Temperance (Greer) Hatcher (abt. 1768 - aft. 1830)

Born about 1768 in Bedford County, Virginia

Ancestors

Wife of Ward Hatcher — married 4 Aug 1791 in Bedford County, Virginia

Descendants

Died after 1830 after about age 62 in Bedford County, Virginia [uncertain]

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Biography

Temperance 'Tempy' Greer was born about 1768 in Bedford County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Joseph Greer and Ann Lowe.

She married Ward Hatcher in 1791 in Bedford County. He died about 1807.

Children

1. Eunice Hatcher b. c. 1792 Bedford Co.
2. Deamy Hatcher b. c. 1793 Bedford Co.
3. Lucy Hatcher b. c. 1793 Bedford Co.
4. Richard Hatcher b. 25 January 1794 Bedford Co.
5. Eli Hatcher b. 6 October 1801 Bedford Co.

After Ward's death, Tempy became involved in what might be called a "common law" marriage with Williamson Burnett. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who had separated from his first wife about 1805. In those days, divorces were nearly impossible to obtain. After Ward Hatcher's death Tempy took care of Williamson Burnett, an invalid. The relationship resulted in at least one son, David Burnett Hatcher, born 18 March 1808 in Bedford Co., VA. As far as we know, Tempy and Williamson never married due to the legal entanglements with his first wife.

The 1810 census records Tempy and Williamson separately. Tempy had a male <10 (her son David?) and a male 26-44 in her household. The male 26-44 could be Williamson but also also be an indication Tempy was still living apart from Williamson and the male 26-44 might just be a hired hand.

The 1820 and 1830 census records seem to indicate Tempy and Williamson were in the same household. Tempey was named in Burnett’s will, written in 1824. She was given a room in his house and some slaves. No records are known after the 1830 census.

Sources

• Library of Virginia Chancery Court Case # 1789-017, Bedford Co., Dicey & Sarah Greer by Etc vs Lucy Haynes Etc; Several documents are illegible but do mention “Demoss”. A summons dated 3 October 1783 mentions: Thomas Demoss and Anne his wife who was widow and Executor of Joseph Greer; George Haynes & Lucy his wife; Farley Hatcher & Anne his wife; Nathan, Greenberry, Joseph, Jemima, Priscilla, Temperance, Tequay and Anne Greer; all called to appear for the case brought for Dicey and Sarah Greer “Infant Daughters” of Thomas Greer, who was the oldest son of Joseph Greer, Decd, by John Ferguson, their next friend.

• Bedford County, Virginia Marriage Bonds; "This is to Sertify that I give my Daughter Tempy Greer in marriage to Ward Hatcher and Desire that you [issue?] lisons for them as witness my hand this 2nd day of August 1791. [Signed] Nancy Demoss. Wit: Farley Hatcher, William Moody".

• Bedford County, Virginia Marriages; Ency. of American Quaker Genealogy, Vol. VI, Virginia (not Quaker marriages); 4 August 1791, Greer, Tempy & Ward Hatcher. Dt Nancy Demoss; John Ballard surety. Married by John Ayers. Bedford reel 8, 455

• 1810 Federal Census, Bedford County, Virginia; Tempy Hatcher, 1 m <10, 1 m 26-44, 1 f 26-44.

• 1810 Federal Census, Bedford County, Virginia; Williamson Burnett; 1 m 26-44, 1 f 10-15, 12 slaves.

• 1820 Federal Census, Bedford County, Virginia; Williamson Burnett; 1 m 10-15, 1 m >45, 1 f >45, 14 slaves.

• Bedford County, Virginia Will Book 8, p. 204, Will of Williamson Burnett, written 6 July 1824, proved 24 June 1833.

• 1830 Federal Census, Bedford County, Virginia; Williamson Burnett; 1 m 5-9, 1 m 60-69, 1 f 30-39, 1 fr 50-59, 21 slaves.

• From "The Burnetts and their Connections", by June Bork:

• Geer Family Tree

• No photo of headstone FindAGrave

• "In memory of my 4th Great Grandmother". - cchldrss-- Added: Feb. 3, 2018; This Cuz' added a copy of the "Tempy Greer-- Marriage Consent" Source: jjjj52 at [1]; Added by: cchldrss--2/04/2018 to f-a-g