamin Greer was in Halifax County,
Virginia in 1752 on the Tithables list.
ix. JOSEPH 3 GREER married Ann Lowe in St.John's
Parish 18 August 1750. A Joesph Greer was on the
Tithables list in Halifax County,Va.in 1752. A Joseph
also was in Bedford County, Va. on the Stanton River
adjoining Aquilla Greer in 6 March 1771; (More later)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End Notes and References
1. Torrence, The Greer Families, Maryland
Historical Society.
Baltimore Court Proceedings-land
commission, Liber H.W. S. No. 2, folio 144, 1732
depositions.
Maryland Historical Magazine, Vol. 18, p.
21. Land Commission Depositions, W.B. M., Vol. 16, folio
147.
Certificate A. M. #L, folio 213, Patent P.
L. #8, folio 802
T.B. #f, folio 715
Ibid., folio 259.
Ann Arundel & Baltiore Counties Rent
rolls No. 1, folio 230.
Certificate E. I. #3, folio 289: Patented
E. I. No 4, folio 167.
Ibid, folio 443, patented to Thomas Greer,
Liber E. I. #4, folio, 410.
Baltimore County Deeds, W.G.A., p. 266:
Deposition by Moses Greer of Pittsylvania Co., Va 13 Sept
1777.
2. Robert Barnes, Baltimore County
Families, 1659-1759. Genealogical Publishing Company,
1989, pp. 286-281,204.
3. Robert Barnes, Maryland Marriages 1634-1777,
Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc. 1976, p. 73.
4. J.B. Bell, Greer Kinsman, 1986.
5. Landon C. Bell, Sunlight on the
Southside,Genealogical Publishing Co.
Aquilla Greer
Aquilla 3 Greer (John, James) was born ca. 1719 on the
Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, Maryland. He is first
recorded in Baltimore County when he and his brother,
Moses Greer, helped to survey some land on Broad Creek at
the direction of heir father, John Greer. Mr. Snowden,
the surveyor paid them 10 shillings for the work.
On November 16 1743, Charles Carroll of Annapolis,
Maryland leased Aquilla Greer 100 acres of land in
Baltimore County for which he paid 100 pounds of tobacco
per year. This lease was to run during the life of
Aquilla, his wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Sarah.
From Liber I.S. No. A, folio p. 297, Baltimore county, Md.
is the following:
"Charles Carroll of Annapolis Md. to Aquilla
Greer of the same, 16 November 1743, lease of land called,
Chilmalira:* lying in Baltimore County, beginning at an
an oak, two bunches of Cat's tails...100 acres for use of
three following persons: Aquilla Greer, Elizabeth Greer
and Sarah Greer, yielding and paying to Charles Carroll
to December 10th the quality...of good clear merchantable
tobacco of fresh and ground leaves to be delivered to a
convenient land on Gunpowder river in convenient casues...
and two capons, should they be asked; not to sell or
dispose of timber. The said Aquilla Greer also convenants
for himself, his heirs and assigns, the mother, his heirs
of assigns, shall not suffer more hands to work or till
the demised premises than himself, his wife and children
and one servant and in case his children are incapable of
work, then take in two servants." The lease included
house and plantation.
One source states that this is the place that probably
all his children were born except Sarah. About 1753 he
removed to Virginia along with some of his brothers and
families. In Halifax County, Virginia, it is recorded
that Aquilla, John and Company were granted a survey
which was filed in 1757. Another source says that the
land was 50 acres granted by King George III on Grassy
Hill, next to David Griffith and was first in Lunenberg
County and later fell into Halifax County, then
Pittsylvania County and then Franklin County. According
to Sylvester Greer, it was located near the town of Rocky
Mount in that County. He is also quoted as owning 400
acres of land on Bull Run Creek, adjoining John Gilman
surveyed April 16 1754 granted July 5 1780. Brother John
also was granted 100 acres on branches of Maggoty Creek
in 1751, and John and Joesph were granted 400 acres on
Lick Branch in 1753 while brother Benjamin was granted
land on 10 May 1760. In Lunenburg County deeds, it shows
that Aquilla Grier was granted 110 acres on the SS
Staunton River on the 8-20 1760. On March 12, 1761 in
Bedford County, Virginia, Aquilla, John Greer and Stephen
English took inventory of the estate of John Anthony.
In 1771, John, Aquilla & Joseph sold land in
Halifax County, and on the 13 Sept 1777, Aquilla and son,
William, took an oath of allegiance in Henry County,
Virginia.In Vol 9 of the Virginia Historical Magazine, p.
140; his age is given as 58 and Wm. Greer's as 29. It is
recorded in the Virginia Magazine of History that his age
was 62 years; public claims made by him are that he
furnished food, and beef for soldiers on the 2 0f August
1781. Henry Haynes, also took the oath with his sons.
His age is given as 78, William Haynes' as 50, while George
Haynes was 40.
On November 23, 1782 the following Greers were named
in petition of Bedford County Freeholders and others
residing on the south side of Staunton to divide Bedford
and Henry Counties further in Franklin County: Moses
Greer, Sr., Moses greer, Jr., William Greer, Thomas Greer,
Aquilla Greer, James Greer, Greenberry Greer and Vinson
Greer. Also listed were John Haynes, Samuel Smith, Thomas
Smith and William Smith, mentioned because the wife of
Henry Haynes was Mary Smith, the daughter of Guy Smith.
Four of the children of Aquilla Greer married children of
Henry Haynes and Mary Smith Haynes.
On November 20, 1783, Aquilla Greer and wife,
Elizabeth with John Haynes & wife Sarah sold 660
acres on the east side of the Staunton River.
Sometime after this they left Virginia and are found
in Wilkes County, Georgia, where James and Vinson, sons of
Aquila, bought land on Buffalo Creek from George Lumpkin in
1786. Aquilla Greer is on the 1789. The Tax Digest of Greene
County, Georgia, where he made his will, dated 8 April 1790 and
proved 30 October 1790. In his will, he named his wife,
Elizabeth and the following children:
End Notes and References
1. * Barnes spells this Clynmalia and states Charles
Carroll, Esg in 1750 owned 2500 acres named Clynmalia.
2. Robert Torrence," The Grear-Greer Greere Grier
Families", Unpublished manuscript from Maryland
Historical Society.
3. Sylvester Greer, Unpublished paper from Duke Wright
Greer, Potts Camp, Ms.
4. T. L.C. Genealogy, Miami Beach, Fl. Lunenburg
County Virginia Land Patents 1746-1916.
5. Roger C. Dodson, Footprints From The Old Survey
Books of Halifax & Pittsylvania Counties in Virginia,
Pittsylvania County, Virginia Historical society, 1989.
6. Mrs. Dorothy C. Watts, The Virginia Genealogist,
"Petitions of Residents of Bedford and Henry
Counties, Virginia In Favor of and Opposed to a New
County. ( Franklin)", Vol., No., p. 83-87,
7. The Will of Aquilla Greer 4/8/1790; rec. 10/30/1790
Green County, Georgia.
8. Ann Chilton, Bedford County, Virginia Deed Book A-1,
1754-1762, Mountain Press, P. O. Box 400, Signal Mountain,
Tenn.
9. The records of Addie McCoy Alton, descendant of
Aquila I, Lt. James Greer's daughter who married Neely
Mccoy. DAR No. 490761.
10. Virginia Magazine of History, Vol. 9, pp., 138-140.
FOURTH GENERATION -- TheChildren of Aquilla and Elizabeth
1. SARAH 4 GREER, born ca. 1740, daughter of Aquilla
and Elizabeth Greer, in Baltimore County, Maryland, is
thought to have been the wife of Henry Haynes, Jr., born
1735 in Caroline County, Virginia. In his will, dated 5 Sept
1810, he does not mention his wife by name. Children named are:
i Parminas Haynes the tract of land whereon I now live.
ii. Sally Haynes married Henry English and their
children were: Henry English, Jr., Lucy, Nancy, Sally,
Dinah, Polly, and Jane. Also grandson Stephen English.
Named in will of Henry English Greene Co., Ga. 1816.
iii. Delilah Haynes married William Greer in Greene
County, Ga. 1-15-1795.
iv. Mary Greer married David Greer, son of James and
Ann Haynes Lowe. (More Later) See David Greer 5th
Generation.
v. Irene Hudson
vi. Nancy Greer.
He also left Lewis Autry five dollars in cash. William
Greer, Henry Greer and Parminas English were the
Executors and date of will was 2 November 1809; signed
& sealed in presence of William Greer, Ezekiel Robins,
Dinah (x) English, Vincent Haralson, John Decker. And
proved in open court 5 Sept 1810 by witnesses above.
Sources : 1. Boddie," The Haynes of Virginia",
Vol. XVIII, p. 76-7. 2. Descendants of Stephen English.
__________________
2. JAMES 4 GREER (Aquilla, John, James) was born in
Baltimore County, Maryland 15 January 1742 . James Greer
married Ann Haynes Lowe, the daughter of Henry Haynes.
During the Revolutionary War, he was lieutenant in the
militia of Bedford county, Virginia. A full biography of
James Greer follows later in this text.
3. Aquilla, Jr., m. Elizabeth Bandy; died before father.
Son, William in Oglethorpe Co., Ga. 1796.
4 William 4 Greer born 29 January 1748, probably in
Maryland; married ca 1772 Mary Jane Haynes, born 2 Sept
1753 in Virginia, daughter of Henry Haynes, Sr. and wife,
Mary. He is probably the William Greer who witnessed the will
of Henry Haynes in 1784 in Bedford Co. Va. He had land on
the Oconee River in Greene County, Ga. He died 24 Sept
1812 in Greene County; Mary Jane (Jean) died 26 Sept 1812.
Known children were:
i. Abraham Greer b. 8 Feb. 1775 married Betsy Beasley
22 January 1798 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. He was in
Greene County, Ga.until 1830 census,and in Noxubee County,
Ms, by 1840. His wife was dec'd. betweem 1830 and 1840. This
family has been thoroughly covered in J. B. Bell's book,
Greer Kinsman.
ii. Henry Greer, born 14 August 1782; married 3 times:.
(1) Mary, b.16 September 1802 by whom he had eleven
children; Mary died 7 Nov. 1824.
(2) Mary, b. 20 January 1825; She died 28 January leaving
seven children 1838. She might have been Mary McCoy, dau.
of Henry McCoy
(3) Barbara, by whom there were no children.
Henry died 10 March 1854 and is buried in Philips Graveyard,
Neshoba County, Mississippi.
iii. Lucy Greer, born 14 February 1785; Married
Frederick Hudson.
iv. William 5 Greer, Jr., born September 22 1787,
Greene County, Georgia married 24 March 1808 Delilah (Delia)
Haynes, daughter of Delia Greer, daughter of Aquilla I
and Elizabeth, and Parmenas Haynes. She was born Feb 1788;
d. 11 Feb 1845. (More later) William died 23 March 1848
in Shuqualak, Noxubee County, Miss.(More later)
v. Mary Greer born 21 Sept 1790 Greene County,Ga.married
Jeremiah Ragan born 8 February 1788. Mary died 6 October
1826 Greene Co., Ga. and Jeremiah died 31 January 1827.
Children:
a. Jane Haynes Ragan born 1 April 1813 Greene
County Ga. married James H.. Greer (More Later)
b. Ann Atkins Ragan born 26 Feb. 1816 Greene County,
Ga.; married Henry Franklin Greer,
c. Lucy Sophronia Ragan born 6 December Greene County,
Ga.; married Henry O. Beasley; on 1850 Noxubee County, Ms.
census.
5. Elizabeth 4 Greer, daughter of Aquilla Greer I and
Elizabeth, married John Starkey, son of John Starkey and
Ann Greer, born 12 Feb 1741; died in Oglethorpe County,
Ga. in 1818. Children: i. Nancy Starkey married November
21,1814 Parmenas English of Oglethorpe County, Ga.
ii. John Starkey
iii. Drusilla Starkey married 22 March 1796 Isaith
Lowe.
iv. Gideon Starkey married 10 June 1806 Sally Beavers.
v. Betsy Starkey married November 12 1806 Isaac Ray.
vi. Sarah Starkey married November 1814 John Johnson
of Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
__________________________
6. Vinson 4 Greer, son of Aquilla I and Elizabeth was
in Georgia by 1786 when he bought land from George
Lumpkin which later became Oglethorpe County. In 1797 he
is listed in Georgia Tax Digest as Vinson Green in Greene
County in same district as Asel.In 1793 he bought land
from Walton Harris in Greene County, Georgia. He died in
Greene County. There is a deed in Greene County, Ga.
Vincent Greer to Henry Haynes March 15, 1804; rec. May 4
1810. Bk 5/p.407.
Estate records exist for Vinson Greer in Green County,
Ga., Oct 19 1805 in which a James Greer applied for
letters of adm. on estate of Vinson Greer, dec'd. The
appraisement of the estate of Vinson Greer was made by
Henry English, Wm. Greer, Henry Haynes recorded 1 April
1806. The granting of the letters of adm. was not on page
given. No wife or any children given.
I speculate that the James Greer who applied as
administrator was probably a son. .
In 1810, the estate records are given of a James Greer
who had a son Vinson, still a minor in 1815. Nancy Greer
and James Reynolds first applied for letters of
Administration. James Greer had children: Elizabeth,
Vincent Greer, Sarah, Henry H.Greer, Nancy J. Greer who
were all in school. William Greer was named guardian. (Which
William?) One Henry H. Greer appears on the 1830 census in Greene
County. James Greer married Nancy Reynolds in Greene
County.
One source (Bell) states that it was Vinson, Sr.'s son,,
Vinson, Jr., whose estate record, 1827-8, is in Greene
County. Joseph Bledsoe applied November 19 1827 for
letters of Administration to the estate of Vincent Greer.
On 14 January, David Greer and William Greer, Executors,
were administrators of the estate of Vincent Greer, deceased.
On May 5, 1828 David Greer, as administrator of his
estate, sold two negroes, Dick and Amascha. There is no
Vincent Greer on the 1820 Greene Co., Ga. census.
Vincent, Jr.'s children, named by Bell, are:
i. Sarah b. 1805 d. 1826 m. 19 December David Greer
1791-1855.
ii. Elizabeth married Joseph Bledsoe in Greene County,
Ga. 30 December 1819.
iii. William married Ann.
iv. Aquilla
------------------------------------------------------------------ End Notes and References
1. Mrs. Morgan Roby Redwine of Athens, Georgia
November 1942 as quoted in The Greer Families by Torrence
from Maryland Historical Society. 2. Austin, Georgia
Bible Records, 1985.
3. J.B. Bell, Greer Kinsman, Hernando, Mississippi,
1986.
4. Letter from Mrs. George O. Marshall of Athens,
Clarke County, Georgia.
5. Greene County, Georgia, Inventories of
Appraisements of Estates 1798-1806, LDS Reel 0158355.
------------------------------------------------------
7. Delia 4 Greer was born in Bedford County, Virginia
31 October 1758; married as his second wife December 1781,
Parmenas Haynes, son of Henry Haynes, Sr. The first wife
of Parmenas Haynes was Elizabeth Baber. He kept a family
bible of births, marriages and deaths. A Revolutionary soldier,
he came to Georgia probably at
same time the time as The Greers. Parmenas Haynes died 3
March 1813.
The children by Elizabeth Baber:
i. Nancy Haynes born 10 December 1768; died 12 Nov
1843; married ( 1) 25 October 1787 James Shackleford; (2)
28 December 1797 Jesse Eley in Oglethorpe Co., Georgia.
ii. Robert Haynes born 2 November 1770 Bedford County,Va.;
died 1836 Oglethorpe County, Ga. m. (1 27 Sept 1794
Bedford County, Va. Lucy Phelps, daughter of John Phelps;
married (2) 16 May 1825 Elizabeth Reid, Green County,
Georgia.
iii. Richard Haynes born 5 March 1773; married 4 July
1800 in Oglethorpe County, Abie Ragan, daughter of
Jonathan Ragan.
Children by Delia Greer:
iv. Parmenas Haynes, Jr. born in Bedford County,
Virginia 11 March 1783; died in Elysian Fields, Harrison
County,Texas 1849; married 30 April 1807 Oglethorpe
County, Georgia, Jane (Jenny) Phelps, daughter of Lt.
John and Susannah Younger Phelps, of Bedford County, Va.
He came to Harrison county, Tx. in 1845. Jane had died in
Alabama in 1844. He wrote his children to come to Texas.
a. Poley Eliza Haynes b. 27 May 1808
b. John Phelps Haynes b. 4 Jan. 1812
c. William Glenn Haynes b. 1 May 1818 to Tx. 1846 d.
Delia Ann Haynes b. 22 June 1815
e. Lucy Phelps Haynes b. 15 Jan 1821
f. Robert Henry Haynes b. 17 Feb. 1823
g. Sarah Janes Haynes b. 21 JUne 1825
h. Richard Parmenas b. 3 Sept 1827. Descendants still
in Harrison County, Tx. in 1971.
v. Salley Haynes born 7 November 1785; married 3
September 1807, Woody Jackson.
vi. Delia Haynes, born 10 March 1788; married William
Greer 24 March 1808, son of William Greer and Mary Jane
Haynes. ( More later. See Wm., Greer, Jr.)
vii. Polley Haynes born 2 December 1794 married 7
April 1812 John Thorington of Oglethorpe County, Ga.
viii. Jasper Haynes born 3 November 1797; married 17
May, Lucy Slaten of Oglethorpe County.
ix. Henry Haynes born 7 August 1800; died 16 October
1825?-
End Notes and References
1. Jeanette Holland Austin, Georgia Bible Records,
Genealogical Publishing Company, Balt., Md. p.310-311
2. Supplement to History of Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
3. Harrison County Texas Heritage Sketches, 1971.
4. Boddie, Vol. XVIII, p. 76.
____________________
8. Asel, 4 (Asa, or Yel) Greer born ca. 1750 in
Virginia probably Lunenburg County, son of Aquilla I and
Elizabeth Greer m. Mary Ann Lowe, daughter of Ann Haynes
Lowe and her first husband, Samuel? Lowe. An unpublished
paper of James Micajah Greer, grandson of James Greer, Jr.
states that his uncle, David Searcy remembers visiting in
the home of Asel and Mary Ann ca. 1825,and refers to Asel
as being old at that time. On the 1820 Greene County, Ga.
census Azel is enumerated with one w m 26-45, 1 w m 45
over, and Females ages 1 under 10, 3f 10 -16, 2f 16-18 and
one 16-26. Estate papers are on file in Clarke County,
Georgia, 1828- 37. John James and Mary Ann Greer are named
as Administrators. William Greer contests in 1837 and is
made administrator. Some known children:
i. Edmund Greer born 13 April 1788; married Frances
Hodnett January 31 1810 in Greene County, Georgia.
ii. Nancy Greer b. 28 August 1791; died 28 August 1854;
m. 23 Dec. 1819 to Thomas C. Winn, Greene County, Ga.
iii. Aquilla Greer born 1793 Greene County., Georgia;
died ca. 1869 Drew county,Ark.; married Mary Williams,
born 1795 South Carolina, 16 February 1818 Oglethorpe
County,Georgia. iv. Matilda Greer
v.Jane Greer born 27 May 1798 ; d. 15 June 1843;
married 14 April John Garrett b. 24 March 1794 N.C.; d.
15 November 1852; buried Cusseta Cemetery, Chambers
County, Al. Possible other children given by Bell: vi.
Lucy Greer m. James Thompson 1828.
vii. Mary Greer m. Henry James 1825 (2) John
Sturdivant 1832 viii. Priscilla Greer m. 1833 John James.
ix. Sarah m. James Hodnett.(from estate records)
x. William m. Mary Hodnett (estate records)
07. JAMES 4 GREER ( Aquilla, John, James) was born in
Baltimore County, Maryland 15 January 1742 and is assumed
to have resided on the Chilmalira Tract leased by his
father Aquilla from Charles Carroll in 1743 until he
removed with his father and family to Lunenburg County,
Virginia in that part that later became Pittsylbania,
Bedford and Henry Counties. At that time he would have
been about 11 years old. |From 1769 there are several
deeds in Bedford County where James Greer bought land
from his father, Aquilla. During the Revolutionary War,
he was lieutenant in the militia of Bedford county,
Virginia. On the 24th September 1781, James Greer was
recommended as Lieutenant of the Virginia Militia in
Bedford County. On November 23, 1782 a James Greer is
listed along with other Greers in Henry County in a
petition to divide Bedford and Henry further into
Franklin County. It is not proven that this is Lt. James
in the last two items, but is a possibility.
James Greer married Ann Haynes Lowe, the daughter of
Henry Haynes who moved from Orange county, Virginia to
Bedford about the same time as Aquilla I and family. They
married in the Bedford County Quaker Meeting House 28
April 1767. Parmenas Haynes, her brother, was security.
She was the widow of (sources differ on first name) of
Ansel? Lowe. She had two children by Lowe: Stephen who is
said to have fought in the Revolution and Mary Ann Lowe
who married the brother of James, Asel Greer. Ann, also
called Nancy, was born probably in Orange County,
Virginia 2 May 1744. Her father, Henry Haynes, Sr., left
will dated 5 March 1784 in Henry County; proven 23
December 1784 in which he names children by their married
names and also granddaughter, Mary Ann.
The Greers and Haynes left Virginia soon after Henry
Haynes estate was settled. In the estate sale of Henry
Haynes, Sr., Parmenas Haynes and Henry Haynes, Jr., both
of whom married daughters of Aquilla Greer I, bought
items. The estate sale was held 16 January 1785. Aquilla,
James and Ann, William are seen to be selling their land
about this time also. See Deed Records later.
In Early Records of Georgia, George Lumpkin and wife,
Ann, sold James Greer 600 acres on Buffalo Creek adj.
Vines Collier and John Lumpkin April 15 1786. The
Lumpkins also sold Vinson Greer, James' brother, 150
acres. On 22 April 1796, James Greer and Ann, his wife of
Oglethorpe sold Edward Powell of same for 150 lbs.
sterling 320 acres, part of the tract James Greer had
bought from Lumpkin described as being the upper
plantation of the waters of Buffalo Fork of Long Creek,
adjoining land of John Milner, Isaac Collier, John
Gresham, Alexander Hawkins, Nicholas Hawkins and Parmenas
Haynes. On the same day he sold John Powell 2800 acres,
the lower end of this tract for 150 lbs.
James Greer went to Jackson County after leaving
Oglethorpe. This is proved by deed dated 24 March 1800
when he bought a tract of land from John Cobb of
Jefferson County, Georgia for 500 dollars which was
situated in the county of Jackson on the waters of Davis
Creek, it being a part of a tract that Absalom Autry
bought of John Cobb containing 550 acres. The deed was
recorded April 1804 and witnessed by R.Easley and Jesse
Heard. A deed between James Greer of Clark county and
John Cobb of Richmond County, Georgia, dated 30 September
1803 was for land in Clarke for 130 acres more less,
being part of a survey of 1600 acres granted to Richard
Hugh Banks for which Greer paid $ 260. It was recorded 10
March 1804 with Wm. Hopkins, J.P. and Thomas Bankston, J.
P. as witnesses. In 1804 County Court Minute book under
Road business: road from Jackson County line near James
Greer, Esq. to Green County line to Fitzpatrick Ferry be
open and repaired. Overseers: James Greer, Esq.,
Willoughby Hammon Francis Arnold- James Greer from
beginning of Lanes Creek Hammon thence to Freeman's Creek,
Arnold thence to Green County Line.
Several other deeds for James Greer were not recorded
until 1838 probably when his estate was being settled.
One of these was from Benjamin Ward for 100 acres on the
waters of The Appalachee river joining Phelps &
Shepherd for the sum of $100.00. Witnesses were P. Haynes,
Jesse Canida and H Boling, J. P. Another was for 80 acres
for which he paid Edmund $100. 00. In this deed he is
referred to as James Greer, Esq., and the land adjoined
his line. The date was the 14th January 1822.
A deed in 1804 from James Greer, Jr. to James Sr.,
both of Clarke County, Georgia for 30 acres and the price
of $100.00 was witnessed by Henry Greer and Benjamin Ward
is also described as being on Davis Creek and bounded by
land on the north by said James Greer, Benjamin Ward on
the west, on the south by Henry Greer & east by
Brewer. Again in 1807 he bought 27 acres more or less
from James Gilmore on Davis Creek, it being part of tract
conveyed from Richard Eubanks to John Cobbs which was
also on Davis Creek . J. Tillery, A.H. Evans and H.
Boling, J.P. witnessed. Another 100 acres was bought in
1813 from John Hopkins of Bedford County, Tennessee for $50.00
which also bounded Greer's line. Aquila (?) Ramey and J.Boling,
J. P. witnessed this. all of these last indentures were
not recorded until 29 October 1938 including the last one
below which is part of the land his son, Aquilla,
inherited:
"This Indenture made this twenty third day of
September eighteen hundred and sixteen between William
Smith, and James Greer both of the County of Clark and
State of Georgia witnesseth that the said Smith for and
consideration of the sum of eight Hundred Dollars in hand
paid by the aforesaid Greer,this receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold and by these
presence do bargain & sell unto James Greer one
certain tract of parcel of land situated & lying in
the County of Clark and State aforesaid and bounded as
follows viz, Begining at Red oak fell down now persimmon
thence N. 15 w 76 chains to post oak stump, now crabapple
tree, thence s. 28 w 77 chas. 50 links to a hicory corner
on Appilatchee River, thence down said river following
the meanders said river to the begining at the corner
containing Two Huncred and twenty seven and one half
acres to him the said Greer,his heirs & assigns
forever. And the said William Smith do hereby warrent and
defend a good legal title to the ----hereby bargained
premises with all the appertaincences thereto belonging
to him the said James Greer his heirs or assigns-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal this day & year above written.
Signed Sealed & delivered in the presents of
William Smith Parmenas Haynes J. B. Pendleton John Oliver
Georgia Clarke County. Personally appeared before me
Parmenas Haynes & John Oliver two of the subscribing
witnesses to the within Deed & being sworn on the
Holy Evngelist of almight god Saith that they saw the
within William Smith sign seal & deliver this within
deed they subscribed the same as witnesses & saw J.B.
Pendleton do the same.
In the 1807 land lottery, James Greer, Priscilla and
David Greer drew land in the Hopkins Militia district in
Clarke County. This was probably James Greer, Jr. as the
other two were his children. James Greer also drew land
in the 1820 lottery which was in Clarke County on the
Oconee River. Aquilla Greer, his son, bought land in
Oglethorpe County in 1809 from his Zachariah Arnold,
believed to be his father-in- law. Aquilla married Martha
Arnold in Oglethorpe County while several of the other
children of James and Ann Greer married in Clarke ca.
1807.
James Greer died in Clarke County, Georgia . His will
was dated 13 June 1825 and probated 5 September 1825. His
son, Aquilla, and son-in-law, Robert Stuart, were
executors. Robert Stuart as Exec'r of the estate of James
Greer, dec'd, appeared in court in Walton County to claim
lot 279-8 in Carroll County . Papers included appointment
of Warren J. Hill as attorney with James Lindly, J.P. and
Cornellius Helst as witnessess on 3 June 1843. ( The
Georgia Land Lottery Papers 1804-1914)
According to an unpublished paper of Judge James
Micajah Greer, a great grandson and son of of James, Jr.,
the plantation of James Greer was about 16 miles west of
Athens, Georgia and James was buried on the old home
place. Quoting from a little book of David Searcy Greer,
his uncle, he states Lt. James left property to be
divided at his wife's death, but on the 1st day of
January, she called all of her children to meet at her
house in Clarke County which most of them did, and she
divided the estate, but her main object was "to get
them all together once more. She was then 80 years old.
The meeting at the old residence is indellibly impressed
on my (David S.) mind. the place is about 16 miles
westwardly from the city of Athens. In a pine country,
within one hundred yards of the old dwelling are the
remains of my grandfather, and within about 200 yards, I
was shown the spot on which I was born, near a beautiful
clear cold spring."
James Micajah Greer also states that "the family
tradition and talk of his grandchildren gave Lt. James
Greer the reputation of having been a man of great
courage, except where his wife was concerned by whom it
is said he was well managed, as were also his property
interests. Through his energy, principally, they became
the owners of about sixty or seventy slaves and a large
quantity of land in the State of Georgia to which they
moved from Bedford County, Virginia.
Grandmother died in Lowndes County, Mississippi, on the
south side of the Butte Hatchie River, at her son David
Greer's sometime in 1832 and was buried in an old field
on her son Harry's land where several of his and Uncle
David's family were buried. So said D.( David) D.(Dixon),
who was the son of Uncle David and was living with his
father at the time of his death." This land is now
said to be in the Eastern part of Columbus Air Base in
Columbus, Mississippi.
James Greer was originally buried on the family plantation, but his remains were removed and reinterred in an Athens, Georgia, Cemetery. A DAR Marker or monument was placed on it in 1978."
The children of Lt. James Greer and Ann Haynes Lowe
Greer were:
i. Paisha or Parsha born 17 November 1767 married
Nicholas Hawkins.
ii. Henry Greer born 11 October 1769 married Susan Tillery.
iii. David Greer born 20 January 1772 married Mary Haynes
iv. James Greer born 21 September 1774 married
(1) Susannah Searcy (2 ) Mary Williams
v. Dianna Greer born 9 February 1776 married (1) Travis George
(2) William Cabiness (3) Nicholas Hawkins.
vi. Nancy Greer born 30 October 1777 married Neely McCoy
vii. Elizabeth Greer born 12 May 1779; married John Beasley;
was deceased before 1825; had one daughter Nancy
Beasley.
viii. Sarah Greer born 10 November 1780 married ---McCoy?
ix. Aquilla Greer born 1782; married Martha Arnold in
Oglethorpe County, Ga.
x. Priscilla Greer born 27 April 1783 married Robert Stuart.
xi. Lucy Greer born 9 October 1784 married John Fullilove, Jr.
xii. Delilah Greer born 20 July 1786 married (1) Bailey George
(2) William McNees.
WILL OF JAMES GREER
In the name of God Amen,
I James Greer of the county of Clarke and State of
Georgia being sick of body but of sound mine and memory,
thanks be to God for the same-But calling to mind the
uncertainty of the sublunary world and that all flesh
must yeald, when it pleaseth God of his great mercy to
call. I do therefore make this my last will and testament
as touching my goods Idispose of them in the following
manner to wit,
Item 1st. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter
Parsha Hawkins one negro girl name Sylva,one bay mare one
bed and furniture and cow and calf.
Item 2nd I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Henry
Greer one negro boy named Phill one horse and saddle, one
feather bed and furniture also one cow and calf.
Item 3rd. I give and bequeath to my beloved son David
Greer, one negro boy named Larvney one horse and saddle
one feather Bed and furniture, also one cow and calf.
Item 4th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved son
James Greer, one negro boy named Arthur,onw horse and
saddle one feather Bed and Furniture also one cow &
calf. Item 5th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved
daughter Dinah George, late widow of Travis George Decd
& now wife of William Caviness, one negro girl name
Peg,one mare and Saddle, one bed and furniture, also one
cow and calf-and it is my will and desire that when the
remainder of my estate after my death and the Death of my
beloved wife as hereinafter mentioned, is said divided
amongst my children that the part which may fall to the
aforesaid Dianah Caviness remain in her possession during
her life time, and at her death to be equally devided
among her last children by William Caviness. I also give
and bequeath to the said Dinah Caviness, one negro girl
named Selvia to be disposed of at her death in the manner
before mentioned of dividing her part.
Item 6th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter
Nancy McCoy one negro girl named Dorcas one mare and
Saddle, one bed & furniture also one cow & calf.
Item 7th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter
Elizabeth Beasley decd. and her heirs one negro boy named
Toney one Feather Bed & furniture one horse and
Saddle one cow & calf also one negroe girl named
Linda and fifty dollars to her Daughter Nancy it being in
full of the residue of my estate hereinafter named so cut
them off.
Item 8th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter
Sarah McCoy one negro girl named Daphne,one mare and
Saddle one feather bed and furniture also one cow &
calf so cut her off. Item 9th. I give and bequeath unto
my grand daughter Nancy Cook formerly Nancy McCoy one
Negro girl named Biddy one cow and calf, one feather bed
and furniture also fifty dollars and so cut her off.
Item 10th. I give and bequeath to my grandson Nealy
McCoy one hundred dollars. Item 11. I give and bequeath
unto my beloved Daughter Lucy Fullilove one negro girl
named Cutty, one horse and Saddle one bed and furniture
also one cow & calf. Item 12. I give and bequeath
unto my beloved son Aquilla Greer one negro boy named
Jacob also one negro boy named Ben, one horse and saddle,
one bed and furniture also one cow & calf.
Item 13. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter
Priscilla Stuart one negro boy name Barnubah one negro
girl named Chaney one mare and Saddle one bed &
furniture als one cow and Calf. Item 14. I give and
bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Delilah McNess one
Negroe boy named Isaac, one negro girl named Harritt one
mare and Saddle, one feather Bed and furniture, also one
cow and calf, - the balance of my estate which may fall
to the aforesaid Delilah McNess to be placed in the hands
of Henry Greer as Trustee for the aforesaid Delilah
McNess. It is my will and desire shall be by the trustee
aforesaid held and managed for the sole use and benefit
of the aforesaid Delilah McNess during her natural life
and after her Death said property and the proceeds
thereof to be equally divided between her last children
or heirs by William McNess.
Item 15th. I lend to my beloved wife Nancy Greer
during her natural life the two tracts of land Plantation
belonging to me, towit, the place whereon I now live and
the place whereon William Smith formerly lived, also
Twenty one Negros, which I have now in my possession also
all my stock, of horses cattle hogs and sheep, also my
riding carriage Waggon furniture and plantation tools of
every description whatever, and at her death to be
divided in the manner forllowing to wit- the tract of land
whereon I now live containing about seven hundred acres,
to my son Aquilla Greer Except so much as lies on the
north side of the road leading from John Berners to Jacob
Millsaps and all on the said North side of said Road to
my son in law Robert Stuart, likewise to my beloved son
Aquilla Greer, I give my rifle and gun and shot bag.
Item 16 to the heirs of my beloved daughter Lucy
Fullilove decd.I give and bequeath the sum of six hundred
Dollars so cut them off.
Item 17. My other tract of land whereon William Smith
formerly lived together with all the balance of my
personal property,(Negroes excepted) to be sold and the
negros to be divided unto nine Lots, as near equal as
possible can be, and the lots which may be deficient to
be made equal out of the proceeds of the sale of the
property before mentioned and each of the children
hereinafter named to draw for their lot and each of the
children hereinafter named to draw for their lot, and the
remaining part of the proceeds of the sale aforesaid to
be equally divided among the following children to wit,
Parshia Hawkins Henry Greer David Greer, James greer, the
heirs of Dianah Caviness to have her part equally divided
among them Mancy McCoy, Aquilla Greer, Pricilla Stuart
and Henry Greer trustee for Delilah McNess- and I do
hereby nominate and appoint my beloved son Aquilla Greer
and son in Law Robert Stuart to be my Executors to this
my last will and testament-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal to this my last will and Testament this thirteenth
day of June One thousand Eight hundred and twenty five
and in the forty ninth year of American Independance In
presence of James Greer Seal Teste William Davenport
Jonett Davenport Garland Sims
Georgia ) Clarke County ) Personally appeared in open
court William Davenport Jonett Davenport & Garland
Sims the subscribing witnesses to the within will and
being duly sworn saith that they saw James Greer Sign
Seal and deliver the within instruments as his last will
and Testament & that he was of sound & disposing
mind and memory at the time of his so doin & that
they subscribed the same as witnesses.
Sworn to in open Court) Wm Davenport the 5th September
1825
|
Aquilla Greer, Son of Lt.
James
AQUILLA 5 GREER (Lt. James, Aquilla, John,
James) was born January 1782 in Bedford County, Virginia.
He married Martha ( Patsy) Arnold in Oglethorpe County,
Georgia. According to family records, the date was 1 May
1810, but they applied for the marriage license January
10, 1808 which Oglethorpe County records do not show as
being returned. On 31 May 1809 Zachariah Arnold sold 100
acres to Aquilla Greer on the road leading from Lexington
to Washington near Richard Hayne's. Zachariah Arnold had
a daughter named Martha,named in his Bible Records and to
whom he left a slave in his will, but no other
information on his daughter and who she married. James
Greer, Aquilla's father was in Clarke County by this time.
An Aquilla is found there by the 1820 census, listed on
the index as Aquilla Green.
He may be the Aquilla Greer found in the
list of infantrymen who fought in the War of 1812 from
Clarke County. He is described as age 30, 6 ft tall with
blue eyes and light hair. His father, Lt James Greer,
died in 1825, leaving Aquilla much land, and Aquilla was
there on the 1830 and 1840 census.
In 1816 Aquilla was named guardian of his
sister, Delilah George's children, after the death of her
husband, Bailey George. He also was named executor of his
father's estate along with mother and brother-in-law,
Robert Stuart.
In 1842 Aquilla prepared to leave Georgia
and named David H. Griffith, his attorney. Griffith sold
land for him then in 1844 and may have prepared his will.
A copy of the will has never been found, but there are
estate records in both Marshall County, Ms. and Clarke
County, Georgia, which name his heirs. He died before Aug.
26 1844 when "The last will and testament of Aquilla
Greer, late of Marshall County, Deceased was this day
exhibited and duly proven in open court by the oath of
Ephraim Hollowell, one of the subscribing witnesses
thereto and ordered to be filed for further proof."
(Marshall County Court Minutes Bk. Z, p. 290)
P. 300 - Patsy Greer, Executrix, and
Robert S. Greer, Executor of the last Will and Testament
of Aquilla Greer, Deceased, this day returned into court
an Inventory of the goods, chattels and personal estate
of said Testator made out by the appraisers heretofore
appointed for such purpose which ----- and ordered by the
court and ordered to be recorded. Tuesday Jan. 27, 1846 -Patsy
Greer Executrix and Robert S.Greer, Executor of the last
will and Testament of Aquilla Greer Deceased, having
filed and presented for audition and allowances on the 1st
day of September last and the court having since audition
and examined the same, and caused to be properly stated
and being now satisfied that the same is in all things
correct, and that all the charges therein contained for
which they crave allowance are fully supported by proper
and valid vouchers; it is thereupon ordered that the said
account be and the same as hereby allowed and ordered to
be recorded.
On April 27, 1846 Aquilla Jabez Greer
wards Infant children of Aquilla Greer Dec'd. Upon
reading the inventory of the real and personal estate of
Aquilla Greer and Jabez M. Greer filed in this court by
Robert S. Greer Guardian of said minors, the court being
satisfied that the same is made and sworn to in strict
conformity to the estate in their behalf does thereupon
order that the said inventory be approved, confirmed and
recorded. ( Here, for the first time is proof that Jabez
M.is a child of Aquilla and Martha Arnold)
IN THE MATTER OF THE SETTLEMENT OF THE
ESTATE OF AQUILLA GREER DEC'D
"Patsey Greer Executrix and Robert S.
Greer Executor of the last will and testament of said
Aquilla greer deceased this day rendered a final account
of their administration for audition and allowances, and
upon upening the matter thereof it appears to the court
that Patsey Greer the Executrix, Delila Ann Vanderford,
wife of Allen C. Vanderford Elizabeth Stuart wife of
David D Stuart, William A Greer, James Greer, Emily Cook,
wife of John W.Cook Martha Jackson wife of William
Jackson Aquilla Greer & Jabez M Greer, the last two
named being minors and the said Robert S. Greer, Executor,
their Guardian are all the legatees under the will of the
said Aquilla Greer Dec'd and it appearing to the court
from the affdavit of the said Executor and Executor that
the said James Greer, Emily Cook, John W.Cook, Martha
Jackson and Williamn Jackson are non residents of the
state of Mississippi and reside beyond the jurisdiction
of the court so that the process thereof cannot be served
on them, it is ordered by the court that publication be
made in the Holly Springs Gazette, a newspaper published
in the town of Holly Springs in the State of Mississippi,
citing said absent legatees to be and appear before this
court on the fourth Monday of March next to then cause
why the said account should not be allowed and a ---- made
themselves accordingly and because it appears to the
court -------- "
|
Such a publication did appear in the
paper in December of 1846. There are also court records
pertaining to land the older children received.
This included Aquilla's land in Georgia,
some of which he inherited from his father and also
lands in Mississippi acquired from his brother,
James. It would be interesting to learn what estate he
left Aquilla, Jabez and his wife, Martha.
On the 1860 census, after Martha's death,
both Aquilla and Jabez have real estate valued at $2,000
or more and personal estate at $8-9,000, probably slaves.
On the 1880 census there were quite a number of blacks
named Greer probably still living on that land.
Martha (Patsy) Arnold Greer was evidently
the Martha listed household next to William A Greer, the
next older son with his wife and family and her two
younger sons, Jabez and Aquilla on 1850 Marshall County,
Mississippi, census, age given incorrectly as 36. Records
of a granddaughter, Annie Lou Houston, give her birth date
as 4 September 1790, but the records of Duke Wright Greer
give her birthdate as 1793. The birth record of Zachariah
Arnold's daughter was October 23 1792. This would make
her age 58. On the 1859 Marshall county Mississippi
Mortality schedule she is listed at having died June 1860
of cholera at age 56. However family records state she
died 27 November 1859. It is not known where the
gravesites of either she or Aquilla are. Family records
of Anna Lou Houston state Aquila died in 1843, and Duke
Wright Greer states he had son named Robert, maybe called
Book, but there is nothing in the estate records to prove
this.
From family records, census and probate
records the following are named as children of Martha (Patsy)
and Aquilla Greer:
i. James R., b. ca. 1810 m. Mary Wilkes,
daughter of Frances and Mary Wilkes in Green County,
Alabama in 1836. On the 1850 Green County census record
there is listed James R.Greer b. Ga. with children by the
names of Aquilla, Roxana and Robert, born in Al; census
dated 21 Nov.1850. On 20 Nov. 1850 census for Marshall Co.,
Ms., children by this name are in the HH of Martha Greer. My
conclusion is that the children were visiting in her HH
after their mother's death, and their father had just
given their names as being in his HH. In 1859 Robert F.
Stuart is named guardian of the children, Aquilla and
Roxana. Robert Stuart was probably the son of Robert and
Priscilla Greer Stuart, sister to Aquilla.
ii. William A., b ca. 1815, probably in
Clarke Co., Ga. m. ca. 1833 Mary S. Griffeth. Living in
Marshall County, Ms. by 1850 and still there on 1880
census. On the 1850 census the following children are
listed in his household:
a. Sarah A. b. ca. 1833 Ga.
b. David A. b. ca. 1835 "
c. Martha b. ca. 1838 "
d. Mary b ca. 1841. "
e. William b. ca. 1843 "
f. Nancy b. ca. 1846 Ms.
g. James b. ca. 1849 Ms.
On the 1860 census Wm. A. Greer is living
in Cornersville, Mississippi, with a new wife, Lucinda
age 27, and the following children: David, age 24, Wm.,
age 17, Nancy d. 14, and James, age 11. Two new children
are listed:
h. Charles E. b. ca. 1852
i. Eliza b. ca. 1860
A William Greer and Lucinda Mahan married
in Marshall County, Ms. 8 September 1857. (I believe
there are descendants of this son still in the area, but
I have not been able to prove it.) He is still listed on
the 1880 census.
iii. Delilah Ann, b. ca. 1818; m. 18 June
1839 in Clarke County, Ga., Allen C. Vanderford; they
were on the 1850 Marshall County Census.
a. Martha J. b. ca. 1842
b. James b. ca. 1844
c. Aquilla b. ca. 1845
d. Elizabeth b. ca.1848
Also in the household were Cornelius
Tucker b. Tenn. and James Cook b. Ga., age 22.(Was this
another son of John Cook and Emily?)
iv. Martha b. ca.1825?; m. William
Jackson in Clarke County, Ga. 14 Oct. 1841; remained in
Georgia, but have not been found on a census. Said to
have had a son, John Jackson, who was very wealthy and
had a daughter, Ruth Jackson. They remained in Clarke Co.,
Ga., but visited in Mississippi. William and Martha
Jackson bought the inheritance of her sister, Emily Cook.
(Clarke County, Ga. Deed Records.) Martha and William are
buried Jackson Cemetery, Oconee, Ga.
v. Emily, b. ca. 1820; m. 7 Feb. 1839
Clarke co., Ga. John W.Cook; said to have married (2) a
Rev. Houston. they were enumerated in 1850 in Clarke Co.,
Ga.,p.33: John W. Cook b. Ga. age 45 and the following
children all born in Ga.:
a. Georgia V. b. ca. 1841.
b. Franklin S., b. ca. 1843 -A Franklin S.Cook
was in HH of Jabez, Aquilla and Eliza in 1860.s.
c. Martha A. b. ca. 1845
d. John F. b. ca. 1848.
vi. Aquilla, b. 20 Aug. 1828 Clarke C0.,
Ga.; m. 1851 Eliza Wright; d. 7 July 1894; lived and died
in Marshall Co., Ms. (More later)
vii. Jabez Marshall, b. 20 April 1830 in
Clarke Co., Ga.; m. Louisa Whaley, daughter of Alford and
Mary Caroline Whaley 31 Jan. 1861. (More later)
viii. Elizabeth, b. ca.1825; m. David D.
Stuart, son of Robert and Priscilla Greer Stuart.
Priscilla was Aquilla II's sister. They were on the 1850
census in Marshall County, Ms. census.
David D Stuart 31 m Farmer 1250 Georgia
Elizabeth Stuart 25 F "
a. Martha P. Stuart 4 f Miss
b. Mary F Stuart 2 F "
c. Lucinda A Stuart f 10/12 "
End Notes and References
1. Estate Records of Aquilla Greer from
Mississippi Archives, Jackson, Ms. and Court and Deed
Records from Clarke County, Ga..
2. 1820, 1830 and 1840 Clarke County, Ga.
Federal Census.
3. 1850, 1860,1870 and 1880 Marshall
County, Ms. Federal Census.
4. Interview with Duke Wright Greer,
Potts Camp, Ms.
5. Jones and Gandrud, Alabama Records,
Green County, Alabama.
6. Flora D.England, Alabama Notes
7. Clarke County, Ga. Marriage Records.
8. Marshall County, Ms. Marriage Records.
9. DAR Records of Anna Lou Houston and
Ruth Cain.
10. Estate Notice of Aquilla Greer
published in Holly Springs Gazette.
21. PRISCILLA 5 GREER (James, Aquilla,
John,James) born 27 April 1783 probably in Bedford County,
Virginia to Lt James and Ann Haynes Lowe Greer married
Robert Stuart 7 July 1807 in Clarke County,Georgia.
Robert was born 1785 in Wilkes County, Georgia. He was
the executor with Aquilla Greer II of the estate of James
Greer, her father. It is thought by some researchers that
Robert and Priscilla are buried in Walton County, Georgia.
Children:
i. Templeton Stuart
ii. James
iii. Robert F. (believed by this
researcher to be the one in Green County, Alabama on 1850
census; married Martha Wilkes, sister of Mary Wilkes, who
married James Greer, Aquilla II's son. He was named
Administrator of Mary Wilkes' Estate ca. 1844 and
guardian of James Greer's children in 1859 in Green
County, Alabama.
iv. David married Elizabeth, daughter of
Aquilla and Martha Arnold; were in Marshall County, Ms.
1850 census.
v. Isaac Stuart in Clarke County,
Arkansas.
vi. Aquilla Greer Stuart married Emily B.
Jordan 24 August 1843 Chambers county, Alabama; was on
Clark County, Arkansas 1860 census also 1866-67 tax
records there. Aquilla died 7 August 1897 Prescott,
Arizona.
vii. Henry Boling Stuart
End Notes And References
1. Mildred Watkins, Ancestor Hunting 1963-80.,
Baton Rouge, La. Query by Mrs. J. Mac Gorman, 550 w.
Lincoln, Escondido, Calif 92925.
2. 1850 Green County, Alabama Census
3. 1850 Marshall County, Ms. Census
4. Flora D. England, Alabama Notes,
Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc. Baltimore, Md. 1977.
5. Letter from Pat Nichols, Bossier City,
La., Stuart descendant
22. LUCY 5 GREER (James, Aquilla,
John, James) born 1784 married John Fullilove, Jr. A John
Fullilove is on the 1820 Oglethorpe County, Ga. census.
In James Greer's will, she is said to have been deceased
in 1825. Bell lists these children:
i. David - A D.D.Fullilove listed in
Noxubee co., Ms. 1850 age 38 M Planter $4000 Ga., with
Susan F., f 24 Al. , George A. 2 M. b. Ms.; A D. D.
Fullilove is buried in Carroll Co., Ms, Vaidem Cem., b.
10 23-1817 d. 2-17-1887.
ii. James G. is on the 1850 Caddo Parish
Louisiana census age 41 M Planter $5800 b Ga. with
Tabitha (Holmes) 28 F b. Ga., James H. 3 M b. La. Robert
Holmes is listed in HH, age 34 Overseer b. Ga. (HH 42, p.
320)
iii. John F.(or T). Fullilove 39 M b. Ga.,
Almede, F, 30, Thos. J. M 9 b. Ga. Sarah L ., 7 f Ga. Wm.
H. 3 M. La. Thomas A Mouton 23 b. Ga. (HH 43/43, p.320)
iv. William L. Fullilove 28 M Planter
2500 Ga. Elizabeth Fullilove 18 Al., Evelene 3/12 f La. (P.
320 HH 7/7)
v. Thomas J. Fullilove also in Carroll
County, Ms. 8-20- 1807, d. 19-21-1888. He was an executor
of Edmund Greer's estate.
There are DAR descendants both in Texas
and Mississippi as Lt. James Greer descendants on the
Fullilove line. See Estate Records of James Greer, Clarke
County, Ga. for heirs of Lucy Fullilove.
End Notes and References
1. 1820 Georgia Federal Census,
Oglethorpe County.
2. J.B. Bell, Greer Kinsmen, 1986.
3. Betty Wiltshire, Carroll County,
Mississippi.
4. 1850 Noxubee County, Ms. Federal
Census
23. DELILAH (DELIA)5 GREER (James,
Aquilla, John, James) born 20 JUNE 1786 to JAMES and ANN
HAYNES LOWE Greer, probably in Georgia married (1) Bailey
George 18 June 1807 in Clarke County, Georgia. Bailey was
son of William George and brother of Travis George who
married her sister, Dianna. Bailey George died ca. 1816
in Clarke County as Delilah George and Aquilla Greer, her
brother made bond as administrators of Bailey's estate on
2 December 1816. By the 4th of January 1819, Delilah had
married William McNees as they were named guardians of
Mary, James, & William George with sureties being Geo
W. Moore, R.Fullwood and John Williamson. On 2 Sept 1822
Robert Stewart (Stuart) was named guardian of the
children with Parmenas Haynes, Richard Cox, James
Langford and Edward Conner as Sureties. And on April 5
1824, John H. Lowe was name guardian of James G(Reer)
George with Milner Echols as Surety.
Before 12 March 1838, they were in Green
County, Alabama where on that date a bond of $20,000 was
made by James G. George to administer the Estate of
William McNees. Delilah had renounced her right to
administer the estate. On the 20 July 1846, the court
received and released from Delilah McNees to James G.
George as the administrator of Wm McNees, dec'd, dated 22
June 1846. James G. George, Samuel C. McNeese and James
Greer,(son of Aquilla, her brother).
Delilah McNees was on the 1850 census
Green County, Alabama census as were Robert F.Stuart,
probably the son of sister Priscilla who married Robert F.
Stuart, Sr. and James Greer, mentioned above. She went to
Noxubee County, Ms. where her sons, James Greer and
Samuel McNees settled before 1855 where she left a will.
Children by Bailey George:
i. Mary George
ii. William George- Did he marry Mary
McCoy, daughter of Neely McCoy and Nancy Greer McCoy and
died in Chambers County, Al.?
iii. James Greer George born 1812;
married 12 December 1831 Green County, Alabama Pamela E.
Hutton; died 1851. She died 23 December 1895.
Children:
a. Kate married a Hatter
b. Josephine married Steve Brown.
c. Mary born 1835 married Steve Cook d.
Nancy W. born 1840 e. Jane C. born 1843.
By William McNees:
iv. Samuel C. McNees gave receipt of his
share of the estate 8 July 1846. He married Mary W.
Beasley and had at least two children.
a. James Beasley McNees born 9 October
1857; married Leona Amanda Kirk Born 24 Dec. 1862 Handle,
Ms. They lived in Shuqualak, Ms, then Hashuqua where he
was a merchant, then back to Shuqalak in 1898. He died
1926; She died 1903. they were the parents of Lucien L.
McNees, born 12 June 1902 in shuqulak, Ms. and a well
known Mississippi genealogist.
b. Annie Delilah McNees, born 11 January
1847 Green County, Al. ; married 16 January 1868 in
Shuqualak, Ms., Louis Lafayette Anderson, who bought the
house that Samuel Clayton McNees built in 1859. Annie
Delilah McNees died 24 Feb 1899 and L. Anderson died 19
Aug. 1912.
End Notes and References
1. Clarke County, Georgia Marriage
Records. 2.Clarke County, Georgia Administration and
Guardian Bonds, Book B.
3. Flora D.England, Alabama Notes Minutes
of Probate, Book D., p. 384, Book F.,p. 912, Bk. E. Wm
McNeese Estate, Book I.
4. L. L. McNees, Descendants of Henry
Anderson of Newberry County, D.C.
5. J.B. Bell, Greer Kinsmen.
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