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James Greer Sr. (abt. 1738 - bef. 1806)

James Greer Sr.
Born about in Baltimore County, Province of Marylandmap
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married 24 Mar 1768 in Baltimore County, Marylandmap
Descendants descendants
Died before before about age 68 in Franklin, Virginia, United Statesmap
Problems/Questions Profile managers: Leslie Shapiro private message [send private message] and Pam Ellis private message [send private message]
Profile last modified | Created 17 Jul 2013
This page has been accessed 915 times.
This profile is part of the Greer Name Study.

Contents

Biography

James Greer was born about 1738 in the Gunpowder River area of Baltimore County, Maryland. He was the son of Moses Greer and Mary Bayley. Some have reported a middle name, Joseph, but none of the available records use that name. Note that James' birth date is an estimate based on the marriage record for his parents (January 1737).

Marriage QUOTE from St. John's Parish Register "Jas. Greer & Elinor Hughs were marr'd Mar. 24th 1768." [1] This is fairly strong evidence that James, as well as his father and siblings, did not move to Virginia before 1768. And that is supported by the absence of those men from the 1767 Pittsylvania Co., VA tax lists. However, several of James' uncles and cousins did move into Virginia by about 1750. And among this group were other James Greer's who can be confused with the subject of this profile. There was a James Greer (c. 1747-1816, Greer-938) who was the son of Benjamin Greer. And there was a James Greer (c. 1742-1825, Greer-2084) who was the son of Aquilla Greer. All of these men left records in the Bedford, Henry, and Franklin County area. Matching those records to specific individuals is problematic. However, a series of records outlined below are likely to be those made by the James Greer, the subject of this profile.

All the land records currently available suggest James and family lived on Pigg River in what is the southern part of Franklin County today. They owned some land near the confluence of Pigg River and Chestnut Creek, very likely their primary residence. At the time James wrote his will (1806) he owned over 430 acres. We don't know if that land was contiguous.

James' will names wife "Ellender" or Eleanor and two sons, James and Charles. If there were other children, they remain unidentified. Interestingly, the Rebecca Henson who witnessed the will became the wife of Charles Greer just a few months later.

We know that Eleanor was still living in 1812, when she sold 78 acres on Chestnut Creek. This is the last reference found to date.

Tax Lists

Henry County formed from Pittsylvania County in 1777. Tax Lists for 1778-1780 record several Greer's in 1778 including Moses, but no James. The same lists for 1779 and 1780 record both a Moses and James Greer, possibly father and son.

Henry County tax lists for 1782-1785 record several Greer's, including James Greer (see sources below). The Moses Greer recorded in 1782 is likely an older man, exempt from personal tax and probably James' father. This may be the last record for him. By 1786, no Greer's are recorded in Henry Co., because the areas in which they lived now fell into Franklin Co.

Franklin County formed in 1786 with the southern portion of the new county taken from Henry County. In 1786, the only James Greer (son of Benjamin?) recorded was in the northern part of the county. But from 1787-1803, multiple James Greer's are recorded. Information within those tax lists allow differentiation. From 1787-1792, we find one James Greer in the northern district (son of Benjamin) and one James in the southern district (son of Moses). In 1790, Charles Greer (son of James) is recorded for the first time, in the southern district.

Beginning in 1793, either the tax districts shifted boundaries or the James Greer formerly recorded in the southern district moved a short distance north. From 1793-1803, the tax lists for the northern district clearly differentiate 3 James Greer's - one on Gills Creek, and two (James and James, Jr.) on Pigg River. The lists use the abbreviations "GC" and "PR" to differentiate the men. Charles Greer is recorded each year from 1794-1803. James Greer, Jr. is recorded each year from 1798-1803. Property tax lists for years after 1803 are available at FamilySearch or the Library of Virginia.

Will of James Greer

Franklin County, Virginia Will Book 1, p. 339; 11 March 1806 (written), 6 October 1806 (proven); In the name of God amen, I, James Greer of Franklin County and State of Virginia being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my Last Will & Testament and as touching such Worly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, I give and bequeath to my son Charles Greer a sertain Tract of Land whereon he now lives containing Two hundred and Seventy Six acres adjoining Nicholas Cassells Tract. I also give and bequeath to my son James Greer a Tract or parsel 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 together with my affects debts and household property and all my personal Estate to beat her free Will and disposial. I also appoint Isaiah Willis together with my wife Executors of my Estate, In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 10th day of March 1806. [Signed] James (his mark) Greer. Signed Sealed & delivered in preasants of us Nicholas Cassells, Joseph Willis, Rebecca Henson. At a Court held for Franklin County October 6th 1806, This Last will and Testament of James Greer deceased was proved by the oath of Joseph Willis and Rebecca Henson two of the Witnesses hereto and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of Isaiah Willis & Ellender Greer the Executors herein named who took the oath prescribed by Law and gave bond and security conditioned as the Law directs Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate in due form. [Signed] James Callaway, C.F.C

Confusion Points

In addition to the potential confusion with other James Greer's, county boundary changes add complexity. James, Eleanor and sons Charles and James are found in several records on or near Pigg River. Currently in southern Franklin Co., this area was part of Henry Co. before 1786, part of Pittsylvania Co. before 1777 and part of Halifax Co. (and others) before 1767.

Some researchers have reported that James Greer obtained a land patent in Bedford County in 1780 (290 acres on Staunton River, Land Office Patents E, p. 90-91). Other land records in that area make it likely this was the James Greer who was a son of Aquilla Greer.

GREER FAMILY: ORIGINATING IN MARYLAND by Robert M. Torrence, page 13. [Some] "confusion seems to have came about through an error in Torrence's writings, who passed the information on the Edna (Greer) Porter Hatfield, who passed it on the Ellen (Greer) Rees. The information attributed, by most past researchers, to this James Greer, will be found under James Greer (who married Eliner Hughes), son of Moses Greer, as presented by Billie Lewis in ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE".

Sources

  1. familysearch.org Register Log of St. John's Parish Joppa. page 231 (image 444 image attached)
  • FHL Film # 7835986, St. John’s and St. George’s P. E. Church, Baltimore and Harford Parish Registers, 1696-1851; p. 231, Jas. Greer & Eliner Hughs Marrd Mar. 24th 1768.
  • 1778-1780 Tax Lists, Henry County, Virginia, by Lela C. Adams, 1973, p. 13-14, 14 July 1778, Listed Greer's include: Acquilla Greer; Thomas Greer; Moses Greer, Sr.; Uriah Greer; William Greer; Shadrack Greer.
  • 1778-1780 Tax Lists, Henry County, Virginia, by Lela C. Adams, 1973, p. 20 & 24, "An alphabetical List of the taxes or pound rate imposed on the different persons property in the County of Henry and delivered to John Salmon, Sherif of the said County to collect for the year 1779", Listed Greer's include: Shadrack Greer, “Treble Tax”; Moses Greer; James Greer; Thomas Greer; William Greer, “Treble Tax”; William Greer; Acquilla Greer.
  • 1778-1780 Tax Lists, Henry County, Virginia, by Lela C. Adams, 1973, p. 34 & 38, "An alphabetical List of Tax in the County of Henry for raising a supply of money for the Service of the United States. Delivered to Archaleus Hughes, Esquire, Sheriff of the said County to collect, due the 20th February 1780"; Listed Greer's include: Acquilla Greer; Moses Greer; James Greer; Moses Greer; Shadrick Greer; William Greer; Uriah Greer.
  • Index to the Virginia 1783 Personal Property Tax or 1783 Land Tax List, Surnames G, by Debbie Duay, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2015, Henry County, Virginia; Listed Greer's include: Aquilla Greer; James Greer; Uriah Greer; Vincent Greer; William Greer; William Greer.
  • Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1830, FHL Film #2024587, DGS # 7849140; 1782 (no districts; Tithes/Negroes/Horses/Cattle): James Greer, 1,2,3,1; William Greer, 1,5,5,9; Moses Greer, 0,0,3,6; Acquilla Greer, 1,6,5,18; William Greer, 1,3,5,12.
  • Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1830, FHL Film #2024587, DGS # 7849140; 1783 (multiple districts; Tithes, Tithes >21, Slave >16, Slave <16, Horses, Cattle): Rentfro Dist.; James Greer, 1,1,0,0,3,5 and Uriah Greer, 1,1,0,0,2,3; Saunders Dist.; William Greer, 3,1,2,2,3,5 (slaves Mike, Bonder, Cloe, Bane); Heard Dist.; William Greer, 1,1,0,4,4,11 and Aquilla Greer, 4,1,3,4,4,15 and Vincent Greer.; 2,1,1,3,3,4.
  • Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1830, FHL Film #2024587, DGS # 7849140; 1784 (multiple districts; Tithes, Tithes >21, White>16, Slave >16, Slave <16, Horses, Cattle): Rentfro Dist.; James Greer, 1,1,0,0,0,2,6; Saunders Dist.; William Greer, 3,1,0,2,3,2,5; Heard Dist.; William Greer, 1,1,0,0,4,4,10 and Aquilla Greer, 4,1,0,3,4,4,11 and Asol Greer, 1,1,0,0,1,1,0.
  • Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1830, FHL Film #2024587, DGS # 7849140; 1785 (multiple districts; Tithes, Tithes >21, White>16, Slave >16, Slave <16, Horses, Cattle): Rentfro Dist.; James Greer, 1,1,0,0,0,2,13 and Joseph Greer/Green, 1,1,0,0,0,1,6; Hill Dist.; William Greer, 2,1,0,1,3,4,11.
  • Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1830, FHL Film #2024587, DGS # 7849140;1786: No Greer’s, also no Rentfro or Hill Districts. Those areas now in Franklin Co.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, pp. 106-107; 3 April 1786, James Greer to Thomas Quigley, 59 acres adjoining James Greer. No wit. Elinor the wife relinquished dower.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 62-63; 15 January 1789, David Jones to Ann Carter, 34 acres on the fork of Pigg River. Wit: James Greer, Thomas Wilson, Charles Greer.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 132-133; 15 January 1790, David Jones to James Greer, 156 acres in the fork of Pigg River adjoining William Ferguson, Peter Young, Ann Carter. Jane Jones, the wife, relinquished dower.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 220; 1 December 1790, Richard Copeland to Henry Jones, 150 acres on waters of Pigg River, adjoining Buffalo Gap, at the foot of a mountain. Wit: James Greer, Samuel Baily, Samuel Miles, Randolph Hall, John Wade, James Turner, Thomas Prunty.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 265-266; 5 September 1791, Elijah Jones to Isaac Lemon, 110 acres being part of a tract of 220 acres, adjoining Peter Young, James Greer’s fence, Ann Carter, Walter Matthews. Wit: David Jones, William Hase.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 348-349; __ March 1792, John Spencer and Nancy his wife to Benjamin Richards, 96 acres on Furnace Creek, a branch of Pigg River, adjoining Ragland and Smith. Wit: Henry Jones, Charles Greer, Isaac Lemon.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 6, p. 238; 6 January 1812, Elener Greer, widow and relict of James Greer, Decd, to Sebastian Ulmon, 78 acres on waters of Chestnut, willed to her by her husband, adjoining Callaway’s line formerly Edward Choat’s.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 9, p. 12; 26 January 1819, Charles Greer to William Jones, 43 acres on waters of Pigg River, being part of a tract the said Greer now lives on, joined by Jacob Moore, and the tract of land called the Quigley tract known by the name of Spring Guardian. Wit: John Cassell, David Young, John Jones.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 9, p. 12-13; 20 January 1820, Charles Greer to Owen Price, 234 acres on waters of Pigg River adjoining Joseph Hale, Jacob Moore, William Jones. Wit: David Price, William Jones, John R. Guerrant.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 9, p. 208; 23 May 1807, further proved 2 November 1818, James Greer and Elizabeth his wife to Peter Saunders & Co., 156 acres on waters of Pigg River adjoining William Ferguson, Peter Young and Ann Carter. Wit: Henry Harter, Samuel Jackson, Samuel Hairston, Sterling Parks, Peter Saunders, Jr.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 13, p. 118; 1 January 1831, Deed of Trust, Charles Greer to John Jones, for debt to Isaac Jones, livestock, crops, tools, etc. Wit: Lorenzo D. Brock.
  • Maryland, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1772-1890
  • 1776 Oath of Allegiance; Maryland, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1772-1890

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Mike Ormsby for creating Greer-855 on 16 Jul 13. Click the Changes tab for the details on contributions by Mike and others.


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Greer-1452 and Greer-855 appear to represent the same person because: Previously these two profiles were set as an Unmerged Match. Further research has clarified the parents for James. Both profiles have him married to the same woman. And each of the profiles has one of James' two known children, James and Charles. The profiles are now ready for a merge.
posted by Jim McGuire Jr.
An unmerged match has been added with Greer-1452. James' father remains unresolved but the two profiles are addressing the same man, with the same wife. Each profile links to one of the two known sons of James. Maybe someone can solve the mystery of James' father.
posted by Jim McGuire Jr.
Greer-2509 and Greer-1452 appear to represent the same person because: Hello, I believe these are the same James Greer; my records indicate the same parents. Please merge these profiles. Thank you.
posted on Greer-1452 (merged) by Pam Ellis