Individual Details
James Greer
(Abt, 1740 - Bef October 6, 1806)
"James Greer married Eliner Hughes, March 24, 1768." (St. John's Parish Records, Joppa, Maryland, page 231.) The widow Ellender Greer married Jesse Underwood in Franklin County, Virginia, December 19, 1812.
"Will of James Greer: I give and bequeath to my son, Charles Greer a certain tract of land where on he now lives containing two hundred and seventy six acres adgoining Nicholas Casells tract. I also give and bequeath to my son James Greer a tract or parcel of land he now lives on containing one hundred and fifty six acres adjoining Peter Youngs tract. Likewise, I will and bequeath to Ellender, my dearly beloved wife, all other lands to be at her free will and disposal. Exec: Isiah Willis and wife, Ellender. Wit.: Nicholas Cassell, Jos. Willis, Rebecca Henson. Will written March 10, 1806, proven October 6, 1806." (Will Book 1, page 339, Franklin County, Virginia.)
"James is, so far, the only documented son of Moses and Mary (Bailey) Greer, but it is thought that William and Aquilla of Henry County, Virginia were his older brothers. James was born about 1740 on the Greer farm along the banks of Gunpowder River in Baltimore County, Maryland. James married in St. Johns's Church at Joppa on 24 March 1768, to Eleanor Hughes, whose parents have not been verified, but it is thought she is the youngest child of William and Eleanor Hughes of St. George Parish in Baltimore County. The Hughes family was a pioneering family in Maryland.
"There is nothing that shows James was a resident of Baltimore County at the time of his marriage and there is the possibility that he moved to Pittsylvania (County, Virginia) with his father prior to 1768. If that is the case, then James went back to Baltimore County to marry. One year after his marriage, James was living in Virginia, for in 1769, he was recorded in Bedford County as a witness for another James who was recipient of land from one Aquilla Greer. James, the witness was listed as "James, son of Moses."
"The Greer family, like so many others, used the same names repeatedly, causing great consternation among researchers. At one time there were four James Greers in Franklin County, Virginia, but fortunately for the Martin - Jones descendants the James of this writing, records labelled him as being "son of Moses." Even though there was another Moses who also had a James years later, the difference in their ages helped avoid confusion.
"On 26 April 1781, James Greer of Henry County bought from John Murphy (according to the Henry County deed book), land in that part of Henry County which later became Franklin County. James was recorded on the land tax list of Henry County in 1782 as having 277 acres of land. In 1787, he was listed with the same 277 acres and again is listed as "son of Moses." On 15 January 1790, James bought 156 acres from David Jones on the fork of Pigg River. In 1791, James also bought from Robert Jones Jr. of Henry County 336 acres on Pigg River for which he paid L1000. In 1786, James sold some of that acreage and wife Ellinor relinquished her dower's right (according to the Franklin County deed book).
"At the beginning of the fight for independence, Virginia colonists were asked to take the Oath of Allegiance to Virginia and the United Colonies of America. On the Henry County list are the names of William and Aquilla Greer, both thought to have been brothers of James. James' name was not listed but historians feel that the absentees were out fighting the Indians at the time the residents were called forth to the central office to take their oath. James' name was never recorded as having taken the oath but his name has been recorded as one who fought the Indians. James is recorded as being a member of the expedition, which included Samuel Martin, James Robinson and others, against the Cherokee Indians in July and August of 1776 (from Colonel William Preston's papers). The Cherokees were angry about the white man's encroachment on their land; therefore, when the Revolutionary War came they became even more active in burning houses and killing farmers along the frontier in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. John Cock, who was born in Bedford County, Virginia was a good example of the militia men who guarded the frontier: "While stationed at Osbourne's Station on Clinch River, he went to the cabin of one John English, a mile from the fort. He (John Cock) was caught outside the cabin without his gun by two Indians and scalped; a hatchet was buried in his skull, and he was left for dead. Although Cock's brain injury destroyed the use of one arm, he lived a full, natural life." (Holston Territory Genealogical Society.)
"There is no record of James ever joining the Continental troops but in Henry County, Virginia there is another record of his military action. James "Grier" was active as a minute-man or militia member when the Virginians were asked to serve with General Nathaniel Greene.
"On 11 March 1781, Abraham Penne, Colonel of Henry County gave a general order to Major George Waller for Henry County Milita to march to Hillsborough, North Carolina or any post which would help General Greene and by any route found to be best. James Greer (Grier) is found on the list with those men in Company 13 under John Renfro who had this six-week assignment. "They marched from Beaver Creek, crossed Rowland's Ford just below Fontaine, about two miles from Martinsville's present site, following the old road up the Marrowbone Valley, crossing the Creek where Ridgeway now stands, thence along the ridge two miles, then crossing Matrimony Creek one half mile to the state line." (A HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA by Judith P. A. Hill.)
"For days General Nathaniel Greene had been retreating from Cornwallis, but when word was sent that he needed help, Virginia sent 400 Continentals and 1693 militia, among whom was James Greer. North Carolina also sent troops. With that help, Greene then felt strong enough for a battle, and on 14 March, he marched to Guilford Court House where he would fight on his own ground after being pushed across North Carolina by Lord Cornwallis. On 15 March 1781, the Battle of Guilford Court House (North Carolina) was fought. The British attacked General Greene's position four times. During this battle James Greer was with the Virginia militia under Brig. General Edward Stevens and in the woods in the second line on the right (west) flank of the British. "Guilford Court House sat on the edge of a small village clustered on a hill. Below the courthouse looking to the southwest an alley unfolded cut by the Great Road, a rough track from Salisbury. Although the high ground around the court house was cleared, most of the valley was wooded. The enemy coming along the road would have to enter through a defile formed by two low hills. There, at the opening of the valley, the ground on either side of the road had been cleared for the cultivation of corn. On the east side there were two fields, one abutting the road, separated from one another by woods 100 yards wide." (THE AMERICAN PEOPLES ENCYCLOPEDIA, 10:27.)
"After the Battle of Guildford Court House, General Greene was marching his men to Charleston, South Carolina and ran into Britishers foraging sweet potatoes. He captured one hundred men and proceeded to fight beside Eutaw Creek for three long hours on that hot, muggy day in September. "The Americans were defeated by their own poverty; hungry and thirsty continentals stopped to forage in the British camp. Greene suffered nearly 500 casualties in the confusion and was again pushed from the field."
"Lord Cornwallis, after Guilford Court House, marched his British troops to Wilmington, North Carolina and progressed toward Yorktown. The Virginia Militia was again called out, this time for the final battle to end the war and gain the much desired independence and peace for the United States. James was there to see the surrender at Yorktown with the Henry County Militia where they "crowned their glory on October 19th, 1781." (A HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, by Judith P. A. Hill.)
"James Greer, at about age sixty-six wrote his will on 10 March 1806. He must have died a few months afterwards for his will was probated in Franklin County Court on 6 October 1806. James gave his 277 acre tract to his son Charles who was already living on the land which adjoined Nicholas Cassell's tract, and gave to his elder son, James Jr. the 156 acres adjoining Peter Young's land. James Sr. chose Isiah Greer as executor of the will which was witnessed by Joseph Willis and Rebecca Henson, who would soon become Charles' second wife." (ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE, by Billie Redding Lewis, 1984, pages 209 - 211.)
"Will of James Greer: I give and bequeath to my son, Charles Greer a certain tract of land where on he now lives containing two hundred and seventy six acres adgoining Nicholas Casells tract. I also give and bequeath to my son James Greer a tract or parcel of land he now lives on containing one hundred and fifty six acres adjoining Peter Youngs tract. Likewise, I will and bequeath to Ellender, my dearly beloved wife, all other lands to be at her free will and disposal. Exec: Isiah Willis and wife, Ellender. Wit.: Nicholas Cassell, Jos. Willis, Rebecca Henson. Will written March 10, 1806, proven October 6, 1806." (Will Book 1, page 339, Franklin County, Virginia.)
"James is, so far, the only documented son of Moses and Mary (Bailey) Greer, but it is thought that William and Aquilla of Henry County, Virginia were his older brothers. James was born about 1740 on the Greer farm along the banks of Gunpowder River in Baltimore County, Maryland. James married in St. Johns's Church at Joppa on 24 March 1768, to Eleanor Hughes, whose parents have not been verified, but it is thought she is the youngest child of William and Eleanor Hughes of St. George Parish in Baltimore County. The Hughes family was a pioneering family in Maryland.
"There is nothing that shows James was a resident of Baltimore County at the time of his marriage and there is the possibility that he moved to Pittsylvania (County, Virginia) with his father prior to 1768. If that is the case, then James went back to Baltimore County to marry. One year after his marriage, James was living in Virginia, for in 1769, he was recorded in Bedford County as a witness for another James who was recipient of land from one Aquilla Greer. James, the witness was listed as "James, son of Moses."
"The Greer family, like so many others, used the same names repeatedly, causing great consternation among researchers. At one time there were four James Greers in Franklin County, Virginia, but fortunately for the Martin - Jones descendants the James of this writing, records labelled him as being "son of Moses." Even though there was another Moses who also had a James years later, the difference in their ages helped avoid confusion.
"On 26 April 1781, James Greer of Henry County bought from John Murphy (according to the Henry County deed book), land in that part of Henry County which later became Franklin County. James was recorded on the land tax list of Henry County in 1782 as having 277 acres of land. In 1787, he was listed with the same 277 acres and again is listed as "son of Moses." On 15 January 1790, James bought 156 acres from David Jones on the fork of Pigg River. In 1791, James also bought from Robert Jones Jr. of Henry County 336 acres on Pigg River for which he paid L1000. In 1786, James sold some of that acreage and wife Ellinor relinquished her dower's right (according to the Franklin County deed book).
"At the beginning of the fight for independence, Virginia colonists were asked to take the Oath of Allegiance to Virginia and the United Colonies of America. On the Henry County list are the names of William and Aquilla Greer, both thought to have been brothers of James. James' name was not listed but historians feel that the absentees were out fighting the Indians at the time the residents were called forth to the central office to take their oath. James' name was never recorded as having taken the oath but his name has been recorded as one who fought the Indians. James is recorded as being a member of the expedition, which included Samuel Martin, James Robinson and others, against the Cherokee Indians in July and August of 1776 (from Colonel William Preston's papers). The Cherokees were angry about the white man's encroachment on their land; therefore, when the Revolutionary War came they became even more active in burning houses and killing farmers along the frontier in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. John Cock, who was born in Bedford County, Virginia was a good example of the militia men who guarded the frontier: "While stationed at Osbourne's Station on Clinch River, he went to the cabin of one John English, a mile from the fort. He (John Cock) was caught outside the cabin without his gun by two Indians and scalped; a hatchet was buried in his skull, and he was left for dead. Although Cock's brain injury destroyed the use of one arm, he lived a full, natural life." (Holston Territory Genealogical Society.)
"There is no record of James ever joining the Continental troops but in Henry County, Virginia there is another record of his military action. James "Grier" was active as a minute-man or militia member when the Virginians were asked to serve with General Nathaniel Greene.
"On 11 March 1781, Abraham Penne, Colonel of Henry County gave a general order to Major George Waller for Henry County Milita to march to Hillsborough, North Carolina or any post which would help General Greene and by any route found to be best. James Greer (Grier) is found on the list with those men in Company 13 under John Renfro who had this six-week assignment. "They marched from Beaver Creek, crossed Rowland's Ford just below Fontaine, about two miles from Martinsville's present site, following the old road up the Marrowbone Valley, crossing the Creek where Ridgeway now stands, thence along the ridge two miles, then crossing Matrimony Creek one half mile to the state line." (A HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA by Judith P. A. Hill.)
"For days General Nathaniel Greene had been retreating from Cornwallis, but when word was sent that he needed help, Virginia sent 400 Continentals and 1693 militia, among whom was James Greer. North Carolina also sent troops. With that help, Greene then felt strong enough for a battle, and on 14 March, he marched to Guilford Court House where he would fight on his own ground after being pushed across North Carolina by Lord Cornwallis. On 15 March 1781, the Battle of Guilford Court House (North Carolina) was fought. The British attacked General Greene's position four times. During this battle James Greer was with the Virginia militia under Brig. General Edward Stevens and in the woods in the second line on the right (west) flank of the British. "Guilford Court House sat on the edge of a small village clustered on a hill. Below the courthouse looking to the southwest an alley unfolded cut by the Great Road, a rough track from Salisbury. Although the high ground around the court house was cleared, most of the valley was wooded. The enemy coming along the road would have to enter through a defile formed by two low hills. There, at the opening of the valley, the ground on either side of the road had been cleared for the cultivation of corn. On the east side there were two fields, one abutting the road, separated from one another by woods 100 yards wide." (THE AMERICAN PEOPLES ENCYCLOPEDIA, 10:27.)
"After the Battle of Guildford Court House, General Greene was marching his men to Charleston, South Carolina and ran into Britishers foraging sweet potatoes. He captured one hundred men and proceeded to fight beside Eutaw Creek for three long hours on that hot, muggy day in September. "The Americans were defeated by their own poverty; hungry and thirsty continentals stopped to forage in the British camp. Greene suffered nearly 500 casualties in the confusion and was again pushed from the field."
"Lord Cornwallis, after Guilford Court House, marched his British troops to Wilmington, North Carolina and progressed toward Yorktown. The Virginia Militia was again called out, this time for the final battle to end the war and gain the much desired independence and peace for the United States. James was there to see the surrender at Yorktown with the Henry County Militia where they "crowned their glory on October 19th, 1781." (A HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, by Judith P. A. Hill.)
"James Greer, at about age sixty-six wrote his will on 10 March 1806. He must have died a few months afterwards for his will was probated in Franklin County Court on 6 October 1806. James gave his 277 acre tract to his son Charles who was already living on the land which adjoined Nicholas Cassell's tract, and gave to his elder son, James Jr. the 156 acres adjoining Peter Young's land. James Sr. chose Isiah Greer as executor of the will which was witnessed by Joseph Willis and Rebecca Henson, who would soon become Charles' second wife." (ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE, by Billie Redding Lewis, 1984, pages 209 - 211.)
Events
| Birth | Abt, 1740 | Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, Maryland | |||
| Marriage | March 24, 1768 | St John's Parish, Joppa, Baltimore County, Maryland - Elinor Hughes | |||
| Death | Bef October 6, 1806 | Franklin County, Virginia |
Families
| Spouse | Elinor Hughes (1735 - ) |
| Child | James Greer Jr. (1769 - 1847) |
| Child | Charles Greer (1770 - 1849) |
| Father | Moses Greer (1712 - 1777) |
| Mother | Mary Bailey ( - 1760) |
| Sibling | Moses Greer ( - ) |
| Sibling | Lowranter Greer ( - 1759) |
| Sibling | Aquilla Greer ( - ) |