Individual Details
Lt. James Greer
(January 15, 1742 - Aft June 13, 1825)
"I now copy from the little book referred to, made by my Uncle David S. Greer about the year 1875. - My Grandfather on my Fathers side was named James, was born in Pennsylvania, January 15, 1742 and married Mrs. Ann Lowe she had two children by her first husband named Stephen and Polly, the former was at the Battle of York Town and fought through that "memorable" battle and rec'd an honorable discharge. The latter, Polly, married old Uncle Asa Greer and the writer visited their house in the winter of 1826-7 in Green County, Georgia. Polly and Uncle Asa were both living near the Oconee River.
"My grandmother whose maiden name was Ann Haynes, was born May 2, 1744 (I think my father said she was born in Virginia). My Grandfather died in the year 1824-5, leaving property to be divided at my grandmother's death, but she sent a request to her children all to meet at her house in Clarke County, Georgia on the 1st day of January 1827, which most of them did, she divided the estate. Her main object was to get them all together once more. She was more than 80 years old. The meeting at the old residence indellible impressed on my 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 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. The following children were born to my Grandfather James Greer and my Grandmother Ann Haynes. 1. Parsha Greer born Nov. 17, 1767; 2. Henry Greer born Oct. 11, 1769; 3. David Greer born Jan. 20, 1772; 4. James Greer born Sept. 21, 1774; 5. Diannah Greer born Feb. 9, 1776; 6. Nancy Greer born Oct. 30 1777; 7. Elizabeth Greer born May 12, 1779; 8. Sally Greer born Nov. 15, 1780; 9. Aquilla Greer born Jan. 5, 1782; 10. Priscilla born Apr. 27, 1783; 11. Lucy Greer born Oct. 9, 1784; 12. Deliah Greer born Jul. 20, 1786; all born in Bedford County, Virginia.
"Grandmother died in Lounds 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 Henry's land, where several of his and Uncle David's family were buried, so says D. D. Greer, who was a son of Uncle David and was living with his father at the time of his death." (THE GREER'S by Judge James Micajah Greer of Memphis, Tennessee, May 1885, pages 3 and 4.)
Some records show James Greer place of birth as Lundenburg County, Virginia. A pedigree chart from Marge Boshard, 915 S. Westvale Drive, Anaheim, California 92804 (1994) shows James to be born at Muddy Creek, Pennsylvania (and is given by James Micajah Greer in the above story).
During the Revolutionary War, James Greer was a Lieutenant in the troops from Bedford County, Virginia. After the war he removed to Clarke County, Georgia where he farmed considerable land with as many as 70 slaves.
James Greer and Ann Haynes Lowe married in the Bedford County Quaker Meeting House 28 April 1767. Parmenas Haynes, her brother, was security. Their marriage is also mentioned in the VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY, Vol. XLVI, pape 264. His will is dated June 13, 1825 and proved the same date as recorded in Clarke County Will Book B, pages 25, 26, 37, 38. Information is recorded in FAMILY RECORDS MISSISSIPPI REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS, pages 128 - 130; Greer Research Notes: Mr. L. L. McNees (deceased), Ebenezer, Mississippi; GREER KINSMEN by J. B. Bell.
"James Greer was born in Baltimore County, Maryland 15 January 1742 and is asumed 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 Pittsylvania, Bedford and Henry Counties. At that time he would have been about 11 years old. 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. Aquilas Greer deeded James Greer 280 acres on the north side of the Stanton River. Witness William Greer, James Greer, John Starkey, Sen. Recorded 27 June 1769. 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.
"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 Quarker Meeting House 28 April 1767. Parmenas Haynes, her brother, was security. She was the widow of (sources differ on the first name) of Ansel? Lowe. She had two children by Lowe: Stephen who is said to hav fought in the Revolution and Mary Ann Lose 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 a 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 daughter of Aquilla Greer I, bought items. The estate sale was held 16 January 1785.
"In Early Records of Georgia, George Lumpkin and wife, Ann, sold James Greer 600 acres on Buffalo Creek adjacent 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 280 acres, the lower end of this tract for 150 Lbs.
"James Greer went to Jackson County after leaving Oglethorpe. This is proved in 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 signed 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 of 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 Grer, 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 and 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 and 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 wsa 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 1838 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 and sell unto James Greer one certain tract of parcel of land situated and lying in the County of Clark and State aforesaid and bounded as follows viz, Beginning 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 of said river to the begining at the corner containing Two Hundred and twenty seven and one half acres to him the said Greer, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Wiliam 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 heris or assigns. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written. Signed Sealed and delivered in the presents of Parmenas Haynes, J. B. Pendleton, John Oliver. (Signed) William Smith. Georgia, Clarke County. Personally appeared before me Parmenas Haynes and John Oliver two of the subscribing witnesses to the within Deed and being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of almighty God saith that they saw the within William Smith sign seal and deliver this within deed they subscribed the same as witnesses and saw J. B. Pendleton do the same.
"In the 1807 land lottery, James Greer, Priscilla and David Greer drew land in the Jopkins 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 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 County ca. 1807.
"James Greer died in Clarke County, Georgia. His will was dated 13 June 1825 and proved 5 September 1825. His son, Aquilla, and son-in-law, Robert Stuart, were executors. Robert Stuart as Ex'r of the estate of James Greer, deceased, appeared in court in Walton County to Claim lot 279-8 of Carroll County. Papers included appointment of Warren J. Hill as attorney with James Lindly, J. P. and Cornellius Helst as witnesses on 3 June 1843. (The Georgia Land Lottery Papers 1804 - 1914.)
"According to an unpublished paper of Judge James Micajah Greer, a great grandson, son 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 impresed 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, excep where his wife was concerned by whom it is said he was well managed, as were also his property interests. Through his enery, 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 Lounds 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 (Henry'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's remains were removed and buried in the Athens, Georgia Cemetery, and a DAR Marker or monument placed on it in 1978." (MY GREER LINEAGE, 1992, by Mary Lee Barnes, pages 33 - 36, as per Torrence, Unpublished Manuscript from Maryland Historical Society, THE GREER GRIER GRAYER GREAR FAMILIES OF MARYLAND; James Micajah Greer, Unpublished Manuscript ca 1895; Lela C. Adams, ABSTRACTS OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, DEED BOOKS I & II, 1975; William Bennett Boddie, HISTORICAL SOUTHERN FAMILIES, "Haynes of Southside Virginia," pages 67 - 93, Vol. XVIII, 1973; Mrs. Dorothy C. Watts, "Petition of Residents of Bedford and Henry Counties, Virginia in Favor and Opposed to a New County (Franklin)," THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, page 85 - 86; J. T. McAllister, OFFICERS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA IN THE REVOLUTION, 1913, page 186; Reverend Silas Emmett Lucas, the Second or 1807 Land Lottery of Georgia; 1820, 1830, and 1840 Clarke County, Georgia Censuses; Will of Lt. James Greer, Clarke County, Georgia, June 13, 1825, Recorded 6 September 1825; Deed Records of Clarke County and Jackson County, Georgia; Ann Chilton, BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK C-3.)
"The 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 this great mercy to call. I do therefore make this my last will and testament as touching my goods I dispose 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, one horse and saddle one feather Bed and Furniture also one cow and calf.
"Item 5th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Dinah George, late widow of Travis George Decd and 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 and furniture also one cow and calf.
"Item 7th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Elizabeth Beasley decd. and her heirs one negro boy named Toney on Feather Bed and furniture one horse and Saddle one cow and calf also one negroe girl named Linda and fifty dollard 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 and 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 11th. 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 and calf.
"Item 12th. I give and bequeath unto by 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 and calf.
"Item 13th. 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 and furniture also 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 aforsaid Delilah McNess to be placed in the hands of Henry Greer as Trustee for the aforsaid 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, to wit, 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 following 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 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, Nancy 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 Teste: William Davenport, Jonett Davenport, Garland Sims. (Signed) James Greer (Seal).
"Georgia. Clarke County. Personally appeared in open court William Davenport, Jonett Davenport and 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 instuments as his last will and Testament and that he was of sound and disposing mind and memory at the time of his so doin and that they subscribed the same as witnesses. Sworn to in open Court the 5th September 1825. Mr. H. Low Clk. Wm Davenport, Jonett Davenport, Garland Sims. Recorded 6th September 1825." (Will of Lt. James Greer, Clarke County, Georgia, June 13, 1825, Recorded 6 September 1825.)
"My grandmother whose maiden name was Ann Haynes, was born May 2, 1744 (I think my father said she was born in Virginia). My Grandfather died in the year 1824-5, leaving property to be divided at my grandmother's death, but she sent a request to her children all to meet at her house in Clarke County, Georgia on the 1st day of January 1827, which most of them did, she divided the estate. Her main object was to get them all together once more. She was more than 80 years old. The meeting at the old residence indellible impressed on my 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 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. The following children were born to my Grandfather James Greer and my Grandmother Ann Haynes. 1. Parsha Greer born Nov. 17, 1767; 2. Henry Greer born Oct. 11, 1769; 3. David Greer born Jan. 20, 1772; 4. James Greer born Sept. 21, 1774; 5. Diannah Greer born Feb. 9, 1776; 6. Nancy Greer born Oct. 30 1777; 7. Elizabeth Greer born May 12, 1779; 8. Sally Greer born Nov. 15, 1780; 9. Aquilla Greer born Jan. 5, 1782; 10. Priscilla born Apr. 27, 1783; 11. Lucy Greer born Oct. 9, 1784; 12. Deliah Greer born Jul. 20, 1786; all born in Bedford County, Virginia.
"Grandmother died in Lounds 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 Henry's land, where several of his and Uncle David's family were buried, so says D. D. Greer, who was a son of Uncle David and was living with his father at the time of his death." (THE GREER'S by Judge James Micajah Greer of Memphis, Tennessee, May 1885, pages 3 and 4.)
Some records show James Greer place of birth as Lundenburg County, Virginia. A pedigree chart from Marge Boshard, 915 S. Westvale Drive, Anaheim, California 92804 (1994) shows James to be born at Muddy Creek, Pennsylvania (and is given by James Micajah Greer in the above story).
During the Revolutionary War, James Greer was a Lieutenant in the troops from Bedford County, Virginia. After the war he removed to Clarke County, Georgia where he farmed considerable land with as many as 70 slaves.
James Greer and Ann Haynes Lowe married in the Bedford County Quaker Meeting House 28 April 1767. Parmenas Haynes, her brother, was security. Their marriage is also mentioned in the VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY, Vol. XLVI, pape 264. His will is dated June 13, 1825 and proved the same date as recorded in Clarke County Will Book B, pages 25, 26, 37, 38. Information is recorded in FAMILY RECORDS MISSISSIPPI REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS, pages 128 - 130; Greer Research Notes: Mr. L. L. McNees (deceased), Ebenezer, Mississippi; GREER KINSMEN by J. B. Bell.
"James Greer was born in Baltimore County, Maryland 15 January 1742 and is asumed 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 Pittsylvania, Bedford and Henry Counties. At that time he would have been about 11 years old. 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. Aquilas Greer deeded James Greer 280 acres on the north side of the Stanton River. Witness William Greer, James Greer, John Starkey, Sen. Recorded 27 June 1769. 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.
"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 Quarker Meeting House 28 April 1767. Parmenas Haynes, her brother, was security. She was the widow of (sources differ on the first name) of Ansel? Lowe. She had two children by Lowe: Stephen who is said to hav fought in the Revolution and Mary Ann Lose 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 a 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 daughter of Aquilla Greer I, bought items. The estate sale was held 16 January 1785.
"In Early Records of Georgia, George Lumpkin and wife, Ann, sold James Greer 600 acres on Buffalo Creek adjacent 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 280 acres, the lower end of this tract for 150 Lbs.
"James Greer went to Jackson County after leaving Oglethorpe. This is proved in 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 signed 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 of 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 Grer, 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 and 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 and 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 wsa 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 1838 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 and sell unto James Greer one certain tract of parcel of land situated and lying in the County of Clark and State aforesaid and bounded as follows viz, Beginning 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 of said river to the begining at the corner containing Two Hundred and twenty seven and one half acres to him the said Greer, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Wiliam 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 heris or assigns. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written. Signed Sealed and delivered in the presents of Parmenas Haynes, J. B. Pendleton, John Oliver. (Signed) William Smith. Georgia, Clarke County. Personally appeared before me Parmenas Haynes and John Oliver two of the subscribing witnesses to the within Deed and being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of almighty God saith that they saw the within William Smith sign seal and deliver this within deed they subscribed the same as witnesses and saw J. B. Pendleton do the same.
"In the 1807 land lottery, James Greer, Priscilla and David Greer drew land in the Jopkins 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 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 County ca. 1807.
"James Greer died in Clarke County, Georgia. His will was dated 13 June 1825 and proved 5 September 1825. His son, Aquilla, and son-in-law, Robert Stuart, were executors. Robert Stuart as Ex'r of the estate of James Greer, deceased, appeared in court in Walton County to Claim lot 279-8 of Carroll County. Papers included appointment of Warren J. Hill as attorney with James Lindly, J. P. and Cornellius Helst as witnesses on 3 June 1843. (The Georgia Land Lottery Papers 1804 - 1914.)
"According to an unpublished paper of Judge James Micajah Greer, a great grandson, son 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 impresed 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, excep where his wife was concerned by whom it is said he was well managed, as were also his property interests. Through his enery, 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 Lounds 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 (Henry'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's remains were removed and buried in the Athens, Georgia Cemetery, and a DAR Marker or monument placed on it in 1978." (MY GREER LINEAGE, 1992, by Mary Lee Barnes, pages 33 - 36, as per Torrence, Unpublished Manuscript from Maryland Historical Society, THE GREER GRIER GRAYER GREAR FAMILIES OF MARYLAND; James Micajah Greer, Unpublished Manuscript ca 1895; Lela C. Adams, ABSTRACTS OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, DEED BOOKS I & II, 1975; William Bennett Boddie, HISTORICAL SOUTHERN FAMILIES, "Haynes of Southside Virginia," pages 67 - 93, Vol. XVIII, 1973; Mrs. Dorothy C. Watts, "Petition of Residents of Bedford and Henry Counties, Virginia in Favor and Opposed to a New County (Franklin)," THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, page 85 - 86; J. T. McAllister, OFFICERS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA IN THE REVOLUTION, 1913, page 186; Reverend Silas Emmett Lucas, the Second or 1807 Land Lottery of Georgia; 1820, 1830, and 1840 Clarke County, Georgia Censuses; Will of Lt. James Greer, Clarke County, Georgia, June 13, 1825, Recorded 6 September 1825; Deed Records of Clarke County and Jackson County, Georgia; Ann Chilton, BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK C-3.)
"The 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 this great mercy to call. I do therefore make this my last will and testament as touching my goods I dispose 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, one horse and saddle one feather Bed and Furniture also one cow and calf.
"Item 5th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Dinah George, late widow of Travis George Decd and 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 and furniture also one cow and calf.
"Item 7th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Elizabeth Beasley decd. and her heirs one negro boy named Toney on Feather Bed and furniture one horse and Saddle one cow and calf also one negroe girl named Linda and fifty dollard 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 and 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 11th. 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 and calf.
"Item 12th. I give and bequeath unto by 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 and calf.
"Item 13th. 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 and furniture also 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 aforsaid Delilah McNess to be placed in the hands of Henry Greer as Trustee for the aforsaid 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, to wit, 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 following 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 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, Nancy 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 Teste: William Davenport, Jonett Davenport, Garland Sims. (Signed) James Greer (Seal).
"Georgia. Clarke County. Personally appeared in open court William Davenport, Jonett Davenport and 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 instuments as his last will and Testament and that he was of sound and disposing mind and memory at the time of his so doin and that they subscribed the same as witnesses. Sworn to in open Court the 5th September 1825. Mr. H. Low Clk. Wm Davenport, Jonett Davenport, Garland Sims. Recorded 6th September 1825." (Will of Lt. James Greer, Clarke County, Georgia, June 13, 1825, Recorded 6 September 1825.)
Events
| Birth | January 15, 1742 | Chilmalira, Baltimore County, Maryland | |||
| Marriage | April 28, 1767 | Bedford County, Virginia - Ann Nancy "Nannie" Haynes | |||
| Death | Aft June 13, 1825 | Athens, Clarke County, Georgia | |||
| Burial | Greer Farm, 16 m W of Athens, Clarke County, Georgia |
Families
| Spouse | Ann Nancy "Nannie" Haynes (1744 - 1832) |
| Child | Parsha "Persha" Greer (1767 - 1825) |
| Child | Henry Greer (1769 - 1849) |
| Child | David Greer (1772 - 1840) |
| Child | James Greer Jr. (1774 - 1851) |
| Child | Diana "Dinah" Greer (1776 - 1845) |
| Child | Nancy Ann Greer (1777 - 1846) |
| Child | Elizabeth Greer (1779 - 1845) |
| Child | Sarah "Sally" Greer (1780 - 1825) |
| Child | Lt. Aquilla Greer (1782 - 1843) |
| Child | Priscilla Greer (1783 - 1852) |
| Child | Lucy Greer (1784 - 1825) |
| Child | Delilah Greer (1786 - 1856) |
| Father | Aquilla Greer (1716 - 1790) |
| Mother | Elizabeth Lowe (1721 - 1790) |
| Sibling | Mary Sarah Greer (1740 - 1830) |
| Sibling | Aquilla Greer Jr. (1744 - 1783) |
| Sibling | Elizabeth Greer (1747 - 1790) |
| Sibling | William Greer (1748 - 1812) |
| Sibling | Vinson Greer (1750 - 1805) |
| Sibling | Delia (or Delila) Greer (1756 - 1838) |
| Sibling | Asa "Asabel" "Asel" "Yel" Greer (1756 - 1828) |