Individual Details
Joseph Greer Sr.
(4 Aug 1770 - 16 Apr 1843)
1770 Joseph Greer is born in South Carolina according to the census of his son, Joseph Greer in the 1880 census in Chambers Co., AL. We are uncertain of the parents of Joseph Greer, but the research of Janice Craft seems to point to the Joseph Greer Sr. family of Laurens Co., S. C. His father in turn may have been John Greer who immigrated in 1764. The family apparently lived on and worked over 200 acres on Duncan Creek of the Enoree River. The Enoree River is the border between Laurens on the south and Spartanburg and Union Counties on the north. The Enoree River flows almost due east, rather parallel with Duncan Creek, finally joining the Enoree River at the Newberry and Union County border.
1825, 31 May / recorded 8 Oct 1828- Joseph Greer and Joseph Greer Jr. are selling land in Laurens County, S. C. Joseph Greer Sr. and wife Prescilla sold to Samuel Greer 40 acres joining Bazil Praightor to land laid out to John Greer lying on water of Duncans Creek. $240.00 Priscilly (her mark) Greer witnesses: Joseph Greer, Jr. and Robert Powell [Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 59A & B.]
1829, 2 Dec.- Joseph Greer and wife Priscilla sold to Alferd A. Kern 204 acres on Duncan Creek, being part of a tract of land originally granted to Joseph Greer on 19 August 1774, between Emoree and Duncans Creek bounded by lands of Joseph Dollar, John Mahan, Jane Boak, Edward Jeanses (James?) and Peter Pairston. Witnesses: Joseph Dollar and Josiah Duncan, Priscilla (her mark) Greer [Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 132B & 133A. 2 Dec 1829 recd 24 Dec 1829.]
1830 Marengo Co., AL (sons Joseph, Samuel, Anthony Wayne Greer were here. Anthony was an overseer for McConnell, who married daughter Frances Greer) [Craft p. 7]
1834 - Joseph Greer moves to Tallapoosa Co., Alabama where his daughter Margaret Greer is married.
1834, 24 Jan. - Alexander Burns (c 22 yrs) marries Margarett Greer (c 18 yrs), by W. Atkins, in Tallapoosa Co. AL. [Alabama Records, Vol. 212, p. 81, Tallapoosa Co., Pauline Jones Gandrud, 1981, So. Hist. Press, Easley S. C.]
after 1830 in Laurens Co., SC and before 1840 - Martha (Greer) and King Prather (of TX) apparently moved to Green Co., AL;
1850 they are in Itawamba Co., Miss. with eight children;
1860 in Rusk Co., TX with four children. King Prather's will of 1873 and census records indicate nine children. [Craft 57-58]
Laurens Co., S. C., Deed Book M, page 122. 1829 King Prather sold to Thomas Gore 30 acres on Duncan Creek.
1837, April 15 - "Joseph Greer of Tallapoosa County, Alabama" files claim to 39 acres in "the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Seven in township twenty one, of Range twenty four, in the District of land subject to sale at Montgomery Alabama, containing thirty nine acres and seventy and a half hundredth of an acre." Serial number AL4260_.082. AL No S/N [Bureau of Land Management web site http://glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/]
He files for at least two other parcels 1843, 6 April - Joseph Greer writes, apparently with some assistance, his last will. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Greer, recorded in Book ? page 24 & 25, recorded 18 December 1843, Tallapoosa County, Alabama.
1850 census [Tallapoosa Co., So. Dist. p. 32]
A. Burns (38m farmer 800 SC)
Margarett 34f (b. 1814/16) SC Martha Ann 15f Ala Solomon 12m Ala Hillyard 10m Ala Rachall 8f Ala Margarett 6f Ala Samuel 2m Ala Watts Moon (living w/ them) 24m farmer Geo
1850 census [Chambers Co. 276]
Joseph Greer 43m wagonmaker 2000 SC (b1807)
Jane M. 42f SC (b1808) Thomas W. 16m Student AL (b1834) James L. 13m AL (b 1837) Sarah J. 11f AL (b1839) Columbus P. 8m AL (b1842) Joseph A. 6m AL (b1844) Knox T. 4m AL (b1846) John F. 3/12m AL (b1849) Jane Wilson 65f SC (b1785) Priscilla Greer 75f SC (b1775)
Priscilla Greer is widow of Joseph Sr. who died in 1843. All come from South Carolina Joseph is the brother to Margaret.
1853 -Priscilla Greer writes her will on 14th of October which goes to probate December 12, 1853.
The will of Priscilla Greer, made October 14, 1853, is recorded in Chambers County, AL. According to the Probate Minutes dated December 17, 1853, the heirs are:
Samuel Greer, Rachael Davis, widow Margaret Burns wife of Alexander Burns of Tallapoosa County, AL, Anthony Wayne Greer of the State of Mississippi, James Greer, Martha Prather, wife of King Prather of the State of Texas, Frances Hester, wife of George W. Hester of Troup County, GA,Joseph Greer is the executor.
The State of Alabama Chambers County In the name fo God, amen. I, Priscilla Greer, of the State and County aforesaid, knowing the uncertainy of life and certainty of death; and being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and constitute this my last will and testament, revoking all other wills and testaments, heretofore make, (to wit:) Article 1st. I design as soon as convenient, after my decease, for all my just debts to be paid. Article 2d. I design that my son Joseph Greer, be amply satisfied and compensated for his attention, trouble and expenses, with me while living with him, and especially during my last sickness. Article 3rd. I design after the above named ---?---are paid, that all my property both real and personal be equally divided between all my children. Article 4th. I hereby appoint my son Joseph Greer, trustee for my daughter, Margaret Burns, to take charge of her part of my estate; and apply it to her use, and to use the use of her bodily heirs, in any way, he thinks best for their comfort and convenience. Article 5th. I now constitute and appoint my son Joseph Greer, my sole executor without security. Article 6th. I now with Christian Fortitude and resignation, I trust, commit my body to the grave in a decent Christian manner of burial; and my soul to God who gave it. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, this 14th day of October, A. D. 1853
In presence of
Calvin Presley Priscilla P. Greer ( L. S.)
W. J. Spinks X her mark [X indicates that she was illiterate]
Archd. M. Intyre.
The State of Alabama Chambers County Court of Probate, December 12, 1853
Personally appeared in open Court, Calvin Presley, one of the subscribing witnesses to the Foregoing will of Priscilla Greer, deed.; and after being duly sworn, deposeth and with on oath; that he saw the said Priscilla Greer, sign, seal and purblish what he believed the said Priscilla Greer, testatrix aforesaid, to be of sound and disposing mind and memory at the time of signing the same; and that he deponent signed the same as the subscribing witness at the request and in the presence of the said Priscilla Greer; and that he saw W. J. Spinks and Archibally McIntyre, sign the same and that they all signed the same in the presence of each other. Sworn to in open Cort a subscribed before me December 12, 1853 Saml. Pearson, Judge of Probate . . . . . . . . Calvin Presley
In the final settlement of Priscilla's will...each child got $142.72 3/8.
1860 census Chambers Co., AL. census in August of the Southern District, New Harmony Post Office. This is obviously Joseph Greer Jr. since Joseph Greer Sr. died
Joseph Greer 52 m farmer Real estate $6000 Personal estate $20,000 born SC Jane M. Greer 51 f .............. SC Layfayette " " 23 m school teacher Alabama Sarah J. " " 21 f Alabama Columbus " " 19 m Alabama Joseph W . " " 17 m Alabama Knox " " 14 m Alabama John " " 11 m. Alabama Baxter " " 9 m Alabama
1870-US Census, Alabama, Chambers Co., page 22
Greer, Joseph 63 m w Farmer $10,800 $2000 SC " , Jane M. 60 f w SC " , Sarah J. 27 f w Ala " , Baxter 18 m w Ala
1880- US Census, Alabama, Chambers Co., Beat 11. page 151 Joseph Jr. here states that he and his parents were born in South Carolina.
Greer, Joseph w m 72 farmer SC SC SC - , Julian w f 56 wife keeping house VA VA VA Harris, Osborn w m 21 farm laborer Greer, Mary b f 12 servant servant - , Alonzo b m 9 servant servant - , Sallie b f 36 farm laborer Johnson, John b m 13 farm laborer
US Census, Mississippi, Poe County, Looxahoma, page 298 Greer, A. W. m 69 farmer SC SC SC " , Mary f 60 wife keeps house Ala Ala Ala " ,
Pat m 32 son farmer Ala SC Ala " , Lucy f 33 wife keeps house VA VA VA" , Virgil m 8 son Miss VA VA " , Hanson m 6 son Miss VA VA " , Nannie f 4 daughter Miss VA VA " , Robt m 2 son Miss VA VA
Sources:
United States census
Craft, Janice. Greer/Davis families personal research, privately published July 10, 2000. Janice Barnett Craft, 1166 Cloverdale Dr, Greenville, Miss 38701-8301, email - jrcraft@tecinfo.com
Will of Joseph Greer 1843, Chambers Co. AL., photocopy w/ EC
Probate record of the estate of Joseph Greer, Chambers Co. Ala., Dadeville, AL 36835, photocopy w/ EC
Will of Priscilla Greer 1853, Chambers Co., AL, photocopy w/ EC
Probate record of the estate of Priscilla Greer, Chambers Co. AL, photocopy w/ EC
Kelley, Pam. Greer family records and research of 3/16/00 - 4 /24/00, (I can't thank her enough for all she provided) 1023 Lantuck Rd., Valley, AL 36854 email- pckelley@mindspring.com
1825, 31 May / recorded 8 Oct 1828- Joseph Greer and Joseph Greer Jr. are selling land in Laurens County, S. C. Joseph Greer Sr. and wife Prescilla sold to Samuel Greer 40 acres joining Bazil Praightor to land laid out to John Greer lying on water of Duncans Creek. $240.00 Priscilly (her mark) Greer witnesses: Joseph Greer, Jr. and Robert Powell [Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 59A & B.]
1829, 2 Dec.- Joseph Greer and wife Priscilla sold to Alferd A. Kern 204 acres on Duncan Creek, being part of a tract of land originally granted to Joseph Greer on 19 August 1774, between Emoree and Duncans Creek bounded by lands of Joseph Dollar, John Mahan, Jane Boak, Edward Jeanses (James?) and Peter Pairston. Witnesses: Joseph Dollar and Josiah Duncan, Priscilla (her mark) Greer [Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 132B & 133A. 2 Dec 1829 recd 24 Dec 1829.]
1830 Marengo Co., AL (sons Joseph, Samuel, Anthony Wayne Greer were here. Anthony was an overseer for McConnell, who married daughter Frances Greer) [Craft p. 7]
1834 - Joseph Greer moves to Tallapoosa Co., Alabama where his daughter Margaret Greer is married.
1834, 24 Jan. - Alexander Burns (c 22 yrs) marries Margarett Greer (c 18 yrs), by W. Atkins, in Tallapoosa Co. AL. [Alabama Records, Vol. 212, p. 81, Tallapoosa Co., Pauline Jones Gandrud, 1981, So. Hist. Press, Easley S. C.]
after 1830 in Laurens Co., SC and before 1840 - Martha (Greer) and King Prather (of TX) apparently moved to Green Co., AL;
1850 they are in Itawamba Co., Miss. with eight children;
1860 in Rusk Co., TX with four children. King Prather's will of 1873 and census records indicate nine children. [Craft 57-58]
Laurens Co., S. C., Deed Book M, page 122. 1829 King Prather sold to Thomas Gore 30 acres on Duncan Creek.
1837, April 15 - "Joseph Greer of Tallapoosa County, Alabama" files claim to 39 acres in "the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Seven in township twenty one, of Range twenty four, in the District of land subject to sale at Montgomery Alabama, containing thirty nine acres and seventy and a half hundredth of an acre." Serial number AL4260_.082. AL No S/N [Bureau of Land Management web site http://glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/]
He files for at least two other parcels 1843, 6 April - Joseph Greer writes, apparently with some assistance, his last will. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Greer, recorded in Book ? page 24 & 25, recorded 18 December 1843, Tallapoosa County, Alabama.
1850 census [Tallapoosa Co., So. Dist. p. 32]
A. Burns (38m farmer 800 SC)
Margarett 34f (b. 1814/16) SC Martha Ann 15f Ala Solomon 12m Ala Hillyard 10m Ala Rachall 8f Ala Margarett 6f Ala Samuel 2m Ala Watts Moon (living w/ them) 24m farmer Geo
1850 census [Chambers Co. 276]
Joseph Greer 43m wagonmaker 2000 SC (b1807)
Jane M. 42f SC (b1808) Thomas W. 16m Student AL (b1834) James L. 13m AL (b 1837) Sarah J. 11f AL (b1839) Columbus P. 8m AL (b1842) Joseph A. 6m AL (b1844) Knox T. 4m AL (b1846) John F. 3/12m AL (b1849) Jane Wilson 65f SC (b1785) Priscilla Greer 75f SC (b1775)
Priscilla Greer is widow of Joseph Sr. who died in 1843. All come from South Carolina Joseph is the brother to Margaret.
1853 -Priscilla Greer writes her will on 14th of October which goes to probate December 12, 1853.
The will of Priscilla Greer, made October 14, 1853, is recorded in Chambers County, AL. According to the Probate Minutes dated December 17, 1853, the heirs are:
Samuel Greer, Rachael Davis, widow Margaret Burns wife of Alexander Burns of Tallapoosa County, AL, Anthony Wayne Greer of the State of Mississippi, James Greer, Martha Prather, wife of King Prather of the State of Texas, Frances Hester, wife of George W. Hester of Troup County, GA,Joseph Greer is the executor.
The State of Alabama Chambers County In the name fo God, amen. I, Priscilla Greer, of the State and County aforesaid, knowing the uncertainy of life and certainty of death; and being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and constitute this my last will and testament, revoking all other wills and testaments, heretofore make, (to wit:) Article 1st. I design as soon as convenient, after my decease, for all my just debts to be paid. Article 2d. I design that my son Joseph Greer, be amply satisfied and compensated for his attention, trouble and expenses, with me while living with him, and especially during my last sickness. Article 3rd. I design after the above named ---?---are paid, that all my property both real and personal be equally divided between all my children. Article 4th. I hereby appoint my son Joseph Greer, trustee for my daughter, Margaret Burns, to take charge of her part of my estate; and apply it to her use, and to use the use of her bodily heirs, in any way, he thinks best for their comfort and convenience. Article 5th. I now constitute and appoint my son Joseph Greer, my sole executor without security. Article 6th. I now with Christian Fortitude and resignation, I trust, commit my body to the grave in a decent Christian manner of burial; and my soul to God who gave it. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, this 14th day of October, A. D. 1853
In presence of
Calvin Presley Priscilla P. Greer ( L. S.)
W. J. Spinks X her mark [X indicates that she was illiterate]
Archd. M. Intyre.
The State of Alabama Chambers County Court of Probate, December 12, 1853
Personally appeared in open Court, Calvin Presley, one of the subscribing witnesses to the Foregoing will of Priscilla Greer, deed.; and after being duly sworn, deposeth and with on oath; that he saw the said Priscilla Greer, sign, seal and purblish what he believed the said Priscilla Greer, testatrix aforesaid, to be of sound and disposing mind and memory at the time of signing the same; and that he deponent signed the same as the subscribing witness at the request and in the presence of the said Priscilla Greer; and that he saw W. J. Spinks and Archibally McIntyre, sign the same and that they all signed the same in the presence of each other. Sworn to in open Cort a subscribed before me December 12, 1853 Saml. Pearson, Judge of Probate . . . . . . . . Calvin Presley
In the final settlement of Priscilla's will...each child got $142.72 3/8.
1860 census Chambers Co., AL. census in August of the Southern District, New Harmony Post Office. This is obviously Joseph Greer Jr. since Joseph Greer Sr. died
Joseph Greer 52 m farmer Real estate $6000 Personal estate $20,000 born SC Jane M. Greer 51 f .............. SC Layfayette " " 23 m school teacher Alabama Sarah J. " " 21 f Alabama Columbus " " 19 m Alabama Joseph W . " " 17 m Alabama Knox " " 14 m Alabama John " " 11 m. Alabama Baxter " " 9 m Alabama
1870-US Census, Alabama, Chambers Co., page 22
Greer, Joseph 63 m w Farmer $10,800 $2000 SC " , Jane M. 60 f w SC " , Sarah J. 27 f w Ala " , Baxter 18 m w Ala
1880- US Census, Alabama, Chambers Co., Beat 11. page 151 Joseph Jr. here states that he and his parents were born in South Carolina.
Greer, Joseph w m 72 farmer SC SC SC - , Julian w f 56 wife keeping house VA VA VA Harris, Osborn w m 21 farm laborer Greer, Mary b f 12 servant servant - , Alonzo b m 9 servant servant - , Sallie b f 36 farm laborer Johnson, John b m 13 farm laborer
US Census, Mississippi, Poe County, Looxahoma, page 298 Greer, A. W. m 69 farmer SC SC SC " , Mary f 60 wife keeps house Ala Ala Ala " ,
Pat m 32 son farmer Ala SC Ala " , Lucy f 33 wife keeps house VA VA VA" , Virgil m 8 son Miss VA VA " , Hanson m 6 son Miss VA VA " , Nannie f 4 daughter Miss VA VA " , Robt m 2 son Miss VA VA
Sources:
United States census
Craft, Janice. Greer/Davis families personal research, privately published July 10, 2000. Janice Barnett Craft, 1166 Cloverdale Dr, Greenville, Miss 38701-8301, email - jrcraft@tecinfo.com
Will of Joseph Greer 1843, Chambers Co. AL., photocopy w/ EC
Probate record of the estate of Joseph Greer, Chambers Co. Ala., Dadeville, AL 36835, photocopy w/ EC
Will of Priscilla Greer 1853, Chambers Co., AL, photocopy w/ EC
Probate record of the estate of Priscilla Greer, Chambers Co. AL, photocopy w/ EC
Kelley, Pam. Greer family records and research of 3/16/00 - 4 /24/00, (I can't thank her enough for all she provided) 1023 Lantuck Rd., Valley, AL 36854 email- pckelley@mindspring.com
Events
| Birth | 4 Aug 1770 | Union County, South Carolina | |||
| Marriage | Abt 1793 | South Carolina - Priscilla Stokes | |||
| Property | 15 Jun 1799 | Land Purchase - Duncan's Creek, Laurens County, South Carolina |  | ||
| Property | 15 Feb 1803 | Land Purchase - Duncan's Creek, Laurens County, South Carolina | | ||
| Property | 31 May 1825 | Land Sale - Duncan's Creek, Laurens County, South Carolina | | ||
| Property | 2 Dec 1829 | Land Sale - Duncan's Creek, Laurens County, South Carolina | | ||
| Census (family) | 1830 | Marengo County, Alabama - Priscilla Stokes | |  | |
| Census (family) | 1840 | Tallapoosa County, Alabama - Priscilla Stokes | | | |
| Will | 6 Apr 1843 | Tallapoosa County, Alabama | | ||
| Death | 16 Apr 1843 | Tallapoosa County, Alabama | |||
| Burial | New Harmony Cemetery, Chambers County, Alabama | |
Families
| Spouse | Priscilla Stokes (1774 - 1853) |
| Child | Samuel Greer (1794 - 1863) |
| Child | Rachel Greer (1800 - 1858) |
| Child | Martha Greer (1802 - 1873) |
| Child | Robert Greer (1803 - ) |
| Child | Joseph Greer Jr. (1807 - 1893) |
| Child | James Greer (1808 - 1860) |
| Child | Spencer Greer (1811 - ) |
| Child | Anthony Wayne Greer (1811 - 1886) |
| Child | Margaret Greer (1814 - 1861) |
| Child | Frances Greer (1815 - 1903) |
| Child | Hugh Greer ( - ) |
| Father | Thomas Greer Jr. (1740 - 1811) |
| Mother | Sarah Smith (1745 - 1817) |
| Sibling | Rev. Thomas S. Greer Jr. (1768 - 1837) |
| Sibling | Mary Greer (1770 - 1804) |
| Sibling | Robert Greer (1772 - 1807) |
| Sibling | Carlton Greer (1778 - 1833) |
| Sibling | Caleb Francis Greer (1781 - 1834) |
| Sibling | Taletha Greer (1786 - 1843) |
Notes
Property
June 15, 1799. Recorded March 28, 1803. "Robert Greer of Spartanburg, administrator of the estate of Joseph Greer, deceased, to Joseph Greer for $261.50, 200 acres on Duncan's Creek originally granted to Joseph Greer deceased by Bull August 19, 1774. Bounded by John Greer. Witness: John D. Kern, Samuel McConahey. George Whitmore, JP.[Laurens Co., SC Deed Book G, p. 617.]
Property
Feb. 15, 1803. Recorded March 27, 1803 "Robert Greer of Spartanburg, administrator of the estate of Joseph Greer, deceased, to Joseph Greer for $132, 60 acres originally granted to Joseph Greer deceased in 1790 by Pinckney on ridge between the Enoree River and Duncan Creek. bounded by John Prather and Robert McCrery. Witness: Andrew McCrery, Samuel McConahy. Note: the McCrery's here are certainly the related McCrary family.[Laurens Co., SC Deed Book G, p. 608.] [records of John Harrison on Genforum #3282]
Property
1825, 31 May / recorded 8 Oct 1828- Joseph Greer and Joseph Greer Jr. are selling land in Laurens County, S. C. Joseph Greer Sr. and wife Prescilla sold to Samuel Greer 40 acres joining Bazil Praightor to land laid out to John Greer lying on water of Duncans Creek. $240.00 Priscilly (her mark) Greer witnesses: Joseph Greer, Jr. and Robert Powell [Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 59A & B.]Property
1829, 2 Dec.- Joseph Greer and wife Priscilla sold to Alferd A. Kern 204 acres on Duncan Creek, being part of a tract of land originally granted to Joseph Greer on 19 August 1774, between Emoree and Duncans Creek bounded by lands of Joseph Dollar, John Mahan, Jane Boak, Edward Jeanses (James?) and Peter Pairston.Witnesses: Joseph Dollar and Josiah Duncan, Priscilla (her mark) Greer
[Laurens Co., Deed Book M, p 132B & 133A. 2 Dec 1829 recd 24 Dec 1829.]
Census (family)
1830 Marengo Co., AL (sons Joseph, Samuel, Anthony Wayne Greer were here. Anthony was an overseer for McConnell, who married daughter Frances Greer) [Janice Craft, p. 7]1 M 50-60 [Joseph Greer]
2 F 15-20 [Margaret & Frances]
1 F 40-50 [wife Priscilla Stokes]
Census (family)
Joseph Greer 0000000010000/0000000010000& his wife Priscilla. Their son, Samuel, lives nearby with his family.
Slaves:
1 M 10-24
1 M 24-35
2 F 10-24
Will
The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Greer, recorded in Book ? page 24 & 25, recorded 18 December 1843, Tallapoosa County, Alabama:The State of Alabama Tallapoosa county
I Joseph Greer Sr. of the county and state aforsaid being of a sound and disposing mind but afflicted in body constitute and make this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments thertofore made to wit, Article 1st. To my beloved wife Priscilla Greer I give forty acres of land including my buildings also a horse saddle and bridle, first choice of my horses, also two negroes, to wit, George and Minerva also all of my house hold and kitchen furniture of every description; also two cows and calves also ten head of hogs. Article 2nd.. To my daughter Martha Prather I give fifty Dollars. Article 3rd.. To my daughter Rachel Davis I give one hundred and fifty Dollars. Article 4th.. To my son Anthony Wayne Greer I give one hundred and fifty Dollars. Article 5th.. I design as soon as convenient after my decease for all my affects not above enumerated to be sold and all my just debts to be paid first after which the sums above enumerated to be paid and the balance equally divided between my sons Samuel Greer Joseph Greer and James Greer and my daughters Margarett Burns and Francis Hester. Article 6th.. I design that my son Joseph Greer take the amount of money that may be coming to my daughter Margarett Burns and act as her guardian and that the said sum be applied only to her necessary wants. Article 7.. I design that all the affects given to my beloved wife Priscilla Greer at her decease be sold and the moneys therefrom arising to be equally divided between all my children. In testamony whereof I have hereunto Let my hand and affixed my seal this the sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
In the presence of Calvin Presly, Archi D. Campbell, Samuel (his mark) Burns, Joseph (his mark) Greer, Sr.
This will was contested by John Davis, in right of his wife Rachel (daughter of Joseph Greer), the heirs of Joseph Greer in the Orphans Court Special Term of 1843 on the grounds that "said Joseph was not of a sound and desposing mind at the time of signing said Will, nor was he for some time previous." and "For that said Joseph sin. signed said will without knowing the contents thereof."
The will was approved by the court as valid, nevertheless, and Joseph Greer, Jr. along with George W. Hester were made executors.
1843 - Joseph Greer filed for Probate 22nd Apr. "The foregoing will duly proven agreable to law and ordered of Record. Liney Graham, Judge of the county, Court of Tallapoosa County"
Joseph Greer as administrator sells the goods of Joseph Greer. He also sells a parcel of land "known as the South East qtr of the South East Quarter of the Section (Elian? ) (T(21) R (24) To Alexander Herren for one hundred and seventy five dollaars he being the highest bidder."
In the disposition of the property each of the heirs had these amounts distributed to them:
Martha Prather.......(unknown amount) Rachael Davis....... $150, and by highest bid received 1 quilt, testament & hymn book, "cupboard," 6 chairs=$6.05 Anthony Wayne Greer....... $150, Samuel Greer....... $298.50 and by highest bid received set knives & forks, table, bucket and boiler, "okum & lid, pot & kittel," arm chair, 15 yrds of cloth, counterpin, 3 bed quilts, coverlet, bible, bunch of spun cotton, bed, clothing & stead = $29.40 Joseph Greer....... $300 and by highest bid received "Jug ware, two pot racks, fire irons, 1 pot and kettle, spred & table cloth, bed quilt, counterpin, bed tick, set plates, set China ware, bed and stead & clothing, shovel and tongs" = $38.57 James Greer....... $300 Margaret Burns......$300, and by highest bid received a tin pan & coffemaker, "churn and lard stand, old side saddle, cover let" =$4.45 / Alexander Burns, Margaret's husband, also bought a negro man, George, for $600. Frances Hester....... $300 Two other slaves were sold to Toliver Maden, William Johnson & A. R. Bickerstaff named Minerva and her son Lewis for $802.00
1845, 11 June - A bill of expenditures of Joseph Greer's estate totaled $2253.39 including the distribution of the $300 in cash or property to each of the heirs. The executor of the will Joseph Greer lists these items.
"The Acct retained in my hands as trustee for Margarete Burns under the 6th Item of this will of Jos Greer decd which has been applied by me as a trustee for said M. Burns in a purchase of a negro girl named Chessy for her special use held by me in trust for the use aforsaid. $300.00"
"In addition to the foregoing return the following property was handed over to Priscilla Greer the widow of Joseph Greer Senr decd under an Item of said Joseph Greer will to wit 40 Acres of land with all the house hold and Kitchen furniture - gray felby bridle and saddle, 2 negroes to wit - George and Nerva (Minerva) and 2 cows and calves valued in the aggregate at as free voucher $959.75 number 39 ----------"
Endnotes
1. "United States Census, 1830," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHPL-ZML : accessed 26 Aug 2013), Joseph Grier, 1830..
2. United States Census, 1840 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHBH-MQB.
3. Find A Grave Memorial# 37361765..